Cleaning products despite their ability to clean does not mean they clean themselves. Cleaning products that are not properly cleaned or maintained will become less inefficient and costly to replace. To make sure you get the most out of your house cleaning products it is important to make sure you clean your cleaning supplies. Here are 5 tips to help you keep your cleaning products clean and keep them efficient.

Sponges: We use sponges to clean our dishes, eating utensils and counter tops. Sponges however grow a lot of bacteria when they are not in use because of the food particles they absorb. An easy way to clean a sponge is to boil it in water for several minutes. Remember to use tongs to safety place the sponge back in its place.

Mop: A dirty mop is not an effective cleaning tool as it will lose absorbency and gather dirt and particles over time. Dirt and particles stuck in a dirty mop can even scratch and damage your flooring. To clean a mop head you first want to rinse the mop head in clean water. Next launder the mop head and put in the dryer. Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets as this will cause the mop to lose absorbency.

Vacuum: Properly cleaning and maintaining your vacuum is important because it will increase your vacuum’s longevity and keep it cleaning efficiently over time. Cleaning and maintenance tasks include emptying the bag after use, cleaning the roller bar, removing debris from inside the vacuum, checking the belt for wear and washing your vacuum’s attachments.

Microfiber: Microfiber cloths are designed to hold an electrostatic charge in order to attract dust and small particles. If you do not clean your microfiber cloths properly they will lose their electrostatic charge and become less effective at cleaning.  Clean your microfiber by washing it with detergent and dry by hanging it. Using fabric softener or dryer sheets will cause the microfiber cloth to lose its electrostatic charge making it less effective.

Brushes: Brushes can be difficult to clean because fibers and hair become tangled in the bristles which over time become weak and less effective. Clean your brushes by picking out hair and fibers with a toothpick. Next soak in a warm water, vinegar and baking soda solution and then wash with dish soap.