We all use cleaning tools and supplies when cleaning our homes. A good set of cleaning supplies will help you maintain the cleanliness of your house, as well as make sure everything is neat, beautiful, and healthy. However, most people rarely think about the fact that cleaning supplies need cleaning as well. Whether it is your microfiber cloths, vacuum cleaner, squeegees, or any other tool you use regularly, they all collect dust and dirt which builds up on them.
If you want to have your supplies for longer and ensure that they work efficiently, you should maintain their cleanliness as well. In this article, we will talk about how often cleaning equipment has to be cleaned and how to properly take care of various pieces.
How to clean a vacuum cleaner
- Empty bag or reusable cup – If your vacuum has a disposable cup, it is best if you empty it after every use. Once a month, give it a good rinse and if it is extra dirty, wash it with soap and a sponge. If you use it particularly often or you have been vacuuming excessive dirt, you may want to wash it a bit more often. If your vacuum cleaner has a bag, dispose of it once a week, at least (again, depending on how often you use it and the type and amount of dirt you vacuum).
- Clean beater ban – You should get rid of the tangled hairs and other trapped dust once in a while. You can use a seam ripper or small, sharp scissors in order to get rid of them. By doing that you will help it turn smoothly and your vacuum cleaner will work more efficiently.
- Clean hose and filters – Every couple of weeks, you should inspect the hose for blockages and change disposable filters. If your vacuum cleaner operates with reusable filters, you should also wash them at least twice a month. That will prevent your vacuum cleaner from smelling bad. If you want to freshen the air at home, you can add a drop or two of your favourite essential oil to the filter.
How to clean mop heads
Mop heads can be made from cotton threads, microfiber fabric, or a sponge. No matter which type of mop head you have, you should clean it after every use. A dirty mop will just smudge dirt around and make your floor look muddy and even dirtier.
- Washing removable cotton or fabric mop heads – If you have a removable mop head, you can simply toss it in the washing machine. Use a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent and a hot-water cycle in order to remove any buildup of soil and grease. If the fabric is white, add half a cup of chlorine bleach – it will disinfect the mop head. Let the fabric air dry and do not put it away until it is completely dry (moisture will cause mould and mildew growth).
- Washing non-removable mop fabric mop heads – Mix a cleaning solution of very hot water and a couple of tablespoons of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent in a bucket. Submerge the mop head in the liquid and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. You can swish it around or move it up and down in order to loosen the soil. If your mop is smelly, add half a cup of chlorine bleach to the rinse water in order to get rid of the sour smell and disinfect the fibres. Squeeze out the mop head and let it air dry.
- Cleaning sponge mop heads – Rinse the mop head in very hot water. Then, mix half a cup of chlorine bleach and 4 litres of hot water. Put the sponge heads in the solution and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. Squeeze out, rinse and air dry.
How to clean brooms
- Remove trapped dirt – take your broom outside and brush it on the edge of a step in order to whisk away trapped dirt and dust.
- Deep clean – Fill a bucket with hot water and add 2 teaspoons of dishwashing detergent. Swish the broom through the solution, then rinse with cold water. Hang the broom and let it drip dry.
Extra tip: Do not store your broom with the bristles down touching the floor. Hang it instead. That way you will be able to maintain its original shape.
- Disinfect your sponges at least once a week. Use a solution of 4 litres of water and half a cup of chlorine bleach.
- Cotton and microfiber cloths should be washed in the washing machine once or twice a month (depending on how often you used them). Use heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent and a hot water cycle.
- Buckets should be washed after every use. Fill them with hot water and add chlorine bleach by following the package instructions. Swish the solution around and dispose of it. Rinse the bucket and make sure it is completely dry before storing it away.