Cleaning Tips And Tricks
Cleaning Tips And Tricks
Some of our cleaning tips and tricks from our team of experts.
Why Do Door Handles Need Cleaning ?
Whether your home is a hotspot of social activity or you live on your own, it is unlikely that you think to
wash your hands before you open any door. That makes door handles an excellent place for bacterial
transference. Stainless steel handles, in particular, harbour germs for far longer than other surfaces.
Some of the germs you might find on your typical door or cabinet handle include:
• Salmonella – this can last for about four hours
• Covid 19 – this can still be found on door handles up to nine days later
• MRSA – this can survive for several weeks
• C. Difficile – this can last up to five months
What is the Best Way to Clean Door Handles ?
If you are in a hurry, a quick spray with isopropyl alcohol will kill most germs. However, to get the best
finish from your metal handles, you’ll need to pay a bit more attention. Fill a bowl with warm water and
dish soap and soak a cloth in it. Wring it out and use that to clean the handles. Use a clean, dry cloth to
wipe away the moisture and then use another cloth to smooth a little wax over the handle to leave it
shiny and fresh.
If your handles are made of copper, brass, or pewter, you’ll want to clean them slightly differently.
Create a paste using flour, salt, and vinegar (around a tablespoon of each ingredient) and rub it into the handle.
Cleaning Tips And Tricks
Hard-Water Areas
Region by region
In hard-water areas descale every eight to ten weeks and every six months where water is only moderately hard. Use proprietary descalers that state clearly that they are suitable for plastic kettles and/or coffee makers.​
Break the ice
To defrost s freezer, unplug and place bowls of hot, not boiling water inside.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape ice away.
Remove stains with neat bicarbonate of soda on a damp cloth.
Wipe clean and dry.
How Often Should I Clean my Door and Cabinet Handles?
Door handles are often forgotten about when it comes to cleaning the house. However, we recommend wiping these down at least once a week
Products we do not recommend using
Ammonia-based cleaners - Ammonia can damage window tints, seals, and rubber gaskets. It can also release toxic fumes, causing respiratory issues.
Abrasive cleaners - Scouring powders and abrasive sponges can scratch the glass surface, leaving permanent marks.
Vinegar - on certain windows should not be used on leaded or stained glass windows, as it can damage the glass and deteriorate the leading.
Newspaper - as newspaper ink can leave residues and smear on the glass surface.
Dishwashing soap - Some dishwashing soaps can leave a film on the glass, resulting in streaks and a cloudy appearance.
Chemical-heavy cleaners - Cleaners with harsh chemicals can damage window films and other protective coatings, as well as pose health risks when inhaled.
Bleach or other strong acids - These can cause irreversible damage to the glass and surrounding materials, as well as pose health and safety risks.
How to clean windows and frames
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dishwashing soap, or use a commercial glass cleaner.
Use a soft brush or cloth to brush away any loose dirt or debris from the window frame and glass surface.
Gently scrub the window frame, paying close attention to corners and crevices. If you're dealing with a wooden window frame, avoid using excessive water to prevent damage to the wood.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining dirt and cleaning solution from the window frame. Dry the frame with a clean, dry cloth or towel.
Dip the sponge or soft cloth into the cleaning solution and apply it to the glass surface. Use circular motions to clean the entire window.
Use a squeegee to remove excess water and cleaning solution from the glass. Start at the top of the window and work your way down, making horizontal or vertical strokes. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean, dry cloth after each stroke.
Use a microfiber cloth or lint-free towel to dry the edges and any remaining streaks on the glass surface.
How to get rid of mould and damp
Firstly, protect yourself _ Wear protective gear such as gloves, a mask, and goggles to prevent contact with mould spores and protect your eyes and lungs.
Then ventilate the area - Open the windows and doors to increase air circulation while you clean.
Remove visible mould, Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove visible mold from the window frame and glass surface. Be cautious not to spread mould spores to other areas.
Clean the affected areas: Mix a cleaning solution of water and mild dish soap, or water and white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). .
Disinfect the area: After cleaning with soap or vinegar, you can use a solution of water and bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to disinfect the window frame. Apply the solution with a cloth or sponge and let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
(Avoid using bleach on wooden window frames, as it can damage the wood. Instead, use a fungicide or a mould-killing product designed for wood)
Dry the area: Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to wipe the window frame and glass dry. Ensure that all surfaces are completely dry to prevent mould regrowth.
Address the root cause: Identify and fix the cause of dampness and mould, which could be poor ventilation, condensation, or water leaks. Install a dehumidifier or use a moisture-absorbing product to reduce humidity, and ensure proper ventilation in the room.
Domestic Cleaning Tips
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Start with a plan: Before you begin cleaning, make a list of the areas and tasks that need to be tackled. This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't miss anything.
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Declutter: Before you start cleaning, it's a good idea to declutter your home. Go through each room and get rid of any items you no longer need or want. This will make cleaning easier and your home will look more organized.
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Dusting: Use a microfiber cloth or a feather duster to dust surfaces such as tables, shelves, and picture frames. Start at the top of the room and work your way down to avoid spreading dust.
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Vacuuming: Vacuuming is an essential part of cleaning. Make sure to vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery regularly to remove dirt and dust.
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Cleaning floors: Use a mop or steam cleaner to clean floors. For hardwood floors, use a solution of water and vinegar.
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Bathroom cleaning: Use a bathroom cleaner to clean the toilet, sink, and shower/tub. Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
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Kitchen cleaning: Use a kitchen cleaner to clean countertops, stovetop, and sink. Wipe down surfaces with a microfiber cloth.
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Laundry: Wash clothes according to the instructions on the label. Use a laundry detergent that is suitable for your clothing.
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Window cleaning: Use a window cleaner and a squeegee to clean windows. Wipe down windows with a microfiber cloth.
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Maintenance cleaning: Regular maintenance cleaning is important to keep your home looking clean and organized. This includes tasks such as wiping down counters, doing dishes, and putting things away.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to keeping your home clean. By following these tips and making cleaning a regular part of your routine, you can maintain a clean and tidy home.
Cleaning Tricks
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1. Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment to clean floors, baseboards, and other tight spaces.
2. Put a damp cloth in the microwave for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food.
3. Use a lint roller to remove pet hair from furniture and carpets.
4. Make a DIY cleaning solution from equal parts white vinegar and water to clean surfaces.
5. Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces and remove dust.
6. Use a squeegee to clean glass surfaces and mirrors.
7. Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas and small crevices.
8. Use baking soda to remove tough stains from the toilet bowl and sinks.
9. Use a steam cleaner to deep clean carpets and upholstery.
10. Use a damp microfiber cloth to dust and clean surfaces.
