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Commercial Cleaning Industry News, Tips, Guide and Checklist

You can read here many helpful articles related to commercial cleaning, latest cleaning news in Australia, including how to find and hire the best cleaners in your budget, how to train a commercial cleaner, why hire a cleaner over doing it yourself, cleaning tips for a specific area like supermarket, retail store, data centre, pub & restaurants, hospitals, factories, buildings, and more.

Cleaning Guide for Workplace Blinds

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Office blinds are often overlooked when it comes to a regular commercial cleaning schedule. This could be because they are seen as an inconvenience or there is not enough time to get them properly cleaned. However, they should definitely be cleaned and not neglected because many dust and bacteria can hold onto the blinds’ surfaces.

This post is going to break down how to clean all different types of office blinds, so after they’re cleaned the first time, it’s easier to clean them again.

Grab Your Materials

The first step is to ensure that you have all of your cleaning supplies. They should include:

  • A vacuum with a soft brush attachment
  • Microfiber cloths
  • A little bit of dishwashing liquid
  • Some warm water
  • One packet of baking soda

Close the Blinds

Make sure that your blinds are closed. However, faux wood and wood blinds can be completely closed, but it is encouraged that they are left slightly open, so the panels are not touching each other.

Dust Away

If the blinds are vertical, then hold the bottom of the blind so it does not move. Use the microfiber cloth and wipe the blinds. It’s best to start from the top and work your way down because the dust can fall towards the floor. Also, wiping them in a downward motion makes it less likely for the blind to unhook itself.

Additionally, a vacuum with a soft brush attachment can be used instead. Just make sure that the suction level is low, so you do not ruin your blinds. If the blinds are horizontal, then do the same but wipe from side to side instead. It’s essential to start from the top slat and work your way down so no dust falls on already cleaned slats.

Flip the Blinds

Flip the blinds so the other side is facing you and repeat the above process.

In the Case of Really Dirty Blinds, Use a Damp Cloth

Sometimes, blinds have more than just dust on them. If this is the case for you, then dampen your cloth with warm water and wipe away. However, if your blinds are made of wood, make sure not to get them too wet. This can damage the blinds.

Deep-Clean If It’s Necessary

Depending on where your blinds are, they could be more challenging to clean. Blinds found in kitchens tend to have more grease and residue on them. If this is the case for you, take these extra steps to deep clean your blinds.

The first step you are going to do is to take your blinds off the window. Make sure to have a bathtub or a large enough container filled with warm water, dish soap, and a cup of baking soda. Mix up the contents of the bathtub before placing your blinds into it. Allow the blinds to soak for an hour before rinsing them off with warm water. Afterward, wipe away any excess dust or dirt on the blinds.

Additionally, if you have completed these tasks and the blinds still look dirty and yellow, there is a possibility that they have been stained by the sun. However, do not worry, this can be fixed. Fill up a bathtub or container with cold water and three cups of liquid bleach. Place the blinds in the water and let them soak for only 10 minutes – do not go over this amount of time.

Afterward, rinse the blinds thoroughly and dry them off. The bleach should give the blinds a brand-new white look.

Vacuum Any Excess Dust

If you have only used a damp cloth to run over the blinds, then open them and allow them to air-dry. Use the vacuum to suck up any excess dust and dirt that may be on the windowsill or the floor from your cleaning.

Extra Tips for Office Blinds

If You Do Not Have a Microfiber Cloth, Then Do Not Worry.

Microfiber cloths are fantastic, but not everyone has access to one. If this is you, then just grab an old sock, because they do the job just as well. Place the sock over your hand, dip it into the warm water, and begin wiping your blinds.

Regular Blind Maintenance Goes a Long Way.

Make sure to clean your office blinds at least once a month so that dust doesn’t become too problematic. When you look after your blinds, they can last for decades.

Clean Your Fabric and Shutter Shades as Well.

If you have shutter blinds, they can be cleaned with the same process as previously stated. However, if you have fabric blinds, then you can clean them as well, but the process is going to look a bit different. You are going to want to lower the shades and use the soft brush attachment on the vacuum while it is on the low suction setting.

Use the vacuum and go from top to bottom. Afterward, turn the blind over and do the other side as well. If there are stains on the blind, then doing a little bit of spot treatment is recommended. All you need is a mixture of clear dishwashing liquid and some warm water. Grab a microfiber cloth and dip it into the solution.

You are going to want to dab at the stain with the microfiber cloth. Complete this a few times, depending on the stain. If the stain is very stubborn, then add a teaspoon of baking soda into the mixture as well. Allow the blinds to air dry afterward, but if the stain is still there, then they may need to be taken to the cleaners.

Conclusion

It’s essential to have clean blinds because they frame a room. When the blinds are clean, they can also leave a fresh smell in the office. No one wants a smelly office. Cleaning blinds is a simple task that can be done relatively quickly. Also, once they are deep cleaned once, then regular maintenance is all that is required in order to keep them looking and smelling fresh.

How to Clean an Air Fryer

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Air fryers have become very popular in the past couple of years. With so many people purchasing this useful kitchen appliance, it continues to be very sought after. However, it does need to be cleaned because people put food inside it regularly.

It’s essential to clean your air fryer because you use it for cooking. Even though there are many gadgets that can be bought so that the mess is minimal while using them, commercial cleaning should still be a priority.

This post is going to break down exactly how to clean an air fryer.

The Materials

These are the following materials you are going to need in order to clean your air fryer:

  • A sponge
  • Microfiber cloths
  • A soft brush
  • Paper towels or drying towels
  • Dishwashing soap
  • A packet of baking soda

Unplug Your Air Fryer

This may seem like an obvious first step, but it is always good to remember to unplug your appliances before cleaning them. Allow the air fryer to cool completely before beginning the cleaning process. You do not want to clean the air fryer when it is warm or even hot. If you do, then you could injure yourself, and the cleaning supplies are going to cook on the air fryer instead of cleaning it.

Clean the Removable Parts

Take out the tray, basket, and pan. One of the most useful parts about an air fryer is that the removable parts can be placed in the dishwasher. That makes for easy cleaning. Do remember to check the manual before putting anything in the dishwasher to make sure that it can go in there.

However, if you want to clean it yourself, then wash it in the sink with some soap and warm water. Just like with regular dishes, wipe the pieces with a sponge and some soap on it. The last thing you want is your food tasting like soap, so it’s essential to get all the soap off. Therefore, make sure to rinse the soap off and allow it to air dry.

Also, many air fryer accessories are dishwasher friendly as well. Make sure to wash your additional accessories because they also get dirty. Again, if you want to clean them by hand, you can do that in the sink.

Top tip: do not use disinfectants to clean any part of your air fryer. This is a kitchen appliance, so make sure that any cleaning solution that is used is for food-contact surfaces. Otherwise, the other disinfectants can make you ill when consumed through food.

Clean the Main Unit

This may seem obvious, but it is good to point out, do not submerge the central unit of the air fryer in water. Otherwise, the air fryer can become damaged, and then you are going to need to purchase a new one.

Instead, grab a damp cloth and wipe the entire unit down. That includes the control panel, so you can remove any stains or grease that might have been collected over the multiple air fryer uses. While cleaning, if you spot any food stuck to the heating coil, grab a soft brush and lightly brush it away.

Do not aggressively brush at the heating coil because this can damage it. Damaging the heating coil can leave your food uncooked and not as tasty as before.

Double Check the Heating Coil

Good air fryer cleaning practice is cleaning the heating coil after every use. The heating coil is located at the top of the central unit. If you spot any oil or residue, unplug the unit and allow the heating coil to cool completely. Afterward, grab a soft brush or a microfiber cloth and gently wipe at the coil. This can remove any grease, oil, or residue build-up.

It’s essential to clean the heating coil after every use because if there is a build-up of grease, oil, or food, then it is going to be heated every time you use the air fryer. Once it’s heated a few times, it is going to be challenging to clean the air fryer afterward, and you might ruin your heating coil completely.

Dry & Reassemble

Once all the pieces are dry, put all the parts back together. Sometimes, even after allowing them to air-dry, it is still good to towel-dry them, so there is no chance of excess water in your air fryer.

Cleaning Tips for Your Air Fryer

Here are some extra air fryer cleaning tips that can help you in your air fryer cleaning journey.

  • If your basket has caked-on grease, oil, or residue, soak it in some hot water and soap. Allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Afterward, grab a soft brush and begin to remove the gunk. Depending on how much there is, it might take a few tries before it is completely clean.
  • Sometimes, air fryers can produce a strange smell. Do not ignore the smell and hope it goes away. Instead, mix some baking soda and water together. This mixture is going to form a paste. Use the soft brush and scrub the paste throughout the interior of the air fryer. Make sure you get every spot because the smell is coming from trapped food particles. Afterward, wipe the paste away with a damp cloth and notice how fresh your air fryer now smells.
  • Do not use a metal utensil when removing any caked-on grease, oil, or residue. If you do, then there is a high possibility of scraping off the non-stick coating that is in your air fryer. Once the coating has been removed, it cannot be placed back on.

Conclusion

Air fryers are very useful kitchen appliances. They make cooking easy and fun for everyone, so cleaning them should be just as easy. Make sure to clean your air fryer regularly so your food continues to cook and taste excellent. Otherwise, the cooking quality can deteriorate if you do not clean your air fryer enough or properly. With these simple tips, cleaning your air fryer is not going to be difficult.

Cleaning Guide for Copper Surfaces

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Copper surfaces are beautiful to look at when they are clean. They bring an exciting feel to any room because copper surfaces can be a statement piece. However, when they begin to lose their shine, they can look dull and tarnished. Also, anything can make a copper surface dirty. It can be dirt, air, moisture, and even your skin’s natural oils.

There are a few ways to clean copper surfaces, so make sure to see which one is the easiest for you and try it out. This post is going to explain to you how to clean copper surfaces.

Before You Start

Check your copper surface because some have a lacquer finish. If they do, the following commercial cleaning methods should not be used to clean them. To figure out whether the surface is lacquered, grab a rag and dip it in white vinegar.

Afterward, dip it in baking soda, and rub it on a hidden spot on the copper surface. When the surface is not lacquered, this mixture can tarnish; if it is lacquered, it may not remove anything.

Also, check if this surface is copper-plated. When cleaning a copper-plated surface with one of the following methods, you could risk scratching it. One way to test your item is to place a magnet on the surface. If the magnet sticks, it is copper plated, but if it does not, you are all good to go with these cleaning methods.

Top tip: When cleaning copper-plated surfaces, all you need is some water and mild detergent. Use this mixture to clean the item before drying it. Afterward, buff it with some copper polish for a finished look.

Materials

These are the materials you are going to need in order to clean your copper surfaces:

  • Lemons
  • Kosher salt
  • A sponge
  • Drying/buffing towel
  • Baking soda

Salt & Lemon

This method is excellent for copper pots and pans.

Step 1: Cut a Lemon & Scrub with Salt

Grab your lemon and cut it in half. Sprinkle a little bit of kosher salt onto the cut surface. Scrub the copper pot, pan, or mug with the lemon and watch the tarnish come off. Add some extra salt if it’s needed.

Step 2: Rinse & Dry

After getting rid of the tarnish, rinse your copper item under some running water. Dry it with a cloth and buff it out for a completely polished look.

Vinegar

Another way to clean copper is to use distilled white vinegar. First, place the copper item in the sink. Either pour a little bit of vinegar onto the surface or dip a sponge into it and squeeze out any excess vinegar. Grab the salt, sprinkle only a little bit onto the surface, and begin to scrub away. Repeat this process until all areas are clean.

Again, rinse the item with running water afterward and buff it out in order to have a well-polished copper item again.

Flour

Yes, copper can be cleaned with flour as well. You are going to mix a ½ cup of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice with one tablespoon of salt and enough flour to make a thin paste. Take the paste and put it on the copper surface. Begin to scrub away with a sponge or cloth. Afterward, rinse it with some running water and buff it out so it becomes a polished item again.

How to Clean Your Copper Jewelry

Some jewelry is made of copper, and it also becomes tarnished after some time. However, it is easy to clean it back to its original shine. Grab a lemon and squeeze enough juice into a bowl that can cover the jewelry thoroughly. Add one or two teaspoons of salt to the bowl. Add the jewelry into the mixture and allow it to soak for a few minutes.

Afterward, rinse the jewelry under some running water and buff it out dry so it becomes polished once again.

How to Clean Your Copper Sink

Before beginning the cleaning process on your sink, make sure to check its manual first because there might be some instructions in there. Also, do not use any acidic or abrasive cleaning products when cleaning a copper sink. This can completely ruin your sink and leave it looking tarnished and unpolished.

Instead, use a few drops of dishwashing soap and a soft sponge or dishcloth. Scrub the sink nicely before rinsing it with some warm water. Lastly, buff it out with a dry towel so it looks clean and polished once again.

In the case of tougher stains, mix some baking soda and a couple of drops of water to form a paste. Once the paste is ready, apply it to the sink with a sponge and scrub away. Afterward, rinse the sink with some warm water and dry it with a clean cloth. Then, it is going to look clean and fresh once again.

One Secret Step

There is one secret tip that many do not know: the use of baby or mineral oil. After thoroughly cleaning your copper item, wipe a light mineral or baby oil coat to avoid future tarnishing. The problem with copper is that it begins to tarnish as soon as it’s cleaned, but the oil is able to slow down this process.

You decide what kind of mineral or baby oil you want to use when it comes to this step. Also, be mindful about using it on cookware because you may not want to put it directly in the pan. Again, it is your choice, so pick what suits you best.

Conclusion

Copper surfaces are beautiful to look at, so make sure to maintain them with a few cleaning practices. With proper maintenance, then your copper surfaces are going to last for a very long time. Also, they are always going to be a statement piece in any home, office, or setting. With such beautiful pieces, it would be a shame if they were ruined.

Make sure to check that your copper items are not lacquered or copper plated before using any of the above cleaning methods. Otherwise, you may ruin them.

How to Clean Earrings

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One of the issues of having earrings is that they often catch a lot of dirt, grease, shampoo, or any hair product you use daily. Cleaning is ideal since not doing it can make your earrings look dirty over time. Apart from that, you could catch an infection. 

However, many people don’t think they have to clean their earrings or simply don’t know how to do it. Pouring water on them is not enough to make them recover their brightness, but there are different methods you can use to make them shinier than ever. 

Although the commercial cleaning method you use can change depending on the material your earrings are made of, the ones mentioned on this page work for almost all earrings. Many, though, often wonder if piercings and rings need their owners to clean them as well. 

The short answer is yes, but the things you need to do to clean them are way different than the ones used for earrings. You could use some of these methods with rings, but piercings are a whole different story. 

Dive into this page to know how to properly clean your earrings! 

#1 Use Dish Soap

This is one of the simplest ways to clean your earrings, and many people have tried it without knowing how effective it is. The first thing you need to do is soak your earrings in dish soap and water for about 25-30 minutes. 

After that, use a toothbrush you don’t use to brush your teeth to brush the earrings. Try to do this as gently as possible since some earrings may get discolouration if you are harsh while cleaning them. This happens the most when cleaning diamond earrings. 

The only thing left to do is rinse your earrings with water. You can then dry them off with a cloth, but it’s better if you let them air dry. This method works with almost all earrings, but unless you do it harshly, it doesn’t cause any damage to your earrings if it doesn’t work. 

People often soak their earrings in rubbing alcohol if they want to get rid of dirt or grime. If you are going for this, don’t soak the earrings for too long since a few minutes is enough when talking about rubbing alcohol. Soaking them for more time can melt glue in your earrings. 

#2 Use Hot Water

Soaking your earrings in hot water is similar to soaking them in dish soap, and the process is almost the same. However, using hot water instead of dish soap tends to be better for silver earrings or earrings with something attached to them with glue. 

Boil water on your stove or microwave until it is hot enough. Using a microwave only takes two minutes or three, so that’s not taking too much time from you. People tend to go for this method when they don’t want to spend that much time on cleaning supplies for a cleaning solution. 

Drop your earrings inside the bowl or cup of water you used and leave them there for 20 minutes or more. Then, scrub your earrings with a toothbrush to get rid of any remaining dirt. After that, rinse your earrings in water and let them dry off on a clean towel. 

Although some prefer using a cleaning solution or dish soap instead of hot water, this method is excellent if you want to kill all the germs in your earrings. This method is perfect for that and more affordable than others. 

#3 Prepare a Cleaning Solution 

As we mentioned before, one of the methods people use the most is using cleaning supplies to prepare a cleaning solution. Regardless of that, you can’t randomly pick all the cleaning products you have in your house to clean your earrings since some of them can even damage your earrings or cause discolouration. 

Mix warm water and dawn dish detergent and wait a few minutes for the solution to be ready. Pour that solution into a cup, and then drop your earrings inside that cup.

Make sure the cup and your hands are completely clean when doing that since not cleaning them beforehand can make the earrings dirtier. 

Wait up to five minutes until the solution takes effect, and then use a soft toothbrush to clean any remaining dirt on the earrings. Rinsing the earrings doesn’t take that much time if you let them sit for a few minutes in a cup or glass of lukewarm water. 

Cleaning solutions work their best if your earrings have a stain that you can’t get rid of. We recommend you go for this method if you already tried all the tips we gave you before. 

#4 Clean Them with Microfiber Cloth

The last step on this list is mostly used when cleaning earrings that only have dirt on them or another small problem of the sort. Doing this is as simple as getting a microfiber cloth and pouring a few drops of alcohol or oxygenated water. After that, softly clean the earrings with a cloth. 

If this method works, keep doing it until you see the piece is completely clean. Then, use another cloth without alcohol to dry the piece off. 

Using the wrong kind of cloth may damage the earring or not clean it completely, so stick with the one we recommend you use. 

Wrapping Up 

As you could see, there are several things you can do to clean your earrings, so don’t them get dirtier over time. Many people think they only have to clean them a few months after they get them or once they notice they are dirty. 

Cleaning your earrings is something you should do as soon as you use them to prevent any problem from happening in the long run. Doing that may seem like a nuisance, but you are going to see the benefits of it when your earrings look the shiniest they can be. 

We are Clean Group, and we are experts when it comes to cleaning and anything related to that. Contact us whenever you need to hire commercial or residential cleaning services! Our website also has some other blog posts about cleaning-related subjects.

How to Clean Rangehood Filters

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Have you ever taken a look underneath your stove’s hood and checked out the exhaust fan filter? If you have never done this or it has been a while since not commercial cleaning it, you may be in for a big surprise.

A rangehood filter’s primary purpose is to collect grease and grime from your stove’s exhaust fumes. If working correctly, a rangehood filter can effectively keep your kitchen clean from grease build-up. 

However, over time ickiness and grease may affect the filter significantly, essentially making it lose its effectiveness. That is why it is imperative to clean these filters periodically so that your kitchen remains clean and hygienic. 

In today’s article, you learn how to clean your range hood filter and discover how easy it is to wash. You will also clean the filter in your sink with good degreasing dish soap, baking soda, and boiling water. 

Your rangehood filter can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, but we don’t recommend jumping to that method first unless it was recently cleaned. If too much grease and grime end up in your dishwasher, you may have another problem at hand, meaning your dishwasher may now require a thorough cleaning. 

Without further ado, let’s get started on learning how to degrease rangehood filters so you can have a stove that runs effectively.

What You Need to Clean a Rangehood Filter

With the following items, you can have your rangehood filter clean and shiny in no time. Most households contain these items, so you can be sure there won’t be any extra expenses coming up during a clean.

  • Dishcloth or paper towels
  • Non-abrasive scrubbing brush
  • Baking soda
  • Degreasing dish soap 
  • Boiling or very hot water

Instructions on How to Clean Rangehood Filters

Below we show you the most common and most straightforward method for cleaning rangehood filters, plus some tips for washing them.

Remember it’s important to keep this area of the kitchen clean as grease build-up can leave your kitchen smelling bad and could hinder the performance of the extraction fan. 

Step One – Remove the Filter from the Hood

First, you need to remove the filter from the hood. You can do this by popping or sliding it out from the underside. Some filters include a metal loop that can be grabbed to push the filter up and slide it out.

Step Two – Fill a Bucket or Sink with Boiling Water

It’s now time to fill a bucket or the sink with boiling water. Please note that hotter water temperatures tend to be more effective when cleaning your rangehood filter. Hot water from the tap may be good enough, but we recommend boiling water in your kettle and then pouring it into the sink. 

Step Three – Pour in Dish Soap and Baking Soda

Next, you should pour in dish soap and baking soda to begin the degreasing process. Be sure that the dishwashing liquid includes a degreasing agent; otherwise, you may have trouble removing the grime from the rangehood filter. 

Add ¼ cup baking soda into the hot water and swirl it around with a brush (because the water will be too hot for your hands) until the mixture the lathery.

Step Four – Place Greasy Filters in Water

Ensure that all greasy items are submerged in the water. If you need to keep it under the water, make sure to put a heavy object on top of the filter. This gives the rangehood filter time to soak so that the liquid soap and baking soda can do their magic. 

Step Five – Let the Filter Soak

Allow the filter to soak for a minimum of 10 minutes so that stubborn grease and grime can be removed effectively. If the rangehood filter is highly greased, we recommend adding more boiling water to the mixture or starting the process with new ingredients. 

Step Six – Scrub the Filters

Once your rangehood filter has soaked enough, it’s time to scrub it. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing brush and thoroughly clean the filter. If you require more dish soap during the cleaning, adding more to your scrubber while scrubbing is recommended.

Step Seven – Rinse and Dry

When your filters are spick and span, you need to rinse them thoroughly with hot water. Make sure not to leave any leftover soap or baking soda residue as they can start to turn to mould at a later stage. You want to avoid mildew and mould at all costs, as it can lead to yucky smells and unsanitary conditions in the kitchen. 

Step Eight – Replace the Filter and Repeat as Required

Once everything is cleaned, it is time to put the filters back into the hood or repeat the process if required. It is a good idea to clean your rangehood filter once a month as part of your routine home maintenance. 

By maintaining a clean filter, you get unrestricted use of your stove all year round and keep your kitchen free of grease plus grime.

Tips for Keeping Your Rangehood Filter Clean

It’s good to note that specific cooking methods can result in oilier residue appearing on the rangehood filter and the exhaust fan. One of the worst cooking methods for aerosolizing oily fumes is stir-frying because it not only sticks to your rangehood filter but around the stove too.

Try to cook a meal “low and slow” to reduce the amount of grease and oil splattering around the stove plus into the air. This often produces better food and leads to less oily clean-ups after using the kitchen. 

Another tip is to use a pressure cooker when making a meal for the whole family. It can keep the oil in and only leaves you with one place to clean after making dinner.

Conclusion

Greasy rangehood filters can cause your kitchen to smell bad and hinder oil fume extraction. These filters can get clogged up with grease and grime and struggle to perform at an optimal level.

With regular monthly maintenance of your range hood filter, you keep your kitchen sanitary and let kitchen equipment perform how it’s supposed to.

Cleaning Guide for Computer Mousepad

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The mouse pad is simultaneously one of the most important elements on your desk and one of the most forgettable. When it’s doing its job, you are very likely going to forget it’s even there. However, when it starts getting old or too dirty, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

For the former, it’s a good idea for you to replace it. However, a dirty mouse pad can be clean according to your previous mouse pad. Once done commercial cleaning properly, it feels as good as new. Mouse balls are not as common as they used to be, so dirty pads have less of an effect, but even laser mice can experience restricted movement with certain kinds of build-up.

So, why are you here today? Well, most likely you want to know what’s the best way to clean your mouse pad while preserving it. You wouldn’t want to have the thing disintegrate in the process, would you?

You’ve come to the right place! There is a simple four-step process to getting this done detailed below. Additionally, there are a couple of FAQs tackled too! You probably came here with these same questions on your mind, so it helps to get the answers you want.

Before getting started, you’re going to need a sink, tub, or comparable washing area, a mild soap, a soft sponge or brush, and a thick towel.

Step One

To begin, you want to place your mouse pad in your washing area. It’s fine to tailor it based on the size of the mouse pad. You simply want to be able to comfortably wash the mouse pad in whatever you choose.

So, a sink should be perfectly fine for a smaller one, but you may want a tub if the one you use is on the larger side.

Lightly dampen the mouse pad with a mixture of mild soap and water. You don’t want to completely soak it at this point.

Step Two

Next, you bring your sponge or your brush into the mix. While the whole pad is probably dirty, you are going to notice that some spots are way dirtier than others. Your scrubbing is meant to focus on these.

As you do this, ensure that you are using a circular motion. While you may think that you’re being optimal and covering surface area by using stripes, you end up cleaning things less than optimally, and you probably miss some very important areas.

Please ensure that the brush or sponge that you choose is soft, as rougher, and more heavy-duty products can end up damaging your mousepad’s material. The gentler the item you choose, the more pressure you can apply to the mouse pad without ruining it. Nevertheless, you never want to be too rough with it.

Step Three

At this point, your pad should be moist and layered in suds from your mixture and your scrubbing. Now, you’re going to rinse it with some cold water. For reference, hot water damages most materials that mousepads are made of, so you never want to use it.

If you notice suds or soap remaining after you rinse, then do a second rinsing to get rid of it all. If you have a movable shower head, then using it for your rinsing is a very good idea here.

Step Four

Now, it’s time to remove some of the moisture from your mouse pad. This is where you grab your towel. Gently pat dry the pad. Under no circumstances should you be rubbing the towel’s material across it.

Alternatively, you can rest your towel on a flat surface, put the pad on top of it, fold the edges of the towel over the mouse pad until it’s fully covered, and apply a bit of even pressure to help speed up the drying process.

As you’d expect, you are not going to achieve full drying by doing this, so it’s going to need to be supplemented by an air-drying process. More than likely, you are not going to be able to use it until the next day, but you can attempt to speed things up by giving it greater access to airflow. You can achieve this by putting it near a window or having a fan blow on it.

FAQ

The straightforward process above should adequately outline the process to you, but there are a couple of questions that people often have that supplement this information. Hopefully, these answers are satisfactory if you fall under that category.

Can I Use a Washing Machine to Clean My Mousepad?

Typically, you don’t want to throw your mouse pad in a washing machine, as it may be susceptible to damage. Still, some materials, such as nylon, polyester, acetate, rubber, and polyurethane are washer safe.

However, you still need to take precautions with them, because the washing machine can still cause a bit of damage. 

You want to ensure that you use a mild detergent. Hot water is still your enemy, so don’t use it when washing. Use a light cycle to minimize the potential for damage.

Many people would tell you that the process outlined above is unbelievably easy to get through. It takes no time at all, making it seem like a waste to use the washing machine for it, but weigh your options and decide on your own.

How Often Should You Clean Your Mousepad?

Ideally, you want to clean your mouse pad every three or four months. However, depending on where you are and how heavily you use it, the rate at which it gets dirty may see you needing to vary this frequency.

If you can visually see that the pad is accumulating a lot of dirt, then it may be a good idea to clean it. Additionally, if any unexpected events happen that lead to something spilling or contaminating the mouse pad, then clean it immediately.

Final Remarks

That’s all there is to say about keeping your mouse pad clean. The process is straightforward and provided you carry it out enough, you should never have the visual of a filthy mouse pad ruining your desk’s visual.

How to Clean a Hairbrush

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Your hairbrush is a fundamental item in your daily routine, specifically when it comes to your hygiene. Nonetheless, many people neglect it; thus, it accumulates dirt and grime. This guide helps you step-by-step commercial cleaning get rid of all that, so read until the end.

Why You Should Clean Your Hairbrush

Your hairbrush is an essential item you need to keep your hair free of tangles, but it also acts like a sponge, regardless of how often you use it. In other words, it absorbs dirt and many other residues from your hair and the products you use.

The brush, for example, absorbs all the dead cells your hair sheds. Additionally, the gels, shampoo, conditioner, and any other product you use also stick to the hairbrush’s bristles.

Everyone sheds hair – it’s completely normal. Thus, it can accumulate in your brush as well. Other particles from the environment like dust and all kinds of dirt can settle in your hairbrush, especially if you’re already used to using products for oily hair since it makes it easier for the particles to stick there.

If your brush is dirty, it means one thing: it probably can’t do its job right. Therefore, keeping it clean is essential. Brushing your hair with a dirty hairbrush might mean that all the dirt in there is sticking to your hair as well, and you definitely don’t want that.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrush?

It all depends on the products you use, the type of hair you have (oily, dry, long, short, etc.), and on how often you use them.

People who use a lot of gels, hairspray, styling creams, etc., should prioritize cleaning their hairbrush at least once a week. These products are often oily or contain ingredients that stick to the brush and make it easier for grime and dirt to settle at its base as well.

If you don’t use gels or hair products regularly, then you could clean your brush every two weeks. At the same time, removing the hair that settles at its base is an essential tip to keep the brush clean, and you can do that every two or three days.

Guide to Clean Your Hairbrush Step by Step

Cleaning your brush is a very straightforward process and it doesn’t take much time. Consequently, once you learn how to do it, you can do it again by yourself.

To begin, you need water (preferably in a bowl, but you can use the sink in your bathroom as well), some shampoo (a gentle one), an old toothbrush, and scissors. Optional items include baking soda and a rat tail comb.

Some people might wonder if the method is different depending on the type of brush they have. If your brush is made of wood or plastic, for example, you may ask yourself if the process varies.

Even though it has certain variations, the method to clean your brush is essentially the same. Therefore, once you have the previously mentioned items, you can get started. Follow the next steps to get rid of all the dirt in your hairbrush:

Remove Hair

Firstly, you have to remove all the hair that has accumulated there. In this step, you have to use the rat tail brush – tug from the base to the top and get rid of the hair.

If you don’t have a rat tail brush, you can use any pointed object, for instance, a pencil or a pen. It doesn’t really matter as long as it serves the same purpose.

In some cases, you might have trouble removing tangled hair. Therefore, you can use the scissors to cut it off, and then grab your rat tail brush or your pointed object to get it off the brush.

Dip the Hairbrush, then Shake it

Grab your bowl and fill it with warm water (complete this step in the sink if you don’t have a bowl nearby). Add a couple of drops of your gentle shampoo. If you want a more powerful mix, add one or two teaspoons of baking soda.

Stir the mix well, and then dip your hairbrush in it. If you have a plastic brush, you can completely submerge it, but if it’s made of wood, don’t do that because it can damage it. Instead, submerge the bristles and make sure you’re keeping the pad dry.

Once you’ve submerged the brush for a few seconds, get it out of the water and shake it. Then, repeat the process a few times.

When your brush is not that dirty, this method can help get rid of most of the oils and dust that settle in its base.

Use a Toothbrush

Sometimes, your brush may be extra dirty. If that’s the case, no need to fear – grab an old toothbrush and gently rub it against the hairbrush’s base to remove the accumulated dirt or grime.

In this step, you must start at the base and go upwards from there. The most important aspect is to guarantee you’re cleaning each bristle because if you’re not, then parts of your brush may still be dirty once you finish.

Rinse the Brush and Dry it

You can rinse your brush with cold water once you finish cleaning it. Alternatively, you could spray some water on it, or sprinkle the hairbrush with water at its base before you let it dry down.

Place the brush with the bristles facing down, preferably on top of a towel or a clean cloth, and leave it to dry.

If you’ve done all the steps correctly, this should be enough to guarantee your brush is completely clean. It shouldn’t have hair or particles stuck to its base, so examine your hairbrush as soon as you can and try to check if you missed something.

Keynote Takeaways

Cleaning your hairbrush is essential since this item keeps your hair tangle-free – it’s a crucial part of your hygiene.

Although neglecting this item is easy, you should clean it regularly to guarantee that oils and dirt don’t stick to its base.

How to Clean a Front Loader Washing Machine

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If you’re like many people who are struggling with their front load washers, you probably came here because there’s an undesirable smell coming from your unit that you’d very much like to get rid of.

People often have a “set it and forget it” mentality where washing machines are concerned. If you happen to be one of those people, there is no time like the present to learn that you should indeed be commercial cleaning your front load washer at regular intervals.

Why? Well, not only do you contribute to its running efficiency, but there are also the benefits of keeping wash loads smelling fresh and preventing mould build-up, which would likely require more than just cleaning.

So, the idea here is to take a quick look at the seven steps of cleaning your machine, as well as some other useful insights to get you going. You don’t need any expensive equipment to get the job done and it certainly isn’t going to take too long to follow this guide!

Cleaning Steps

Before jumping into the steps, note that this process is something that you are expected to undertake once a month. If not, you make the job harder for yourself when you do take it on.

Step One – Prerequisites

There is more than one way to clean a front load washing machine, but this is certainly one of the most efficient. It’s the vinegar (distilled white) and baking soda method.

Beyond those two ingredients, you’re going to need about three or four pieces of microfiber cloth, a measuring cup, a toothbrush, and a spray bottle. Gloves are optional, but it doesn’t hurt to have them. 

Step Two – Vinegar Application

What you want to do is pour your white vinegar into the spray bottle and start spraying around the inside of the drum. Afterwards, begin to wipe around with your microfiber cloth, ensuring that you get the entirety of the surface area that you can reach. 

The significance of choosing white vinegar is to be able to cut through grease, water stains, as well as other forms of residue or build-up. This is likely not the first time you’ve heard of vinegar being used in a cleaning process and there’s a very good reason for that, as it’s one of nature’s almost “magical” cleaners.

Step Three – First Wiping

The first wiping procedure focuses exclusively on your rubber gaskets, which are the seals that you find around the door. They may not look like much, but beyond their sealing properties, they form quite the harbour for the build-up of the kind of stuff you don’t want in your washing machine.

This grouping includes mildew, scum, potential mould, and even hair. Don’t try to rush this process and take care to get your cloth everywhere.

Step Four – First Wash Cycle

Now, you are going to run a cycle to get things on the cleaner side. To do this, pour two cups of your white vinegar into your washing machine’s detergent area. Choose the longest cycle available and allow the machine to run using the hottest water available.

Step Five – Second Wash Cycle

Now, you are going to be repeating the previous step with a bit of a twist. Sprinkle half a cup of your baking soda into the drum for the second cycle.

Step Six – Second Wiping

Once the wash cycle is done, you are going back into wiping mode. Again, get your spray bottle and spray some of that white vinegar onto a microfiber cloth, ensuring to clean both the inside and outside of the door. You want it to get as shiny as possible.

Additionally, wipe the knobs, external surface, and control panel if you have one.

Step Seven – Drying Phase

There are two ways to allow things to dry. One is quicker but requires more effort, while the other is slower and requires no effort. The former requires you to get a dry microfiber cloth and use it to start drying all the moist areas. 

Alternatively, you can simply open the machine, leave the door ajar, and let it air dry on its own.

Cleanliness Maintenance Tips

Though you are being advised to undertake this process every month, you are expected to do a bit more in between to truly maintain the cleanliness of your washer.

By taking a few easy steps whenever you use your machine, you give yourself even less work when cleaning time comes around.

First, as soon as a wash cycle is over, remove the clothes from the machine, to prevent any odours or build-up. Next, if there is any moisture on the gasket, lid, or in the drum when you are done, wipe it up as soon as possible.

In between loads when the machine is not operating, leave the door open, and allow some air to pass through the drum. Finally, pay attention to the amount of detergent you are supposed to be putting into your machine and stick to it. On that note, remove your detergent tray when done to allow it to dry.

If you follow these recommendations, your once-a-month cleaning process will look much more straightforward than it would be otherwise.

Final Remarks

The information above would have provided you with a series of easy-to-follow steps that should help you keep your front load washing machine clean, once you carry them out every month. 

Additionally, you now have some very useful insights that you can put into practice every time you use your washing machine, which helps you even further to keep things clean.

One of the recurring themes that you may have noticed is that you’re being encouraged to always keep things dry.

That’s because mould, which is one of your worst enemies in a washing machine, requires moisture to grow and thrive. By drying various areas, you make them less inhabitable for mould, which not only makes cleaning easier but also contributes to the longevity and functionality of your machine.

With all this useful information, you should never find yourself overwhelmed by a filthy machine again, assuming it has happened before.

How to Clean Brass

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Everyone has brass at home. You may have it on lamps, vases, or even flatware. Brass has been known for being one of the most stylish items to have, but it’s also known for getting tarnished quickly.

If you don’t take care of dirty brass correctly, it may lose its shining properties after a while, which can be a bummer. Thankfully, there are some easy methods you can start applying today to clean and polish your brass so that it looks as shiny as ever!

Regardless of the brass item you currently own, the following commercial cleaning methods apply for all of them. Keep in mind that not all of the methods may work as efficiently on all brass pieces, though. 

In case you don’t want to take your brass items to a professional cleaner, here’s a guide on everything you can do to clean brass correctly!

Why Does Brass Get Tarnished?

Brass items have particular properties that make them react differently to different materials. In essence, brass items can lose shine as water, oxygen, and other factors corrode the metal.

Overall, brass is considerably affordable since it only includes zinc and copper in its materials. However, that makes it also easy to get damaged. Under good conditions, brass can look beautiful due to its golden colours.

Things to Consider Before Cleaning Brass

The first thing you must verify before cleaning brass is whether the item that you’re going to clean is truly brass. Some items are brass-plated and are zinc, cast iron, or steel.

You can try the magnet method to verify if you’re dealing with brass rather quickly. Place a magnet on the item; if the magnet sticks, it’s not a brass item but rather a brass-plated item. Brass-plated items can be cleaned with soapy water instead of harsh materials like polish.

Another vital thing to take into account is whether the brass has been lacquered or not. Keep in mind that most brass items come with lacquer, which has the purpose of preventing tarnishing. 

In case you can easily notice tarnish in your brass, the chances are that it hasn’t been lacquered yet. On the other hand, if you notice that there’s a small, thin coat coming off from the item, it may have been lacquered. In these cases, it’s much better to take the item to a metal refinisher.

What You Need to Clean Brass

If taking your brass to a professional cleaner isn’t an option for you, you may still consider one of the following cleaning methods:

  • Ketchup
  • Vinegar
  • Baking Soda
  • Soapy Water
  • Toothpaste

As you can see, all of these items are common household items, so you don’t need to worry about rushing into a store to buy anything. Still, if you want to achieve a more thorough cleaning, you may also get a third-party brass cleaner, such as a metal/brass polish.

You may try any of these methods to clean your brass, but if these don’t work for you, you may need to consider taking your items to a professional cleaner.

Ketchup Method

It may sound weird, but ketchup is an excellent option to deal with tarnished brass! This is due to ketchup’s properties including tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. 

You squirt a bit of ketchup on the brass. Let the ketchup sit for a few seconds, and then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. If this process worked out for you, you may repeat the same process with the rest of the brass piece and clean everything up with proper rinse and a clean cloth.

While the ketchup method seems to be the most convenient one at the moment, it may not always work, so make sure you try the rest of the methods in this article if this one didn’t work out for you.

Vinegar Method

We’ve mentioned many times in our articles that vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent for many things. Overall, vinegar has particular acids that help to dissolve stains.

In this method, you may take a medium-size bowl, add a teaspoon of salt, and finally, ½ cups of vinegar. You may stir everything up until all the salt gets dissolved in the mix.

Once you’re done, you must add some flour to the mix to make a consistent paste. Finally, take a bit of the paste and place it into the brass object. Let it sit for approximately 10 minutes so that it takes effect. 

After the 10 minutes have passed, rinse the object, wipe it clean, and take a clean, dry cloth to finish it up.

Baking Soda Method

Here, you can take baking soda and half a lemon into a bowl. Then, add one teaspoon of baking soda and mix everything up. Once you’re done, make sure to rub that mixture onto your brass object.

It’s important to note that you may need to repeat the process a few times until you deal with everything. Finally, wipe away any residues with a wet rag and dry it with another cloth.

Soapy Water Method

This method is straightforward, so you may try it out in under a few minutes. Take a container and fill it with warm water. Then, take a few tablespoons of soap and mix everything. 

Soak the brass into the mix for a few seconds and use a microfiber cloth to take care of any leftover stains. If this doesn’t work out, you may try adding some elbow grease to deal with the rest of the stains.

Once you’re done, you may rinse and get a clean cloth to dry the object. Unfortunately, the soapy water method may not work as well for items that can’t be soaked easily, such as doorknobs.

Toothpaste Method

Finally, the toothpaste method is the easiest one to try out aside from the ketchup method. Here, the only thing you need to do is take a bit of plain, white toothpaste and apply a small layer to your brass item. 

Let the toothpaste sit there for a few minutes, and then, use a clean cloth to take care of the residues. You can repeat this process as many times as you consider appropriate. 

Once you’re done cleaning and polishing your brass, rinse it with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Bottom Line

Cleaning brass is easier than most people think. If you have a few free minutes, you can easily make most of your brass items shiny again!

Remember that if you want to take your cleaning to the next level, you may consider getting a brass cleaner. These items aren’t that expensive and do a much more efficient job here.

Cleaning Guide: Cleaning Walls

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Although you may not pay them much attention, walls are some of the most crucial puzzle pieces to keeping a clean and sleek aesthetic going. People tend to overlook them when they’re cleaning, but once the walls start to look less than stellar, suddenly, the whole internal visual starts heading on a downward spiral.

Do you clean your walls regularly? Have you ever cleaned them before? If not, at least the fact that you are reading this means you are interested in getting started and you’d like to know what you need to do.

By taking on this cleaning exercise, you fight dust, dirt, grime, mould, or anything else that could potentially build up. The commercial cleaning process used here consists of six easy steps for you to follow. 

Note that there are other ways to go about cleaning walls, but this one is incredibly effective.

Step One – Preparation

Preparation here is two-fold. First, there’s the matter of wall accessibility, and second, you need access to various supplies. Don’t get into the habit of cleaning only the visible and easily reachable parts of walls. If you do that, whenever you do decide to clean the rest of it, it may become impossible for you to do a good job.

Move whatever furniture and other obstructions you have away from the walls so you can clean them freely. Second, grab a bucket, liquid soap or vinegar, towels, sponges, dust gloves, a broom or a vacuum cleaner, a ladder, and some dust cloths. Gloves are not a necessity, but wearing them is never a bad idea.

Step Two – Dusting

Before you apply any liquid treatment, you want to remove any loose dust and dirt, as it makes for a much smoother experience. You want to use your broom or vacuum cleaner here and pay attention to the corners. This is also a good time to get rid of any cobweb build-up that you may notice.

When you’re finished with your broom or vacuum cleaner, go over things with one of your dust cloths.

Step Three – Cleaning Solution

If you are using vinegar, you want to get a gallon of water and mix five tablespoons of your white distilled vinegar with it. If you’ve chosen liquid soap, then get half a bucket of water and mix in five drops of the soap.

Note that if you are so inclined, you can also go the route of purchasing a pre-done cleaning solution. 

Once you have your solution, you want to do a bit of a test. Dip your sponge in it and test it on a single spot. In doing so, you are looking for two things. First, you want to ensure that it’s effective at cleaning the walls, and second, it should not be so strong that it causes any discoloration or damage.

When you do your spot test, wait for things to dry before you draw any conclusions.

Step Four – Spot Cleaning

This is probably going to be your least favourite part of this whole process. Though you are cleaning the entire walls, there are going to be spots where there are stains, handprints, and other imperfections. 

Doing a general wipe is not the most effective way to get rid of these, so you are going to have to start by spot cleaning them. Get a towel or soft cloth, dip it in your solution, and gently scrub away the stains.

Step Five – Wet Wipe

With the stains out of the way, it’s time to do this comprehensive wet wipe. Dampen your sponge and squeeze all excess water. From here, you simply start wiping the wall from top to bottom. You don’t want to bring the dirt from one area of the wall to another, so rinse your sponge regularly.

If you are concerned about dripping water on the floor, ensure to set something up to catch any excess drops. This could be cloth, towels, newspaper, etc.

You may notice water running down the walls, particularly if your sponge is not dry enough. If this should happen, grab a towel or cloth to wipe away the streaks, as they create the perfect storm for staining.

Step Six – Drying

Excess water does not always appear in the form of water streaks. Sometimes, a wall may appear to be fine but may have too much moisture on it. Once you are finished with your wiping process, grab a cloth or a towel and soak up any excess.

Once you’ve done this, you can let the air-drying process take things over. To this end, you want to open doors or windows. If you want to help things along even further, you can turn your fan on to speed things up. Naturally, ceiling fans are the most effective at this kind of process.

Quick Wall Cleaning Tips

Safe Cleaning

Remember that moisture makes some areas more dangerous than others, especially when electricity is in the mix. A good idea may be to turn your circuit Breakers off before you clean our own them and other electric implements.

Pay Attention to Finishes

You are expected to tailor the process based on the kind of finish you’re working on. Saturn, flat, and eggshell finishes are more delicate and require a softer approach. Scrubbing these too hard could remove paints, so don’t forget to be careful.

Regular Maintenance

This is not a process for you to do rarely. Ideally, you want to clean your interior walls at least once a month. However, if you find that impractical, then at least ensure you do so every two months.

Give high-touch areas the necessary focus. These include your doorknobs, light switches, mirror frames, etc.

Final Remarks

Now, you have a much better idea of what it takes to effectively clean your walls. Remember that the more you do this, the less you have to worry about stubborn stains taking shape.

If your interior appearance matters to you, then there is no better way to tie all your other efforts together than to have consistently clean walls. It can feel a bit mentally daunting to get into the frame of mind to pull this process off but think about the reward to get yourself going.

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