Clean Smart, Not Hard Professional Cleaning Hacks You Need to Know
Cleaning doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, it can be a way to refresh your space and improve your mental wellbeing. Whether you're cleaning your home or maintaining a professional environment, the right tools and techniques can make all the difference.
At Wray Bros, with over 39 years of experience, we understand that cleaning smart is just as important as cleaning hard. That's why we're sharing our professional cleaning hacks to help you achieve better results while saving time and effort.
So, let's dive into the myths and misconceptions about cleaning, and how a little understanding can go a long way in transforming your cleaning routine.
The Truth About Vinegar, Not Always the Miracle Cleaner
Vinegar is often hailed as a natural, all-purpose cleaner. While it’s effective for some tasks – like cutting through grease, tackling mineral deposits, and leaving glass shiny – it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
The most important thing to note is that vinegar can cause serious damage to natural stone surfaces, such as marble, granite, and limestone. Its acidic properties can etch the surface, leading to permanent damage, including discolouration and scratches, by breaking down the stone’s protective sealant.
Pro Tip: For natural stone surfaces, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner instead. Our Multi Surface Polish 5L is perfect for this purpose. It’s gentle on sensitive surfaces while still providing effective cleaning power, ensuring your stone surfaces stay safe and shine without risk of damage.
Understanding pH Balance, A Game-Changer for Cleaning
- Acidic cleaners (pH below 7): These are your go-to for tackling tough limescale, soap scum, and mineral deposits. They’re particularly effective in kitchens and bathrooms, where such buildups occur frequently.
- Alkaline cleaners (pH above 7): Perfect for greasy messes, such as kitchen surfaces, stovetops, and floors. These cleaners break down oils and fats, making them highly effective for dealing with greasy and oily residue.
- Neutral cleaners (pH 7): Ideal for general cleaning tasks, neutral cleaners are safe for most surfaces and provide effective cleaning without the harshness of acids or alkalis.
Understanding the pH levels of your cleaning products is one of the most important professional cleaning hacks you can adopt. The pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The ideal pH level for each cleaning task varies depending on what you're trying to clean:
The Newspaper Myth, Why It's Time to Rethink This Cleaning Hack
Using newspaper to clean windows used to be a widely shared tip. While it may have worked in the past, today’s modern newspapers are printed with ink that can leave behind residue. Rather than providing that crystal-clear finish, the ink can actually make your windows look smudged and dirty. Plus, you’ll end up with ink stains on your hands!
- Pro Tip: For a streak-free shine, skip the newspaper and instead use a microfibre cloth. Microfibre is designed to attract and trap dirt, dust, and smudges, leaving your windows sparkling clean without the mess. If you’re tackling larger windows or surfaces, try our Jumbo Microfibre Cloth which allows you to clean large areas quickly and effectively.
The Importance of Preventing Cross-Contamination, Stop Spreading Germs
Here’s a cleaning mistake many people overlook: using the same cloth for multiple surfaces. It might seem harmless, but this can lead to cross-contamination, where you’re not cleaning, but spreading germs and bacteria from one surface to another. For example, wiping down your kitchen counters with the same cloth you just used to clean the bathroom sink can transfer harmful germs, creating an unhygienic environment.
- Pro Tip: To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, use a colour-coded system for your cleaning cloths. Assign a specific colour for each area of the house or business – red for high-risk areas like the bathroom, blue for general use, and green for food prep areas in the kitchen. This simple system helps keep your cleaning materials hygienic, effective, and organised, making it one of the most practical professional cleaning hacks you can use.
For high-contact areas such as door handles, equipment, and shared spaces, we offer specialised solutions that effectively reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. Our scheduled cleaning products help you manage regular clean-ups efficiently, while our industrial cleaning machines ensure no area is overlooked during deep cleaning sessions.
Clean Smarter, Not Harder with Professional Cleaning Hacks
The right cleaning equipment and PPE workwear aren't just expenses—they're investments in your business's success. With Wray Bros' comprehensive range of supplies, you can create and maintain a clean, safe environment that promotes productivity, protects health, and enhances your business reputation.
Need advice on the best cleaning solutions for your specific business needs? Our experienced team is here to help. Contact Wray Bros today and let us help you find the right combination of cleaning products and PPE workwear to keep your workplace at its best.
