Cleaning pro reveals common mistakes you might be making
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It seems like the older we get, the more we enjoy keeping our homes spick and span. Who doesn't love a clean and organised living space, after all? It just feels good!
But, have you ever found yourself scrubbing away at a stubborn stain or grime, only to realise that your go-to cleaning products aren't working as well as they used to? It can be frustrating to feel like you're putting in more effort than necessary just to get the same results.
Perhaps you've even found yourself using more and more of the cleaning product, hoping that it will magically make the task at hand easier. But unfortunately, that doesn't always work.
And constantly buying new cleaning supplies can get expensive. So why are our cleaning products letting us down?
Well, as it turns out, there's a simple reason for it — your cleaning products might have expired! Recently, Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and organiser, shared this surprising fact in an Instagram video about common cleaning mistakes.
According to Jacqueline, many people are completely unaware that cleaning products have a limited shelf life. Who would have thought that our trusty cleaning supplies could expire? But the truth is, expired cleaning products can lose their effectiveness and even become dangerous to use.
So, how do you know if your cleaning products are still good to use? Well, Jacqueline suggests checking the product label for an expiry date. If there isn't one, a good rule of thumb is to use the product within a year of purchasing it.
And if you can't remember when you bought it, it's probably best to err on the side of caution and replace it with a new one (noting the purchase date).
In addition to checking the expiry date on your cleaning products, it's also important to be mindful of how much you're buying. As Stein suggests, it's best not to buy cleaning products in bulk if you're not going to use them before they expire.
The next time you're at the store and tempted to buy that super-sized container of your favourite cleaning product, think twice. Will you really use it all before it expires? If not, it might be best to stick to smaller sizes or simply buy what you need as you go.
Aside from reminding us to check the expiry date on our cleaning products, Stein also highlighted another common cleaning mistake: using the same product, like bleach, on every household surface.
As she pointed out, different surfaces require different cleaning products. For example, using vinegar on stone surfaces or device screens can actually cause damage, while bicarb soda can be harmful to marble or surfaces with cracks or deep grooves. It's important to use the correct cleaning product for each specific surface in order to maintain the quality of your home.
So, how do you know which product to use on which surface? Well, for starters, it's a good idea to read the label on your cleaning products. Many products will have specific instructions for use on different surfaces.
Additionally, you can do a quick internet search or consult with a professional cleaner or home organiser for advice on which products are best for specific surfaces. A quick browse at the Cleaning and Home Improvement forum on the SDC website will also do the trick!
Microfibre cloths: they're a staple in many households for their ability to pick up dirt and grime like nobody's business. But did you know that cleaning your microfibre cloths properly is crucial for getting the best possible cleaning experience?
According to Stein, washing your microfiber cloths separately in the washing machine is the way to go if you want to maintain their fibres. This is because washing them with other materials, like cotton or towels, can cause the fibres to become fuzzy and less effective at cleaning.
And, as always, be sure to follow the care instructions on your microfibre cloths for the best results. This may include using a mild detergent, washing in cold water, and avoiding fabric softeners or bleach.
It's a common misconception that a clean house is simply one that looks clean on the surface. But as Jacqueline Stein reminds us, there are many hidden spots in our homes that can accumulate dust, debris, or residue over time if not properly cleaned.
These hidden areas include spots under and behind the fridge, as well as filters in the washing machine and dishwasher. It's important to keep these areas in mind and make sure to clean them regularly, even if they're not immediately visible.
As Stein points out, just because you can't see the dirt or dust doesn't mean it's not there. Dust and other particles can travel through the air and settle in areas you might not even think to check.
So, the next time you're cleaning your home, be sure to move furniture and appliances to clean underneath and behind them.
There you have it, folks! Thanks to the expertise of this cleaning professional, we've learned some fantastic tips for keeping our homes clean and tidy.
From checking expiry dates on cleaning products to washing microfibre cloths separately and remembering to clean hidden spots in our homes, these tips are sure to make our cleaning routines more efficient and effective.
Members, we want to hear from you! Have you tried any of these cleaning tips before? Do you have any additional advice to share with our readers? Let us know in the comments below! We always love hearing from our community and learning new ways to keep our homes in tip-top shape. Happy cleaning, everyone!
But, have you ever found yourself scrubbing away at a stubborn stain or grime, only to realise that your go-to cleaning products aren't working as well as they used to? It can be frustrating to feel like you're putting in more effort than necessary just to get the same results.
Perhaps you've even found yourself using more and more of the cleaning product, hoping that it will magically make the task at hand easier. But unfortunately, that doesn't always work.
And constantly buying new cleaning supplies can get expensive. So why are our cleaning products letting us down?
Cleaning products have expiry dates, and using them past their expiry can reduce their effectiveness. Credit: Unsplash/Kelly Sikkema.
Well, as it turns out, there's a simple reason for it — your cleaning products might have expired! Recently, Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and organiser, shared this surprising fact in an Instagram video about common cleaning mistakes.
According to Jacqueline, many people are completely unaware that cleaning products have a limited shelf life. Who would have thought that our trusty cleaning supplies could expire? But the truth is, expired cleaning products can lose their effectiveness and even become dangerous to use.
So, how do you know if your cleaning products are still good to use? Well, Jacqueline suggests checking the product label for an expiry date. If there isn't one, a good rule of thumb is to use the product within a year of purchasing it.
And if you can't remember when you bought it, it's probably best to err on the side of caution and replace it with a new one (noting the purchase date).
In addition to checking the expiry date on your cleaning products, it's also important to be mindful of how much you're buying. As Stein suggests, it's best not to buy cleaning products in bulk if you're not going to use them before they expire.
The next time you're at the store and tempted to buy that super-sized container of your favourite cleaning product, think twice. Will you really use it all before it expires? If not, it might be best to stick to smaller sizes or simply buy what you need as you go.
Different surfaces require different cleaning products, and using the wrong product can damage surfaces or require more effort to achieve the desired results. Credit: Unsplash/Anton.
Aside from reminding us to check the expiry date on our cleaning products, Stein also highlighted another common cleaning mistake: using the same product, like bleach, on every household surface.
As she pointed out, different surfaces require different cleaning products. For example, using vinegar on stone surfaces or device screens can actually cause damage, while bicarb soda can be harmful to marble or surfaces with cracks or deep grooves. It's important to use the correct cleaning product for each specific surface in order to maintain the quality of your home.
So, how do you know which product to use on which surface? Well, for starters, it's a good idea to read the label on your cleaning products. Many products will have specific instructions for use on different surfaces.
Additionally, you can do a quick internet search or consult with a professional cleaner or home organiser for advice on which products are best for specific surfaces. A quick browse at the Cleaning and Home Improvement forum on the SDC website will also do the trick!
Microfibre cloths: they're a staple in many households for their ability to pick up dirt and grime like nobody's business. But did you know that cleaning your microfibre cloths properly is crucial for getting the best possible cleaning experience?
According to Stein, washing your microfiber cloths separately in the washing machine is the way to go if you want to maintain their fibres. This is because washing them with other materials, like cotton or towels, can cause the fibres to become fuzzy and less effective at cleaning.
And, as always, be sure to follow the care instructions on your microfibre cloths for the best results. This may include using a mild detergent, washing in cold water, and avoiding fabric softeners or bleach.
It's a common misconception that a clean house is simply one that looks clean on the surface. But as Jacqueline Stein reminds us, there are many hidden spots in our homes that can accumulate dust, debris, or residue over time if not properly cleaned.
These hidden areas include spots under and behind the fridge, as well as filters in the washing machine and dishwasher. It's important to keep these areas in mind and make sure to clean them regularly, even if they're not immediately visible.
As Stein points out, just because you can't see the dirt or dust doesn't mean it's not there. Dust and other particles can travel through the air and settle in areas you might not even think to check.
So, the next time you're cleaning your home, be sure to move furniture and appliances to clean underneath and behind them.
There you have it, folks! Thanks to the expertise of this cleaning professional, we've learned some fantastic tips for keeping our homes clean and tidy.
From checking expiry dates on cleaning products to washing microfibre cloths separately and remembering to clean hidden spots in our homes, these tips are sure to make our cleaning routines more efficient and effective.
Members, we want to hear from you! Have you tried any of these cleaning tips before? Do you have any additional advice to share with our readers? Let us know in the comments below! We always love hearing from our community and learning new ways to keep our homes in tip-top shape. Happy cleaning, everyone!
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