Household Cleaners: Your Allies in Keeping Your Home Sparkling Clean

Types of Common Household Cleaners

Household cleaners come in a wide variety of types to suit different cleaning needs. Some of the most popular types are:

• All-Purpose Cleaners: All-purpose cleaners are great multi-taskers that can be used for cleaning different surfaces around the home like floors, countertops, sinks, refrigerators etc. They are effective for removing grease, dirt and stains without being too harsh. Look for alcohol-free, pH balanced formulas that don't leave residues.
• Glass Cleaners: Glass cleaners are formulated to thoroughly remove streaks, fingerprints, dust and grease from windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces. Ammonia-free varieties are gentler on hands. Opt for squeegee equipped trigger sprays for easier streak-free cleaning of large glass areas.
• Bleach Cleaners: Bleach containing cleaners work very well for disinfecting and removing tough stains and odors. They are suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and other germy areas but need to be handled with care as direct exposure to skin can cause irritation. Dilute as per package instructions before use.
• Furniture Polishes: Polishes lightly moisturize wood furniture while removing dust. They impart a nice shine without leaving residues. Look for varieties made from natural oils and waxes. Opt for polishes without silicones if you have pets that like to scratch furniture.
• Disinfectant Cleaners: Disinfectant cleaners kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria to keep surfaces hygienic. They are well suited for floors, bathrooms, changing tables, highchairs etc. Use products with bleach or alcohol as the active ingredient when extra disinfecting power is needed.
• Natural/Organic Cleaners: If conventional cleaners seem too harsh, opt for natural varieties made from plant-derived ingredients like essential oils, baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide. They clean nearly as well without the use of toxic chemicals.

Tips for Storing Cleaners

Proper storage of cleaners helps keep them in good condition, prevents accidental spills and hazards. Some storage best practices are:

- Store in original containers and bottles away from reach of children and pets. Clearly label home-brewed solutions.

- Keep cleaners in a dedicated storage space like under the sink or a shelf in the laundry/utility room. Avoid storing in the pantry.

- Don't mix cleaners together in spray bottles as certain combinations can produce hazardous gases. Prepare solutions in small batches as needed.

- Place heavy bottles at bottom and lighter bottles above. Secure with a childproof latch if stored under the sink.

-Stand bottles upright and securely tighten caps after each use. Laying bottles on sides risks leaks.

-Don't store cleaners in direct sunlight, under sinks or anywhere excessively damp which can damage labels or corrode containers over time.

-Clearly label homemade or refilled spray bottles and date them so old solutions don't get used by mistake. Dispose unwanted solutions as per guidelines.

-Safely discard empty containers in outdoor trash to prevent accidental poisonings or misuse. Never reuse to store food or other items.

Cleaning Tools and Equipment

Having the right cleaning tools makes cleaning easier and more effective. Some essential tools include:

-All-purpose microfiber cloths - Highly effective for dusting, polishing, drying and streak-free cleaning of all types of surfaces.

-Dusting tools - Feather or extendable dusters, microfiber cloth wraps for fan blades, furniture slats etc

-Cleaning rags - Rags made of cloth like cotton or microfiber for damp wiping of surfaces.

-Mops - String mops for hard floors, sponge mops for all floor types, wet/dry mops.

-Brooms - Corn or palm bristle brooms, dustpans

-Vacuums - Upright, canister or robot vacuums for different flooring types and needs.

-Scrub brushes - Brushes with nylon bristles of various sizes and hardness levels for scrubbing surfaces.

-Cleaning gloves - Gloves protect hands when working with harsh chemicals.

-Buckets, caddies, organizers - For holding cleaning tools and supplies in one place.

-Extension poles - For attaching microfiber cloths or dusters to reach high areas safely.

-Pressure sprayers - For applying cleaners to larger surfaces like siding, decks, fences and more.

Regular maintenance like washing cloth tools, decluttering and disinfecting surfaces holding cleaning supplies also helps ensure a hygienic cleaning environment. Having the right tools readily available makes it much more likely you'll regularly clean.

Proper Surface Cleaning Techniques

Correct cleaning techniques help you get surfaces truly clean without damaging them. Here are some tips:

- Always read product labels and heed use instructions, precautions and dwell times for cleaners.

- Sweep or vacuum surfaces before damp wiping or mopping to remove loose dirt.

- For dusting, use a microfiber cloth or duster and work from top to bottom in broad strokes.

- When washing walls, start from the top and work in sections with an up-and-down motion.

- For floors, divide the area into small sections and clean one section at a time. Rinse cloths frequently.

- When cleaning appliances, unplug them first and wipe exterior surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

- Clean bathroom surfaces with a disinfectant product and allow adequate contact time as per label.

- Wash windows and mirrors with a squeegee or lint-free cloth to prevent streaking.

- Rinse mops, cloths and other cleaning tools frequently and allow them to dry completely between uses to prevent bacteria growth.

With the right household cleaners, storage practices, tools and techniques, you can easily maintain a neat, clean and healthy home. Minor maintenance cleans regularly go a long way in preventing major deep cleaning projects down the road.