Here’s How to Clean Various Surfaces Around Your Home

Deep cleaning your home is an important part of home care and maintenance. While everyone knows it needs to get done, not everyone is aware of the best methods when it comes to cleaning one surface over another. In this guide, you'll learn how to clean specific areas of your home safely and effectively.

Using Proper Cleaning Supplies

The first step in properly cleaning various surfaces is to be sure you're using the right household cleaners. Different types of kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and floor cleaners are intended for different surfaces. For instance, using an abrasive tile cleaner on kitchen counters may cause damage.

Cleaning Kitchen Surfaces

How to Clean Countertops

Laminate or soapstone counters can withstand most cleaning agents, such as all-purpose cleaners. Granite or marble counters should be treated with greater caution. To keep them clean, wipe them down right away so food particles and grease don't have time to set in. To clean, use a damp, warm rag with dish soap. Ammonia can be used on surfaces if needed. Applying additional spray-on sealant regularly will help prevent stains from occurring.

How to Clean Appliances

For appliances, you can use all-purpose cleaners or regular dish soap and water for daily cleaning. Adding a little olive oil will help remove smudges. For stuck on stains, try using a little baking soda and water mixed into a paste. Any stainless-steel appliances should be cleaned with special stainless-steel cleaners and polishes.

How to Clean Your Sink

Scouring pads can be safely used to clean out dirt and grime from a stainless-steel sink. If rust stains are present, try iron remover, applied vigorously with a scouring pad. Farmhouse sinks made of fireclay or other ceramics can be cleaned with dish soap other mild cleansers.

How to Clean Your Oven

Glass cooktops are delicate so be sure to use a glass top stove cleaner and follow the directions carefully. If your cooktop has coil elements, use a coil element cleaner to help prevent rusting and spotting. Baked-on spills inside your oven can be a challenge. Use a heavy-duty oven cleaner (unless contradicted by your oven’s self-cleaning directions). Your microwave can be cleaned with dish soap or mild cleansers. For loosening up stuck-on food, try placing a bowl of water and vinegar inside and set to high for five minutes.

Cleaning Dishes and Food Areas

Make sure dishes are properly cleaned in between each use. Most dish detergents will get the job done. Be sure to replace sponges and dish cloths often. For disinfecting purposes, such as when washing dishes used for handling raw meat, using a dishwasher on the hottest setting is a good idea. Otherwise, use the hottest tap water with an antibacterial dish detergent.

How to Clean Your Bathroom

Bathrooms also have multiple surfaces to consider. Many bathroom-specific cleaners are available for sinks, tubs, and showers. Try it out in both scented and unscented formulations. For your toilet, use a dedicated toilet bowl cleaner. Tiled bathroom floors are unique due to their high water and steam exposure. Here you’ll need a mildew remover for spot cleaning when necessary.

Cleaning Your Floors

• How to Clean Carpets: Vacuum at least once a week to remove dirt and dust. Various spot removers are available for stains and pet messes. For the latter, be sure to apply a deodorizer as well. For deep cleaning, use a carpet cleaning machine with a concentrated cleaner. 

• How to Clean Tile: Tiled kitchen and bathroom floors require regular applications of tile and grout cleaner. For stubborn stains in grout, you can also try a small, stiff brush and a paste of baking soda and water. 

• How to Clean Wood Floors: Wood floors require special care to avoid stripping the finish. A good hardwood floor cleaner will make your floors shine like new. Hypoallergenic cleaners are available if any family members have sensitive allergies. You can also choose from chemical-free pet- and kid-friendly options. 

• How to Clean Laminate Floors: Laminate floors are relatively durable and can be cleaned using most commercial floor cleaners. You should ensure they dry quickly, as they are prone to water damage.

Cleaning Upholstery

Upholstery can easily be damaged, so be gentle when cleaning. Some stains will come out by blotting with steam or water and a little dish detergent. Otherwise, choose a high-quality upholstery cleaner and follow the directions carefully. Also, make sure to test it out first on a back corner to ensure there’s no discolouration.

Cleaning Wood Furniture

Learning how to clean wood can be tricky, but it shouldn’t be. Various wood polishes and preservatives are available to keep your furniture looking its best. Make sure to use a soft microfibre cloth to avoid abrasions on sensitive wood grain.

How to Clean Windows and Glass

If you’re cleaning all your windows, consider a concentrated glass cleaner mixed with water. Use a spray or foam formulation for smaller window jobs and mirrors. A microfibre cloth and paper towel will work well as applicators.

How to Clean Walls

The best way to clean walls is gently so you don’t damage the paint. Try a multi-surface cleaner diluted with water, or dish detergent with water. To remove tough stains, try hydrogen peroxide or a paste of baking soda and water.

Disinfecting Surfaces

The best disinfecting household cleaners are also the simplest. You can use hydrogen peroxide on most surfaces to kill germs. For areas that need heavy duty cleaning, bleach is the best option. Bleach should be diluted at 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water.

Taking Proper Cleaning Precautions

It’s important to be safe when working with potentially dangerous household cleaners. Make sure to wear protective eyewear and latex or vinyl cleaning gloves to protect your skin. Always wear a safety mask when working with cleaners that produce heavy fumes, such as bleach.

Cleaning your home doesn’t have to be difficult. You only need a few basic cleaning supplies, household cleaners, and a willingness to put in a little elbow grease to get your home looking its very best.