Clean Your Tools

Microfiber cloths or Cotton mops

First, rinse the cloth after each use. Soak it in hot water with white vinegar for at least 3-4 minutes and rinse the cloth again until the water is completely clear. To prevent the bacteria to grow, hang the mop head or microfiber cloth to dry completely before storing.

Vacuum

Remove the canister in order to remove all dirt from it, you can wipe the inside of the canister or wash it directly with a soapy water and leave it until it dries before putting it back.

Bucket

If your bucket get stained, make a past of baking soda by adding water, then apply it to all stained parts — leave it for 30 minutes. When the stained comes up, wipe it with a cloth or sponge or wash it as normal with a running water and let it dry.

Scrub Brushes / Broom

Scrub brushes should be cleaned every after use. To clean thoroughly, remove any debris caught in the bristles using disposable gloves. Or the other option is to fill a bucket with warm water and add 1/2 cup of powdered detergent. Let the brush soak in the solution for a few minutes to break up any dirt then rinse it again and have it completely dry.

Sponges and Rubber gloves

These two can only be use for a week and still depends on the situation of the sponge and/or gloves, but ideally is to replace them every week. In order to keep it clean, rinse them first and have it soak in a hot water with white vinegar or lemon juice for 5 minutes and wash it again then let it dry.

NOTE: When a mop or scrub brush has been used for a really dirty job, or used on a surface which can lead to cross-contamination, it needs to be cleaned immediately.

Storage

It is best to allot tools in each area so it won’t lead to cross-contamination. After cleaning the tools, store them according to their usage and never put a cleaning tool into storage until it's ready for the next day's project.

With proper care using a few of these tips, your cleaning tools will not only produce a better cleaning result, but will also have a more prolonged life, reducing costly replacement.

See the next article about the wrong cleaning habits you’ve to stop from doing.