The daily battle against dust and dirt can only be won if cleaning materials are in proper working order. Maintain them regularly so that your home looks best at all times. Follow these tips to ensure that brushes and brooms are fit for the job, and cloths and sponges don’t become breeding grounds for bacteria.
Brushes and Brooms
- Use brushes and brooms with natural bristles.
- Clean broom bristles in detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and lean the broom head-up, handle-down against and outdoor wall. The sun’s rays will help to kill any lingering bacteria.
- Soak new natural bristles briefly in salt water before the first use to make them last longer.
- Occasionally wash older brooms and hand brushes with natural bristles in warm, soapy water.
- Soak natural bristles in vinegar and water if they have become too soft.
- Soften stiff natural bristles by dipping them briefly in a solution of 30g powdered alum and 1-litre water. Alternatively, mix water and milk in a 1:1 ratio.
- Hang brooms on the wall with the handle pointing down to preserve the elasticity of the bristles.
- Apply steam to bent bristles to straighten them.
- Wash the bristles of brooms and brushes in warm, soapy water. Comb the washed, rinsed bristles with a sturdy old comb. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Rags, Sponges & Cloths
- Machine-wash all cloths used for cleaning and dusting at 60℃ in mild detergent and allow them to dry completely. It will help increase their lifespan. However, don’t wash them with clothes – it’s unhygienic and the colour of classic yellow dusters runs for years.
- Fibres in microfibre cloths become matted from frequent washing, so pop them into the dryer after every third wash and they will become fluffy again. Don’t hesitate to replace them frequently.
- Leave wet dishcloths to dry in the sun. The ultraviolet light disinfects and kills bacteria.
- Boil natural sponges in vinegar water to combat unwanted germs. Alternatively, place a wet sponge in the microwave for a minute. Be careful – it will be piping hot. Never put a dry sponge in the microwave as it could catch fire.
- Remove dust and lint from dust rags by dipping them in glycerin after they have been washed. Let them dry and store them in a plastic bag.
- Soak dishcloths in lemon or vinegar so they will smell fresh.
Dusters
- Wash feather duster in a sink filled with warm water and a squirt of baby shampoo. Rinse, then carefully squeeze out and dry with a hair dryer.
- Shake out microfibre dusters before washing them in soapy water. Rinse and leave to dry.
If there are times when you can’t do the cleaning yourself, consider getting help from one of the top cleaning services in Australia.