10 tips for keeping your cleaning products tidy
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Let’s be honest, we don’t usually pay attention to the shelf life of our cleaning products as long as they do their job.
However, did you know that some cleaning products can spread germs instead of sanitising your place once they’re past their used-by dates? Until now, neither did we!
Well, worry no more! We’ve got some tips for you on how to prevent using out of date cleaning products!
It can’t be denied that we often ignore the shelf life of cleaning products. Credit: Getty Images.
1. Keep a list of your cleaning products before going out to shop
Keeping a list of cleaning products that you have and checking their expiration dates can save you a lot of money, according to experts.
Most cleaning products have a shelf life of six months to two years. So, if you are one of those people who never throw out cleaning products, this is the perfect time to check the cleaning products under your sink to ensure which ones you should dispose of, which items to keep, and which ones to purchase from the store.
2. Empty your vacuum after every few uses
For those who regularly use their vacuums — especially those who own pets — experts advised that you should empty the vacuum cleaner after every use.
You read that right, folks! It is recommended to empty your dust-sucker after every use instead of waiting for the bag or cylinder to get filled with dust and dirt.
Experts said that cleaning the cylinder prevents it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and germs.
Additionally, it is recommended to do a full clean of the vacuum every 12 to 18 months.
The bags or cylinders of your vacuum cleaners should be emptied after every use. Credit: Getty Images.
3. Replace cleaning cloths every couple of months
Experts suggested that you should give your cleaning cloth a wash every week.
It is also recommended to replace them every couple of months.
The cleaning experts said that this advice also applies to those who are using microfibre cloths.
4. Only use homemade products for the week
It is important to note that homemade cleaning products have a shorter lifespan compared to shop-bought products. So, if you use these often, it is recommended that you should only use them for a period of one week. We have talked about plenty of excellent DIY cleaning products!
5. Use Zoflora within two weeks
The company manufacturing Zoflora advised customers to only use the diluted version of the product within two weeks.
So, for those who are using the product on a regular basis, experts recommend only diluting the amount that you think you can use within two weeks.
Reusable dispensers can also be used to avoid throwing away plastic regularly.
6. Wash your tea towels at the end of the week
For those who only use one tea towel to wipe away spills, experts advised that you should wash them daily.
Meanwhile, those who have three to four towels can rotate them and wash them together at the end of the week.
The experts also emphasised making sure that the towels are dry before throwing them in your laundry basket to prevent moulds from growing on them.
Dry your tea towels first before throwing them in your laundry basket. Credit: Getty Images.
7. Replace your broom every three months
We admit that we’re absolutely guilty of not replacing our brooms until they are all worn out.
However, did you know that brooms can pick up a whole load of germs over time?
Experts advised that you should consider cleaning and shaking it well after every use.
It is also recommended to change brooms every three months.
8. Change your mop head every two months
Similar to the brooms, mop heads can pick up bacteria and germs that could potentially pose a threat to your health.
So, experts advised that you should clean it after every use and allow it to dry.
The estimated lifespan of mop heads is also believed to be two months. So, it is necessary for you to change them in that given period to prevent germs from spreading from it.
Mop heads can serve as a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Credit: Getty Images.
9. Replace your sponges every two weeks
Technically, two weeks is just a placeholder for the time period when you can use your sponges before replacing them as experts noted that once it starts to smell funky and it looks visibly dirty, you should consider throwing it away immediately.
Additionally, it was advised that you should wash and dry them out properly after every use.
10. Clean your household bin twice a week
Experts advised that you should wipe down the bin and lid at least twice a week.
It is said that you should use a mixture of hot water and vinegar to clean your bin before popping another bag in it.
Do you have any cleaning advice that you can give to your fellow SDC members? Share them with us in the comments below!
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