Commercial Cleaning Industry News, Tips, Guide and Checklist

The demand for house cleaning services across Australia is as high as ever. People with the room in their household budget are paying professionals to do their housekeeping because, well, why wouldn’t you?

Fortunately for those interested in a housekeeping career, this means there are ample job opportunities available. That said, you can’t just buy a mop, call yourself a commercial cleaner, and expect the offers to start streaming in.

Our guide to being a house cleaner covers all you need to know about launching your career and how to make it a success.

What Does a Professional House Cleaning Job Entail?

There are many types of cleaning jobs out there, all with their own specifications. However, most housekeeping jobs follow the same basic structure and involve similar tasks and techniques.

A standard Australian house cleaning job is likely to include:

• Sweeping and mopping floors
• Dusting and vacuuming
• Sanitizing surfaces
• Emptying bins and replacing bin liners
• Disinfecting and cleaning toilets, showers, and sinks
• Washing dishes (in some cases)
• Cleaning windows (in some cases)

Other potential tasks that come with the title of house cleaner are:

• Ordering stock of cleaning supplies
• Providing cleaning equipment
• Locking up a property before leaving
• Laundry
• Coordinating with other cleaners
• Specialty deep clean tasks

It is important to understand exactly what type of house cleaning job you are looking for. Some are light, weekly cleanups, while others involve deep cleaning and heavy work. You must also be responsible for having your own cleaning supplies and equipment, as not all jobs have the necessary items on site.

What Requirements Are There for Cleaning Jobs in Australia?

In Australia, no formal qualification is required to apply for cleaning jobs. As long as you complete year 10 of school, you can pursue this career. Education aside, there are a few things that you may want to prepare before embarking on a house cleaning career path:

• A National Police Check: This is a document to show you have no criminal history. Many people trust their house cleaners with a key and leave them unattended in their homes, so this document is an asset to show potential clients for peace of mind.
• Try to find some work experience first if you are planning to apply for a big cleaning company or independent jobs. Even if it is cleaning for family and friends or taking part in some volunteer work- every little helps.
• Consider pursuing some official training and obtaining a cleaning-related qualification. Australia has many great programs for anyone interested in developing their trade.
• If you plan to apply for any specialty jobs, make sure you have the relevant working certificates and permits.

There is more than just paperwork required if you want to be a successful house cleaner. You need to be a motivated and detail-oriented individual who prides themselves on a job well done. The best house cleaners are methodical, thorough, and efficient. If you struggle to stay focused when working alone, this may not be the path for you.

House cleaning is manual work, so you need to have a decent fitness level. Nobody is asking you to run a marathon, but you are going to be on your feet tackling some potentially tough messes: more than a little detergent and elbow grease is required!

How to Apply for Cleaning Jobs

Professional house cleaning is a booming industry in Australia. Many dedicated agencies are set up specifically for recruiting cleaning staff of every level. Online job sites are packed full of ads from commercial cleaning providers and individual clients looking for some casual help around the house.

Decide what road you want to pursue. You can either strive to become part of an established cleaning company, market yourself as an individual cleaner and work directly with clients, or set up a new company and recruit a team yourself.

Joining an Existing Cleaning Company

Think of these businesses as agencies. They hire multiple cleaners to work for them and assign jobs as they come in. Some are nationwide operations, and others work locally. Either way, you need to prepare a CV with all your relevant experience, training (if any), and availability.

Look for a company that works in your area and matches your experience level. At The Clean Group, we hire cleaners from all over Australia and are always looking for the best of the best.

Independent Jobs

As long as you have a permit and a client to work for, you can work as a cleaner without joining an agency. However, most Australians prefer to hire from a source they can trust. You can post adverts on local job boards and via Gumtree to connect with people looking for a casual service.

These jobs tend to pay less, but they are great for work experience if you are just starting your career.

Starting Your Own Company

If you have worked as an independent cleaner before and are getting a lot of local interest, you may want to start your own group! To do so, you need the get a business license or purchase a franchise. It helps if you have a professional cleaning qualification before you do this.

A Few Top Tips on How to Be a Successful House Cleaner

• Networking is extremely important. You need your name out there to attract new clients. Never underestimate the power of word of mouth!
• Invest time and money into building a professional website, even if you work independently. If people have somewhere to look you up, they are far more likely to trust your service.
• Stay competitive with pricing but do not undervalue the quality of your work. Most Australians are willing to pay more if they believe the service is worth it.
• Repeat clients are your bread and butter. Going after regular jobs, either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, is a great way to establish stability and build a reputation.
• Never show up to a new job unprepared. Buy yourself all the supplies you need as an investment in yourself and your new career. If you look unprofessional when you show up, then the chances are you won’t get a second call or a recommendation.

Final Thoughts

To be a house cleaner in Australia, you need dedication and flexibility. You must take pride in your work and be committed to building a good reputation for yourself. Big cleaning companies look to hire people they can trust to do a quality job on their own.

The toilet brush is one of the frequently forgotten items in people’s bathrooms. Since it’s what you use to clean the toilet bowl, you might neglect it and think that you don’t need to deal with its filth very often.

This guide offers you several different ways for your toilet brush cleaning, including some strategies you can try with products you already have at home.

Using Bleach

Your toilet brush needs to be as clean as the toilet itself. One of the best ways to achieve this is by using bleach.

Prepare the Mix

Cleaning your brush with bleach is immensely easy, but you still need to prepare the ingredients. First, boil some water, and once it’s ready, pour it into a bucket and mix it with the bleach.

Soak and Dry

Put the brush inside the bucket and leave it there for a few minutes. Make sure it’s completely soaked, so the bleach is able to get rid of all the bacteria.

Get the brush out, rinse it, leave it to dry, and that’s it! You’ve cleaned your brush using bleach. Try to do this at least once a week.

Clean the Holder

Something you should remember when you’re cleaning your brush is that the holder gets dirty as well. However, since handling bleach can be somewhat uncomfortable and dangerous, you can use alternative methods to clean this area of your brush instead of soaking the item completely.

You could, for example, apply some bleach in a cloth and rub that through your brush holder. At the same time, you can simply use disinfectant spray instead of bleach in this step, and it will have the same effect.

Remember to Be Careful

Using bleach is very straightforward and it’s a fantastic way to clean your brush, but it’s dangerous since it can severely harm your skin and cause eye irritation.

Consequently, you should always wear protective gear while you’re using it. Otherwise, you might hurt yourself.

Don’t Forget about the Bleach Water

Your brush is now dry, but what do you do with the water bucket you used to clean it up? Be careful! Bleach is harsh on your skin and eyes, and if someone comes in contact with it by accident, they might hurt themselves.

Grab the bucket and pour the water into the sink. If that’s not possible, you can pour it into the toilet bowl itself.

Using Spray

Some people don’t want to expose themselves to using a lot of bleach at least once a week, so they prefer different strategies to clean their toilet brush.

Using a disinfectant spray, for example, is a quick and easy way to get rid of bacteria, and it’s much safer than bleach.

Once you get the spray, place your brush on the floor and apply the product. Make sure you don’t leave any spots without it, and then, grab the brush and put it on top of the toilet bowl so the excess spray drops there.

Putting the brush over the toilet bowl guarantees that there’s no excess spray all over the place, and it also helps you clean the bowl itself because of all the spray drops inside it.

After you do this, pour hot water into your brush for around 30 seconds. Leave it to dry, and then you’re done!

Using Water and Vinegar

If you don’t have bleach or disinfectant spray, you can still check your kitchen, find some vinegar, and make a homemade mixture to clean your toilet brush.

Vinegar is very convenient to clean your toilet brush, but you have to make sure that you leave it long enough for it to be effective. Unlike bleach or disinfectant spray, in this case, it takes a whole night.

Grab a bucket with water and pour a generous amount of vinegar into it. Mix for a while, then submerge your brush completely in the mixture, holder included. Then, leave it like that for at least one night.

Take your brush back from the mixture and leave it out in the air to dry, preferably under the sun. Throw the mixture down the drain or pour it inside the toilet bowl.

Using Baking Soda

Another quick homemade way to clean your brush is to use baking soda. To do this, you only need a pinch of it and a smaller brush to help you get rid of the filth.

Apply the baking soda all over your toilet brush, and using the other one, rub it vigorously. Make sure you don’t leave any spots unattended. Then, rinse the brush, leave it to dry, and you’re all done!

Cleaning While You Clean the Toilet Bowl

Many people forget to clean their toilet brush solely because of the fact that they don’t make it a habit. In this case, the best solution is to clean it while you’re getting rid of the dirt in your toilet bowl.

Clearly, to make this work, you have to clean the toilet bowl first. Otherwise, the brush will get dirty all over again.

Thus, use your cleaning products to handle your toilet bowl, then choose one of the previously mentioned strategies to manage your brush. Remember to repeat this process at least once a week to avoid bacteria accumulation.

Some Precautions

Most cleaning agents are strong and harmful to your skin and eyes. Therefore, you should always wear protective gear while you’re getting rid of the dirt in your brush.

First, you have to wear gloves at all times, especially if you’re using bleach. At the same time, you should never combine bleach with vinegar because the mix produces very dangerous fumes.

Lastly, you must make sure that you’re getting enough air circulation. If it’s possible, open some windows, or at least the bathroom door.

Conclusion

Cleaning your toilet brush is vital since it’s what allows you to keep your toilet bowl free of bacteria as well. Fortunately, the process is very easy, and you have different strategies to choose from, depending on the products you’re able to use.

Although some people only have curtains to stop sunlight from getting to their houses, no one wants dirty curtains ruining their bedroom’s or living room’s aesthetic. The best way to prevent that from happening is by cleaning them regularly, but the process to do it is not as easy as many people think. 

Doing it wrong could make you lose your curtains or stain them for life, so make sure to learn how to properly clean them before trying anything. Read this guide to know how to clean your curtains by yourself without damaging them. 

Hiring commercial services and residential cleaning services is always on the table. This process may seem expensive to some people, but paying for it lets you forget about cleaning your curtains for a while. Apart from that, cleaning experts can also clean the rest of your house. 

We are a Clean Group, and we aim to make your office building or household look crystal clean. The only thing you need to do to hire our services is to contact us through our website and tell us the details of what you need. You can also read some other blog posts there! 

#1 Remove Your Curtains from the Window 

You can’t clean your curtains if they are still hung on your windows, and this applies to almost any method you use to wash them. Most curtains only require you to remove their hooks and weights since that loosens the curtains’ heading tape.

After you take them down, shake them for a few minutes to remove any dust on them. If you think the curtains’ fabric can shrink if you wash it, you can let down their hem. Remember to remove all the dust you can from the curtains before doing anything, and you could even use a vacuum cleaner for it. 

#2 Soak Them into Water

If you have already taken all the dust out of your curtains, you need to soak them in cold water. It’s essential you only use cold water since using warm or hot water could have negative effects on them. 

You can let the curtains sit there for at least five minutes and then start washing them with detergent, baking soda, or vinegar. Hand-washing is the best option for you since it allows you to carefully take care of everything, but that depends on the type of fabric your curtains are made of. 

#3 Handwash Them

We recommend you use fully dissolved detergent for the matter and a toothbrush. Rubbing your curtains is not ideal since it could break or tear them, so it’s best to brush them softly to get rid of any remaining dirt or dust on them. 

Some people use ammonia or bleach instead of detergent, but doing that is dangerous for your curtains, so we don’t recommend you go for that method regardless of the situation you are in. If you notice your curtains need a more thorough treatment, then put them in the washing machine. 

The process is the same as what you would do before and after this step but without soaking them in cold water. Nonetheless, you can only put curtains in the washing machine if the machine is on a delicate cycle. 

Since washing machines sometimes ask you to pour some detergent into them, you can use the one you would have used when handwashing your curtains. 

#4 Rinse the Curtains 

Many people think they can let their curtains dry off naturally after handwashing them and call it a day, but there are a few steps left on the way. 

After the handwashing process is done, you need to rinse your curtains with care to detail. The complex part of doing this is you have to squeeze all the water you can from the curtains, which is difficult if you don’t pay a lot of attention to what you are doing. 

Some people prefer using a washing machine to take care of this too. The delicate settings are the ones that can help you again since you can use a short machine spin to rinse the curtains completely. 

However, if you can rinse the curtains without using a machine, you should do it that way. 

#5 Iron the Curtains 

We know this may seem odd, but ironing your curtains is an excellent way to seal the deal after washing them. Apart from that, it makes sure they stay in the shape you need them to be to hang them. 

This step only works if you iron the curtains while they are still damp. You need to use your iron to stretch the curtains’ fabric and stop seams puckering. Not all types of fabric support ironing, so try checking if the curtains you have recommend you to do it. That information is on the product’s care label.     

#6 Hang the Curtains 

If you stop to see how your curtains look after doing all these steps, you can notice they even look better than before getting dirty. You don’t have to wash them that often, though. Make sure to do it every three or six months depending on how dirty they get overtime. 

Nonetheless, remember to clean any curtain tracks, sills, and windows before hanging the curtains again since that would only make them get dirty again. You can hang them even if they are still damp, so don’t worry about that. 

Bottom Line 

Whether you do it yourself or use a washing machine, handwashing your curtains is not a difficult process, and you don’t need to do it that often either. Therefore, there’s no need to wait to make your curtains look cleaner than ever. 

We recommend you only go for the methods explained on this page since following another one could lead you to damage your curtains or even lose them in the long run.

However, you can always hire a professional cleaning company to take care of the matter, and since you don’t have to clean your curtains often, you don’t have to spend that much money on it. 

The Clean Group can take care of all your commercial and residential cleaning needs, and it doesn’t matter if you need us to clean your walls, curtains, or windows. Call us now to make an appointment with our experts!

Whether you have exterior or interior bricks, they can make your household or office building feel warmer than ever. They are more common in homes, and many people use them for vintage and rural aesthetics. The only problem with it is that bricks can get dirty after a time. 

Not many people know about brick cleaning and how often they should do it, which leads them to let the issue worsen over time or do something that doesn’t help them at all.  If you are looking forward to commercial cleaning your interior or exterior bricks, you’ve landed on the right page!

Here, you can find all the information you need to clean your house’s bricks. Our website also has some blog posts regarding commercial and residential cleaning, so you can check them out if you are interested in that. 

Interior Brick Cleaning

#1 Clean Surface Dirt 

One of the issues of cleaning your bricks by yourself is it’s difficult to know when you are finished. Some people think they are good to go when they get rid of surface dirt, but that’s only the first part of the process. Nonetheless, it’s an essential one. 

You can clean any surface dirt on the bricks by using an average vacuum cleaner. We recommend you use a broom to knock off any dust the vacuum cleaner can’t get rid of. Using a dry mop is also a decent fit for the job, and it’s better than sweeping or any other method. 

#2 Use a Brick Cleaner 

There are many brick cleaners available for you on the market, so pick the one that best adapts to your budget. Some cleaners include a manual or instructions on how to use them, but you don’t need that if you’ve bought brick cleaners before. 

Applying the cleaner directly to dry bricks is not a good idea since it can discolour them. Your goal with this product is for it to stay on the brick’s surface to remove any dirt on it. Therefore, you must apply some water to the brick to keep the cleaner from discolouring anything. 

We recommend you go for a spray water bottle since you don’t want to spray that much water into the walls. This applies the most when cleaning older bricks. You can also use warm water if your bricks have grime on them. However, that requires you to use dish soap and a masonry sponge. 

#3 Take Care of Details 

Cleaning bricks mostly requires you to DIY the whole thing, so make sure to have some sponges and toothbrushes to take care of the tiny pieces of dirt on the bricks. Make sure to wear gloves and goggles while doing this to protect your eyes from chemicals in the cleaning products you use. 

This is when things get interesting since you can use many products for the job. Vinegar is often used for indoor bricks, and it’s not as expensive as other cleaning supplies, so it’s a decent alternative for you. 

Others use ammonia, but we don’t recommend you try that method. Ammonia and bleach are often used for extreme dirt issues and deep cleaning, but it has tons of chemicals on them, and all of them can be hazardous for your body and the environment. 

Dish soap and baking soda are classic methods for cleaning enthusiasts since you can use them for rings, earrings, bathtubs, and almost everything you need to clean in your house. 

Regardless of the one you use, the cleaning method is almost the same for all of them.

Try using a toothbrush or a sponge to scrub and brush the sections between each brick. Doing that is going to make them look cleaner than ever, which gives them the brightness they had the first time you installed them. 

All the methods listed before are often used for interior cleaning and mild issues. 

Cleaning Exterior Brick 

In essence, interior and exterior bricks are not that different from each other, so the methods used to clean both don’t change a lot. Nonetheless, exterior cleaning gives you more freedom when cleaning, and you can use heavier machines to address more difficult issues. 

#1 Pressure Wash Everything

One of the benefits of cleaning exterior bricks is you can use a pressure washing machine to address the situation faster. Pressure washers are often used by professional cleaning companies, but you can use them if you have one of your own. 

The first thing you need to pressure wash your brick is to prepare the exterior building for it. That means sealing your doors and windows to prevent water from getting inside your property. People use puncture-proof plastic sheeting and tape for the job, so get some before starting the whole process. 

#2 Call a Professional Cleaning Company 

This may seem like the obvious option to go for, but calling a professional cleaning company is also the most effective way to clean your property. These companies know all the processes and safety measures they need to take to clean everything without causing any further problems. 

We understand if you prefer to make cleaning your walls a DIY activity, but things get complicated when talking about more severe issues such as moisture, moss, and stains. If you hire a company that provides a high-quality service, you may not need to clean your bricks for a long time. 

Clean Group is available for you whether you need commercial or residential cleaning services, so don’t hesitate to call us whenever you need us to clean your brick walls. You only need to go to our website and fill out an online form with your contact information.

Conclusion

Letting the dirt in your bricks there is only going to make it get more over time. The more dirt and grime on your brick, the dirtier it looks, and it’s more likely to make you to catch an infection due to being close to it. 

No one wants their house or office building to look bad, and it can scare customers and visitors away. Make sure to follow the steps listed before to clean everything up, or call us to take care of all your commercial and residential cleaning-related needs.

Are you tired of taking a bath and constantly seeing water lines or that residue that you’ve tried countless times to try a wash and cleaning?

The chances are you may have soap scum, which is a result of mineral salts and is perfectly normal. 

What Causes Soap Scum? 

Soap scum is perfectly normal, especially in homes where there is hard water. Another name for soap scum is lime soap, as soap scum leaves this chalk-like appearance and texture. 

Certain products can cause soap scum more than others, and they can form not just in shower stalls or bathtubs but any sink or appliance that may fill with water. 

When it comes to soap scum, it can be annoying and frustrating to remove, especially if left unaddressed and not routinely cleaned; however, some things can be done to prevent and mitigate difficult soap scum build-up. 

How to Prevent Soap Scum 

Depending on where one lives, it may be difficult to avoid having soap scum built up; however, some things can be done to prevent it, if not address the build-up. 

Tips to Preventing Soap Scum Build-Up Include:

Liquid soap – When taking a bath or shower, consider using liquid soap, as it does not leave the same type of residue that a bar soap does. Bar soaps are one of the leading causes of soap scum in a bathroom. 

Degreasing agent – Using store-bought cleaning spray, you can squirt directly onto the spot with the build-up and scrub or wipe away. In some situations, it may require multiple applications to remove any sign of the soap scum altogether.

If you live where your water is in a well or have your own water system, consider using septic and well-safe products because some chemicals could be harmful to your system. 

Vinegar and water – Those who prefer a more holistic if not natural way of removing soap scum can use equal parts of vinegar and water and spray the affected area.

Like the decreasing agent, when cleaning with vinegar or a degreasing agent, it is best to use a soft bristle to help lift the surface build-up. If you don’t want your bathroom or the place to smell like vinegar, you can add essential oils such as lavender to offset the smell. 

Dry wet spots – It may seem like more work; however, drying wet areas can prevent the build-up of soap scum. After a shower or bath, you can dry off the walls or areas with water.

This may seem counter-intuitive to do after a bath; however, if you are adamant about preventing soap scum, it is one thing that can be done. It is important to use a dry cloth, not a damp cloth, as it could actually contribute to soap scum build-up when drying wet spots. 

Lemon oil – A recommendation known to work is that after you have cleaned the affected areas, applying lemon oil can prevent the build-up of scum over time.

It may not happen immediately, but many have claimed that by using this as part of their cleaning routine, the soap scum was not only easier to clean but was not as prevalent. 

These are a few tips that homeowners have used to help fight the soap scum build-up; however, there is an alternative solution that can be just as beneficial: hiring professionals. 

Why Hire a Professional Cleaner? 

Hiring a professional cleaner means that you can rest assured that when it comes to the equipment and cleaning solutions used, they are going to know what is the best solution for your home or business.

They understand how to address problems such as soap scum and can provide quick and fast solutions that won’t leave you cleaning and on your knees for hours. 

When it comes to professional cleaners, can offer four benefits: 

1. Thorough – Cleaning professionals are thorough. Whether it’s your bathroom you want them to focus on or your whole home or business, whatever your needs are, they can provide top to bottom services. When it comes to professional cleaning, to succeed as a professional cleaner, thoroughness is a must as not being so can impact future and potential clients. 
2. Equipped – Keep in mind not everyone is going to have the equipment to properly clean; more importantly, not everyone is going to have the industrial and commercial scale cleaning equipment that professional cleaners are going to have. Professional cleaners have access to commercial-grade cleaners that often can not be purchased at any ordinary store, which means they may have a solution to your cleaning problem that you may not even be aware of. 
3. More time – Believe it or not but hiring a professional cleaner can provide you with more time, which means you can focus on your personal or professional endeavours rather than spend your time cleaning. This is a huge benefit, especially when dealing with hard-to-clean issues like soap scum build-up. 
4. Hygenic – If anyone knows cleanliness and hygiene, it’s professional cleaners. Professional cleaners have a standard for cleanliness that helps create a healthier environment and prevents germs from going unaddressed. They have a level of cleanliness that is unparallel to the ordinary home or business owner. 

These are just a few of the benefits that come with hiring knowledgeable professionals to address your cleaning needs. 

Clean Group – The Go-To for Professional Cleaners

The next time you need to hire professional cleaners in and around the Sydney area, consider contacting the Clean Group. Providing affordable and thorough services, Clean Group is one of the few companies that use an electrostatic disinfection method, unlike any other approach that other professional cleaning companies use. 

Regardless of the space, warehouse, residential, or commercial, Clean Group is able to provide reliable and thorough services. 

Clean Group can provide free quotes and assessments so that potential and future clients can have all the information they need to make a smart choice of whom to hire. At Clean Group, you can rest assured that we offer competitive and affordable prices, no matter how big or small the job is. 

Don’t miss out – clean that soap scum or dirt away; reach out to Clean Group today!

Brass has long been a favourite metal for homes, especially on doorknobs, lamps, and decorative hardware. It looks classy, elegant, and bold, but not when it is tarnished and corroded.

Just because brass is heavily corroded, it doesn’t mean you need to throw it away or send it for professional commercial cleaning. There are a few tricks to get things shining brightly again.

Here is a guide on how to clean heavily corroded brass and prevent it from ending up damaged in the future.

A Few Things to Note Before You Start

• Make sure you determine if an object is solid brass or just brass plated before you begin cleaning. If it is plated, thorough cleaning could scrape off the surface, which is not what you want to happen. You can test whether or not something is solid brass by holding a magnet against it. Brass is not magnetic. If it stays, then it is merely brass plated.
• Corrosion and rust are not the same thing and should be treated differently. There is no iron in brass, so it does not technically rust. The cleaning methods you use elsewhere may not be suitable for brass.
• If the brass is heavily corroded, you may need some strong chemicals. Do the cleaning in an open, airy space somewhere in the shade to avoid any risk to your health.
• You can make your own brass cleaning solution at home using simple ingredients, which is worth a try if the corrosion is not too serious or if you are on a tight budget. If the damage is more substantial, it is worth buying some heavy-duty products made specifically for that purpose.
• It is easier to clean in small parts, so if you have an item that disassembles, clean each piece individually.

Also, read these interesting facts about cleaning.

What Do You Need?

• A rag or cloth
• Warm soapy water
• Fine steel wool or a toothbrush
• Paint stripper
• Acidic solution (see DIY suggestions below)
• Brass cleaner
• Protective gloves

The Method

Step One: Use the Paint Stripper to Remove Any Wax or Other Coating

You can’t properly get into the corroded parts of the brass if something is covering them, so you need to remove it first. A small amount of paint stripper onto a dry rag and gently rub the surface.

Step Two: Make Your Acidic Paste and Apply It to the Corroded Areas

Heavy corrosion needs a bit of acidity to help break it down. DIY solutions work well in many cases, so make up a paste of your own. Here are three possible home-made mixtures to use on heavily corroded brass:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar, salt, and plain flour to create a paste. It should be thick and go semi-dry when you leave it on the brass.
• Cut a lemon in half, covering the exposed edge with fine salt. Apply directly onto the brass using the lemon like a sponge. You can also add baking powder to the lemon to create more of a paste effect.
• Tomato paste is plenty acidic on its own. Simply spread it over the brass and leave it to do its thing. You can also use good old fashion ketchup.

Whether you use vinegar, lemon, or tomato paste, it is important to completely cover the object and leave it to soak in for 30 minutes up to an hour.

Step Three: Scrub Off the Corrosion Using Fine Steel Wool or a Toothbrush

After letting the paste set in, it is time for the elbow grease. Using either a strong toothbrush or fine steel wool (depending on how severe the corrosion is and how delicate the surface is), scrub the paste and tarnish off the brass. Depending on how bad the corrosion is, you may need to repeat steps two and three a couple of times.

Step Four: Wash the Brass Object in Warm Soapy Water

When you are satisfied that the blemishes are gone, rinse the object in hand-hot water with a mild detergent soap to get rid of any residue. Don’t leave it sitting in the water- just get rid of everything, then pat it dry. Make sure there is nothing left as it is likely to leave a mark later and negate all your hard work.

Step Five: Polish the Surface with the Brass Cleaner to Add Shine and Protection

You have wiped, soaked, scrubbed, washed, and dried: now for the finishing touch! Take a good-quality brass cleaner and polish the surface with a soft cloth. Polish in a circular motion to avoid streaks and make sure you cover the item evenly.

Adding a polish is not just for the classic brass shine- it also helps protect the surface from scratches and tarnish, keeping it clean longer than it would be without.

How to Avoid Brass Corrosion in the First Place

Like most things, if you keep up with basic regular maintenance, then the damage should never get out of hand.

• Regular light polishing helps prevent corrosion from setting in and keeps things shining. Don’t overdo it- just a brief once over with a simple shop-bought or DIY polish once a month is enough to do the trick. Remember, always clean before you polish.
• Consider having the brass lacquered if you like the style. Some people prefer to keep brass natural for the authentic, classic look, but a lacquer or urethane coating does help prevent tarnishing. You should have it re-done every year- more often if it is exposed to sunlight.
• If you have any brass items that are particularly old, ornate, or important to you, consider having them professionally cleaned every now and again before corrosion has a chance to set in.

Final Thoughts

Professional brass cleaning can cost a pretty penny and is not always necessary. It is impressive what the contents of your kitchen cupboards can do! Brass is a stunning addition to any home décor, but not when it is left to corrode and tarnish.

You can keep brass clean without detracting from its charm- give it the regular TLC it deserves. If you have a piece that has seen better days, don’t give up on it just yet!

It’s essential to clean your kettle every so often. This is because it can have limescale build-up inside. However, don’t be surprised if you haven’t completed this chore yet, because many people forget every year! Also, there are many ways to clean your kettle because there are now fancy kettle commercial cleaning solutions and some at-home solutions. Except, you do not need to buy anything other than vinegar to clean your kettle.

That’s right, there is a simple trick with vinegar that can leave your kettle sparkling, so your water comes out clean and healthy for you to drink.

Where Does Limescale Build-Up?

Limescale build-up happens over time as we continue to fill up our kettles from tap water. Yes, the minerals and contents found in tap water create limescale build-up inside your kettle.

However, this can be significantly reduced if you use filtered water instead of tap water, but most people just use tap water in their kettles.

One of the main reasons for kettle failure is limescale. This is because the element inside the kettle is constantly exposed to water, and when the limescale builds up, it ends up breaking the kettle.

However, modern kettles have changed their layout because they tend to have the element now hiding underneath a metal plate, so it’s harder for the limescale to ruin it.

Also, metal kettles can still have a coating of limescale on the inside and the base plate. When this happens, it is more likely that the limescale can dislodge itself from the inside – leading it to float in your water. That means when you make a cup of tea or coffee, those white bits in your drink are limescale from your kettle.

There are also plastic kettles. People believe that plastic kettles do not attract limescale because they’re not made of metal, but the base still is, so there is still limescale build-up found at the bottom of them as well.

Either way, no matter what kind of kettle you own, there is going to be limescale build-up, and it’s essential to remove it.

Lastly, some people think that the built-in filter is going to stop all the limescale pieces from being poured into your cup. However, it can only stop so much. If you leave the limescale to build, do not be surprised if your filter cannot contain all the pieces anymore.

It’s better just to clean your kettle on a schedule!

How Often Should I Clean My Kettle?

You should aim to clean your kettle every four to eight weeks. However, this number also depends on how much limescale is inside your kettle. Depending on the water you’re using will determine how often you need to clean your kettle.

Start with cleaning it every four weeks. Afterward, look inside your kettle every couple of weeks to see if you need to clean your kettle more often.

However, do not go overboard with the cleaning either because you do not want to drink water with boiled vinegar or a cleaning solution. Also, overcleaning can ruin your kettle.

Materials

These are the products you are going to need to clean your kettle:

• White vinegar
• Water
• Microfiber cloth

How to Descale Your Kettle

Instead of running out and buying kettle cleaners, grab some white vinegar and water because that is all you need to clean your kettle. You’re going to want to fill the kettle with a mixture of half-white vinegar and half water. Make sure that this mixture fills up three-quarters of the kettle. Then, boil the mixture inside.

After boiling, let the kettle and its contents completely cool before pouring it out. Have a look inside and see your now limescale-free kettle. Still, do not use it right away. You’re going to want to boil some water in your kettle and pour it out a couple of times. The reason for doing this is so then, you can get rid of any vinegar taste and smell left behind.

However, if you have a chemical-based product that helps you to descale your kettle, that can be used as well. Make sure to read the instructions first to know how to use it properly.

How to Clean the Outside of the Kettle

When your kettle is completely cooled, you can clean it with a sponge or cloth with some hot soapy water. Remember, do not submerge your kettle in water because then, it is going to break. Instead, wipe the outside with a sponge or cloth and dry it right away.

If you want to make your kettle sparkle, mix half water and half white vinegar. Put it in a spray bottle and add a couple of sprays to the outside of your kettle. Use a microfibre cloth to buff your kettle.

Stubborn watermarks can be found on the outside of kettles as well. If you have some, soak a cloth with white vinegar and water. Take your cloth and wipe at the affected areas. Leave the mixture to work for a couple of minutes before wiping away with a dry cloth.

However, if your kettle is stainless steel or enamel, mix bicarbonate soda and white vinegar to make a paste. Apply this paste to the affected area with a cloth and gently scrub away.

How to Prevent Limescale

A trick to help prevent limescale is to purchase a specific limescale stainless-steel wire ball. This can be found online or at a home hardware store. Place the ball in the kettle and let it get to work. It will attract any limescale deposits away from the base and sides.

Top tip: Rinse and squeeze this ball every month to keep it clear from building up limescale itself.

Conclusion

Kettles are used daily and should be looked after. No matter what kind of water you place in your kettle, there is always going to be limescale build-up. However, if you clean your kettle with white vinegar every four to eight weeks, you are going to see a significant difference inside your kettle.

It’s an easy task that can be completed during your cleaning schedule, so add it in and enjoy cleaner cups of tea and coffee.

A messy microwave is a nightmare for the family. We all use it, but no one is keen on cleaning it. Having in mind that all the dirt and food leftovers are invisible behind the closed microwave door, we often postpone the commercial cleaning and always leave it for tomorrow. 

Day by day, the microwave gets messier, and most people act like it’s going to magically clean itself, but that’s not going to happen. 

Microwave cleaning involves a lot of chemicals, at least two destroyed sponges, a lot of time, and most likely a poorly done job in the end. 

We’ve all been there, and it’s extremely frustrating to spend the entire Sunday morning scrubbing the stubborn food leftovers and still have to see them after two hours of work. Does this sound familiar? It’s something we all experience!

Have you ever thought about the toxic effect of all the chemicals we use to clean a microwave? Think about it…it’s where we heat our food, and then we pour dozens of toxic detergents to clean it; it kind of doesn’t make sense, right? 

If you’re having similar doubts like many other people around the world who are worried about their health and wanting a flawlessly clean microwave, then we are here to help you improve your cleaning skills.

We want to introduce you to some natural ingredients that you all have at home at any time that will become your best allies for microwave cleaning. 

Cleaning with Natural Ingredients

People always avoid listening to the advice coming from the grandparents who are right for so many things, although they didn’t grow up in the internet era and didn’t have a plethora of products to choose from when it comes to cleaning. 

Our folks were practical, wise, and had a simple solution to any issue that we find back-breaking today. 

The lack of chemical products and the toxicity of the existing ones led to a genius solution: cleaning kitchen surfaces with lemon juice. It’s disinfecting, whitening, and smells great!

Over time, some of us have accepted that natural ingredients are the cheapest and the best for doing kitchen chores. 

Let’s make it clear, you probably wouldn’t clean the entire kitchen floor with lemon juice nowadays, but you can definitely use this superb technique to clean the microwave. 

The main goal here is to make sure no chemicals get in touch with our most-used kitchen tool and keep it fresh and clean for a prolonged time. 

Cleaning your microwave with lemon is not as difficult as you think, and it actually saves you tons of time and money. 

How to Clean Microwave with Lemon 

First of all, let’s talk about the ‘equipment’ you need for this simple kitchen task. 

• One lemon 
• A microwave-resisting bowl 
• Clean towel 
• Water 

After preparing the necessary stuff, you are ready to start your microwave cleaning quest that will change your life forever. 

• Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl. 
• Add a cup of water to the bowl and place it in the middle of the turning plate. 
• Set the microwave timer for three minutes or until the water and the lemon juice start boiling. 
• After the boiling, let the bowl sit inside the microwave for additional five minutes, which will allow all the lemon steam to fill up the inside. 
• After five minutes, you can open the door of the microwave, remove the bowl, remove the turning plate (if removable) and clean it separately. 
• Get the clean towels and wipe the inside, starting from the ceiling, then pushing the food leftovers to the sides, and cleaning your way through the bottom. 
• All the food stains and leftovers should come off easily thanks to the lemon juice vapor. 
• If you still see some stubborn dirt around, soak the towel in the lemon juice from the bowl and start scraping softly. 
• All the sticky dirt should be out now. Wipe the entire inside once again, and in the end, clean up the door. 

Now you have a flawlessly clean microwave with a pleasant citric aroma, ready to use and get messy again. 

That’s how easy peasy it is to clean a microwave with lemon, and it won’t take you more than 10 minutes. 

How Often Can I Do This? 

It’s really up to you how often you want to clean your microwave. However, this is a harmless process, for your health as well as for the microwave, so if you need to repeat this cleaning procedure twice a week, then you can do so. Plus, it takes minimal effort and almost no time to do it, so keep it clean. 

Does Vinegar Work the Same? 

If for any reason you are out of lemons, then that’s not a problem at all as long as you have white vinegar lying around. 

You can do exactly the same cleaning process and replace the lemon juice with white vinegar. 

To be honest, it’s not going to smell the same, but your microwave is going to shine clean the same as with the lemon trick. 

Don’t hesitate to try both versions and let us know how it came out. Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent just like the lemon, and it has super disinfecting and bacteria-eliminating properties. 

Also, you can mix lemon and vinegar together and try that way too. Get the best out of the two ingredients and enjoy your spick and span microwave, free of germs, microbes, and chemicals. 

Final Word

There’s no doubt that cleaning with natural ingredients is one of the best solutions when it comes to kitchen surfaces and supplies. You can apply the same cleaning process for your fridge and any other kitchen element that gets in touch with food. 

Health is a number one priority especially nowadays, so we must be careful on how we keep our surroundings clean and try to avoid harmful chemicals as much as possible. 

Don’t let your food absorb any toxic fumes, and from now on clean your microwave with lemon and water.

Whether you completely burn supper or your pans become increasingly dirty over time, you need to scour them at the sink at some point. As a result, we put nine commercial cleaning solutions for a burnt pan to the test.

Continue reading to find out how to clean a burnt pan and which methods are the most efficient.

Warning: Test the method on a small, unnoticeable area before cleaning your pans to ensure that it doesn’t damage the surface. The instructions below are for stainless steel cookware only, not for non-stick cookware.

Method 1: Water, Vinegar, and Baking Soda

Bring one cup of water and one cup of vinegar to a boil in a saucepan. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in two teaspoons of baking soda. Then, remove the liquid and scrub the pot with a scour.

If you still have stuck-on particles, mix a paste with more baking soda and water and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it with a scour and dishwashing soap.

Method 2: Lemons

Slice two to three lemons and arrange them in a burnt pan. Fill the pan with just enough water to just immerse the lemons and place it over medium-high heat. Remove the pan from the heat after bringing the lemon water to a boil for five to eight minutes.

When you notice particles of food floating to the water’s surface, you know the pan is set for a final clean. Drain the water and toss out the lemons. Use a scour or brush to soften and remove any stuck-on pieces after rinsing with hot, clean water.

Method 3: Bar Keepers Friend

Drain your dirty pan after running it under hot water. Then, with protective gloves on, prepare a paste by rubbing a few teaspoons of Bar Keepers with the water left in the unclean pan. Allow 60 seconds for the paste to rest on the charred debris in the pan; don’t wait any longer.

After 60 seconds, rinse your saucepan completely with hot water and scrape away the loose burnt-on food with a brush, sponge, or scour. If any tough spots remain, repeat the process.

Method 4: Dishwasher Tablet

Another option for recovering burnt pans is to use dishwasher detergent. To begin, fill the pot with one dishwasher tablet, one tablespoon of powdered dishwasher detergent, or one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Then, fill it halfway with scalding hot water from your tap and soak it for at least 30 minutes.

Next, carefully scrape the bottom of the saucepan with a plastic spatula or wooden spoon, testing to see if the burnt food bits easily come off the surface.

If this is the case, drain the soapy water and scrub away any leftover residue. However, if not, increase the heat by boiling the water-and-detergent mixture for about 10 minutes on the stove.

Remove the pot from the stove and soak it as it cools before tossing out the liquid and scrubbing away any remaining filth.

Method 5: Boiled Lemons

Fill the pan with a few inches of water and bring to a boil with two or three quartered lemons. Cook for five to 10 minutes or until food particles begins to rise to the surface. Remove any remaining particles with a scour after discarding the water and lemons.

Method 6: Aluminium Foil and Baking Soda

Drain your dirty pot after rinsing it in hot water. Then, generously sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda on top and scrub with a golf ball-sized piece of folded foil after adding a few teaspoons of hot water back to the pan. Scrub until all the charred material has been lifted, then rinse with warm soapy water to complete the cleaning process.

Method 7: Biological Detergent

Leave the pan to cool before filling it with water and one tablespoon of organic laundry detergent. Biological detergents contain enzymes that are specifically intended to remove food stains, and they also work on burnt-on food residue. Return the pan to the stovetop and heat to a boil.

Allow to simmer for around 10 minutes, and the burnt parts will easily lift away, restoring your pan to its original state. Repeat as needed, then thoroughly wash as usual. This approach can also be used with hob-safe roasting tins.

Method 8: Boiling Water

This cleaning method entails returning to the source of the problem the stove. Fill the saucepan halfway with water, or just enough to cover the burnt area. Bring the water to a boil, then set aside for five to seven minutes to cool.

After that, take the pot from the heat and lay it aside to cool. Pour away the water once it has reached room temperature. If necessary, carefully scrape any large, now softened, charred chunks into the rubbish bin with a plastic spatula or wooden spoon.

Finally, add two teaspoons of baking soda to the wet pan and scrape any leftover spots with a scour or sponge. The black residue should come off much easier, especially if you use an abrasive baking soda paste.

Method 9: Dryer Sheet

Did you know that most dryer sheets have conditioning characteristics that might help release burnt residues from your pots and pans? This is how you do it:

Submerge a dryer sheet in a few inches of warm water in the charred pan. Allow the mixture to rest for at least one hour overnight, then discard the dryer sheet and drain the water.

Scrub any remaining food bits with a sponge, and then thoroughly clean the pan with your regular washing technique to remove any material left by the dryer sheet.

Conclusion

Although all of these methods are excellent in removing the dirt from your skillets, we believe the dishwasher tablets are a clear winner. While we can’t speak for other types of dishwasher tablets, we believe they’d be just as good at removing grease and burned-on food.

Whereas the dishwashing tablet was our favourite solo approach, we think the others—especially Bar Keepers Friend and the aluminium foil with baking soda—are also excellent alternatives if you’re ready to put in a little extra effort or elbow grease.

Several homeowners don’t pay too much attention to their pavers until they get too dirty. This is because they consider cleaning these areas a nuisance. However, keep in mind that most pavers are considered a huge investment, so you may want to clean them before they get too damaged and need a replacement.

In essence, the average paver patio may cost up to $15 per square foot. Depending on the size of your patio, you may have to spend up to $4,000 to replace everything. However, if you clean your pavers regularly, you may not have to spend all that money in the future.

Moreover, you don’t have to get a lot of specialized equipment to clean your pavers. As long as you have one of the tools mentioned in this article, you can be on your way to commercial cleaning everything and giving it a shiny look.

If you’re ready to discover how you can clean your pavers correctly and save money in the process, keep reading!

Choosing a Cleaning Method

The first step in your commercial cleaning journey is choosing an appropriate cleaning method for your pavers. It’s important to note that, regardless of the method you choose, it’s recommended for homeowners to power wash their patio at least once a year. Other than that, you may do some regular cleaning with one of the methods shown below.

Some of the most common cleaning methods include the following:

• Brooms
• Dish soap
• Simple green
• Water
• Bleach diluted in water
• Non-acidic cleaning solutions

Many people recommend using pressure washers or even vinegar to clean pavers. Keep in mind that these methods may not be as good for your pavers in the long run.

First, pressure washers may help you clean everything much faster, but you’re also risking damage to the pavers. If you use this method continually, you may have to replace several of your pavers sooner than later.

On the other hand, vinegar can cause a lot of damage to your paver’s structure, so you may also have to replace several units if you use this method, so we don’t recommend it.

Cleaning Your Pavers – One Step at a Time

Regardless of the paver types you currently have, the process for cleaning them is fairly easy; it only takes a bit of time to get it done. Make sure to read until the end of this guide so that you know how to get your pavers in optimal condition!

First – Get Rid of Items and Weeds

If you have anything that may obstacle your cleaning processes, such as grills, pieces of furniture, and other objects, remove them. Otherwise, you risk damaging these items with your cleaning methods.

On the other hand, your patio may continually get weeds, so make sure to pull them out before you start cleaning everything. You must make sure you’re removing them carefully so that you don’t loosen or damage your pavers.

If there’s any moss on your pavers, you can use a soft brush to remove it.

Second – Use Water and Your Preferred Cleaning Method

In this step, you must cover the entire area with water. You may use a regular garden hose for this part of the process.

Once you’re done with this part, you may start using dish soap, degreaser, or small amounts of bleach, mix them with water, and use a brush to scrub your pavers. Remember to be gentle and careful with the process so that you don’t damage anything.

Third – Rinse and Repeat

If you feel like you’re done cleaning, you may rinse the entire area with water. Then, make sure to check everything to see if any areas may need further scrubbing. If that’s the case, you may repeat the second step again and again until you reach your desired results.

Four – Replace Pavers (If Necessary)

In case you find that any pavers are broken or damaged in any way, you may consider calling a professional to replace those pavers. You cannot move on to the next step until you ensure all of your pavers are in good condition.

On the other hand, if you use sand in between pavers, make sure you add enough of it again once you’re finished cleaning.

Five – Seal the Patio

If you want to make your pavers look shiny and beautiful, make sure to add some sealant once all your pavers are in good condition. You can either use a paintbrush or a long handle to apply the sealant to the entire patio.

Make sure to wait for the solution to dry.

Dealing with Mould

We know how exhausting dealing with mould can be. Regular cleaning may not be the solution at first since it can be stubborn to remove. Good practice, in this case, is to use warm water mixed with dish soap and let it sit on the mouldy areas for a few minutes.

Once that amount of time has passed, you can use a brush with stiff bristles and scrub gently until the mould is gone. You may need to repeat this step several times. If this doesn’t work, you may consider using watered-down bleach.

Finally, if none of the steps mentioned above work, you may consider calling cleaning professionals to take care of the issue promptly.

Cleaning Different Paver Types

While the process of cleaning pavers is similar in most cases, you may take some particular considerations depending on your current types of pavers.

In the case of natural stone pavers, make sure you’re not using any harsh chemicals since they’re known to damage natural stone. Here, you may be better off with a regular water and dish soap mix.

On the other hand, brick pavers may need more frequent cleaning routines since these are porous stones, meaning they can get stained much easier than other pavers.

Finally, people with concrete pavers may use a non-acidic cleaning solution to get the job done. While many people use muriatic acid for cleaning these pavers, they can get weaker over time, so you may need to replace them after a short while.

Bottom Line

If you want to keep your patio as clean as possible, you must create a good cleaning routine for your pavers today. As you can see, the cleaning process is not hard; it just takes a bit of time.

Remember you can save a lot of money by cleaning your pavers, and you may even do it yourself. However, if you feel like your pavers need expert treatment, you may call our professionals at the Clean Group for more information!