Cleaning the house may be therapeutic to some and stressful to others. But nothing beats the joy you get when you’ve gotten rid of so much clutter in your house and you can finally breathe again.
However, your cleaning tools bear the brunt of making your house tidy. All the dirt and dust will stick to them, so you’ll have to clean them eventually if you want them to function properly. Read on for tips on keeping your tool clean.
Brushes
Again, take out the grime and accumulated dirt first. In a bucket, mix half a cup of powder oxy bleach and warm water. Soak the brushes there until they’re all clean and white. You can leave them to dry on a towel, or you can hang them to air-dry. Remember to rinse your brushes after every use, and clean your brushes monthly.
Mop Heads and Cleaning Cloths
Remove clumps of dirt and dust from your mop heads first before washing them. Put the mop heads, terry cloths, and other cleaning cloths in the washing machine, set to the hottest spinning cycle. A laundry detergent mixed with baking soda or warm water mixed with vinegar can be used to clean them. Wash your mops monthly.
Cleaning microfiber cloths should be done with care. Do not use fabric softeners, or else the cloths will lose their electrostatic charge. They can be placed in the washing machine too, but it’s better to separate them from the other cleaning cloths.
After you’ve washed the mop head and the cleaning cloths, leave them to air-dry.
Vacuum Bags
Empty the bag or canister to avoid dirt or dust blocking the airflow of the vacuum. The filter should be washed every three months and replaced after several months or a year. The hair stuck on the brush rolls should be removed by scissors or your fingers.
To be safe, always refer to the vacuum’s instruction manual for proper care and maintenance of your vacuum parts.
Brooms
Wash the broom and the dustpan with warm water and a mild dish soap. Pat them dry with a towel, and leave them to air-dry. Do not leave the broom lying on the ground, as that will split or bend the bristles. Comb your broom regularly to dislodge any dirt from the bristles.
Scrubbing Pads and Sponges
Sponges and scouring pads should be cleaned regularly, especially since you use them a lot. Soak them in vinegar or bleach for five minutes. When the scoring pads become soft or start to wear from frequent use, replace them.
Do not microwave sponges, especially the ones with metallic scouring pads, as that will cause sparks or, possibly, a fire.
Last but Not Least
Your cleaning tools are your partners to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment. If you know how to care for them, you are one step closer to making your home habitable and free from bacteria. Take time to research on the proper tools, like ultrasonic cleaners, and the proper maintenance of your tools to ensure long time use and durability.
Photo URL: https://pixabay.com/en/vacuum-cleaner-carpet-cleaner-657719/
