How to Clean Your Cleaning Tools

“Why can’t we use the same toothbrush, but we can use the same soap?”

“Because soap is soap, it’s self-cleaning.”

“Alright, well, next time you take a shower, think about the last I wash and the first thing you wash.”

Therein lies the best argument ever for cleaning up your cleaning tools. Whatever you clean with your tools, some of it remains on the tool itself.

So, how DO you clean those tools?  This article will give you a quick how to for your most commonly used cleaning tools.

1. Vacuum Cleaner

Depending on the style you own, bag or bagless, you absolutely must regularly clean out the chamber where all the dirt goes. With a bag style, just throwing out the bag is not enough, you must also dust where the nozzle goes into the bag, and sometimes even the housing can get pretty dirty.

Bagless designs are much easier, and can sometimes even fit into the bottom rack of a dishwasher if you need it sanitized. The part that passes over the floor needs attention too, wipe it with a damp cloth in all the nooks and crannies.

The beater bar is more of a challenge to clean. You may first have to cut out all the hair and fiber strings that are wrapped around it, and then wipe it clean.

Finally, be sure to give the body of the vacuum a good wipe, and roll the wheels over your cloth as well.

2. Mop

cleaning tools

Think ahead before even buying the mop of how you will clean it. Yacht style mops where the yarn head is permanently attached to the handle may look cool, but have to be washed by hand, and often a good bleaching every month or so is called for.

If you buy a mop with a removable head, or pads that can be detached, throwing them into the washing machine is a much quicker and sanitary way to get this done.

3. Cleaning cloths

Even microfiber cloths, which are largely resistant to bacterial growth, need to be washed frequently. It is best not to use fabric softener as this coats the fibers and reduces their effectiveness.

Rather, when the rinse cycle comes, add a cap or two of your favourite smelling multi-purpose cleaner.  Don’t forget to use hot water on all cleaning cloths to be sure they got that deep-down clean.

4. Dusters

Although many of us have switched to the efficient Swiffer style dusters, the handle can still transport germs to your hands, and dust often has bacteria and viruses that have been spread from coughing and sneezing in the area. Old school dusters need to be washed and rinsed well at least once a month or more depending on where you live and the level of allergies your household is dealing with.

Whatever the tool you are using, keep in mind that you can cross-contaminate areas by reusing it without first giving it a good clean. Most cleaning tools nowadays are easily broken down and the cleaning surface can be detached so it can be popped into a dishwasher or washing machine.

Doing this often will keep your house cleaner and even reduce maintenance in the long term!