Have you ever wondered how clean the tools you use to clean your home are? Brooms, mops and sponges work diligently to remove dirt every day, but they are often neglected when it comes time to clean them.
Cleaning the home is one of those tasks that many of us don't do with great enthusiasm. We usually pay attention to larger surfaces, such as floors, kitchen counters or bathroom tiles, but we often neglect the very tools with which we take care of cleanliness at home.
Cloths, brooms, mops and other cleaning tools are indispensable for everyday cleaning, but we often don't realize that they also need regular care.
Let's see how you can quickly and easily clean six of the most frequently used utensils that can quickly fill with dirt and bacteria.
Brooms
Although the broom helps to remove dust and debris from the floor, its bristles also get dirty very quickly. After repeated use, hair, dust and other small particles can accumulate between the bristles. To keep your broom effective, clean it with a coarse comb after a few uses to remove any stuck particles.
Every few weeks, soak the broom in warm water with a few drops of mild detergent. After that, rinse it well and let it air dry. If you notice that the bristles have started to fray, simply trim them a bit with scissors.
Are you cleaning it? Photo: Karolina Grabowska / PexelsMop
A mop is indispensable for wet floor cleaning, but it can also get dirty quickly. You can wash the mop attachment in the washing machine on a gentle program or wash it by hand.
Before washing, remove larger dirt particles, then soak it in a bucket of warm water with a mild detergent. Let the mop soak for about 15 minutes, then rinse it under running water to remove any soap residue. Allow it to dry completely before using it again, as a damp mop can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Dish brushes
Brushes used for washing dishes quickly become filled with food residues and grease. The best solution is to regularly soak them in warm soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. This will loosen the dirt clinging to the bristles.
After soaking, rinse them thoroughly and let them dry. Plastic brushes can also be put in the dishwasher for deep cleaning.
Sponges for cleaning
Sponges are a real breeding ground for bacteria, so you need to change them regularly. Although sponges cannot be completely cleaned of bacteria, you can at least wash them thoroughly a few times and make sure they are completely dry between uses. However, it is recommended to change them at least every two weeks, as no cleaning technique will be effective enough for long-term use.
What about dish sponges? Photo: PixabayMicrofiber cloths
Microfiber cloths are great for wiping up dust and dirt, but they need to be washed regularly. Collect all used cloths and wash them separately from other laundry.
When washing, use cold or warm water and a mild detergent, but avoid using fabric softener as it can reduce the absorbency of the cloths. Then dry the cloths in the air or on a gentle program in the dryer.
Toilet brushes
The toilet brush is one of those things that many of us forget to clean, but it is extremely important precisely because of its function. After each use, it is recommended to rinse it well under running water.
Once a month, take care of a more thorough cleaning: spray it with a cleaner or disinfectant and let it work for 30 minutes. Then rinse it again, clean the holder as well, and thus ensure that it is ready for the next use.
