There are so many options to choose from when it comes to household cleaners. So how do you narrow down your options? And most importantly, how do you choose solutions that will be safe on the various surfaces in your home?
We’ll let you in on a little secret: using different types of cleaners on certain surfaces does matter. Don’t worry, it’s not too complicated once you learn the basics!
Household Cleaner Do’s And Don’ts
Learn the different types of cleaners, where they work well, and where they should be avoided.
Homemade Cleaners
Most DIY cleaners are natural, non-toxic, cheap, and versatile. They’re typically made with a mixture of vinegar and lemon. The acidic component is great for cutting through grease and removing soap scum and hard water stains from tubs, shower heads, and tile.
However, these cleaners can also damage and dull the appearance of natural stone surfaces like granite, marble, and limestone. They can also eat away finishes on kitchen knives, grout, and wood surfaces. Use a damp cloth and warm water or a specialty cleaner on these surfaces instead.
Disinfecting Cleaners
Not all cleaners contain a disinfectant. This element is crucial for germ breeding grounds like kitchen sinks, countertops, bathtubs, door handles and other high traffic areas. It’s about more than just looking clean. You want to protect your family and your homes from unseen dust!
Most all-purpose cleaners contain a disinfectant and are great for these types of surfaces. Always be sure to read the label on your cleaner and follow the directions listed. Some cleaners require sitting on surfaces rather than being wiped up immediately in order to effectively disinfect.
Glass And Acrylic Cleaners
The last thing you want to see on your glass surfaces are scratches or streaks. First, dust the surface with a clean damp cloth. Use either a mixture of ammonia and water (2 tbsp ammonia per 1 quart of water) or a specialty glass cleaner. Other cleaners can damage or won’t effectively clean glass surfaces.
All Purpose Cleaners
All purpose cleaners come in either powder or liquid form and can be used at full strength or diluted with water. They work well on areas with light spills that need a disinfectant—like appliances, countertops, tile, and laminate or linoleum floors.
All purpose cleaners can sometimes leave streaks on stainless steel appliances, so try a speciality cleaner instead. And avoid all purpose cleaners on hardwood floors! To remove tough stains, mold, or mildew, try a stronger speciality cleaner.
Abrasive Cleaners
This type of cleaner has a somewhat gritty texture. They come in the form of powder, liquid, or scrubbing pads. Abrasive cleaners contain small particles or minerals and help reduce your need for elbow grease in highly stained areas. They work well on bathtubs, cooking utensils, and tile floors.
Abrasive cleaners can corrode metal surfaces so don’t use them anywhere you would want to see scratched.
Chlorine Bleach
Bleach works well to whiten surfaces and remove mildew. It’s meant for hard surfaces like toilet bowls, not porous surfaces like wood and grout. Bleach doesn’t kill mold but simply hides it by bleaching the surfaces and actually stimulates mold growth because it contains 90% water.
It can also corrode and rust metal surfaces. Bleach can be a powerful cleaning solution, but it should be used with caution.
Specialty Cleaners
In many cases, a speciality cleaner is the way to go. There are a lot of products out there made specifically for certain surfaces, like the kitchen, bathroom, glass, hardwood floors, and stainless steel. Some have components that target hard water and mineral build-up, mold and mildew, shower heads, soap scum on tubs and tile, and toilet bowls.
There are also speciality cleaners for cleaning carpet and upholstery. However, it’s important to note that using too much solution or water or applying the product incorrectly can actually cause mold and mildew to grow beneath the surface and stains to appear more frequently. Instead, have a professional take care of your carpet and upholstery cleaning for you.
Enjoy A Cleaner, Healthier Home
When it comes to cleaning your home, do more than just visibly get rid of messes and preserve your precious surfaces. Using the right cleaning solutions and the best cleaning professionals can help you get there!
Chem-Dry of OKC/Edmond is the most trusted carpet cleaning in Piedmont! See what other local residents have to say about their experience with us!
Get a free, no-obligation price quote today from Chem-Dry of OKC/Edmond and you’ll be well on your way to a cleaner, healthier home.