Cleaning a house to a high standard requires more than elbow grease alone, although determination and persistence certainly help with stubborn grime. There are plenty of trade secrets that help domestic cleaners do an exceptional job, and most of us have tried and tested methods for shifting dirt and germs.
Normally, trade secrets remain strictly confidential, but we thought it would be fun to give you a glimpse into our cleaning toolkit. Here are some special products that we use when we clean your home.
Bicarbonate of Soda
You might think that the bicarb is just for Bake-Off contestants, but you can do a lot more with this wonderful substance than simply make a cake. Bicarbonate of soda (also called ‘baking soda’) is also a brilliant deodoriser, so it’s ideal for removing pongs from enclosed spaces, such as your fridge. It can also break down grease on a barbeque, helping you to clean your outdoor cooking equipment more easily, and can be sprinkled onto a carpet and vacuumed to remove animal smells.
The gritty texture of bicarb also makes it great for scrubbing hard surfaces, such as toilets and enamel tiles, much like a cream cleaner would. Just use a wet cloth and rub in circles, then rinse away. Always test a small, hidden area to ensure the scrubbing won’t cause surface damage, and never use bicarb on soft plastic.
Remember: you don’t need food grade bicarb for cleaning, so no need to buy from the baking aisle.
Denture Tablets
Dentures are tough to clean, which is why dentists recommend denture tablets for a good overnight soak. These mini-miracle tablets also work brilliantly around the home, and can make a grimy loo sparkle in half an hour or less. The same technique works well in coffee machines that tend to pick up unsightly stains; dilute two tablets, run them through, then pour the dirty water away.
You can also use denture tablets to clean enamel pans, drains and even diamonds, but we recommend that you consult a jeweller before dunking your expensive solitaire in Steradent – just in case.
Lemons
The natural acidity of lemons has been used for all kinds of reasons, from lightening hair through to scrubbing the microwave door. Lemon has a wonderfully refreshing scent, and can safely clean everything from copper and wood to plastic and metal.
If you’re sensitive to harsh laundry products, try using lemon in place of any bleach-based cleaner, or substitute lemon juice for bathroom spray. While you’re there, shine the taps with a lemony cloth, and pour the remaining juice down the plughole to freshen it.
Soft Drinks
Cola is one of the mosr surprising products on our list, yet it can help with an amazing number of chores. The key is in the acidity, which is similar to battery acid in intensity. If that’s put you off your can of pop, never fear: you can use it for other purposes.
Try pouring a can down the loo and leaving it to soak; the acidity will bring the bowl up sparkling clean. Pour some onto an errant piece of gum to help remote it from fabrics or thread. The same acidic reaction also acts as a laundry freshener, a window cleaning solution, a degreaser for kitchen counters, and the ideal liquid to take rust off metal without scrubbing. Who said sugary drinks were bad for you?
More Cleaning Help
Efficient Cleaning has picked up thousands of handy cleaning secrets during our careers as domestic cleaners. With our expertise, your home will always be sparkling clean. If you’re struggling to remove stains, or you just can’t keep on top of the mess the kids leave behind, get in touch with us today and find out how affordable a cleaner can be.
