Caring for, Storing Cleaning Tools TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-244 -- More Projects » Organizing expert Pam Hix demonstrates the proper use and care of various cleaning tools. Brooms
- Always hang brooms to keep the bristles in shape. If you have no hole in the handle, simply drill a 1/4-inch hole, thread a nylon cord through, and tie in a knot. You now have a handy hanging loop.
- Clean by dipping into hot sudsy water, rinse and dry with a rubber band around the bristles so that they keep their form.
Mops
- Sponge mops should be washed, rinsed and placed upside down to dry after each use.
- Wet mops should be washed and rinsed after each use in hot sudsy water. After rinsing, shake out to separate the strings, and allow to air dry upside down.
- If you can't shake a dust mop outside, put it in a plastic or paper bag, hold the bag closed around the handle and shake to remove dust.
- Occasionally remove the mop head, and launder it to remove embedded dirt.
Scrub brushes After each use, wash the brush in hot sudsy water. In clear water, rinse, shake out and let air dry with the bristles down. When the base of bristles become dirty, throw in the washer with a load of rags or rugs. Spray bottles
- Spray bottles work great because they're marked with measuring increments.
- Rinse thoroughly before changing solutions, and mark clearly as to the contents of the bottle.
Sponges
- Clean sponges in hot sudsy water, rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture. To store, hang a nylon net bag to allow air to circulate (the bags that onions come in work great).
- When laundering, place the sponges in a netting bag--just in case the bag comes apart and scatters particles all over the machine.
- Use only white-colored or toned type of sponges to wash ceilings and walls, as some types of dyes in sponges may stain.
Cleaning Towels
- Cloth baby diapers, cut cotton T-shirts, hand towels and face cloths are excellent cleaning tools.
- Dust cloths used for waxing and polishing should not be dried in the washing machine because of flammable fluids or fumes that may remain on them.
- To prevent unnecessary scratches, use only clean cloths for both dry or damp dusting. The dust particles in used rags can cause scratches.
Vacuum Cleaner Check the bag regularly. A full dust bag will reduce the suction power of a vacuum. To remove lint, hair and threads from the brushes of the vacuum, use the hose attachment.Cleaning buckets should be thoroughly rinsed after each use. If they are plastic, allow it to air dry. If they are metal, dry with a hand towel to prevent rusting. Guests Pam Hix
Organization Consultant, Everything's Together Organizing Services
13012 June Terrace
Minnetonka, MN 55305-2740
Phone: 952-939-8080
E-mail: pjhix@aol.com
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