AAA Rated Cleaning

A

Air conditioners:

All in-office air conditioners can be kept clean by taking out the filters and rinsing them in a sink of warm-soapy water (using environmentally friendly dish-washing liquid) and getting rid of the grease and grime. Sometimes the filters are really greasy, especially if they are not cleaned every 6 months or every year, expect a little more wiping and scrubbing to get rid of the grease and grime from the dust particles in the air - Yuk! Add to the final rinse a drop or two of your favourite natural essential oils or eucalyptus oil which will keep your air conditioner blowing out fresh smelling air (make sure to add just a drop or two so that you have a hint of freshness and not an overpowering smell of oil etc).

Appliances - Electrical, Electronic, Office etc:

All appliances are kept clean by moistening a cloth with your favourite essential or natural oil and wiping over the equipment. Be careful to make sure that you are adding a drop or two to water and using this water to moisten your cloth. Too much oil will leave greasy marks on the equipment which in the long-term is no good for any electrical equipment. Computers, calculators, central processing units come under this heading of electrical appliances. Accounting appliances - calculators etc

B

Bathroom/Toilet:

Scrub the inside of the bowl and underneath the rim with a toilet brush every day to remove any un-flushed deposits or stains and tide marks. Flush the toilet over the brush after you have finished. Use a hot water and a mild disinfectant like lemon juice, white vinegar or diluted tea-tree oil to keep the brush and bowl free from germs. To remove stubborn stains, spread a paste of borax and lemon juice over the bowl; leave for half an hour and then flush away. Clean the outside of the bowl and regularly wipe over the toilet seat with hot water and soapy water (using 2 drops of environmentally friendly dish-washing liquid and warm water in a bowl to wipe over the seat, outside of the toilet and use paper towels to clean all urine stains from the seat, front of the toilet and sometimes on the back of the toilet) Dispose of the paper towels in a rubbish bag or if there is a small amount of paper towels used, flush them down the toilet. Using paper towels to clean up the urine spills will keep your cloths hygienic and will deter the spread of germs to your cloths. Some people like to use after cleaning the toilet Methylated spirits and a mix of water sprayed onto the toilet and wiped off using paper towels.

Bathroom Sink:

To clean vitreous and porcelain enamel use a mix of Borax and lemon juice rubbed onto any stains and rinse off with warm water. If you have any blue-green stains from a leaky tap, get the tap fixed as a first step and then place the borax paste on the stain, leave for 5 minutes and then gently scrub off with a nylon scourer. Rinse off with a clean warm water and buff dry.

C

Carpets:

DATA; Carpet has two basic textures: loop pile or cut pile. These can then be divided into other textures such as multi-level loop pile, cut and loop pile, hard-twist cut pile. The best type of vacuum cleaner for removing the most amount of dirt from carpets and rugs is the upright style with motorised brush strips, full brush or agitator that beats the carpet as well as sucking up the dirt. A few barrel vacuum cleaners now have a power brush attachment too. These powerful upright cleaners, however may damage carpets with a long loop pile, or fragile antique rugs; a barrel vacuum cleaner like the Dyson will be less damaging to these finishes.The best way to maintain and clean your carpet is to either; - vacuum high traffic areas only-hallway, stairs, living rooms, family rooms-each day or every other day, or -vacuum all the carpeted areas twice a week or at least once a week. If you cannot vacuum under some furniture, have it moved regularly so that the area underneath can be properly cleaned. To keep your carpet looking and feeling clean encourage guests to really wipe their shoes at the door especially when the weather is wet, this will save immensely on cleaning time later. Another useful tip is to put a piece of carpet or a small mat or rug just inside every entrance to your Office/home. Dirt will be walked in here first and stay on the mat, and hopefully not be carried right through the house. A draft excluder on outside doors will also cut down on the dust that sneaks into the Office/Home Office also. More information on carpets; Treat spills immediately. Blot up the bulk of the stain with clean cloths, serviettes or paper towels. Scrape semi- solids with a plastic kitchen spatula, blunt knife or spoon. If you are unsure how to treat a stain, call in an expert. Don't apply a cleaning agent directly to stains, always apply with a sponge or cloth. Always start cleaning from the outside of the spot and move towards the centre. Try cleaning a small area of the stain first. Never scrub-gently dab, blot or rub. Do Not over wet the carpet. Wool will absorb five times more water than man-made fibre carpets. Let the area you have spot cleaned dry before trying another method.

Cash Registers:

I like to use a damp cloth with a mixture of tea-tree oil and water (tea tree oil acts like a natural disinfectant) and use the damp cloth to wipe over the cash register. This will keep the keys sanitized and fresh-smelling.

Corian Bench tops:

Clean this surface using a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste. This mixture will help to get rid of stains, grease, marks and food from this type of surface. Very difficult stains and marks can be removed with very fine sandpaper and then polished and cleaned off with a soft cloth.

Computer Cleaning:

The best way to clean a computer screen (due care must be taken with computer screens as each screen is susceptible to cleaning agents in different ways. As a general rule, I use a micro-fibre cloth that is moistened with water on screens where there is an element of mystery in regards to cleaning the computer screen. This is a fail-safe way of keeping computers cleaned the environmentally friendly way. Computer Keyboard cleaning;A good tip for the cleaning of computer keyboards is to get a soft never used paint brush. Gently brush the keyboard to dislodge any crumbs etc, then use a damp cloth that has been moistened with the mixture of 1 part tea-tree oil to 5 parts water to clean the keyboard itself. Computer Mouse and mouse-pad;I like to use the tea-tree oil mixture (1 part tea-tree oil and 5 parts water) to clean the computer mouse and mouse pad, this way they are sanitized and fresh. Most Offices do not clean their mouse and mouse-pad with natural disinfectants, hence why some offices are havens for catching all manner of sicknesses and ailments.

Computer hard-drive:

Due to the sensitive nature of the computer hard-drive, I am careful to not touch the electrical wiring at the back of the computer. I usually wipe-down the top of the computer and yearly or at the Office's discretion vacuum the filter at the back of the computer. The computer must be turned off and unplugged when you vacuum the filter at the back of the computer. This will increase the shelf-life of the computer and ensure that it lasts longer.

Counters:

Depending on what type of counter you have whether it be wood, marble, corian, granite, stainless steel etc, always, always use cutting boards to cut food and vegetables on. The cleaning of a laminate surface will often stand heat up to 250-300 degrees Celsius from Hot pots, pans and other cooking utensils. However any hot items placed on laminate surfaces for long periods of time will cause damage. Clean with hot-water and enviro-friendly dish washing liquid and a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil will create a disinfectant for the laminate bench tops. Always dry off wet surfaces with a clean and dry cloth. Customer waiting areas;Keep this area clean by wiping down all surfaces with a moistened cloth. All glass can be kept clean by wiping off marks using either newspaper and water or the enjo glass cleaning cloth which uses only water to keep glass surfaces and windows clean.

Computers, computer screens, computer processing units can be kept clean with a clean cloth moistened with tea-tree oil and water. This acts as a sanitizer and will keep all computers, computer screens and even mouse-pads clean and hygienic. Computer screens; These surfaces can be kept clean using paper towels and the tea tree oil mix. Be careful not to use too much oil in the water as it will smear up the computer screens and will make your good efforts look horrible.

D

Desks:

Depending on what type of desk you have, wood, glass, steel, laminate, I like to use a clean cloth that has been moistened with my favourite environmentally friendly cleanser - this is usually 1 cup of purified water with 2 drops of eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil. I use this environmentally friendly cleaner to wipe over desks and keep marks and dust at bay. For heavy pen marks I use the baking soda paste (mixture of water and baking soda to form a paste) on heavy pen marks and grease and coffee spills that will not budge. This will always handle these type of spills including almost any other type of spill and marks.

Doors:

Depending on the type of door and the door jam, the most successful cleaner of doors is a clean cloth that is used in conjunction with an environmentally friendly surface cleaner to get rid of dirt, marks, dust, grease and grime build-up. For heavy build up of the former I use the baking soda paste to clean the area first and then I usually run a cloth that has been sprayed with eucalyptus spray or the environmentally friendly mix of eucalyptus oil and water or tea tree oil and water. Choice is up to you which smell you like best.

E

F

G

Garages:

A good sweep out will keep all the dirt, leaves that sometimes come into the garage at bay. Sometimes however to soak up petrol spills etc I like to use white pebbles which are used on the grease tray of bbq's, they are wonderful for soaking up grease like petrol spills etc and can be shovelled up and then thrown into a paper-bag and put into the garbage bin. The stains that are left on the cement can be removed by placing environmentally friendly dish washing liquid to warm water, letting the soapy water sit on the petrol stain for an hour or so. then add baking soda to the stain and scrub. Rinse the residue and remaining stains from the concrete - this is one of the best ways I know to use safe products on stains like petrol etc. The long term solution is to put old rubber backed curtains down the centre strip where the leaks usually happen to stop the petrol getting on the concrete, every month you can either throw the old curtains away or put them on the washing line and hose the petrol off.

Garbage Bins:

To keep the garbage bin smelling great use 5 drops of tea-tree oil in a bucket of warm water, use a scrubbing brush to clean the inside of the empty bin and then in the final rinse add 2 drops to the bottom of the bin and rinse out - this will keep it smelling fresh rather than dank and yuck-smelling. Glass cleaner; To clean glass windows and glass shelving, desks, coffee tables etc, I mix-up the following; 1 tablespoon of environmentally friendly dish washing liquid  added to 6 Litres of water, or pure soap flakes dissolved in hot 6Litres of water, add 50 ml cloudy ammonia and 1 cup methylated spirits. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray onto dirty surface. Wipe over with a damp sponge or micro fibre cloth . For speek use a professional window cleaner (lambswool applicators used with window squeegees are excellent for getting large areas of glass cleaned quickly and professionally).

Government Offices:

Treat each Office exactly like the instructions for cleaning an Office (see "O" for Office). Gas appliance stove tops;Soak all heavy stains, grease, burnt on gunk with warm water. Leave water on the stain for 15 minutes or more depending on the stain. When the residue is loosened by the water it is okay to use baking soda past (this is made by getting 1/2 cup of baking soda and adding 1/4 cup of water and mixing to form a baking soda paste) use this to clean the grease and spills on the stove-top gas appliances. Dry off the moist surface with a clean and dry cloth

Granite Bench tops:

An attractive natural surface which is polished stone is kept easily cleaned by using a hot-damp cloth. When treating heavily soiled granite it is best to use household ammonia in water to clean up grease and heavy marks. NOTE; All spills must be handled immediately and not left to sink into the Granite, this will cause lasting stains. All Granite bench tops come up beautifully by using environmentally friendly Enjo Granite and Marble paste on a soft damp cloth. The residue is then polished off with a clean dry cloth and buffed to bring up the natural shine.

Glass:

Keep all glass clean by mixing two drops of enviro-friendly dish-washing liquid with a small water in a bucket. Use a glass cleaning mop head (lambswool is good for cleaning glass in conjunction with a rubber squeegee) these two tools will keep the glass looking sparkling and is also one of the quickest ways to clean glass from top to bottom. Be sure to keep a clean and dry towel at hand to mop up the spills from using the water to clean the glass.

H-J

K

Office Kitchen Floors;

One of the most walked-on floors in the Office/Home Office, the kitchen floor should be covered in a hard-wearing, easy-to-clean material. It should be able to cope with all manner of things being spilled and dropped on it, yet look spick and span after it has been cleaned. Spills should be mopped up straightaway to prevent accidents and permanent soiling of the floor. Sweep the floor regularly using a soft broom. Use a dust-pan to sweep up the dirt etc. Get into corners by using the appropriate fitting for your vacuum cleaner pipe. This is usually found in a compartment in the vacuum cleaner and is usually the skinny piece that fits at the end of your vacuum cleaner stick. Make sure all dust, debris, food particles are removed before cleaning the floor - this will ensure that when you mop the floor, it is easier to clean if all debris have been removed. I have listed the various types of floors and what I use to keep the different types of floors cleaned using environmentally friendly cleaning products and mops etc.

Asphalt tiles:

Wash over using warm water and environmentally friendly dish-washing liquid say 2 drops to 5 litres of water, place your mop (string mop made by Oates with the blue string is hardest-wearing and one of the toughest mops I know of and most economical) The sponge mops found in the supermarket break easily and are not as long lasting as the Oates string mop. in the warm water, squeeze out all excess water and mop the floor. Polish floor using lemon oil and buff with a second clean and dry mop for the best results.

Concrete: It is preferable to paint or seal concrete floors for easier maintenance. Wash with warm water and  environmentally friendly detergent, rinse mop out and allow floor to dry.

Cork sealed:

To clean this type of floor mop sparingly with hot water and no detergent. Once a month mop with a mixture of 1 part methylated spirits to 10 parts of water, then rinse with clean damp mop. Buff up with a dry cloth tied over the end of a broom. A sealed cork floor will require re coating after several years of heavy wear and tear; contact your floor specialist regarding re sanding or resealing. Cork, unsealed; A natural cork floor can have a waxed polished coating. Damp mop wash with no detergent to keep clean. Re-apply a wax polish (follow what the flooring specialists or cork specialist says to use) to help protect the cork.

Marble Floors;

Sweep the marble or granite floor. Wash with a damp mop using environmentally friendly detergent and warm water. As with all marble/granite floors do not use any acid-based cleaner to remove stains. Mop spills up immediately-oil and grease stain badly. Painted Timber;Use a mild detergent and warm water on a mop which has had most of the moisture wrung out. Buff with a dry soft cloth added to the end of a broom stick.

Parquetry:

Clean as described for other Timber floors, depending on the finish.

Rubber:

Wash with a mild detergent and warm water. Do not use any spirit solvents or polishes on this floor. Fruit juices and oil-based spirits can react badly with the rubber so mop up spills immediately. Slate and Stone;Slate and stone should be sealed to protect them from stains and marks and to keep clean. Wash with mild detergent and hot water, rinse with warm water.

Terrazzo:

Sealed Damp mop with environmentally friendly detergent and warm water.

Unsealed:

Mop with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of washing soda in 4 litres of warm water. Go over the mopped area with a soft dry cloth at the end of a broom stick to keep the smears to a minimum.

Tiles:

Ceramic Use a damp mop with an environmentally friendly detergent and warm water; never use strong alkaline cleaners like ammonia.

Quarry:

Do not wash a newly laid floor, wipe over with a mixture of 1 part linseed oil to 5 parts turpentine, and then sweep clean for the first few weeks. Wash older floors with a mild detergent and warm water.

Terracotta:

A natural-looking floor covering that can show marks and stains. Proprietary products are available to seal terracotta, which should be considered if in a high-traffic area where spills are likely to occur

Timber:

Oil Finish:

Never use oil-impregnated mops to polish this floor as this can create a dangerous slippery surface. Sweep first, then clean with a damp cotton mop. Wash every month with 1 part white vinegar or methylated spirits to 10 parts hot water;. wipe over the floor again to dry it. Spills can be mopped up with a dry clean cloth or paper towel. Sticky foods should be removed with a warm damp cloth and grease should be removed by first sprinkling with an absorbent powder such as talcum powder or flour and then wiping over with a warm damp cloth. If you wish to polish the floor use a liquid acrylic and spirit-based wax Polish. Use as per manufacturer's instructions.

Polyurethanes finish:

See Cork, sealed on instructions for cleaning this type of floor. Unsealed wax polished; Usually old houses have wax polished wooden floors which are not as easy to maintain as sealed wooden floors. To keep clean, brush off dust and debris regularly and wipe over with a damp mop or cloth to remove sticky or oily stains. Polish and clean regularly with a liquid acrylic and spirit-based wax polish. Be careful not to apply too much polish and only polish areas which need it, such as heavy traffic areas. This will avoid a build up of polish which eventually will have to be removed.

Vinyl:

Wash with a damp mop and mild detergent and remove black shoe scuffs as for linoleum. Stainless Steel sinks; Clean with  hot water and detergent and dry with a soft cloth. Never use any abrasive cleaners or scourers. Stains can be removed by.rubbing environmentally friendly dish washing liquid and warm water mix over the stainless steel. Polish off with a dry cloth and finish off with wiping the sink with a soft cloth and methylated spirits.

L-R

S

Sink holes:

These can be kept clean by dropping two drops of tea-tree oil or eucalyptus oil down the sink hole. For really smelly sink holes Fill up a 1 litre jug 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate soda in 750ml white vinegar and pour it down the sink. Leave overnight for at least 30 minutes, then clear by  running very hot water down the drain the next day

T

Taps:

Use a toothbrush to dislodge the residue around the taps. For hard to shift residue try using borax with lemon juice paste around the base of the tap. Use the toothbrush to clean, then rinse off with warm water.

V

Vacuum cleaner maintenance:

Vacuum cleaners will work more efficiently if the dust-collecting bag is emptied or changed when full and any material which gets stuck in the tube or in the brush or agitator is removed. Check this before you start vacuuming.

W

Window cleaning tips: