I’m a professional handyman – the nine cleaning tricks everyone should know to make their home sparkle
CLEANING can feel like a sport, and every now and then you may feel the need to try out some new techniques.
Well, if you want to up your cleaning routine with some fresh tips, you've steered right.
Consulting two cleaning experts, shared some nifty tricks that pro cleaners think you should know.
WIPE DOWN YOUR KITCHEN COUNTERS DAILY
Wiping down your kitchen counters every day is important for the health of your home.
A routine clean with a damp cloth will not only stop grime from building up, but it's essential for keeping ants and fruit flies at bay.
GET YOUR WINDOWS SHINING WITH A SQUEEGEE
Squeegees are essential for thoroughly cleaning your windows like a pro.
“Using a squeegee can help remove water and dirt from the windows,” professional cleaner Walter E. Bennett says.
CLEAN TILE FLOORS WITH A STEAM MOP
It's often assumed that you can get to tidying any surface with any cleaning product of your choice.
Well, according to Bennett, this isn't the case.
The cleaning pro explained: “For example, a mop and bucket are not the best way to clean tile floors.
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“You should use a squeegee or a steam mop.”
GET A VACUUM CLEANER WITH A HEPA FILTER
Apparently, your vacuum filter plays a role in your health.
The dust and debris that accumulates in a vacuum can set off allergies or asthma, and even cause various respiratory issues.
“Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter,” Bennett advised.
“Vacuums with this technology are more effective at removing dust and debris from the air.”
USE VINEGAR TO SANITIZE CLEANING CLOTHS
Non-disposable cleaning cloths are an eco-friendly option that creates lower waste. Be sure to regularly disinfect yours to get rid of bacteria.
To get your cleaning cloths sanitized, wash them with a hint of vinegar and optional laundry detergent.
A couple of tablespoons of baking soda can work to remove odor as well.
CLEAN MIRRORS AND GLASS WITH A SWIFFER
A Swiffer has greater use than just typical floor cleaning. For mirrors and glass that aren't as convenient to reach, professional cleaner Alicia Johnson recommended using one.
“Just get a Swiffer and fold a microfiber cloth on the cleaning end of it,” Johnson said.
She explained her streak-free cleaning method: “All you have to do is spray the mirror with glass cleaning solution over the surface and drag down the Swiffer from top to bottom in one swipe.”
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
- How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
- Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
- Clean your shower to ensure it's always sparkling
- What to do to get rid of nasty odours in your home
- Here's how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
- You're cleaning your pots and pans all wrong - here's a trick to remove the residue
- These are five hacks to ensure your kitchen is spotless
- What you need to know when cleaning your bathroom
- If you haven't in ages, here's how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This cheap, easy trick will remove your mould from grout without scrubbing
- These simple items will make your carpet clean and look brand new
MOP YOUR WALLS
Using a Swiffer on your mirrors and glass isn't the only unconventional cleaning method.
Mopping your walls has also been cited as a cleaning tip you should add to your bag of tricks.
And don't fret, you won't be taking off a layer of paint with this method. “Almost all modern paints are now waterproof, which means you can clean them using water or liquid cleaning solutions,” explained Johnson.
To mop your walls you'll need two things: a wall cleaning mop and a mild multi-surface solution.
“Simply spray the solution over the dirty area of your wall and use the mop to clean away,” said Johnson.
SHINE WITH GLASS CLEANER
Glass cleaner can be repurposed for different surfaces. According to Johnson, glass cleaner can brighten other dull surfaces, including countertops.
“Grab your glass cleaner, spray it over your doorknobs, faucets, handles, and other similar items that need a shine, and then wipe with a microfiber cloth,” Johnson advised.
“Doing so will give them a little extra sparkle to uplift your home’s overall appearance.”
Be sure to not use glass cleaner on wooden surfaces, though.
CUT THROUGH TOUGH STOVE STAINS WITH VEGETABLE OIL AND SALT
The stove can be one of the most difficult areas to clean. “I have seen people struggle with cleaning the top of their stoves since all kinds of stuff get stuck to it due to the heat,” Johnson said.
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Well, thankfully, there's a solution to get the most difficult stains off of stainless steel and glass-ceramic stovetops. Mix equal parts (one to two tablespoons) of vegetable oil and kosher salt.
Apply the mixture to the stain, then scrub using a cleaning sponge or brush.
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