The internet is full of cleaning hacks. Some genuinely save time and money. Others are a waste of effort, or even damage surfaces. This guide sticks to the techniques professional cleaners actually use, explains why they work and covers the safety rules that matter.
First, the safety rules
- Never mix products. Bleach mixed with acids such as vinegar or some toilet cleaners, or with ammonia, can release harmful gases.
- Read the label. Follow dilution rates and contact times, and check what surfaces a product is safe on.
- Test first. Try anything new on a small, hidden area.
- Ventilate. Open windows when using strong products.
- Protect yourself. Gloves for chemicals, and knee pads for floors.
Businesses that employ cleaners should also have COSHH assessments for the products they use. The HSE COSHH guidance explains what is needed.
Kitchen hacks
Steam-clean the microwave
Put a microwave-safe bowl of water with a few slices of lemon inside and heat it until the water steams and the window fogs. Leave the door closed for a few minutes, then wipe. Dried-on food lifts away easily.
Soak oven racks
Oven racks are hard to scrub in place. Soak them in hot water with a biological washing powder or a dedicated soak product, in a bath lined with an old towel to protect it, or in a large heavy-duty bag. After a few hours, most of the grime wipes off.
Tackle the hob while it is still warm
Wipe spills on a ceramic or induction hob once it has cooled slightly but is still warm. Use a hob scraper held flat for burnt-on marks, then a dedicated hob cleaner.
Freshen sinks and plugholes
Run hot water, then use a plughole brush to remove build-up. For smells, bicarbonate of soda followed by hot water helps. For blockages, a plunger or drain unblocker is more effective than home remedies.
Bathroom hacks
Shift limescale with an acid
Limescale dissolves in mild acid. White vinegar or a limescale remover works on taps, shower screens and showerheads. For a showerhead, tie a bag of vinegar around it and leave for an hour, then rinse. Avoid acids on natural stone such as marble, which they can etch.
Use a squeegee after showers
A quick squeegee of the glass and tiles after each shower stops limescale and soap scum building up, which means far less scrubbing later. It is a good tip to share with customers.
Clean grout with a stiff brush
An old toothbrush or a dedicated grout brush, with a suitable bathroom cleaner, works better than a cloth. For stubborn mould, use a mould remover according to the label and ventilate well.
Glass and windows
Streak-free glass
Use a small amount of glass cleaner or diluted washing-up liquid, a microfibre cloth to clean and a dry microfibre cloth to buff. Avoid cleaning windows in direct sunshine, which dries the product before you can wipe it.
Mirrors
Spray the cloth rather than the mirror, so liquid does not run behind the frame or damage the silvering.
Floors and carpets
Vacuum slowly
Slow, overlapping passes pick up far more dirt than quick strokes. Change bags or empty the bin before it is full, as suction drops quickly.
Blot spills, do not rub
On carpets, blot from the outside in with a clean white cloth. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages the fibres.
Use the right amount of water
Wooden and laminate floors do not like being soaked. Use a well-wrung mop and a product designed for the floor type.
Around the home
Dust before you vacuum
Always dust from the top down before vacuuming, so dust that falls is picked up.
Use a lint roller on lampshades
Fabric lampshades collect dust that cloths push around. A lint roller lifts it cleanly.
Clean the cleaning kit
Dirty cloths and mop heads spread dirt. Wash cloths after each use and replace mop heads regularly.
Fridge and freezer hacks
Clean shelf by shelf
Take out one shelf at a time, wipe it with warm soapy water and dry it before moving on, so food is out of the fridge for as little time as possible. Let glass shelves reach room temperature before washing them in hot water, as sudden temperature changes can crack them.
Do not forget the seals
Door seals collect crumbs and mould. Clean them with warm soapy water and a soft brush, then dry thoroughly. Avoid strong acids or bleach on rubber seals.
Laundry and soft furnishing hacks
Freshen mattresses
Vacuum mattresses with the upholstery tool, paying attention to seams. Leave them uncovered to air for a while when you change the bedding.
Wash pillows properly
Many pillows can be machine washed; check the label. Wash two at a time to balance the drum and dry thoroughly to stop mildew.
Saving money on products
- Buy concentrates: diluted correctly, they cost far less per use than ready-to-use sprays.
- Use less: most people use far more product than needed. More product often means more streaks.
- Look after microfibre: good cloths last for hundreds of washes if cared for properly.
- Track stock: for businesses, knowing what each van or site uses stops waste and over-ordering.
Hacks that are not worth it
- Mixing vinegar and bicarbonate of soda: they fizz, but largely cancel each other out.
- Using vinegar on everything: it can damage stone, some sealants and the rubber seals on appliances.
- Cola in the toilet: a proper toilet cleaner works better.
- Newspaper on windows: microfibre works better and does not leave ink.
Turning hacks into standards
For a cleaning business, the best hacks become part of your checklists, so every cleaner uses them on every job. Write them into the checklist for each type of clean, train new staff on them and check with photos. Our guide to efficient deep cleaning has more, and our cleaning supplies checklist helps you stock the right kit.
Common mistakes
- Mixing products to make them “stronger”.
- Using too much product, which leaves residue and streaks.
- Using acids on natural stone.
- Rubbing carpet stains.
Make great cleaning the standard
Custom checklists for each type of clean, before and after photos, site assessments and stock tracking are included on every ProCleanerUK plan. Start your 28-day free trial and build your checklists, or book a free demo and we will show you how. For training ideas, see our guide to preventing cleaning staff mistakes.
FAQs
Is it safe to mix bleach and vinegar?
No. Mixing bleach with acids such as vinegar can release harmful gas. Never mix cleaning products.
What removes limescale best?
A mild acid, such as white vinegar or a limescale remover, but not on natural stone.
How do I clean a microwave quickly?
Steam a bowl of water with lemon slices inside it, leave for a few minutes, then wipe.
How do I get streak-free windows?
Use a little product, clean with one microfibre cloth and buff dry with another, out of direct sun.
Should I rub a carpet stain?
No. Blot from the outside in with a clean white cloth.