The Dos And Don’Ts Of Cleaning Different Surfaces

Maintaining a well-kept and hygienic indoor environment is crucial for your family’s overall well-being, especially kids. Whether you have a hectic schedule or a chaotic lifestyle, make sure you deep clean your home and prevent the spread of germs and ailments.

It is imperative to understand the different types of surfaces, including laminate, natural stone, hardwood, fabric, and leather, and treat each one using the right methods and products. This can make a huge difference and protect your surfaces from getting damaged or discoloured.

In this ultimate guide, we will discuss the common dos and don’ts of cleaning different surfaces. The following practical tips will help you preserve the shine of each material.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Wood Surfaces: Restoring the Shine of Floors and Furniture

Hardwood floors, cabinets, wardrobes, dining tables, bed frames, furniture, etc are prone to scratches if you use harmful and toxic cleaning chemicals. According to end of lease cleaning Canberra professionals, use mild cleaning agents or sponges to maintain the wood’s former shine.

Dos of Wood Surface Cleaning

• Regular Dusting with a Soft Cloth: Use a microfiber cloth to remove accumulated dust and dirt debris. Pay attention to nooks and crannies.
• Use a pH-neutral Cleaner: Eliminate stubborn stains using a pH-neutral cleaning agent (not too alkaline or acidic).
• Wipe Spills Proactively: Clean up spills and splatters immediately to prevent moisture build-up.
• Use Olive Oil for Polishing: Use a wood polish or olive oil to maintain the shine of your wood surfaces.

Don’t When Cleaning Wood Surfaces

• Never Use Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using ammonia or bleach-based cleaners, as they can strip the finish away.
• Don’t Use Excessive Water: Never soak your wood furniture or floors in water. Excess moisture can warp out the wood or thrive mould spores. Always dry the surface with a dry cloth or towel.
• Avoid Abrasive Cleaning Tools: Never use scouring pads, as they can scratch the surface and damage the finish. Instead, use a sponge to clean wooden cabinets or other furniture.

2. Granite Surfaces: Countertops, Vanities, and Flooring

Though granite is hard and less porous than marble, an unsealed surface can soak up spills, stains and oils. This can make them look dull and dingy. So, here is a complete guide on Do’s and Don’ts when removing dirt, grime and gunk from granite:

Dos of Granite Cleaning

• Use Baking Soda For Cleaning: Gentle cleaning products, such as baking soda, are always good for removing grease and oil from granite surfaces. Mild washing soap and hot water can also do wonders.
• Seal the Surface: Regularly seal the granite surface. This will protect against stains and damage caused by daily wear and tear.

Don’t of Granite Cleaning

• Never Use Vinegar or Acidic Cleaners. Acidic cleaners, such as white vinegar or lemon, can etch the delicate surface and make it look dull and dingy.
• Don’t Let Liquids Sit: Don’t leave water-based cleaners or moisture on the granite surface. It can penetrate the stone, causing staining and damage. Immediately wipe the spill with a microfiber cloth.

3. Stainless Steel Surfaces: Kitchen Appliances, Cutlery and Fixtures

It is a popular choice for ovens, refrigerators, sinks, cookware and bathroom fixtures due to its durability. However, it requires specific cleaning and care to prevent scratches and dullness.

Dos of Stainless Steel Cleaning

• Clean stainless steel surfaces using mild dishwashing soap or distilled vinegar solution to remove build-up grease and gunk from the surface
• Use a non-abrasive pad or brush to dislodge stains and grime.
• Use a microfiber cloth for wiping the surface and a specific stainless steel cleaner for its lustre finish.

Cleaning Don’ts

• Avoid abrasive scrubbing against the grain. It will leave visible streaks and marks behind.
• Do not use chlorine bleach or ammonia; it can strip the protective chrome oxide framing and cause surface pitting.
• Don’t overlook hard water deposits. Immediately remove chalky and white build-up to avoid damage.
• Avoid bad habits such as leaving the dirty dishes in the sink. This can harbour more germs and bacteria.

4. Tile and Grout Cleaning

Bathroom tiles and grout lines tend to accumulate soap scum, mould, grime and gunk that can breed harmful germs and pollute the environment. Have a look at cleaning do’s and don’ts recommended by cheap end of lease cleaning Canberra professionals:

Dos

• Regularly Sweep or Vacuum: Vacuum clean or sweep the surface to remove dirt and debris.
• Use Non-Caustic Cleaner: Remove soap scum, grime and gunk using baking soda solution.
• Scrub using a soft-bristled Brush: Use an old toothbrush to scrub the gunk away.
• Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Mould: Spray 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide to remove mould stains.

Don’ts

• Do not use ammonia-based cleaners. It can discolour the grout lines or erode the sealant.
• Never use coloured cleaners or dyes, as they can stain white-coloured grout.
• Avoid scrubbing stains with hard tools or brushes.

5. Delicate Floorings and Furnishings: Carpets and Couch

Fabric or upholstered surfaces can embed pet hair, dirt, grime and other harmful allergens deep inside the fibres. This can pollute the indoor air quality, leading to health hazards and allergy symptoms. Make sure you regularly clean your delicate surfaces:

Dos

• Vacuum your carpets and upholstered furniture using a brush attachment. Gently clean it to remove accumulated dirt and grime.
• Act on spills and splatters immediately.
• Spot clean using white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution
• Always read the care label before using any product or solvent.

Dos

• Never rub or scrub the stains. It may spread furniture or set it into the fabric fibres.
• Don’t saturate the carpet or rug in water. It can leave watermarks or mould behind.

Tip: Hire professionals for a budget end of lease cleaning Canberra and transform your dirty property into a sparkling space. They can help you get the full bond back.

How to Clean Different Surfaces: Dos and Don’ts

Wrapping Up

Cleaning an entire property requires proper planning and precision. Consider these Do’s and Don’ts when sprucing up your home and maintain its pristine shine.