Sponges can hold a frightening amount of bacteria after a few uses. Get rid of the millions of nasty microbes by giving your sponges a weekly hot bath.
A thorough wash in hot water with a capful or two of vinegar helps with the odors as well as the bacteria.
Just boiling the sponges for a few minutes in the same mixture will work.
If a microwave is handy, wash sponges and then zap them while still wet for a minute and the heat will effectively get rid of the bad germs.
Remember to replace your sponge every two weeks. If it’s smelly, it’s time to toss it.
Tip #2:
Microfiber is ideal for wiping down surfaces, as it is lint-free and it holds dirt until the fabric is washed in hot water. The dirt from one cleaning does not smear onto the next surface thanks to the construction of the fibers. Here's how it works:
Microfiber's nylon and polyester fibers are twisted together and then split apart so that each individual fiber is the thickness of 1/100th of a human hair. This gives microfiber the incredible amount of surface area to grab dust.
The tiny spaces between the fibers confine the dust and the static charge that holds it all together.
Fragile electronics and computer equipment, as well as eyeglasses, cameras, binoculars and other personal items can be cleaned with gentle but thorough microfiber.
High-quality microfiber cleaning cloths typically have the potential to last 600 washings! This number equals about 2 years worth of wiping, dusting, and general household use. Imagine the number of paper towels and napkins spared from the landfill! Though microfiber cloths are more expensive initially, the ecological savings are invaluable.
Tip #3:
Use bedtime as clean time! While the kids are washing up at night, wipe down the tub, toilet and mirrors, and toss out clutter. When they're finished, quickly wipe down the sink and floor.Bathroom done.
Tip #4:
Are you sweeping the right way?
Cleaning should always be done top to bottom. That way, any crumbs or dust that fall to the floor while you're working get picked up last.
Pick the right broom. For indoors, choose one with finer bristles to pick up smaller dirt particles. For outdoors, go for stronger, stiffer bristles, which work better to clear porous surfaces.
To sweep, hold the broom like a canoe paddle, with one hand on top of the handle and the other toward the middle. Push your hands in opposite directions to get the most out of every sweeping stroke. Sweep from the outside in so that you don't miss any spots, and move the dirt to the center of the room, where it will be easy to pick up.
Store brooms with the handle down. It makes them easier to find and protects the bristles.
Pick the proper dustpan. Minimize that annoying line of dust by choosing a dustpan with a rubber edge.
