How to Clean and Maintain Your Cleaning Supplies
If you have invested in quality cleaning supplies and you still fail to achieve super clean surfaces, chances are you don’t maintain the supplies properly. Effective cleaning tools and supplies go a long way to simplify and improve cleaning jobs, as long as you take care of them the right way. To make the most of your cleaning supplies, learn how to maintain them with the tips below:
- Clean the vacuum – with a canister or bag, the vacuum cleaner needs to be kept in top shape so that you can make the most of your investment. If you own a bag that has a canister, remember to empty the canister after every cleaning session. Wash the canister with warm soapy water to remove the buildup grime and let it dry before you return it to the vacuum. As for the bagged version, you should replace the bag with a new one once it is almost full. The filters of your vacuum should be also carefully maintained – wash them with warm soapy water every three months to eliminate bacteria and trapped dust.
- Clean the mop – depending on the mop you have, a different cleaning method should be applied. In case your mop is with a cotton head that can be removed, throw the head in the washing machine and choose a high heat setting of the machine to kill germs and bacteria. If you have a sponge mop with a removable head, soak the head in a bucket filled with hot water and some liquid dishwashing soap. Remember to replace the sponge head once every three months, since a well-preserved mop head does a more effective job. Another mop cleaning hack for you to try is to fill a bucket with hot water and add some white vinegar. Let the mop head soak for a few hours, then rinse thoroughly. White vinegar is antibacterial, therefore perfect for disinfection. Plus, the method is eco-friendly.
- Clean the toilet brush – as one of the germiest spots at home, the toilet harbours lots of bacteria that can be easily transferred to the toilet brush. For that reason, experts recommend you should replace the old toilet brush once every four to six months. In the meantime, you can sanitise the brush using an eco-friendly cleaning solution made with a tablespoon of borax, two cups of white vinegar and a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap. Let the toilet brush soak in the mixture for at least half an hour, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Clean the toilet brush anytime you clean the toilet bowl.
- Clean the sponges
Once a week you should remember to disinfect your sponges since they get super grimy when tackling messes. In fact, cleaning the sponges is a pretty easy process. First, if your dishwasher comes with a sanitising cycle, you can take advantage of it to clean the sponges. Your second option is to fill a microwave-appropriate bowl with water, put the sponges in and microwave them for about two minutes. That’s all it takes for you to disinfect the sponges. Just don’t forget to be careful when taking out the sponges, as the microwaved water will be hot.
- Clean microfiber cloths
Perfect for dusting or wiping glass surfaces, your microfiber cloths insist on special treatment. Rinse them gently to eliminate soil before you put them in the washing machine. Wash the cloths separately and never use fabric softener, or you risk the efficiency of their static charge. If your microfiber cloths seem extremely grimy, add half a cup of baking soda to the wash to get extra whiteness.
Now that you are well aware of the right ways to maintain your cleaning supplies, you can boost their cleaning potential and extend their lifespan.
