How to Clean and Maintain Housecleaning Tools and Equipment

Clean Housecleaning Tools

Much like any other project, housecleaning requires the right tools for the right job. By using the right tools and equipment, you know you are cleaning the house properly; but by cleaning and maintaining your housecleaning tools and equipment diligently, you know you are also cost-effective and work-efficient. The end result: a clean and healthy home. Here are some useful tips.

Things You'll Need

• Hot water
• Vinegar
• Oxygen-boosting detergent
• Utility room hangers or hooks

Instructions

1. Clean the vacuum cleaner. With or without bags, vacuums need to be cleaned regularly in order for the suction and air filters to function properly. Replace bags monthly, more often if you have hairy pets. Empty bagless units before they are half full. Brush or wash filters and canisters as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean the outside of the vacuum cleaner with a damp cloth.

2. 

   Wash kitchen sponges in the dishwasher. Have two or more dish sponges handy and alternate usage by tossing the soiled sponge with the dishwashing load.

3. Wash floor mop heads, microfiber dust cloths, bathtub scrubs, carwash sponges and all cleaning rags in the washing machine. Use hot water and vinegar or an oxygen-boosting detergent to sanitize and freshen the items. Air dry completely before storing.

4. Hang brooms, sweepers and dusters so that the brushes and bristles remain straight. Bent and crooked brushes and bristles are inefficient.

5. 

   Organize mop handles, dustpans, squeegees and other cleaning accessories for quick and easy access. Designate an area for storing all housecleaning tools, equipment, paraphernalia and related items.

6. Store vacuum cleaners, shop vacs and other electrical or wired equipment properly. Twist-tie wires and extensions for safety.

7. Throw away tools and equipment that are worn, broken or in any way not performing as intended.

Tips & Warnings

• Nylon brushes and scrub pads can also be washed in the dishwasher.

• Don't forget to clean, wash or replace the floor mats.

• Air filters are also housecleaning tools. Clean, wash or replace them regularly.

• Dirty, unkempt, worn and broken cleaning tools and equipment will make you work harder at keeping your house clean and sanitary.

Resources

• House Cleaning Tips: The 13 Rules of Speed Cleaning
• Essential Household Cleaning Tools