As we go into week 2 of the UK’s partial lock down, your kitchen surfaces, oven and fridge should by now be sparkling clean, if you followed our guidelines which we shared last week.
But what next? This week, we thought we’d focus on cleaning your washing machine, floors and windows…. So here we go!
Tips for Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Today, we are all more aware of key instructions such as hand washing, wearing masks and sanitising our hands, particularly if we have touched a surface outside of our home.
But what about our clothes? Interestingly, the World Health Organisation reports that doctors are recommending people when returning home should remove shoes and change into clean clothes to prevent outside germs from coming into the property. (Source Today).
It’s important to follow this advice even though it means your washing machine is likely to take a bashing! It’s a fact: dirt and grime, detergent and hard-water minerals can build up in areas you of a washing machine that you can’t see and mould and mildew can thrive in the washer lid, rim and door.
Here are some cleaning key tips from JDK Cleaning to get your washing sparkling, smelling good and, most importantly, germ and mould free … and you don’t need expensive cleaning products to achieve this.
All you need is white vinegar, baking soda, a spray bottle, rubber gloves and a microfibre cloth. Before cleaning the washer drum, clean the rubber rim by spraying it with white vinegar and wiping with a damp microfibre cloth. The rim at the front of the washer, especially in a high-efficiency (HE) washer is where water, hair, scum and mildew will accumulate.
Then, set your washing machine to the highest level and the hottest water temperature; add two cups of the white vinegar in the detergent dispenser (you can add a few drops of aromatic detergent too if you hate the smell of vinegar!). Run the machine through a full cycle. You should then run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature, this time adding a half cup of baking soda to the drum. Whenthe cycle is done, wipe inside drum of washer with a damp microfibre cloth; and wipe down the outside of the machine too.
A final tip to prevent mould or mildew accumulating is to leave your washing machine door open routinely.
Tips for Cleaning Windows
You know that white vinegar we recommend you use to clean your washing machine? Well, this is also our recommended ingredient when it comes to washing windows too! Your kitchen windows in particular tend to get very grubby on the inside, particularly if sink is under the window. Also, with the sunny weather we’ve been having lately, you’ve probably stared to notice those streaks and stains which aren’t so visible during the grey, winter months.
You shouldn’t start to clean your windows without brushing or vacuuming the glass, sash, frames and sills first as it’s much easier to wash windows that are free of dust. You should also remove all window dressings such as blinds or curtains to stop them getting splashed.
In addition to white vinegar, sponge and microfibre cloth, make sure you have some newspaper handy (as buffing your clean and dry windows with a handful of newspaper results in a sparkling, streak-free finish).
Now you use the vinegar, which is probably what your grandparents used to wash their windows. and remains the most effective way to remove stubborn dirt. Better still, it’s non-toxic and anti-bacterial. To make your own vinegar-based window cleaning solution, simply add two tablespoons of it to a small bucket of warm water.
Start by wiping the vinegar/water mix on the glass with a sponge. Rinse the windows with clean water; then use the microfibre cloths to dry the surface. If dirt is really ground on, put the vinegar solution in a spray bottle and apply to the panes, then leave for a few minutes before tackling with your sponge and microfibre cloth. Finally, grab a handful of newspaper and rub this all over the glass surface for gleaming, streak free finish.
To keep your windows sparkling clean, regularly wipe them over with a damp microfibre cloth and another one to dry them off.
Cleaning Your Kitchen Floor
Your kitchen floor is the area which will need cleaning most regularly. As the main food preparation area in the home, it’s inevitable that bits of peel, splashes of sauces, drips of oils etc. will end up on this surface. Also, many people tend to eat in their kitchen too, resulting in bits of food and even drink spills being visible. The footfall in the kitchen is also likely to be high, particularly if your washing machine and dryer are situated there.
It’s a good idea to at least sweep and mop your kitchen at the end of each day but due to the level of food debris and grime which the floor will sustain, a more regular, thorough clean is also recommended. For this, essentials you will need include a broom, bucket, warm water, a mild detergent, mop and clean towels or cloths.
Your kitchen floor is likely made from one of the following materials: vinyl, ceramic tile, laminate, or wood. For common kitchen spills, such as food, grease, or sticky messes, first attack the spot with a damp paper towel. If that doesn’t work, concentrate your efforts with the appropriate cleaners for each floor type and a little bit of elbow grease.
For regular cleaning of most surfaces, first sweep the floor thoroughly including the corners and under the edges of appliances. We also recommend a quick hoover over the floor to pick up all the small stray specs of dirt provided your hoover has a hard floor setting. Fill a bucket or bowl with warm water and add a suitable detergent or washing up liquid. Mop or sponge the floor rinsing frequently. Use towels or a clean cloth to dry or simply let it dry naturally.
When it comes to wooden laminate floors, you don’t want the surface to become soaked with water as excess moisture can work into the seams, causing them to swell and damage. Instead of a mop, use a cloth or sponge and replace the detergent with a good old cup of white vinegar per 1 gallon of warm water. Wring out the cloth of as much moisture as possible, turning the cloth frequently. Repeat until the surface is clean and leave to air dry naturally.
Don’t every use water on a hardwood floor as standing water can discolour or damage the wood. So you will need to use a hardwood cleaning solution. Once the floor has been swept, apply the cleaning product as indicate on the directions and apply with a microfibre cloth (don’t pour the liquid directly onto the surface). Simply work around the floor area until it is all covered.
JDK Cleaning
We hope you found these tips from JDK Cleaning helpful. Look out for more cleaning tips coming soon.