How to Make Sure Cleaning Products Are Eco-Friendly

It is no longer so easy to find non-toxic and natural cleaning products as advertisers can be tricky.

– The first rule in making sure a cleaning products are really non toxic is read the ingredient list.

– Avoid petroleum-based solvents, chlorine, ammonia and phosphates and avoid products that have “danger,” “poison” or “warning” on the label.

– Look for cleaning products that have particular information regarding biodegradability.

– If a product is marketed as “natural,” read the label more closely (petroleum is also classed as “natural”).

– If you need a scented product, choose one that uses essential oils. Avoid products with synthetic fragrances.

Now you have all the information needed to ensure your cleaning is eco-friendly. However, if what you really require is a contract cleaning company to provide a bespoke service please visit the Total Clean website.

Summer Cleaning Tips

With the sunny weather actually arriving in the UK this summer, it is time to get your home clean and ready for the many barbecues and evenings spent outside.

Cleaning Windows

Each summer, you should clean your outside windows and screens.

Always use a broom to remove spider webs and dirt before using water. Be careful of possible bee, wasp, or hornet nests.

Driveway and Deck Cleaning

The start of summer is a great time to do these once-a-year cleaning jobs. Our first tip is to not use a power washer! They are very dangerous to you, and can destroy your deck and driveway.

For outdoor decks, you can use a diluted mixture of TSP or deck cleaner, and then use a push broom or stiff brush to scrub the deck clean. Be sure to rinse well.

Grease stains can be treated with kitty litter or dry cement left to absorb the stain and then swept away.

Luggage Cleaning

It is the time for summer holidays, so chances are you’ll be dusting of your old suitcase and bags, with this you will probably notice how dirty it has gotten since you used it last year.

So here are some tips on how to clean your luggage without ruining it. Firstly, clean the outside with a diluted mild cleanser (leather should be cleaned with a commercial leather cleaner).

If the inside has developed a musty smell, clean it with a vinegar-water solution. Then let it air dry for several days.

After your holiday and before putting the luggage away for storage, toss a fabric softener dryer sheet into the closed bag, especially if you don’t use the luggage often to keep it fresh.

So now you’re set with our cleaning tips you can get your house prepared. But if you have a larger invironment that needs cleaning like an office, Total Clean Services could be just the company you are looking for.

We offer bepoke contract cleaning for businesses, for more information please click here.

Cleaning Tips for Reducing Allergies

Chemical fumes from cleaning products are among the most common allergens in the home, according to the Asthma Society of Canada.

Here are a some cleaning tips for reducing asthma and allergies, using natural products:

Avoid using commercial air fresheners, as they release chemicals into the air. To create your own natural air freshener, add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil to water in a spray bottle.

Toilet cleaners contain strong chemicals, so for a safer cleaner, use undiluted vinegar. Or even pour a can of fizz into your toilet to bubble away grunge and dirt.

Vinegar is a great cleaning product and a natural disinfectant. You can dull down the strong smell using a few squeezes of lemon or a few drops of essential oil.

Baking soda is a natural odour-absorber. To scrub dirt and clean away stains, use a microfibre cloth with a mixture of baking soda and water.

Vacuum all carpets and even curtains and your bath mat regularly. If someone in your household has allergies or asthma.

For more details about our services, please visit our office cleaning page.

New Cleaning Product Reduces Spread of C-Difficile

A new cleaning product that has been developed, could “significantly reduce” the rates of the hospital superbug Clostridium difficile, say researchers.

A study found that the product, Byotrol, led to a reduced presence of the infection C diff, in the wards where it was tried out.

In the areas cleaned with Byotrol, C diff was present in 20.4% of the sites tested, compared to 27.8% of the sites cleaned with traditional products.

According to the research, the number of patients who developed diarrhoea due to the potentially fatal bug was 50% lower in the wards cleaned with the new product.

The study was run in four hospital wards within the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Two of the wards were cleaned using Byotrol and the other two with bleach.

Dr Richard Deed said: ‘These results show that it is possible to drive significant reductions in one of the most persistent and challenging micro-organisms found within the healthcare system.’

Byotrol, which is cost comparable to most other day-to-day cleaners being used in wards, was made available to hospitals on the NHS supply chain in November.

Non Toxic Cleaning Tips for Your Kitchen & Bathroom

Avoid using chemicals in your cleaning, with these useful tips:

– For a toilet, use a glass cleaner made with vinegar, water, and Castile soap and scrub inside and out. For deeper stains, use a soft scrub made from baking soda and Castile soap. For good measure, I gave my toilet brush a spray of vinegar before placing back in its holder.

– To clean the bath tub an ethical way, start with vinegar spray to kill red and green molds and other germs, then rinse and move onto a baking soda soft scrub and get out your scrub brush.

– To clean chrome drain covers, tub chains, and mixer valves, use the glass cleaner and scrub with a toothbrush.

– Soak handheld plastic showerheads in baking soda and use your scrub brush or toothbrush in crevices. Soak metal showerheads in vinegar and scrub.

– For stainless steel and ceramic kitchen sinks, baking soda works as well as conventional bleach powders. Use the vinegar spray or tea tree spray for germs.

– On sink faucets and mirrors, use the vinegar-based glass cleaner.

Tips for Cleaning Your Car!

The maintenance of a car can tell you a lot about a person, so why not make a good impression by keeping yours clean.

Here are some tips on how to clean your car effectively:

– Cleaning your car at home is not only the most cost effective, but it’s also great exercise. Hose the car down, then clean the car starting with the roof and working your way down the sides with hot soapy water and a sponge.

– Once the outside of the car is sparkly, you can begin cleaning the interior. Give the floor and the seats a good vacuum and clear out all those crumbs and dirt, and polish those sideboards.

– Put a waste bin in a convenient place in your car (preferably hidden) to put your rubbish in and safe your car smelling bad.

– Finally, finish of the wash by investing in an air freshener this will complete the clean and leave your car smelling fragrant.