Let’s admit it, after a hard day’s work of cleaning up, most of us would chuck everything into the broom closet/cabinet not having a care in the world until the next round of chores. After all, you did all that work and deserve a break! However, improper maintenance of your cleaning gear would put all your efforts to waste: an unmaintained mop could end up spreading more germs.
Lucky for you, we have provided some quick and easy steps on how to maintain common household cleaning appliances.
1. Brooms and Dusters
Starting off the list, we have the first line of defence against dirt: the humble broom and duster. They may look relatively clean through the naked eye, but those bristles could be hiding hoards of germs. Here are a few short steps you can take to ease your mind:
- Remove debris. This can be done by combing through the bristles, giving the equipment a good whack, and/or vacuuming. (If you are using corn brooms, this is the only step you need to follow)
- Soap and soak the broom for 30 minutes in dishwashing soap and warm water
- Leave to completely dry
2. Scrub Brushes, Sponges, and Cleaning Cloths
From dishes to tabletops and furniture, a once through with liquid cleaning products is a must in any household. However, these tools are constantly in contact with water. With poor storage and no ample time to dry, damp environments for a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. As such, we would need something slightly stronger:
- Soak in at least 3 tablespoons of bleach to a litre of water for a minimum of 5 minutes
- Squeeze and wring properly before leaving to completely dry
With just 2 steps, you’ve just made your house significantly more sanitary. While there are other methods to sanitising sponges and cloths, this is the safest and most efficient method (microwaving may run the risk of starting a fire if done improperly!)
Alternatively, if you are using microfibre cloths, a quick and simple wash in the laundry is all you need.
3. Mops
Similar to scrub brushes and sponges, mops are potential have for germs and bacteria when not maintained and stored properly. All you have to do is:
- Soak the mop in a solution of one part water and one part bleach. Soak for at least 15 minutes
- Leave to completely dry (you may wring the mop head but don’t be too aggressive as it may damage the mop head fibres)
- You can also take this opportunity to do some trimming on loose mop fibres
If you have gotten on board the steam mop trend, all you need to do with our Clean Tenso Steam Mop is to chuck the micro fibre mop base pad into the laundry at 60 degrees celsius.
4. Miscellaneous (Buckets, Dust Pans, Trash Cans, Spray Bottles)
It goes without saying that peripheral cleaning items should be cleaned out every once in a while. Some warm water and dishwashing soap of your choosing is enough to give them a good and proper clean.
At the end of the day, as long as you abide by the basic principles of disinfecting, drying, and storing in a dry environment, you are good to go. Do these steps for your cleaning every 2 weeks or so to eliminate those pesky germs. Since many of us are stuck at home, these small and simple steps will go a long way in ensuring good hygiene standards. Besides, a clean and healthy home is a clean and healthy you.
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From cleaning tools, laundry items to kitchen accessories, Leifheit has got all you need to make life at home easier.