Beyond the Clean: Caring for Your Cleaning Supplies

When we use common cleaning tools like mops, cloths, brooms, dusters and squeegees, we expect them to do one thing: clean! However, in using these tools for cleaning, most people automatically assume that they are clean to begin with. In actual fact, cleaning tools can harbour dirt, bacteria, debris and odours if they are not cared for or replaced. By cleaning with dirty tools, you could be re-depositing germs back to the surface you’re cleaning. Sure, it may look cleaner than it did before, but clean doesn’t always mean hygienic.

Although it may seem silly or counterintuitive, keeping your cleaning supplies clean and well-maintained could go a long way to ensuring optimal cleanliness. Follow these tips to get the kind of clean you expect from your cleaning tools.

Rinse

Once the floors are spotless, the counters wiped down and the windows sparkling, the job isn’t quite done yet. It’s important to give your cleaning implements a good wash down after every use.

Brushes & Brooms: Rinse brushes thoroughly to remove any particles of food, dirt or hair that it may have picked up.

Dusters: Release the dust that has accumulated by shaking it off outside to remove excess dirt and particles.

Dishcloths: Machine wash cloths or rinse in warm water to wash out any dirt and eliminate bacteria.

Sponges & mops: Thoroughly rinse and wring out sponges and mop heads in clean, warm water.

Store

How you store your cleaning equipment when you are not using them is just as important as how you use them. To prevent your tools from becoming mouldy or sour, always allow them to air dry thoroughly after rinsing and before storing. Hang up brushes and brooms or store them bristles up to prevent them from becoming bent out of shape. Cleaning solutions and other cleaning products should also be safely stored and locked out of reach of children and pets.

Replace

Every cleaning product has a shelf life, and should be replaced once they become damaged or irreversibly soiled. Depending on the condition of the item, sponges and dishcloths should be replaced every 2-4 weeks while mops can be replaced every two months of normal use.

Keeping all these tips in mind when storing and cleaning your tools will ensure that you get the most out of your tools and they last as long as possible.

Of course, if you really don’t want to worry about how to store cleaning supplies, get in touch with The Specialists and let them take care of the housekeeping for you.