A clean home can be a source of peace of mind and confidence. It also provides a healthier environment.
Regular cleaning reduces exposure to allergens, toxins from consumer chemicals, and germs that cause flu-like symptoms. It also reduces shelter for pests. Here are some safe and effective solutions to keep your home clean: 1. Wash with distilled white vinegar.
1. Use a Microfiber Cleaning Glove
Microfiber is a soft, non-abrasive cloth that traps dirt, dust, and grime. It can be used dry or with liquid cleaners, and it’ll leave surfaces lint-free with no streaks or residue. These features make it a great choice for wiping down counters, windows, and mirrors. It also works well on stainless steel and chrome fixtures.
The tiny fibers in microfiber help to lift and remove dirt, but they’re also effective at removing microscopic materials like bacteria and viruses. Many people find that using microfiber and water eliminates the need for harsh cleaning chemicals.
The microfiber material is designed to be washed hundreds of times without losing its absorbency. However, it’s important to wash the cloths separately from other items, such as cotton towels and bath or hair towels. This is because fabric softener can cling to and coat the microscopic fibers in the cloth, which can cause them to become less effective. Also, don’t wash your microfiber cloths with other fabrics that have a high percentage of wool or silk.
2. Clean the Glass
Whether on your windows, mirrors or glass coffee table, there are many ways to get rid of unsightly streaks. While there are many commercial spray chemicals available, you can also make a simple homemade cleaning solution using items found in your kitchen and pantry.
A mixture of two parts white vinegar and one part water works well to clean glass surfaces. It can be sprayed onto glass and let sit for a few minutes or just wiped with a non-abrasive cloth such as a lint-free microfiber or chamois towel.
For more difficult messes such as soap scum, a baking soda paste or Bar Keeper’s Friend can help. In addition, you can use a non-abrasive squeegee or sponge to remove build-up. If you don’t have a squeegee, you can use a paper towel instead, but remember to discard any lint that collects on it. After using any kind of cleaner, you can buff glass with a dry cloth to finish off the job and ensure no streaks remain.
3. Use a Botanical Cleaner
RMR botanical disinfectants offer a powerful, one-step cleaning and disinfectant solution with the addition of odor control. They use thymol, an ingredient derived from the oil of thyme – which has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and medicinal herb. This deep-penetrating botanical cleaner/odor neutralizer penetrates porous surfaces such as drywall, wood framing and concrete and kills odor causing bacteria with just one spray treatment.
The best part about botanicals is that they are safer for the environment compared to non botanical cleaning solutions. They have lower aquatic toxicity and no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that evaporate into the air during drying and pollute indoor air.
As a concentrate it can be diluted and used to clean a wide variety of nonporous commercial and household surfaces. It’s safe for kids, pets and chemically sensitive individuals and is exempt from WHMIS requirements. Benefect’s safety ratings and environmental impact surpass those of many other popular brands of all-purpose cleaners.
4. Clean the Oven
Oven cleaning is an essential part of maintaining a clean home. It prevents food contamination and keeps your family’s health protected by removing undesired smells from the kitchen appliance. The appliance also becomes easier to use through eliminating the build-up of grease and grime. Lastly, it increases visibility inside the oven.
Using the self-clean function of your oven may seem like a good idea, but it is not ideal. The process usually takes two to four hours and produces a lot of smoke and fumes that can irritate your eyes and lungs. The high temperatures vented during the process can also cause your oven to be damaged.
Moreover, cleaning with standard chemical cleaners is not ideal either. These chemicals contain harmful and toxic substances that can cause various health problems. It is best to hire professionals who are fully trained and equipped for this task. They will clean your oven quickly and effectively for about 1 to 2 hours.