{"id":825,"date":"2015-02-02T07:19:46","date_gmt":"2015-02-02T07:19:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldwidejanitor.com\/library\/?p=825"},"modified":"2015-01-29T07:27:15","modified_gmt":"2015-01-29T07:27:15","slug":"how-to-clean-your-cleaning-tools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldwidejanitor.com\/library\/how-to-clean-your-cleaning-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean Your Cleaning Tools"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Girl<\/a>Cleaning tools have one of the dirtiest jobs around. It\u2019s no wonder that they often accumulate bacteria and odors that make cleaning your space difficult. Your cleaning tools and supplies work hard for you, making sure that every surface, nook, and cranny in your facility is sparking clean and ready to be used. But eventually, the tools you use to make sure your facility is clean need to be cleaned themselves. If you have a janitor\u2019s closet full of supplies, you most likely have a few items that need a little sprucing up before they can effectively clean other spaces. In today\u2019s article, we\u2019ll discuss how to clean your cleaning supplies so that they can continue to work effectively for you.<\/p>\n

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Sponges and Rags<\/h1>\n

These are some of the dirtiest supplies in your closet because we rely on them so often. But the good news is that they are easy to clean. To do so, use one of the oldest sanitation methods there is: heat. To clean a sponge, first thoroughly remove any excess chemicals from cleaning before. Then, get the sponge completely wet and put it in the microwave. It\u2019s vitally important that your sponge is completely <\/i>wet: otherwise you could create a fire hazard. Put the sponge in the microwave for 2 minutes. Be careful removing it, because it will be hot!<\/p>\n

IMPORTANT: Before putting your sponge in the microwave, make SURE there are no metallic parts. This is a fire hazard!<\/p>\n

To clean a rag, you\u2019ll likewise thoroughly rinse any excess chemical or cleaner before adding it to the wash. Wash with like items on high heat to remove any bacteria.<\/p>\n

Cleaning Brushes, Toilet Bowl Brushes, etc.<\/h1>\n

Your brushes get used a lot<\/i>, so it\u2019s no surprise that they occasionally need a little cleaning themselves. To begin, grab a pair of sturdy cleaning gloves such as neoprene gloves<\/a>. Go through your brush carefully and pick out any hairballs, debris, dirt, or other gunk that might be stuck to your brush\u2019s bristles.<\/p>\n

Next, fill a sink, bathtub, or bucket with warm water and some Oxy Care<\/a>. Oxy Care will break the bonds between the dirt\/bacteria and the bristles, and it will also sterilize and deodorize your brush. Alternatively, you can use hot water and chlorine bleach<\/a>.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re done, empty your bathtub and bucket and rinse the products with clean, warm water. If the objects are particularly soiled, run them through the bleach or Oxy Care one more time, followed by another rinse. Even if your tools seem like they are clean, it might be worth it to go through the second cleaning just to ensure that your cleaning products are doing the best possible job they can.<\/p>\n

Finally, let the brushes dry before they are used again.<\/p>\n

Mops<\/h1>\n

To clean your mop, mix 3 gallons of hot water with 1 cup of chlorine bleach. Bathe your mop in the solution and let it soak for at least 15 minutes. When it\u2019s finished, rinse it with clean, hot water. Don\u2019t forget to let the mop dry before it\u2019s used so that you don\u2019t allow the growth of more bacteria.<\/p>\n

Microfiber Cloths<\/h1>\n

Microfiber cloths need to be washed in the laundry to be cleaned and sanitized, but it\u2019s important that they are washed with no fabric softener or dryer sheets. These cloths are designed to pick up any electrostatic charge, and dryer sheets and fabric softener will make them less effective at cleaning. You can also air dry them.<\/p>\n

Brooms<\/h1>\n

It\u2019s easy to neglect cleaning your brooms because they are used mostly to pick up dirt and debris rather than to clean surfaces with a cleaning chemical. But brooms need to be cleaned just like your other cleaning tools. Fortunately, cleaning them is easy.<\/p>\n

Simply remove the broom head from the handle and place it in with your brushes to be cleaned either with chlorine bleach or Oxy Care. Make sure to let them dry completely before use, or you could risk damaging your floors. At the very least, you\u2019ll have annoying wet streaks when you are trying to sweep!<\/p>\n

IMPORTANT: Corn brooms are not meant to get wet. It\u2019s best to remove the debris from their bristles and avoid cleaning them in chemicals or even water.<\/p>\n

Tips for Effective Tool Cleaning<\/h1>\n