Cleaning isn’t just about elbow grease, it’s about using the right methods, tools, and timing to ensure a spotless, hygienic space.
While cleaning might seem mundane at first glance, professionals understand that there are subtle yet important differences that can make or break your results.
Let’s jump into some advanced cleaning hacks and strategies that will truly elevate the quality of your home cleaning routine.
1. Using the Right Product for the Right Mess
The Mistake: Many people reach for the most aggressive cleaning products and methods, even for the lightest of messes. This can lead to ineffective cleaning, or worse, damage to surfaces. Some even follow terrible online trends like mixing chemicals inside toilets or using shaving foam around toilets which always does more harm than good.
The KINGS Hack: Select the cleaning product based on the specific mess and surface at hand. For example, a mild, ph neutral, multi surface spray is perfect for lightly soiled, delicate countertops like stone, marble and quartz, while a more powerful cleanser is needed for stubborn soap scum in the bathroom, grease stovetops, and heavy grime. Understanding the unique needs of each surface and mess you’re cleaning ensures optimal results.
2. Applying the Right Amount of Product
The Mistake: Overusing cleaning products in an attempt to get faster results is a common mistake. Too much product not only wastes money but also increases cleaning time and affects the overall outcome. Residue is harder to remove and can leave surfaces dirtier in the long run.
The KINGS Hack: Experts know that less is more. Apply enough product to break down grime for effective cleaning. When tackling large surfaces, like countertops, use a fine mist spray to lightly cover the entire area to be cleaned. It’s good practice to remove residue buildup from previous product use before switching to KINGS products. Use a wet Double-Strength Magic Eraser or a pre-moistened cloth, wiping in a figure-8 motion. If bubbles appear, that’s a sign of leftover residue, rinse/repeat until it's gone watch the how to video here
3. Using Good Quality Cleaning Tools
The Mistake: Using worn-out or low-quality tools can hinder the effectiveness of your cleaning routine. For example, a dirty mop or a cheap microfiber cloth can leave streaks or residue no matter how hard you scrub.
The KINGS Tip: Professional cleaners not only have the right products, they also invest in the right tools. Premium microfiber cloths are perfect for delicate electronics, while specialised glass cloths work wonders on glass surfaces. Scrubbing brushes for grout, vacuum attachments, and quality mops are key tools that make all the difference. Keep your tools maintained, cleaned and in top shape for the best results. Using the right product and tool does will effect your cleaning results check out this video for an example.
4. Timing Your Cleaning Efforts for Maximum Efficiency
The Mistake: Rushing through tasks without giving certain products enough time to work is a common error. For instance, products need sufficient dwell time or as like to say "enough time to marinate" to break down dirt and grime effectively. Wiping immediately after spraying or rinsing early, can prevent products from doing their job.
The KINGS Hack: Timing is everything. Allow cleaners to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing to break down grime more effectively. This is especially important in high-traffic areas and spaces prone to bacteria like bathrooms. Understanding dwell times and drying times for different products will help you avoid wiping them off prematurely, ensuring you get the best results out of your cleaning efforts. check out this short where i take you step by step through my process of cleaning a shower, remembering to leave sufficient dwell time.
5. Establishing a System for Cleaning Consistency
The Mistake: Jumping from task to task with no plan, leads to inefficiency and missed spots. Without a clear system, you'll end up cleaning the same areas multiple times.
The KINGS Hack: Professional cleaners follow a consistent method. Start with high surfaces like fans and door frames, and then move down to lower areas. This ensures dust doesn’t fall onto freshly cleaned surfaces. Focus on high-touch areas like light switches and doorknobs before moving onto decluttering the floors, and cleaning baseboards. Dust will inevitably resettle, so always double-check the surfaces you’ve already cleaned 5-10 minutes after finishing a room. If you notice significant dust resettlement, it may indicate a need for a deeper clean in that space.
6. Regular Maintenance to Prevent Deep Clean Overload
The Mistake: Putting off regular cleaning tasks can lead to a buildup of dirt and grime that’s harder to remove. When left unchecked, this makes routine cleaning more time-consuming and less effective.
The KINGS Hack: Professionals understand the importance of regular maintenance. For example, consider your shower. Over a month, two adults can have over 80 showers which is a significant amount of soap scum and even bacterial mould growth. By staying on top of cleaning tasks, you will prevent the buildup of bacteria and dirt. A quick 10-minute touch-up each day can save hours of effort later.