Ready to get your cleaning supplies super clean? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here, we’ll walk you through the steps of getting your cleaning supplies squeaky clean in no time. So grab your bucket and let’s get scrubbing!
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Contents
Wash Sponges and Cloths Regularly
To ensure that your sponges and cloths are free of dangerous bacteria and germs, make sure to wash them regularly. If you use a sponge or cloth to clean up liquids or messes that contain food, wash it straight away. When cleaning with sponges, be sure to wring them out thoroughly after each use. It is also recommended that you replace your sponge every three months or so.
If you are washing cloths in the washer, choose a hot water setting to ensure all bacteria are eliminated and use a detergent with germ-fighting ingredients. For best results, avoid fabric softeners which can leave residue on the fabric. If you find that your cloths still harbor odors after being washed, add one cup of white vinegar to your wash for an extra deodorizing boost.
For best results, try using an antibacterial product designed specifically for sponges such as a natural rinse agent or special soap designed for hand washing dishes and utensils.
Disinfect Mop Heads After Each Use
To reduce the risk of spreading germs, it’s important to disinfect mop heads after each use. Different types of mops will require different cleaning techniques, but in general, the following steps should be taken.
- Begin by removing any stuck-on debris and rinsing the mop head under hot tap water. Be sure to reach all areas of the head, as dirt and bacteria can accumulate in hidden crevices.
- If you have a disposable cloth mop head, replace it with a new one rather than try to disinfect it.
- For standard mops or string mops with removable heads, soak them in a diluted disinfectant solution or an antimicrobial cleaner for at least 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the wet mop for approximately 3 minutes on high heat before using it again.
- For mopping surfaces that could be contaminated with foodborne bacteria such as kitchens and bathrooms, always follow up with a rinse of hot water after sanitizing with a disinfectant solution or antimicrobial cleaner to ensure that all traces of cleaning products are removed before use.
Sanitize Brooms and Dustpans Regularly
To prevent the growth of bacteria, molds, and other germs on your cleaning supplies, brooms and dustpans should be sanitized regularly. Making sure to keep these tools clean will not only help maintain a hygienic environment, but it can also aid in preventing the spread of disease.
Here are a few effective ways to sanitize your broom and dustpan:
- Disinfecting with Vinegar: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 1 gallon of hot water, then dip your broom or dustpan into the solution. After thoroughly saturating the bristles or surface area of the dustpan for 5 minutes, rinse with cold water and let air dry.
- Disinfecting with Chlorine Bleach: Mix 1/4 cup chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of hot water in a bucket. Soak your broom or dustpan for only 3 minutes due to bleach’s corrosive effect on metal surfaces and fibers (such as those found on most brooms). Rinse afterward with cold water and let air dry out of direct sunlight for an hour before use.
- Disinfecting by Boiling: If using metal bristles, you can submerge them in boiling water for 3–5 minutes and leave them to air dry afterward. Be sure not to boil natural bristles as this will damage them permanently!
Empty and Clean Vacuum Canisters and Filters
It’s important to empty and clean the canisters and filters of your vacuum cleaner regularly to ensure optimal performance. Here are some simple steps for cleaning these supplies:
- Begin by carefully unplugging the vacuum cleaner.
- Next, remove the container or canister full of dirt or dust that was just collected while using the vacuum.
- Separate any removable filters and empty them into a trash bin before rinsing them with cold water.
- If desired, the filters can be further washed in a solution of warm water with a mild detergent or dish soap, which helps to remove any additional residue that has built up over time.
- Finally, give all vacuuming accessories a thorough rinse with water before allowing them to air dry for several hours before replacing them in the machine.
Wipe Down Surfaces of Cleaning Supply Containers
To properly clean your cleaning supplies, start by wiping down all surfaces of the containers or bottles, as well as any brushes or scrubbers stored in them. Use a warm, damp cloth and mild dish soap to remove visible dirt and debris. Rinse any soapy residue off of the containers to prepare for deep cleaning.
Air Out and Dry Wet Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies can become quickly overwhelmed with bacteria and other germs if not cared for properly. To ensure your items are cleaned appropriately, it is important to thoroughly air out and dry any items that have been exposed to moisture. This applies especially to mops, buckets, sponges, rags, towels, and cleaning cloths after use.
To air out and dry your supplies:
- Allow any wet items to sit in a room-temperature area with good air circulation. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or heat as this can create a moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria on the surface of the item.
- Hang them up if possible so they aren’t just touching wet surfaces while they dry.
- If possible, flip or rotate damp towels or mop heads after approximately 3 hours as this will facilitate faster drying times due to increased airflow on all sides of the item(s).
- Fully dried items should smell fresh with no lingering odors from the detergent used in cleaning products. If you detect an unpleasant smell from any item that has been recently cleaned, it is best to discard those items and replace them with fresh ones to maintain a sanitary environment.
Replace Sponges and Cloths When They Become Too Worn or Frayed
Sponges and cloths that have been used frequently can quickly become less effective and may even spread bacteria to surfaces they are used to clean. It’s important to never use the same sponge more than a few times before replacing it, and the same goes for cleaning cloths. Whenever you notice fraying of the cloth or hardening of the sponge (which is a sign that it has absorbed too much moisture), it’s time to replace them with something new.
Keeping your sponges and cleaning cloths in good condition is an important step in preserving their effectiveness and ensuring that your home stays clean and free from bacteria build-up. When purchasing new sponges or cleaning rags, look for ones made from natural materials such as cotton or hemp, but avoid synthetic materials which can hold onto damaging chemicals.
Furthermore, avoid abrasive materials such as steel wool which can scratch surfaces instead of scrubbing them clean!
Clean and Organize Your Cleaning Supply Closet or Cabinet
If you want your cleaning supplies to be in top shape, then it’s important to keep them clean and organized. When it comes time to clean and organize your cleaning supply closet or cabinet, here are a few steps you should follow:
- Empty the entire contents of the closet. This gives you a fresh start.
- Discard any cleaning items that have expired or are otherwise damaged beyond repair. Place the discarded tips in a trash bag or bin for proper disposal.
- Wipe down each shelf with a damp cloth and some mild soap or detergent to remove any dirt, dust, and grime buildup. Allow shelves to dry completely before proceeding with other steps.
- Sort all remaining items by type and purpose (supplies for disinfecting versus supplies for shining). Place each category into labeled storage containers of varying sizes that allow you to easily take out what you need without digging through everything else in the closet or cabinet later on.
- Place the containers on their respective shelves in an organized fashion according to their purpose (e.g., kitchen cleaners on top shelf, floor cleaners beneath that). Replace lids after taking out contents as needed so everything is kept neat when not in use. You can also add dividers between containers as necessary for better organization; label each divider if necessary so it’s easier to know where each item belongs when put away later on.
Conclusion
Now that you are familiar with the proper way to clean and maintain your cleaning supplies, keep in mind that a regular maintenance routine helps them last longer and perform better.
Following these tips can help ensure cleaner job results and make it easier to keep up with regular cleaning supply maintenance.