In Part 1 CLEANERS, I emphasized Less is More. In Part 2 TOOLS, I am reversing this rule, here More is More!
You need to own more well-built tools, learn the proper safe way of using them, and use them often to Green Clean your home!
5 is a good number- five tools is the minimum not including your vacuum and mop.
Your 5 must have Cleaning Tools:
1. Apron
If you visit my website, you’ll see my picture wearing an apron. Never in the fifteen years in the business of keeping Connecticut homes clean have I left home without it! (thecleanteam.com)
Batman wears a utility belt to tackle tough jobs in a serious and efficient manner and you need to do the same.
Would you hire a carpenter that goes up and down a ladder to get a nail every time he/she needs one?
Cleaning your home is time consuming. Take it seriously, make sure it’s done safely and efficiently to get the best results with the least amount of pain!!
2. Toilet Brush
Choose a simple, well-contoured, well-built toilet brush with strong bristles and a handle with a good grip. A toilet brush is a multi-purpose tool. Plus it’s good to own more than one!
Why not? Toilet brushes are good for bathroom work, but they can also be used for other cleaning tasks in your home.
We use a TILE BRUSH to scrub bathroom tiles, tubs and sinks but in a pinch, you can use a (new) toilet brush. Designate one for your specific cleaning job. I wish they made them in different colors!
3. White Scrub Pad
As a tool for use in the kitchen or bathroom, this is one of my favorites and most challenging tools as it needs to be kept dry at all times.
A CLEAN SECRET: Bacteria thrive in moist wet environments. Keep your white pad and all your tools HIGH & DRY!
Why White instead of Green? Because the white pad is gentler. For routine cleanings use the white. If you have a tougher job—like cleaning the stove—use the green pad.
Note: If you can’t get an area cleaned with the tool you are using, STOP (scrubbing harder!!!) and use a different tool!
TIP BOARD: NEVER use any tools on a DRY surface unless specified in the how-to manual. Doing so may damage the surface.
4. Feather Duster
We use ostrich feather dusters, however whatever type of duster you like to use make sure it’s of good quality and you know how to use it. If not, in your cleaning travels, you may leave unwanted feathers behind or worse breakage!
5. Cleaning Cloths
We use 100% white cotton cleaning cloths (they look like regular napkins) instead of paper towels. If you like to use paper towels use the plain, not the printed kind. The color will bleed!
TIP BOARD: A TRAY is good to have to keep all of your supplies organized and clean. We always carry in our trays a pair of medium-size Nitril gloves.
A WITCH BROOM?
Dust brooms are great to use as they don’t require electricity and are quiet. They are a combination of broom and dustpan. My local diner uses a dust broom often as they are open 24/7. I also like a good quality BROOM WITH SYNTHETIC FIBERS rather than a straw (witch) broom, which often leaves evidence behind!
TIP BOARD: ALWAYS keep your tools in impeccable shape and, in turn, they will help you keep your home in shape!
If you keep things tidy at home and use the right tools often, at the end of the day you will spend less time cleaning.
Enjoy a Green Clean home!
Happy Cleaning!
Nicky