The Most Googled Cleaning Questions, Answered

Why…

… should one clean their house frequently?

In short, if your house is dirty, germs will thrive. By cleaning your home thoroughly with disinfectant, you can kill up to 98% of germs, which will keep you and your family healthy. Mildew and dust mites can also reduce air quality, which will trigger allergies and even cause persistant breathing problems. 

… should someone service their vacuum cleaner?

You should be cleaning your vacuum every 12 to 18 months. And even if it is tempting to let your vacuum’s contents reach full capacity, it’s important to empty it often if you want maximum performance. Degrading or clogged filters on old vacuums cleaners can fail to fully eliminate dust, bacteria and allergens thoroughly.

What…

… is the dirtiest room in the house?

The kitchen wins this prize as chopping boards, kitchen counters and stove knobs carry so many germs, making it one of the most contaminated areas in the home. And the most germ-riddled item in the kitchen? Your kitchen sponge, according to microbiologists – research shows it’s actually 200,000 times dirtier than a loo seat.

… are the most dangerous germs?

A 2016 study of the most contaminated objects in the home found over 340 different bacteria on 30 different objects – at the right temperatures and with the right nutrients, some bacteria divide every 20 minutes. But not all bacteria are harmful – your body contains plenty of bacteria that won’t make you ill. But the ones you need to watch out for are Staphylococcus aureus, yeast and mould, Salmonella, and E Coli. 

How Do You…

… clean windows?

First, brush away any excess dirt, then cover the panes with plenty of window cleaning spray – go for solutions which stick to the window rather than drip down. Then, wipe the panes with an absorbent microfibre cloth or squeegee, as these tend not to leave so many streaks.

Buy: Windolene

… clean an oven?

Start by removing any loose food. You’ll want to wear rubber gloves and then spray oven cleaner on the door and walls (unless it is stainless steel). Let it set for 30 minutes and then simply wipe away the grease. Remove the shelves, and soak them in warm, soapy water, before using a stiff or wire brush to get rid of any stubborn, dried on food.

Buy: Delphis eco Heavy Duty Degreser 

… clean a carpet?

Did you know that carpets can be ten times dirtier than a loo seat? Vacuuming it a minimum of once a week should help, but you can also use  cleaning spray and stain removal solutions for a deeper clean if needed.

Buy: Vanish Gold Carpet Cleaner Foam 

... clean curtains without taking them down?

Use a handheld vacuum cleaner or the long attachment from your vacuum cleaner; then, use a soft brush attachment to get rid of any stubborn dust or dirt. You can also climb a set of steps and shake them hard from somewhere near the pole – get someone to hold the bottom of the steps when doing this. If you want to do a deeper clean, invest in a powerful handheld steam cleaner – this way you can leave them in situ while you clean them (always check the manufacturer's guidelines before cleaning with steam though). Finally, keep your curtains clean by ensuring your windows also stay clean.

Buy: Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

… clean blinds?

Starting at the top (so any dust falls down), and use a microfibre cloth or duster to give blinds a dry clean. For plastic blinds, use a damp cloth to remove more stubborn marks, and for wooden blinds, try a diluted detergent.

Buy: Seventh Generation Multi-purpose Cleaner Spray

… clean a washing machine?

You should empty and thoroughly clean the debris filter regularly. To do this, you need to find and unplug the emergency drain tube. This will release any trapped water and should free any debris inside the filter. To clean the main washing machine drum, occasionally run a hot empty wash. Don’t forget about the door seal and detergent drawer – a gentle wipe or clean with a toothbrush will do the trick.

Buy: Spontex Sponge Cloths

… clean a TV screen?

The best way to remove dust from screen is with a dry microfibre cloth – this will help to avoid damaging the anti-glare coatings. Specialist disinfecting wipes are useful for more resistant marks and can be effective on remote controls, which can be dirtier than you think, too.

Buy: Anti-Bac Screen Wipes  

… clean a loo?

Disinfect the loo bowl with a bleach-based loo cleaner. You squirt this under and around the whole rim, letting it drip down the bowl. With gloves on, scrub the sides and leave the bleach in there for at least 10-15 minutes. For the exterior, spray the entire loo, including the lid, flush and tank, with a disinfectant spray. Again, leave it for 10-15 minutes and then use a clean sponge to wipe it all down.

Buy: Harpic White & Shine Bleach Citrus Toilet Cleaner 

… clean a mattress?

To get rid of dust, use the upholstery attachment on a vacuum cleaner on both sides of the mattress. For stains, mix baking soda with cold water and rub it over the mark. If it remains after half an hour, try using diluted washing-up liquid or even an upholstery cleaner, but always test it out on a small corner first, so you don’t end up damaging the mattress.

Buy: Baking Soda