Spring cleaning is coming. But be careful: If you do not replace some cleaning utensils beforehand, all the effort will be wasted. You have to pay attention to that.
- Spring cleaning is just around the corner.
- The cleaning utensils should be brought up to scratch.
- You can find out what to look out for here.
When the sun comes out, the days get longer and it finally turns green outside, it's time for the spring cleaning! In most cases, however, this already fails due to the preparation. After all, spring cleaning can only be successful if the cleaning utensils themselves are clean - otherwise bacteria are only pushed back and forth! The cleaning expert Roxanna Pelka from online portal Helpling explains what you need to replace when and why.
An absolute must before spring cleaning: new cleaning wipes
One more time? This is questionable when it comes to your cleaning cloths . In contrast to wipes that have been used for years, new ones are much more receptive to dirt. Expert Roxanna Pelka recommends: "You can see whether your cloth is still ready for use by looking at whether it is fluffy, small cracks or covered with a grease film - at the latest then it is time for a new one."
Mop: caution, spinner!
Would you have guessed that you would move several billion bacteria with your mop? If you tackle spring cleaning * with an old wiper, you run the risk of actually polluting your home more than cleaning it. Roxanna Pelka recommends: "Wash detachable wipes at 60 degrees (without fabric softener *). On the other hand, it is better to replace solid fringe wipers completely before cleaning in the spring."
Spring cleaning: Do not use expired cleaning agents
Some of your cleaning agents have been in your closet for years? Then you should definitely muck out before the spring cleaning. Because: Cleaning agents can also be bad . If the color, consistency and smell change, the effectiveness often decreases. So before you get started, test expired cleaning agents on an insensitive surface - summer breeze smells more like winter smell? Away with it!
You should replace the toilet brush every six months
The toilet is of course also cleaned during the spring cleaning. But what we often forget: the toilet brush *. That is fatal. Because: The bristles stick over time, causing odors and bacteria to settle in the brush head . Expert tip from Roxanna Pelka for the new brush: "Fill the holder with a mixture of sanitary cleaner and water. The sanitary cleaner kills the germs and bad smell is also avoided."
Also interesting : would you have thought it? Washing by hand is an environmental killer.
Sponges are warm, damp spots
How to make your refrigerator a breeding ground for germs within a few seconds? You clean it with an old kitchen sponge *. There are up to ten million bacteria per square centimeter on a sponge - this is due in particular to the fact that sponges are constantly moist and come into contact with leftovers. Before cleaning your kitchen for spring, it's time to get new sponges.
Spring cleaning: Only new tea towels for polishing
Do you often put tea towels aside wet and use them several times? After all, do you only "come into contact with water"? Caution: 89 percent of all tea towels are proven to contain bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal diseases . So: Fresh tea towels for spring cleaning are an absolute must for polishing surfaces, windows, doors and Co.!
Dishwasher and washing machine: do not replace, but thoroughly clean
All cleaning utensils are up to date, but your household helpers haven't had basic cleaning for a long time? Then it's time! Simply put six tablespoons of citric acid * in the drum or inside the dishwasher and let the machine run at 60 degrees (almost empty!) Or the dishwasher on the intensive program. In addition, clean the washing machine's rinse compartment and finally the rubber seals with water.
Read also : The cleaning cabinet overflows? So you really clean out.
You will constantly forget these spots when cleaning
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Source: Helpling.de
* Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.