Avoid these eight mistakes when you clean!
Out of sight, out of mind, is one adage that does not apply to germs. Whether you see the harmful pathogens or not, the threats to human health are very real.
While cleaning suppliers have made a lot of progress, it is everyone’s responsibility to avoid the below common mistakes, that can leave the door open for infectious intruders.
1. Not planning your disinfection strategy
Whether you are at home or in the office, disinfection is a primary part of healthy living in today’s world. Local governments have taken steps to provide a clear plan to keep our spaces infection-free, be sure to include their advice in your strategy.
Having an orientation for employees and creating awareness about the CDC’s best practices can help both organizations and families stay healthy.
2. Using detergents as disinfectant cleaning products
Cleaning and disinfecting are two different things. While cleaning stores provide all-purpose merchandise, using the right type of solution will keep surfaces fresh and minty.
3. Too Much Chemical, too little patience
In the case of many products available at cleaning stores, a small amount should be complimented with water rather than piling on. When dealing with a pesky stain on your sofa or carpet, soak the stained area with water and then wipe away the blot.
Most cleaning suppliers have instructions stating how long you should wait before wiping or dabbing. Allowing sprays and other liquids to soak and set, provides the chemicals more time to disinfect the area as well.
4. Wrong cloth for the right job
Have you ever tried to clean a sofa stain with a tissue? If yes, then you know how the wrong type of material can ruin a surface. Upholstery, wood, granite, and marble all require special attention when removing stains.
Avoid using just any cloth to dry off your car after a wash so that it does not leave behind water spots, it is worth it to invest in an absorbent instead. A great way to keep glass spotless is to wash and dry early mornings or late evenings when sunlight is not too strong.
5. Not cleaning what you have cleaned with
Washroom and kitchen cleaning tools can be home to a host of pathogens if not washed properly. For ease of use, go with machine washable rags and sponges. Throw your sponges and rags in the laundry and dry your toilet brushes before putting them back in the holder.
6. Assuming that one size fits all
Most disinfectant cleaning products contain alcohol or bleach. It is easy to assume that these chemicals will help you get rid of any contamination, however, some materials are sensitive to these substances.
In the case of wood, granite, or marble it is much better to purchase specialized sprays or fluids from your cleaning stores.
7. Forgetting about mould
Avoid having non-ventilated, dark, and damp spaces around the house and at your business. Mould and mildew will creep up, especially on porous and soft surfaces such as carpets, upholstery, paper, and drywall.
Make sure your home is getting lots of ventilation and sunlight. Dry off towels, jackets, shoes, and other fabrics completely before putting them back in the closet.
Watch out for yucky, black, green, or brown build up in the sink or showers and check the seals on your appliances and windows regularly. While you can buy disinfectant cleaning products to remove mould, it is best to read up on CDC guidelines and safety precautions before heading to your local cleaning suppliers.
8. Ignoring your appliances
It is no secret; some appliances can be challenging to keep spotless and that is why they make great candidates for bacteria build-up.
Food particles can get stuck at the bottom and doors of your dishwasher offering an easy feast for bacteria. Remove the racks to wipe down the lower half of your dishwasher, next, spray the insides with equal parts of water and vinegar and run a wash cycle with the solution inside.
For stubborn gunk stuck on the stove, check out this awesome hack. First, use soap and water to clean, and then mix half a cup of baking soda into hydrogen peroxide into a runny paste. Pour the paste onto the stains and scrub with a towel to remove the smirch.
Whether you are the CEO of an organization or a parent looking out for your family, getting the whole clan in on the cleaning action is a great way to create good habits that last. If everyone looks out a little, all of us can benefit a lot.
