Having a safe home starts with cleaning it right. But what if your current cleaning methods and tools are wrong?
Here are some wrong cleaning habits mistakes you could be making.
1. Patting toys indoor to get rid of dust.
Those dolls or teddy bears are collecting dust. And patting them only causes a plume of dust particles to spread out.
Wrong Cleaning Habits Solution: Put the toys in a sealable plastic bag with a cup of baking soda. Seal the bag and shake. The baking soda will absorb soil and dirt. Pat the toys to get rid of the soda, but do so outside your home to prevent additional dust from entering.
Put hard toys in a basin with soapy warm water. Clean, rinse then dry the toys. After, disinfect them using an equal amount of rubbing alcohol and water. For toys that can’t be submerged in water, wipe them using a mild disinfectant.
2. Cleaning windows when the sun is strongest.
During this time, window cleaning solutions dry up faster which leads to streaking. This means that it would take more time and effort for you to make your window clean and clear.
Wrong Cleaning Habits Solution: Clean windows late in the afternoon or during evenings. Another old trick is to bunch up newspaper and use it like a rag for clear and streak-free glass.
3. Using the wrong cleaning tools that only move dust around instead of collecting it.
While inhaling and ingesting dust is a normal part of life and is generally safe, some particles can wreak havoc on the health. Younger children, who play on floors and put items in their mouth, are most at risk for health problems due to dust.
1 gram of dust contains mite dust (microscopic organisms that live on dust) and more than 100,000 bacteria.
These pesky fine particles sometimes contain lead, arsenic and other endocrine-disrupting substances that may: interfere with biological processes; cause attention disorders, learning and behaviour problems; diabetes and obesity.
The worst part? You may be doing any of these that cause dust to become airborne and settle elsewhere (think of how a snow globe looks after being shaken):
- The up-down motion of mops and feather dusters
- Using regular cloth rags to wipe surfaces, including electronics. Dry-wiping surfaces also causes dust to scratch furniture
- Using paint brushes for intricate and delicate ornaments or small spaces such as in between keyboards
Wrong Cleaning Habits Solution: Invest in a tool that is effective, efficient, and suitable for multiple areas like Magiclean Handy Duster. It’s the only cleaning tool you’ll need to replace mops, feather dusters, regular cloth rags, and paint brushes.
This single dust buster traps fine particles and dust mites in a single swipe, thanks to its high absorption fibres so you can be sure about not having any fly-away dust. (And really, dusting in one motion couldn’t be more convenient for on-the-go mums!)
What about the hard-to-reach areas? This is where Magiclean Handy Duster Extendable comes in. It adjusts up to 95 cm to make dusting high and tight spaces easier.
It provides convenience and hygiene because the duster heads are disposable—this means dust is collected and ends up in the bin! Refills are available at major supermarkets.
4. Mixing cleaning products.
Mixing bleach and ammonia creates the gas chloramine, which causes coughing, nausea, and watery eyes. High levels may lead to permanent lung damange. In fact, mixing bleach with anything is harmful.
Wrong Cleaning Habits Solution: Do not mix cleaning products. Also, always read product instructions and recommended use–follow them to a T. Doing these ensure that your home remains safe for your family.
5. Forgetting to clean areas where germs fester and dust collects.
These are either hidden spaces (toothbrush holders, soap dishes), commonly-used but forgotten items (remote controls, light switches, door knobs and other handles, flush levers or buttons), or hard-to-reach places (top shelves or door frames). Don’t forget to show doors and chairs some love as well.
Wrong Cleaning Habits Solution: Create a disinfecting schedule once a week to prevent the spread of germs. In the same weekly schedule, use a product like Magiclean Handy Duster Extendable to easily remove dust from hard-to-reach places that are commonly-forgotten.
6. Forgetting to clean your cleaning tools.
Just because you use disinfectants and the like on rags, sponges, mop heads, and even toilet brushes, it doesn’t mean these are sanitised already.
Wrong Cleaning Habits Solution: Disinfect cleaning aids after use and dry them completely to prevent bacteria from growing and spreading. Apply heat to them either by soaking them in boiling water or putting them in a dryer (if they are machine safe).
Remember that, “Within eight hours, one bacterium on a damp cloth can multiply to six million, says the NHS (National Health Service) U.K. You don’t want that to be all over the same home your children play in!
Employing the right cleaning methods and tools can save you time, effort, and keep your home clean and safe for your family.