Commercial Cleaning Industry News, Tips, Guide and Checklist

Cushions bring softness and comfort to our outdoor furniture. They are cosy, attractive, and massively used, but they have one downside – they get extremely dirty. Regular commercial cleaning of cushions can help keep them looking attractive for long.

Outdoor cushions are exposed to the elements day and night, and although we always promise to bring them in when the rain starts, their destiny is to stick around the porch and get moisture, debris, mould, bird droppings, wine stains, animal hair, and all kinds of dirt from the outdoors. 

If you want to have your favourite outdoor cushions ready for the season, but they are looking like there’s no hope, cheer up! We might know a thing or two more on this topic, and we’ll help you learn to clean your outdoor cushions and kick start the patio season with style. 

There is no need to worry when having the cleaning professionals on your side. There are so many things that we can do in the home by ourselves, and cleaning the outdoor cushions is one of the easy peasy home tasks that everyone can do at home. 

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions 

Some outdoor cushions and pillow attachments have removable cases that can be machine washed and dried. If you’re lucky to have those, then don’t think twice before tossing the entire cushion case set in the washer, of course, following the manufacturer’s instructions.  

If, on the other hand, you’re like most of us who get blinded by the design of the cushions when buying them and never check if there’s a removable cover, then you are stuck with the full package, and you’ll have to learn how to clean yours without spending a fortune on cleaning services. 

What Do You Need? 

• Vacuum cleaner 
• Soft bristle brush 
• Borax 
• Dish detergent 
• Hose 
• Towel 
• Bucket of water 

Vacuum Loose Dirt 

You need the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner to collect all the loose dirt, especially in the seams where most of the dirt gathers. If there are buttons on your cushions, be careful when vacuuming those areas because you don’t want to destroy the design. 

In case you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, you can use a soft-bristled brush to remove all the accumulated debris on your cushions, however, the effect won’t be the same as vacuuming. 

Scrub Your Cushions 

For this step, you will need a bucket of water with 1 tbsp of dish detergent mixed with 1/4 cup of Borax. Stir it well, deep in the brush, and profoundly scrub your cushions.

After soaking, let them sit for 5-10 minutes until the solution completely absorbs in the fabric, and then scrub some more. Make sure that you don’t do this on the ground or the grass, you don’t want more dirt sticking to your pillows. 

Rinse 

Next, grab your garden hose and rinse all the cleaning solution from your cushions. Make sure not to use a pressure washer because it can severely damage the fabric. Rinse until all the detergent is out. 

Dry 

After vigorously washing your cushions, it’s time to dry them. Squeeze all the water out with your hands, don’t use your dryer. Squeeze as much as you can, find a sunny spot on your deck and leave them dry naturally. The last thing you can do is use a clean towel to absorb more water from the cushions. This will speed up the drying process. 

Cleaning Outdoor Cushions with Vinegar and Baking Soda 

If you’re a fan of natural cleaning products instead of using chemicals, then you can try the same steps from above but instead of using dish detergent and Borax, mix 1/4 cup white vinegar in four cups of warm water and sprinkle the cushions with baking soda. 

After this, get a brush and try scrubbing the stains from the cushions. Let the solution sit for five minutes, rinse and let it dry naturally. 

This is an excellent solution for environmentalists who avoid the use of chemicals while doing house chores. Try it out, it might work for you as well. 

Removing Stains from Outdoor Cushions 

The key thing in removing stains is to do it as soon as possible. The more you wait, the harder the stain would come out. However, we’ve worked on removing different types of stains, and here are some extra tips on how to save garden cushions that you were planning on dumping in the trash. 

Grass Stains 

Grass stains can be stubborn, but the above solution of Borax and dish detergent should work just fine. If you don’t see a positive result, then buy a liquid detergent that has special stain-removing enzymes, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Brush the stain, and let the cushion sit for a little longer. Then rinse it with your garden hose and dry it naturally. 

Mould 

Another enemy of the outdoor cushions is mould, especially in humid areas or areas around a swimming pool. First, get a brush and try to remove as much mould as you can from the cushions. Then, get a pure white vinegar and pour it over the stain.

Let it soak for 15 minutes. For stubborn stains, soak a cloth in white vinegar and place it over the affected spot, it should work even better. Scrub the stain with a brush, and also, add a little bit of dish detergent after soaking it in vinegar. Scrub again, rinse, and dry in the sun. 

Oil Stains 

Sunscreen, oils, greasy feet, you name it – these are the worst stains, but we have a solution for them too. Sprinkle baking soda or corn starch over the oil stain and let it sit for 10 minutes until the oil is absorbed in the product. Then, get a sharp-edged object and start scraping the stained spot until the dirt disappears. 

Tree Sap 

For this one, you will need a liquid detergent with stain-remover enzymes and powder detergent. Mix the two products over the sap stain until you create a paste and gently brush the stain until it’s gone. After that, use some oxygen bleach to avoid discoloration of the fabric. 

There you have it — a step-by-step guide to cleaning your outdoor cushions. Now, go clean quickly, so you can sit out and enjoy the gorgeous weather!

If you’re looking to venture into a new business without maxing your credit card with upfront investments, then you are in the right spot because we have a lucrative proposal for you: a cleaning business. 

Commercial cleaning services are a never-ending source of income for people who don’t want to bother with formal certification and education. 

The supplies you need to start are basically the same ones that you use for your house chores, and to be honest, if you are unfamiliar with a chemical, you can always check that online and get a full idea of how, when, and where to use it. 

Research the Cleaning Industry

If you’re planning on starting a cleaning business just because have nothing else to do, then at least make sure that you are fit for the job. 

First, decide what kind of services you are going to offer, is it only you working or are you planning to ask your cousin to help you out, do you do light cleaning or include windows? Is there industrial carpet cleaning and pressure washing involved? 

Of course, if it’s only you with a new business idea and a limited budget, you’d like to avoid pressure washers and stick to your hands. 

It also depends on your finances if you’re going to start as an individual cleaner or as a group providing cleaning services. We recommend you figure these things out before you even start organising the details. 

Guide to Starting a Cleaning Business? 

Funding 

First things first, the funding of your cleaning business. For starters, this can be a low upfront investment depending on the size of the business. If it’s only you and you have some money stashed or you can borrow from granny, then you’ll spend less money.

However, have in mind that you need sufficient funds for cleaning supplies, business licenses, permits, insurance, and of course advertising. 

You can also get a loan but be careful with how much you invest in the beginning. Start low and then increase your investment as you generate more money.

Products to consider for the business to start rolling are latex gloves, mops, glass cleaners, paper towels, brushes, and floor detergents, which you can always buy from a retailer and save up money right there. 

Choose the Right Market 

If you’re someone without a car, then you’d need to limit your clientele to a walking distance from your home or include transportation expenses in the cleaning price, which is not a good idea as you might run into a lot of competitors who do own their vehicles. 

For individual newbie cleaners, it’s best to start with smaller homes rather than mansions, it would be more convenient for the effort. If you’re ambitious and want to expand your cleaning service, do it as soon as you increase your budget. 

For the start, be realistic with what you can actually do by yourself and stick to that plan. 

Also, don’t forget about doing your homework on other cleaning businesses in the area and see what services they’re missing that you could offer. Checking out your competitors will also help you figure out the fee for your services. 

Do What You Do Best 

Let’s be real, you may want to do commercial kitchen cleaning, but you have no means to provide the equipment for that. Therefore, stick to the general home cleaning services and always pay attention to what you do best.

Is it the tiles, the carpet, the windows, or maybe the floors and the bedroom areas? When starting a business, you’d always have the urge to do more, but trust me, it’s better to start low until you have the economic power to expand. 

Budget Planning 

Budget planning is crucial when starting a cleaning business. 

Cleaning Supplies

First of all, you need to plan your supply budget, which has to be provisional at the beginning because you still don’t know the right number of clients you have. 

Transportation 

Next, you need to calculate transportation costs, which can also vary depending on if it’s your own vehicle, if you pay for transportation, or if you have a larger cleaning service and you have a company cleaning van. Whatever the case may be, transportation costs will always fall on you, so you must be prepared. 

Equipment 

Well, this one can come along down the road. As for now, you are not required to have any industrial floor cleaners or specialised carpet cleaning devices, but nevertheless, you can consider adding the renting costs to your budget. 

Registration 

You can’t skip this step if you’re serious about your cleaning business, but you can maybe hold off for a bit if your only clients are your aunt and your sister. 

You see, $20 on hand for cleaning a kitchen is not something you’d report unless you have 20 of those per month, then you must register your business and pay taxes. 

The best thing you can do to save money is to look up online advice on all the registration paperwork you need to file to set up your cleaning business. 

Running a legal business will give you more credibility and confidence to move forward and eventually expand. 

Finding Clients… and Keeping Them Happy 

Talking about confidence, let’s have a word about finding clients. In the virtual era we live in, people usually search for domestic services online, but word-of-mouth advertising still plays an important role in cleaning businesses. 

Obviously, if you are an individual cleaner, your first clients will be people you know that would later refer you to other clients. 

It would be great to build a simple website for your business and set a review option so your clients can rate your work.  

The more happy clients you have, the more people would require your cleaning services. 

Make an Online Presence 

Finally, as we said, a simple website would be great, but if you can’t invest in that, just create a professional Facebook page for your business, and, connect to sites that offer cleaning services.

If you take care of them properly, tile floors can last a lifetime. Luckily, tiles are relatively low maintenance compared to some other types of flooring. Warm water, a chamois mop or rag, and a bit of soap are all you need to keep the floor shining and clean.

How Often to Clean Tile Floors

If you want to get rid of the gritty mess that can dull the finish of a tile floor, you should consider vacuuming, sweeping, or “dry commercial cleaning” it twice a week. Mop or wet clean the tile floor in the bathroom once a week and the kitchen every two weeks.  

It is recommended to spot clean the grout once every two to three months or more if your home tends to pick up more dirt; this is especially true in areas that are high traffic zones.

What You Need to Clean Floor Tiles

Materials

• Warm water
• Dish soap or all-purpose cleaner

Tools / Equipment

• Dry cloth
• Bucket 
• Chamois mop or rag
• Vacuum or broom and dustpan

How to Clean Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Floors

It is often hard to see grime build-up under your feet, even though most porcelain, ceramic, and tile flooring are easy to clean. You can clean ceramic or porcelain tiles with basically any sort of cleaner, whether it’s simple white vinegar, all-purpose cleaner, or another commercial cleaning product. 

Step One – Vacuum or Sweep the Tiles

Make sure you focus on areas where the dirt piles up, such as corners or around skirtings. If you are looking for a way to pick up hair and dirt quickly, you can incorporate a microfiber duster into your clean-up.

Step Two – Combine Warm Water and a Cleaning Solution

Add your cleaning detergent to the water and mix thoroughly. Please follow the instructions on the label or the manufacturer’s directions on the packaging. Even though tiles don’t fade or scratch, it’s better to follow the guidelines on the product so that it doesn’t leave too much residue on your flooring. 

Step Three – Gently and Evenly Run the Mop Over the Floor

When cleaning the area, ensure there is not an inch of floor that gets missed by following a pattern as you move through the room. That guarantees that this particular part of your home will be left in spick and span condition.

Step Four – Change the Water Regularly

The water will naturally become cloudier as you rinse the rag or mop. Refill it regularly to avoid a hazy film of grime being left on the tiles by dumping the dirty water down the drain. 

If you start noticing a grime film-forming, we recommend creating a mixture of hot water and white vinegar. Dampen your cloth with the solution and begin wiping the affected area.

Step Five – Clean the Grout

Mix up a bleach solution (make sure not to get bleach on your hands) or use a specially made grout cleaner and spray it on the required area. Give it a few minutes to sit so that the solution can extract the dirt and then rinse it off.

Step Six – Dry the Floor with a Clean Cloth

Dry your tiles with a clean cloth immediately after mopping, especially if it is prone to forming hard watermarks. 

How to Clean Natural Stone and Marble Tile Floors

There are a few caveats to note when cleaning granite, slate, and marble tile floors, even though they are cleaned nearly the same way.

• Natural stone tile floors tend to scratch much more quickly than porcelain and ceramic, so make sure to use a soft-bristled broom when sweeping. 
• Avoiding discoloration on granite requires that you use a mild detergent that is PH-neutral. 
• Marble and slate tiles can’t handle any acidity, such as a powerful grout cleaner or vinegar solution. 

How to Clean Linoleum or Vinyl Tile Floors

The tile upkeep of linoleum and vinyl floors is necessary even though they are inexpensive alternatives to the pricier ceramic or stone tile counterparts. Linoleum and vinyl aren’t made to withstand moisture and extreme heat, so be careful when using a steam mop as an easy solution.

• Vinyl: Mop with a mixture of vinegar and water or a manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution after sweeping. This kind of flooring can scratch easily, so make sure not to use an abrasive cleaner.
• Linoleum: Clean with a mixture of water and borax or solutions meant for linoleum flooring after sweeping. If you want to maintain the floor’s shine, it is recommended to apply a coat of wax every three to six months. 

Tile Floor Cleaning Tips

Instead of using a sponge mop, try to get hold of a chamois mop or rag, as the sponge will drive the dirt deeper into the grout. Make sure not to use peroxide or vinegar on the grout as the acidity tends to weaken it up. 

If you have stone floors, ensure that you avoid damaging acidic cleaner as it eats away at the material. 

Removing Stains from Grout

Stains quickly occur on grout, especially if it is light in colour. Combine water and baking soda to make a paste if you can’t get rid of the stain with regular cleaning. After applying the solution to the stain, let it sit overnight or for a few hours, then use a nylon brush (an old toothbrush works well, too) to scrub out the marks. 

You may have heard of using a steam cleaner to get rid of grout stains, but we don’t recommend this; if the grouting is steamed regularly, it could lead to long-term damage. 

Avoiding damage to your grout is essential if you want beautiful tiling that will last a lifetime. If you want to protect your grout from further harm, you can apply a silicone-based sealer to protect the area. 

Conclusion

Having clean tiles in the home keeps your place looking fresh and allows you to have a sanitary home for your family. Follow the guidelines set out in the article and clean your tile flooring correctly the first time around.

Showers and bathtubs deserve to be appropriately cleaned because that is where we clean ourselves after a long day. The reason for having a clean shower is because you can fully appreciate it once you’ve finished. Taking a shower in a cleaning space is the best feeling in the world, and you deserve to have that experience as well.

This post is going to break down how to get your shower in sparkling condition, so you can enjoy it the next time you clean yourself.

Materials

These are the materials you are going to need when cleaning your shower:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Oxygenated powder
• A toothbrush
• Microfiber cloths
• Washing soda
• Water
• Dish soap
• Drain cleaner
• Drain snake

Get Rid of the Mould & Mildew

Mould and mildew can appear in any bathroom, but it can be challenging to get rid of once they appear. That is why it is crucial to tackle the areas that could grow these bacteria.

Many people use chlorine-based bleach but a better alternative is hydrogen peroxide and oxygenated powder. These two products combined are better for you and the environment.

What you want to do is combine the two to form a paste. After this paste is made, add it to the mould and mildew areas with a toothbrush. Allow the paste to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it away and wiping it with a cloth. After this, you should see that the mould and mildew are gone.

Clean Your Grout & Tiled Wall

To clean your grout and tiled walls, mix two parts of washing soda and one part of hydrogen peroxide. This mixture can clean and brighten your affected areas in the shower.

Grab a toothbrush and apply this mixture to the grout lines. After letting it sit for a few minutes, use the toothbrush to rinse it away with some water. This is going to brighten any white grout that is in your shower.

When it comes to the tiled walls, you do not need to do anything extensive. All you are going to need is a cloth with some diluted white vinegar on it. Use this cloth to wipe away any watermarks or stains on your tiled walls. Afterward, buff them out with a dry cloth, and you are now good to go.

However, some tiled walls are made of marble or other porous stones, so the previous method is not going to work for you in this case. Instead, put some plain water on the cloth and buff out any dried watermarks. This method is going to avoid any damage to your beautiful tiles.

Take Out Stains in the Tub

Porcelain-Enamelled Steel Tubs

The best method to use when you have a porcelain-enamelled tub is to rinse and dry the tub after every use. Also, when wiping away any dirt, it is recommended to use a microfiber cloth and dish soap. This is because the dish soap is non-abrasive and will not ruin your tub while cleaning.

Fibreglass Tubs

You are going to want to use a gentle cleanser when it comes to cleaning your fibreglass tub. Make a paste with soap, baking soda, and water. Apply it to the areas you want to clean and wipe it away with a microfiber cloth and some water. This is going to leave your fibreglass tub looking fresh and brand new.

Acrylic Tubs

Acrylic tubs are great because they are hard to stain and easy to maintain. However, if you need to wash it, use some warm water and dish soap with your microfiber cloth. This way, you do not scratch your tub. Remember to rinse the tub thoroughly once cleaned.

Don’t Forget Your Drain

Drains are usually forgotten in tubs and showers because no one wants to go near any hair build-up. However, it is crucial you clean this area as well; otherwise, it is going to stink.

Grab your drain cleaner and apply it to the edges of the drain with a toothbrush. Afterwards, remove the cap and clean it underneath with the toothbrush. Be prepared to grab any hair that comes with the cap.

Also, do not forget the drain itself. If you have a drain snake, use it to take out any hair clogging up your drain. A drain snake can be purchased at any home hardware store.

Clean Your Showerhead

Cleaning your showerhead can make a big difference when it comes to your shower experience. There can be build-up found within your showerhead, so regularly spraying some white vinegar on it can help with keeping the build-up at bay. If you want to do a deep clean, then take your shower head off and soak it in a mixture of half white vinegar and half water.

Let the showerhead sit for one hour before taking it out and wiping it clean. Afterwards, allow the water to run through the spout so that all the vinegar comes out. Remember to do this step, because you do not want to shower with water that has some white vinegar in it.

Your Shower Curtain & Glass Door Need to Be Cleaned

The shower curtain is often overlooked, so take time out to clean this as well. Remove the curtain and plastic liner from the rod. If you have the manufacturer’s guide, follow this to clean any dust or particles off it. Otherwise, lay it flat outside and spray a half-white vinegar and half water mixture.

After letting it sit for a couple of minutes, rinse it with some water, and you’re good to go! If you have a glass door, then just wiping it dry after taking a shower is a great way to maintain it. Otherwise, simple water and white vinegar spray is a great way to clean off any dry watermarks with your microfiber cloth.

Conclusion

Look after your shower by cleaning it regularly. Also, give it a deep clean occasionally. This is important because we spend a lot of time in our showers cleaning ourselves. You do not want to shower in a place that is not clean because then, it defeats the purpose of your shower.

With these easy steps, any shower can look clean and sparkling before using it.

Although many people don’t know it, commercial cleaning your bathtub is something you have to do often if you want to keep it from getting a lot of dirt, soap scum, and anything that comes out of your body. 

We know what you may be thinking, so no; bathtubs don’t clean themselves when you fill them with water and soap and get in them. 

When you do so, all the dirt you have in your body gets to the tub, and getting rid of it is not that easy if you wait a lot of time to do it.

Not cleaning your bathtub often can damage the tub’s ceramic and make it look dirtier over time. Apart from that, soap scum tends to build up in your bathtub after you take a few showers. 

Here, you can find the most effective way to clean your bathtub! You can check out our website to read more guides and cleaning-related blog posts. 

#1 Get Some Cleaning Supplies 

You can’t get your bathtub clean if you only use water to do it. Gathering some cleaning supplies can help you get the facility cleaning job done and forget about cleaning your tub for a little while.

The first thing you need to get to make your tub cleaner than ever is a cleaning bucket that is big enough for you to mix water and other cleaning products in it. A medium-sized one should be enough for the job. Make sure to get a stiff cleaning brush and a scrub sponge along with it. 

Getting to cleaning products, baking soda is essential since it works as a cleaner, stain remover, and deodorizer. Combining it with vinegar gets you a drain cleaner, so get some vinegar too. 

Not everyone needs this, but get tub and tile cleaner if you need to remove mineral build-up from your tub. 

Dish soap is often used as a general cleaner, so mixing it with water and vinegar makes the mix to be overall more powerful. Some people tend to use ammonia or bleach, but it’s a toxic product, so only use it for extreme situations and deep cleaning. 

#2 Pour a Bucket of Water into the Tub

Heat some water until it’s completely hot and pour it into the bucket we mentioned in the previous step. After that, dump the water into the tub and wait until it drains. You can get rid of drain clogs while you wait. 

Most people use baking soda while clearing drain clogs, but try to not use it all since the next steps need you to use it. The only thing you need to do is prepare a mix of baking soda and white vinegar. 

#3 Spread Baking Soda All Over the Tub 

Baking soda is one of the most effective cleaning products on the market regardless of what you want to clean. It even helps you with earrings and rings. Therefore, you don’t need that much baking soda when cleaning your tub. 

Spreading baking soda all over the bathtub cleans away all stains on your tub or at least makes it easier for you to clean them in the future. People cleaning bathtubs with an extreme level of dirt often use tub and tile cleaner to get the job done, but you don’t need to do it if your problem is not that serious.

#4 Use your Scrub Sponge to Scrub the Tub 

This is when you need to get your hands on the job, so start by filling another bucket with hot water and two tablespoons of dish soap. Let the mix sit for a few minutes, and get the sponge into the bucket. 

Use the water dish soap and sponge to scrub the bathtub and get rid of the tiny details there. You can use stiff cleaning brushes to clean more difficult stains, but your sponge and the soap should be enough for average cleaning jobs. 

Extreme cases of dirt and stains can be solved with a spray bottle with a mix of water and ammonia. However, we don’t recommend you go for this method if you don’t need to since ammonia and bleach contain a lot of chemicals that can be hazardous for your body.

#5 Rinse and Clean the Tub 

If you already cleaned all the dirt on your tub, you have to make sure to completely get it out of it. Letting it harden would only take you to how you were before, so use water to keep filling out the tub and rinse it out while you clean it. 

Some people use a shower head to rinse the tub, but that’s up to you since both methods are almost equally effective. If you notice there’s still some mould in your water that you can’t clean, then you are most likely going to need to use bleach. 

#6 Finish Up Some Details 

Now that your tub is clean, you need to take care of other parts of it apart from ceramic. Give a shine to the handles and faucet of the tub every once in a while to prevent them from getting dirtier. 

You can do that with a clean microfibre cloth and any of the cleaning products we mentioned before. Cleaning the different parts of a tub is not that difficult, so that shouldn’t represent any trouble for you. Let everything dry itself naturally, and you are good to go. 

Wrapping Up 

As you could see, cleaning your tub is not as difficult as many people would think. We know it can seem like a nuisance, but it represents an investment in the appeal of your bathroom and how comfortable and clean you feel when getting in the tub.

You don’t need to do this every day, but it mostly depends on how much you use your bathtub. If you use it regularly, then you are fine by cleaning it once every two weeks. People who use them more often should clean their bathtubs once a week. 

We are the Clean Group, and we offer our services to people looking forward to getting commercial or residential cleaning, so contact us any time you need us! Our website has more blog posts related to cleaning and how to get rid of dirt and stains, so check it out any time you have a chance.

Most PC keyboards can get dirty after prolonged use, even if you try your best to keep them clean. Over time, all this accumulated grime can affect the performance of a keyboard. All you’ll need to do to keep your keyboard clean most times is unplug it and it cleaning with pumped air or rubbing alcohol.

Spills cause more damage, so if anything wet comes in contact with the keyboard, the best thing you can do is disconnect it and wipe it dry immediately.

Step One – Turn Off the Pc and Disconnect All Cables

If you want to protect the equipment from damage, turn off the PC before even thinking about cleaning your keyboard. If the keyboard has a cable, pull the plug that connects it to the PC.

However, if it is not possible to remove the device, disconnect the power cord from the computer to avoid the danger of electric shock.

Moreover, you can disconnect most USB keyboards before turning off the computer. However, doing this with a regular keyboard could damage the computer. Therefore, always turn off the PC before disconnecting anything if you are unsure.

Remove the batteries from Bluetooth keyboards if you intend to give the keys a thorough cleaning.

Step Two – Turn It Upside Down and Give It a Good Shake

Turn the keyboard upside down and shake out as many bits of dirt as you can. Shake it gently, and all kinds of crumbs and dust may fall right off. Tilt it around and tap it on its back to make sure all the debris is out.

Search for the sound of bits and pieces inside of the keyboard. Sometimes mechanical keyboards and other devices that have raised keys may end up with some debris under them. Consider disassembling the keyboard for a thorough cleaning.

If you want to clean a laptop, put it upside down and gently support it while cleaning all the crumbs that might have fallen into its keys.

You could also use a gel cleanser to remove residue between the keys. These gels have a slimy consistency that can be spread on the electronic and peeled off.

The loose residue may stick to the goo as the product comes off. Before investing in a gel cleanser, be sure to look into reviews of each product so that you don’t accidentally buy a bad one.

Step Three – Blow out the Dust with Compressed Air

Air-blowing is the handiest cleaning practice there is, so you should get your compressed air machine from a local electronics department or store if you don’t own one.

If you want to use it, you have to attach the plastic straw to the nozzle and hold the can pointed toward the keys. Move the nozzle from left to right on the keyboard with constant flows of air.

Keep the device 1/2 inch over the keyboard all the time. Blow it from different angles if you want to clean it completely. Have it face you first and then turn it to each side.

Hold it while blowing on it if you are cleaning a laptop or membrane keyboard. Maintain it inclined at an angle of about 75 degrees so that it is not completely vertical.

Step Four – Use a Vacuum Cleaner to Get Rid of Stubborn Residue

A good vacuum cleaner is going to remove most of the dirt and grime that may remain inside the keyboard. The best thing to do this with is a vacuum cleaner with a hose, but you could also use a regular one with a brush. Use it to clean the whole keyboard and use extra care for the areas between each key, which is where stubborn debris gets stuck.

Ensure that the keys aren’t loose. If they happen to come off, just pick them up, clean them, and put them back in place. Press it into place or snap to reattach it to the keyboard.

Step Five – Use a Cotton Swab and Rubbing Alcohol

Lightly moisten the q-tip so that there is not too much dampness under the keys. Then pass it around the keys to remove all the remaining dirt. Repeat several times as necessary until you’re satisfied with the level of cleanness.

Change the q-tip as they become soiled. If you use alcohol, it can erase the elements printed on the keys, which is why it should be kept away from those parts.

Isopropyl alcohol is very easy to dry, which makes it better than water. You can find it in most drugstores. However, you could also wrap a knife with a lint-free cloth.

Dampen it with rubbing alcohol and then scrub with it the grooves of the keyboard. This is a better option for mechanical keyboards that have raised keys.

Be careful if you want to clean a laptop. You can still use rubbing alcohol, but the delicate equipment on a laptop is directly underneath the keyboard, and you should not let any liquid drip under the keys.

Step Six – Use a Lint-Free Cloth to Wipe Away the Dirt

Use a microfiber cloth to avoid creating more dirt. Ensure that the cloth does not drip at all when dampening it. Then pass it on top of the keyboard to get rid of the remaining dust and other debris.

Don’t go too hard on the keys, or you may damage the printing. Be careful with the keys you use the most, as these parts tend to have more dirt, and they may need to be scrubbed several times.

You can also use a toothpick to clean very dirty parts. Hold it almost completely against the keyboard, then rub it to remove the dirt. Afterwards, you can clean everything up with rubbing alcohol.

Step Seven – Polish with a Cloth

Top everything off with one final cleanse with a dry cloth. Then, check it again to see if you missed anything. If it is still dirty, you may want to disassemble it for a thorough cleanse. When you’re done, plug in the keyboard and test it.

There are plenty of great things about living in Australia, but few compare to the luxury of having your own outdoor swimming pool. Those hot tropical summers that so much of the country experiences each year are made all the more glorious with a dip in the backyard.

What is not so glorious is algae or pool scum- it is certainly one way to ruin a summer afternoon. DIY pool cleaning does not have to be a mammoth task if you keep on top of things throughout the year.

Here is a simple guide to commercial cleaning an outdoor pool and a few top tips on how to make it easier.

What Equipment Do You Need?

• Water test strips (for checking the current chemical levels)
• Various pool chemicals (PH and alkalinity balancers)
• A pool brush and skimmer
• Good quality pool vacuum

Five Steps to Basic Pool Cleaning

The necessary steps for pool cleaning depend on how dirty it is. If you have a serious algae problem you need to do a lot more than someone with a little bit of dirt on the floor.

Running simple weekly maintenance on your pool is the best way to keep bigger issues at bay and avoid high costs and big jobs. This five-step guide is a basic but effective solution for regular pool cleaning.

Step One: Get Rid of Debris

You need to get rid of any items, trash, or other debris lying in or around the pool. First of all, it is a safety hazard for swimmers, and secondly, it may damage your vacuum or filter.

If you wouldn’t try to hoover up off the carpet, then don’t do it in a pool! Remove twigs, leaves, stones, and the rest. An easy way to do most of this job is with a pool skimmer, but you may have to get wet if anything has sunk to the bottom.

Step Two: Scrub and Vacuum the Surfaces

Algae cling to the walls and floors of a swimming pool. Even if you don’t see it, the spores settle there, waiting for an opportunity to grow. If you do not scrub all the surfaces regularly, your pool could end up overrun with algae and sludge.

Once you thoroughly scrub everything, send in the pool vacuum to suck up anything now floating around in the water. There are many vacuums for pools to suit a range of budgets, but it is well worth investing in a good one.

Step Three: Check the Filter

Filters work hard in outdoor pools, and they need regular maintenance to continue doing their oh-so-important jobs. You should check the pool filter at least once a month and clean it even more often.

Get into the habit of cleaning and backwashing your filter as part of your weekly pool maintenance routine, and it is likely to last far longer.

Sadly, no filter lasts forever, and it will need changing at some point. If you’re not 100% sure how to properly change it, ask a professional. Many modern pools in Australia have easy-change filters, so take a quick look at the manufacturer’s guide first.

Step Four: Test the Water and Treat as Needed

Whether you have a saltwater or chlorinated pool, the water needs chemicals to stay safe for swimmers. Salt pools are more common in Australia and have fewer chemicals, but they still need some.

You should use professional-grade test strips to monitor the chemical balance of your pool every week. Check the PH balance and the alkalinity levels and treat the water according to the results.

Again, this is a fairly simple task once you get the hang of it, but if you are not completely confident, ask for assistance from someone who is.

Step Five: Run the Pump and Wait

A freshly cleaned, newly balanced pool needs a bit of time to regulate. Keep your pump running while you clean and leave it on for a little longer to fully circulate the chemicals and filter out any remaining dirt.

You should wait at least 30 minutes, but an hour is better if you added chemicals. If you used calcium chloride during the cleaning process, do not swim for four hours afterwards, and run the pump the whole time.

Pool Cleaning FAQs

How Do I Get Rid of Algae?

Sometimes, basic cleaning ain’t going to cut it. An algae-filled scummy pool is nobody’s friend, and it does require a bit more attention. The best way to clean algae is with algaecide and pool shock.

Pool shock is a strong chemical that attacks and dilutes algae. It should be left on overnight with the pumps and filters running and may need to be applied multiple times. If you are shocking your pool (and we don’t mean skinny dipping) then you should not swim for at least 12 hours after finishing the process.

When Do I Need to Drain My Pool?

Completely draining your pool is not necessary very often. Removing all the water leaves the bottom of the pool exposed to potential damage, plus dumping all the chemical-filled water is not so simple.

You only need to fully drain and refill your pool every three to five years, depending on the size and how well maintained it is. If you are closing your pool for winter, just drain some of the water to bring it below the skim line, and be sure to dispose of your water safely.

What Types of Chemicals Do I Need?

The most common pool chemicals are:

• PH balancers
• Alkalinity reducers and increasers
• Calcium chloride
• Pool shock
• Algaecide
• Calcium hardness increasers and reducers
• Chlorine

What Are the Correct Chemical Levels for a Swimming Pool?

You ideally want a PH level of between 7.4 and 7.6 and an alkalinity of 100-150 PPM.

How Often Do I Need to Change the Skimmer and Pump Baskets?

Skimmers keep the pool clear and the water flowing, so it is not good when they get blocked. Check on them each day to see how full they are. That way, they never overflow and cause problems. Take a look at the pump every week.

Final Thoughts

Dirty pools are not part of the Australian dream, and with a little weekly TLC, they have no reason to show up and ruin yours. Rather than let things build and leave yourself with a tough task and lots of expenses, take a bit of time each week to clean and maintain your swimming pool. It is all worth it for that first jump in when the temperatures peak in summer!

Do you have a slow draining sink? It can drive anyone crazy because no one wants a slow draining sink. When the water takes its time to drain, it means that your drain is clogged and needs to be cleaned. Luckily, there are many ways to complete this task without grabbing harsh chemicals.

It’s best not to use harsh chemicals because professionals say they can ruin your pipes and the environment. That is why it’s better to use cleaning products that are recommended when commercial cleaning your drain.

This post is going to break down how to clean your sink drains, so your sink is draining properly.

Materials

This is a list of materials that you may need to clean your sink drains:

• Boiling water
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Enzyme drain cleaner
• Stinky drain solution
• Plunger

Different Ways to Clean & Maintain Your Sink Drain

Hot Water

One of the best ways to avoid getting into this situation is by pouring boiling water down your sink drain at least once a week. The reason for doing this is that it can help prevent any build-up in the pipe, so you are less likely to have a clogged drain.

Vinegar

Another method to keep up with maintenance is pouring a cup of vinegar down the drain. Let the vinegar sit for around 30 minutes. Afterwards, pour two quarts of boiling water down the drain, so the vinegar is rinsed out. The last thing you want is to have a strong smell of vinegar coming from your sinks.

Enzyme Drain Cleaner

Go to a local home hardware store and look for an enzyme drain cleaner. These are also great to use because they are made up of components that can help with maintaining your sink drain. The enzymes can break down a lot of build-ups that are found in pipes.

Before using it, read the instructions and pour the recommended amount down the drain. These cleaners usually only need to be used once a month, but check the instructions to be on the safe side.

Cold Water for Grease

When it comes to kitchen sinks, grease is a terrible culprit for clogged drains. That is why it is recommended that you scrape your dishes well and rinse them with cold water before placing them in your dishwasher. This is because this can keep the grease solid, so it can move through the drainpipes.

However, warm water emulsifies grease. That means, as it begins to cool throughout its travel through the pipes, it can solidify as it cools and begin to coat the inside of the drain line. Over time, this is going to cause build-up and stoppage of anything else passing through the pipes.

Do You Have a Stinky Drain?

Sometimes with a clogged drain, it can become stinky. That’s never nice to have in your home because no one wants to smell all the contents that have travelled through your pipes. That is why using half a cup of baking soda and two quarts of hot water can eliminate that smell.

Baking soda is excellent for all forms of cleaning, especially sink drains. It can absorb all the odours, which is why it can help get rid of that stinky smell. There are also specialized products to help with a smelly drain. Go to a home hardware store and see what is available.

Also, always remember to read the label on any cleaning products you buy because it is going to tell you how to use them properly and efficiently.

How to Unclog Your Drain

Very Hot Water

When your drain is clogged, using your sink can be very frustrating. However, there are also some ways to combat a clogged sink. One of those ways is to leave boiling water in your sink for one to two hours. The pressure and the weight from the water can clear a clogged sink in some cases.

Plunger

Another way is to use a plunger. Using a plunger on your sink can help unclog your drain, so the water can pass through easily.

Grease Clog

If it is a kitchen sink and you are worried about the clog being from grease, you will need vinegar and boiling water. You are going to want to mix them and pour them down the sink.

Give the solution a few minutes to work, and then use a plunger. There is a possibility that you are going to have to do this a few times to unclog your sink.

How to Specifically Clean Your Bathroom Sink Drain

Bathroom sink drains can all be cleaned and maintained with the same methods that are previously mentioned. However, the only difference is that there is probably hair in your bathroom sink, so it’s essential to get that out when cleaning your drain.

Go to a home hardware store and pick up one of the many devices that can be used to take hair out of drains. If you can’t get your hands on one, then grab a metal coat hanger and straighten it out before creating a hook on one end. After your device is ready, place it down the drain and pull it back out.

There is going to be a lot of hair and gunk when you pull the device out, so have a bag ready to throw it in there because it is also going to stink. After it’s all come out, run your hot water so the drain has a chance to clean itself.

Also, remember to clean your pop-up stoppers. Lift them out of the drain, remove any contents from it, and scrub away all the gunk. Afterwards, rinse it and put it back.

Conclusion

Sink drains need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Otherwise, they can cause a lot of problems. The last thing you want is a drain that smells because you have not cleaned it properly.

That is why, after doing a deep clean, maintain your sink with hot water and vinegar. It’s a simple way to keep your drains lasting longer.

Refrigerators are one of the most important appliances in a house since they store and preserve our perishable foods, such as milk, eggs, and meats. It can be easy to stock up on groceries every week without cleaning out the leftovers from the week prior.

Sometimes you might think it’s a good idea to save whatever you still have, but this can lead to food going bad if left forgotten in the back of your fridge.

That’s why it’s important to regularly clean out your fridge but also to organise your fridge to avoid food getting forgotten about behind something else and expiring, which can cause your fridge to smell bad or even grow mould and bacteria.

Here’s how to clean your fridge and organise it for the most efficient utilisation of all the goods you have stored inside.

Empty The Fridge and Freezer

The first step to commercial cleaning to your fridge is to empty the current contents. This means taking everything out of the shelves and drawers.

Take note of anything that has already been forgotten about as you empty the fridge, like forgotten apples that were in your produce drawer, or a jar of peanut butter that was pushed to the back of a shelf but is empty. Don’t forget about your freezer’s contents.

Disinfect The Interior

Disinfect the entire inside of the fridge using an antibacterial spray or antibacterial wipes. Make sure you get the inside of the drawers, and the inner door panels, and thoroughly wipe down every shelf.

If you don’t have an antibacterial cleaning option, you can use soap and hot water to clean the inside with a washrag. Dry the inside with a towel if you choose to use this method.

Check Expiration Dates On Items

Before you can start putting items back in your clean fridge, you need to determine which items are still within their expiration date, and which items such as condiments, sauces, or other long-term stables like jellies or peanut butter have surpassed their expiration date.

Also take this time to clean off any products that might have a dirty bottle or container, since you don’t want to add anything dirty back into your clean fridge. Dispose of any items you deem expired or otherwise unfit to put back into your fridge.

Sort Items By Type

Next, sort your remaining items by type. Group items that fall into the same category, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. You can sort items as specific as you want.

For example, you can sort your dairy products by type if you have a variety of cheese products or a variety of milk products. You can also sort products by a common factor, such as the colour or the type of vegetable.

For example, leafy greens might get sorted out from things such as potatoes, squash, or tomatoes, depending on what you have in your fridge.

Sort Items By Size or Shape

Now that you have your items categorised by type, you need to sort them by size or shape. This way, you can determine the best way to place them back into your fridge in a manner that you can see all of the items, or at least most of them, to avoid having items forgotten about.

Items that are in tall, bulky containers should go toward the back of your fridge so they avoid blocking the view of smaller containers. Small items should be placed in front of these larger, bulk items so they can be visible when looking into the fridge.

Sort Items by Frequency of Use

You also need to take into consideration the frequency that you use items. For example, a gallon of milk is a large, bulky container that might be placed on the back of a shelf, but if you use that milk multiple times a day, it can be an inconvenience to take several items out that are in the way of that milk.

So along with the item type, size and shape, you should consider the frequency that you use each item for determining the best place for it in your fridge.

Use Organisation Containers

Organisation containers can be a great asset to helping with the overall layout and organisation of the contents of your fridge. These containers come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for sorting produce or grouping multiples of the same item together.

By utilising organisational containers, you can place small containers in front of large items, then when you need to access the large item you only have to remove the container to get to it, rather than move each smaller item that is now grouped inside the container.

Use Labels for Drawers

If you have drawers in your fridge that you use for produce or meat, you can use labels that can be placed on the outside or handle of the drawer to record the date that the drawer was last filled.

This can help be a reminder that there are items in the drawer since sometimes drawers get forgotten about since the items are out of sight, out of mind, but it can also help you keep track of foods that have short expiration date periods, like meat.

Place Items Back Into Fridge

Once you have your items organised, grouped, and have used containers or labels to further sort them, you can place them back into your fridge and freezer. A place like items together, such as condiments in one section, meat in another.

Utilise the containers you have available to you, or purchase some that you think would help you organise your items better. Once you’ve placed everything back in your fridge, you may need to move them around and rearrange them a few times to get them just right.

Conclusion

A clean and organised fridge is an invaluable asset to have in your home. A clean fridge prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and mould, while an organised fridge helps you utilise your groceries and be better organised while cooking or snacking.

Fridge organisation includes a wide variety of factors, such as the size and shape of your grocery items, the frequency you use each item, and what sort of containers or labels you utilise to help with organisation.

The organisation also helps make restocking your fridge easier and more efficient, since it can be clear what items you need to buy and what items you still have to use.