Showing posts with label sponges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sponges. Show all posts

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Cleaning tools - Beat those germs with simple protection

Thankfully, my cleaning calendar has helped me to relax and not feel rushed. With the right tools, cleaning is more of an enjoyment than something to be endured. I also listen to music which is a wonderful “tool” to accompany the physical workout I get from cleaning. Beyond the physical demands, I do struggle with using disposable cleaning tools while prolific growth of landfills besieges our country. We are still not recycling our waste adequately. But I continue to work on natural solutions for my cleaning routine.  I don’t use paper towels to clean glass or wash counter tops so I help to save the environment. Then I do laundry to clean my work towels, using up precious water as a resource. It’s an environmental dilemma, for sure. If you know of a cost effective biodegradable tool I can use, I am open to suggestions. But I digress. Here are a few of my cleaning tools, beginning with those that protect me from germs.

Gloves are important and necessary to avoid contact with any products you are using, keep your hands dry, and protect you from germs that you could absorb or spread. I sometimes use rubber gloves at home instead of disposables. I try to work quickly before my hands start to sweat; otherwise, I feel compelled to rinse them out and go through the drying process, inside and out. It’s a time sucker but necessary to prevent mold. I live in Florida, headquarters for mold and mildew. When I have no choice but to clean and reverse the gloves, I use a ¼ inch dowel that can reach into the glove fingers and push. When I clean for others, I use disposable, non-latex food prep gloves as they are time savers, less expensive than other disposables, and they fit nicely. I change gloves between bathrooms and, of course, for the kitchen.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

The scourge of the sponge

What are your pet peeves for house cleaning? There are SO many to choose from.  I didn’t know I had one until I started cleaning for others (including my husband’s bathroom) and found a sponge in one condition or another either on the sink or nearby. It appears that these are used to clean the bathroom or kitchen, presumably the sink or maybe the dishes. Sometimes people use them like a soap dish which really raises suspicion. Have they left it there from cleaning? Does it have grease residue from dishes or pots? Do they wash themselves with it?  The problem I have with sponges is