Cleaning can be a tedious task, but someone has to do it. The thing is, even if we succeed in getting everything spotless, we may be going about it in a way that might cause damage later on.
It may not seem like it, but getting a simple part of the process wrong can cause more problems than we thought.
Here’s how to avoid putting a step wrong in your quest for cleanliness.
Jet washing outdoor surfaces
Admit it, you love the feeling of spraying surfaces with jets of water. It’s a childish pleasure to see all that muck wash off, but it’s not as useful as it looks.
Water blasted out of a nozzle can damage many surface types through sheer pressure, causing cracks which can widen once water sets into them: limestone and natural stone on our driveways, for example, or wooden decking.
The answer? Well, it might cost a pretty penny, but a DOFF hot water steam cleaner is the way to go for delicate surfaces. It uses steam pressure to clean stone firmly but gently, without damaging anything in the process. Its cost, though, means that this tends to be the domain of professional cleaners.
Scrubbing windows with abrasive cleaners
When it comes to removing those stubborn stains from windows, it’s tempting to reach for those abrasive pads that really dig into the glass.
Bad move, experts say. The rough surface of the pad often scratches the glass, and leaves it with a mark you definitely won’t be able to get out.
Instead, a squeegee is the most effective window-cleaning utensil around. It might look soft, but it will almost certainly get that stain out.
Also, for an extra squeaky clean, a pure water system is the best way to get a spotless window.
Not using a protective seal
A good clean often isn’t just about removing existing dirt, it can be about delaying the time until the next clean, too.
When it comes to driveways, for instance, it’s important to lay down a protective sealant after cleaning. This adds an extra layer of protection to the surface, protecting it from the elements for as long as possible, and preventing the cracks and fissures that bring about repairs. Roofs and gutters, too, benefit from algae treatment that stops the regrowth of new weeds.
Not doing this just brings the next clean along much sooner, hitting your bank balance where it hurts.
Rushing the job
10 minutes, one hour, half a day...how long a job takes isn’t important, as long as it’s done well.
For many of us who are not used to cleaning, we often cut corners as the task is taking us longer than we thought and we get frustrated. Yet this just means the job doesn’t get finished, causing more problems in the long run.
It’s essential not to cram cleaning into a hectic schedule, so if you’re pushed for time and want the job done to the highest standard, why risk the stress? Pro Team Cleaning will take care of it for you - just visit our website for a free no-obligation quote.