TOP TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR CLEANING TOOLS

By spending a little time maintaining your tools, you can ensure they will continue working efficiently and, ultimately, that will save you money. Here are the top four cleaning tools and how to care for them:

BRUSHES AND BROOMS

Over time, bristles get dirty and nasties like bacteria and grime build up. Instead of cleaning, your brushes and brooms are pushing and spreading germs and dirt from one place to another. Here’s how to fix that:

■ Bang bristles on a solid surface to loosen trapped dirt.

■ Rinse with clean water.

■ Try this homemade disinfectant solution: Add 1 gal. of warm water to a clean bucket or sink, then mix in ¼ cup of baking soda, ½ cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of ammonia.

■ Immerse the bristles in this concoction. Agitate by hand, then let soak for 30 minutes.

■ Run a painter’s comb through the bristles to remove leftover gunk.

■ Rinse with warm water.

■ Dry with bristles facing up, in the sun if possible.

■ Wipe the handle with an eco-friendly disinfectant.

MOPS

As with brushes and brooms, you’re wearing out and crosscontaminating your home with germs and dirt if you don’t clean your mops. Follow these steps to keep them working like new:

■ Shake out dry mops after every use.

■ Once a month, vacuum and wash in a sink using hot water and vinegar. Or run detachable mop heads through a washing machine (delicate cycle) with hot water and mild detergent.

■ Clean wet mops by agitating in a bucket with the disinfectant solution.

■ Let air-dry and wipe the handle with disinfectant.

SPONGES

Sponges are a great cleaning tool. However, dirty sponges can spread germs and trap odor-causing bacteria and dirt particles that can quickly scratch finished surfaces. Deep-clean your sponges in the dishwasher. To disinfect a sponge, follow these steps:

■ In a clean glass bowl, mix 9 parts warm water to 1 part bleach.

■ Submerge the sponge. Use a piece of wood to hold it down to keep it fully immersed.

■ Wait 30 minutes, then squeeze out the disinfecting mixture.

■ Rinse in warm water and let dry.

BAGS AND BAGLESS VACUUMS

Vacuuming carpets definitely beats dragging them outside and pounding them with a rug beater. However, without proper upkeep, your vacuum’s suction could be affected, and then you end up just shifting dust and allergens from one place to another. Clogged filters can also cause overheating as well as belt failure and premature motor failure. Help your vacuums work more effectively and last longer by taking these steps:

■ Unplug the unit and remove, empty and sanitize the dirt tank. Or toss the disposable bag.

■ On bagless models, disassemble the dirt tank.

■ Remove reusable/washable filters and hoses, all removable parts and accessories, and the HEPA filter (if equipped).

■ Fill a large basin or sink with a disinfectant solution. (Adjust ingredient quantities as necessary.)

■ Soak the washable filter(s), dirt tank, hose and all removable parts and nonelectric-powered accessories for 30 minutes. Don’t soak the HEPA filter. And remember: Never place electrical components or non-washable filters in water.

■ Using a clean, dry brush or compressed air, thoroughly remove dust and dirt from the vacuum’s passageways, nooks and crannies.

■ Wipe the outer shell and exposed areas with a damp microfiber towel and disinfectant.

■ Thoroughly scrub all parts and accessories.

■ With a garden hose, flush away any muck trapped inside the hose.

■ Remove and sanitize the beater bar/brush head. Note the position of the drive belt(s).

■ Inspect brushes and drive belt(s) for wear. Replace if they are worn, frayed or delaminating.

■ Cut away any trapped hair, string, etc., wound around the beater bar or wheels.

■ Replace HEPA filters once a year.