The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning
Housekeeping often finds itself at the bottom of the list of tasks we eagerly want to accomplish.
For many, it’s a mundane chore involving little more than a quick wipe when we spot a speck of dirt. But could there be more to it than meets the eye?
It’s easy to take the cleanliness of our living spaces for granted, assuming that a simple wipe and mop will suffice.
However, the truth is that our approach to housekeeping can have far-reaching consequences, affecting our belongings and health.
If you’re ready to explore the philosophy of housekeeping, join us in this article as we unveil the 13 essential do’s and don’ts of home maintenance, as shared by professionals.
Housekeeping Do’s:
- Prioritise Pre-Cleaning: Before reaching for disinfectants, start by washing surfaces with soap and water. Disinfectants work best on clean surfaces, ensuring the safety of your home.
- Daily High-Touch TLC: Take the time to wipe and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily to prevent the rapid multiplication of viruses and bacteria. This includes doorknobs, handles, light switches, remote controls, mobile phones, computer mice, and more.
- Child’s Play: Regularly clean your children’s toys following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Stuffed toys can harbor dust mites and allergens, while plastic toys fall into the high-touch category, potentially hosting germs.
- Follow Manufacturer Recommendations: When in doubt about how to care for your floors, carpets, upholstery, kitchen appliances, and other items in your home, always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Coffee Machine Care: Don’t forget your coffee machine, as its reservoir ranks among the top ten most contaminated areas in your home. Regular maintenance, following the manufacturer’s instructions, is crucial.
- Appliance Deep Dive: Large kitchen appliances need more attention than you might think. Treat your dishwasher and washing machine with baking soda and white vinegar once a month. Depending on your household size and usage, your fridge might require more frequent and thorough cleaning.
Housekeeping Don’ts:
- Neglect Hidden Spaces: Don’t overlook out-of-sight areas, including high wall corners, ceiling fans, skirtingboards, behind large kitchen appliances, inside kitchen cabinets, and wardrobes.
- Swift Spill Response: Avoid letting spills linger on surfaces; they become increasingly difficult to remove the longer they sit.
- Patience with Disinfectants: Don’t rush to wipe off disinfectants; give them the recommended dwell time to effectively eliminate pathogens on your surfaces.
- Beware of Bleach: Be cautious with bleach; it can be toxic and harsh on your lungs. Use it sparingly.
- Ventilate with Care: When handling bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other hazardous chemicals, ensure proper ventilation by keeping windows open.
- Marble and Vinegar Don’t Mix: Never use white vinegar on marble surfaces, as its acidity can damage your precious belongings.
- Mindful of Wood: Avoid applying baking soda on wood furniture and floors, as it can be too aggressive for most finishes and sealants.
Incorporating these housekeeping do’s and don’ts into your routine can transform your cleaning experience from a mundane task into a proactive and effective way to safeguard your home and well-being.
So, next time you embark on your cleaning journey, remember that the devil is in the details, and a little extra care can go a long way in maintaining a healthy and harmonious living space.
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