The Potting Shed

alison · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 9:06 am Post subject: Tools for the job.

We don't have many cleaning tools or chemicals, prefering to use a couple for many jobs.

Check your stocks are up to date, as it is discouraging trying to clean with the wrong tool, as it usually doesn't get done as well, and makes the job harder.

Hoovers - Empty the bag, or bucket regularly, and clean all the filters.

Hardfloors - They look lovely, but using a stiff brush only flicks bits under furniture. Buy a descent soft broom or swifter, and collect the bits together.

Dustpan and brush - ideally you need a hard brush and a soft brush. The dustpan must also be able to sit squarely on the floor, to be able to pick up bits.

Cloths - We buy a few big packets, and change them regularly. Then I save them up and so a boil wash once a week. We use the red patterned ones for sinks and food areas, and the blue for bathrooms and other jobs. Pink for sink and blue for loo!

Feather duster - Ostrich feather - Thsi is perfect for cobwebs and high places, as well as around ornaments, but only because it picks up dust. Nylon ones will just move the dust around!

Leonie2 · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 10:39 am Post subject:

I looked at ostrich feather dusters in Homebase recently, couldn't believe the price of them! Shocked

But perhaps it's a case of "you get what you pay for", I use a nylon duster which as you say just seems to disturb the dust and then it resettles.

At the moment our kitchen has part concrete, wood and vinyl floors. It will soon be replaced with wood so need to get myself a soft broom once the floors are down. At the moment I use the hoover and then mop over it to clean, although it never looks clean afterwards because it's badly stained and basically just worn out.

Haize · 3 Star Club Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Posts: 1126

What's everyone's thoughts on microfibre cloths? I have a couple of expensive (well for a cloth!) E-Cloths, and rather more of the cheap alternative from a "Home Bargains" shop, and I think they're really excellent for getting things clean without needing chemical cleaners.

The E-cloths are noticeably better than the cheap ones, but you can't really argue with 3 for 69p Laughing

Not so bad if you manage to wreck one either, I suppose!
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*All* tiles now up in the bathroom! A bit of grouting to go and it'll be a finished room Smile

http://haizes.blogspot.com/

Cabbagepatch · Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:34 pm Post subject:

Oh dear, I'm afraid I just muddle along, I use lots of white vinegar, bicarb etc for cleaning. Hate chemicals and if I can avoid them, then so much the better.

But an effective dustpan and brush would be helpful.

Now on the case Smile

redwillowrose · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 6:29 pm Post subject:

I like microfibre cloths, and the Tesco value ones are really good, 3 for 89p. I also use white vinegar.
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Lyn