CLOTHS & SPONGES

disgusting, throw them out. They have put in a good shift.

Having the right cloth for the job can make key tasks much easier. Mrs Hinch’s beloved Kermit – actually Minky’s M Cloth Glass and Window – is a great example. It’s a dense, light microfibre cloth that does a brilliant job on glass, chrome and other shiny surfaces. It can be used on its own or with a spray.

For an even greener option, use a two-cloth set that only needs very hot water to work. The coarse cloth, damp but well wrung out, lifts the heavy grime from windows. Then the second cloth buffs it up and removes any smears.

Another Hinch favourite from the Minky range is the two-sided cleaning pads. There’s an abrasive one that’s great for crunchy kitchen stains, plus a fluffy bathroom one that makes quick work of the bath.

She also rates Scrub Daddy, a gimmicky but effective American import. These smiling sponges manage to be great at scouring without scratching.

The Sphonge range, beloved of cleanfluencers including Mario McKnight, has become a cult among folk who scrub their homes as a hobby. As well as selling sponges and microfibre cloths, their website has I heart Sphonge car stickers and tote bags.

The hero products of the range are the original sponge, a super-absorbent hard worker that can be used in the house, car and garden. They are particularly good for collecting pet hair from hard surfaces. The heavy “suede” microfibre dusters make short work of buffing taps.

Magic erasers – super-strength sponges made from melamine foam – are very effective on hard surfaces. Once damp, their mildly abrasive surface melts stains away. But use with caution on paintwork or wallpaper – test on a hidden area first.