Housekeeping Accessories: How Clean Are They Really?

Sometimes cleaning your home can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you are using dirty housekeeping supplies. Make sure all your accessories are clean and disinfected with these quick and simple tips.

When cleaning brooms and brushes, soak them in warm water and soapy water. Comb the washed, rinsed bristles and let it dry thoroughly. For new bristles on brooms and scrub brushes, soak them briefly in salt water so they last longer. If your natural bristles have become too soft, soak them in some vinegar to bring them back to life or if bristles are too hard, try briefly dunking them in a mix of water and milk (1:1 ratio).

If you are struggling with a smelly washrag, let it soak overnight in lemon or vinegar (white) water to keep it clean and smelling fresh. With sponges, place a wet sponge in the microwave for 2 minutes to kill mold and other germs. Remember: be careful when taking it out of the microwave, the sponge will be very hot and never put a dry sponge in the microwave as it may catch on fire. If you use natural sponges, boil them in vinegar water to kill unwanted bacteria.

Dusters a little overwhelmed with dust? Give feather dusters a wash with warm water and a squirt of baby shampoo. Rise carefully, and gently dry it with a hairdryer. The best way to clean microfiber dusters, shake them out good before you soak them in soap water. Rinse well and lay them out to dry.

Share your cleaning tips with me. What are some of your tips to keeping your supplies clean and ready for the next use?