This is when you SHOULD be throwing out your cleaning products
We all remember to check expiry dates on food. But have you ever thought to check your cleaning products?
Did you know that mop heads should be replaced every two months? If you didn’t, you are not alone.
tombola surveyed 1,000 of the British public to reveal just how many of us are actually aware of expiry products on the items we use to clean our house. And it turns out that not many of us are.
75% of Brits surveyed have never checked cleaning products for expiry dates
According to the study, three quarters of adults surveyed (75%) have never checked their cleaning products. Which means the majority could be using products that are not cleaning their house as promised, providing room for germs and bacteria to grow.
Of that 75%, 13% said they didn’t even know cleaning products expire. This could all mean our homes might be dirtier than we think.
1 in 8 said they didn’t notice when products expired
With the likes of bleach breaking down after six months and not being as effective, it’s important we are aware of expiry dates.
But, 1 in 8 (13%) didn’t even notice the dates, which means they are not actively checking them and potentially using products that no longer work, wasting their money.
Surprisingly, only 8% of all people surveyed said they always check the use-by dates of their cleaning products!
So, what is it that you need to know?
1. Always check your shop bought cleaning products
According to tombola’s study, three quarters (75%) of us are not checking the expiry of shop bought cleaning products. But you need to be doing this regularly, as they tend to have a shelf life of six months to two years.
If you are one of the 4% that never throws out cleaning products, now might be the time to check under your sink! This also might ensure you only buy what you need to avoid throwing out what you don’t use.
2. Empty your hoover after every few uses
If you are regularly vacuuming, particularly if you have pets, you should be emptying the hoover after every few uses. Although, some experts state after every use to ensure that germs and bacteria don’t get a chance to take hold in your hoover.
It’s also recommended that you fully clean the vacuum every 12-18 months and take it apart (if able) to do so.
3. Replace cleaning cloths every couple of months
If you use cloths or cleaning rags, you should ensure you are properly cleaning those. Wash weekly and leave them to dry properly. If you do this, you can afford to replace them every few months. This is the same rule for your microfibre cloths.
This is also more sustainable than using wipes and using them daily.
4. Only use homemade products for the week
Cleaning using everyday household products is a great way to save money. In fact, we discovered that you can save £81 by using natural cleaning products.
But it’s important to remember they have a shorter lifespan than shop bought products. You should be trying to use them during the week you plan to clean. However, we recommend focusing more on natural products as, not only do they save you money, but are also more sustainable.
5. Use Zoflora within two weeks
If you are using Zoflora, they recommend using the diluted version within two weeks. After that, it won’t have the same impact when it comes to cleaning your home.
So, only dilute the amount that you believe you can use to avoid any waste. You can also use a reusable dispenser to avoid throwing away plastic regularly.
6. Wash your tea towels at the end of the week
If you use your tea towel to wipe away spills, it’s suggested that you wash them daily. If you have three to four tea towels, you can rotate them and then put them in a wash together at the end of the week (to save energy) when they have been used.
But make sure you don’t throw damp tea towels in your laundry basket, where mould could potentially grow.
7. Replace your brush every three months
Your brush will pick up a whole load of germs, so it’s important to keep on top of it. Clean and shake well after every use. Experts also suggest replacing every three months or so, or when you notice it is worn and not doing the job it used to.
8. Change your mop head every two months
On the subject of your floors, it’s important to change your mop head every two months - especially when cleaning particularly well-worn/trodden areas.
You should, however, clean your mop after every use and allow it to fully air dry, which could help prolong its lifespan. If not, you could be spreading germs and anything else you picked up the last time you used it on your floors.
9. Replace your sponges every two weeks
It’s recommended by experts that you replace your sponges every two weeks. But they should be cleaned and wrung out to dry properly after every use. However, if you notice your sponge has a smell - or it looks visibly dirty after you have cleaned it - it’s time to throw the sponge away.
10. Clean your household bin twice a week after throwing away rubbish and products
Let’s not forget your household bin. The place you are throwing away rubbish and other cleaning items. To stop the bin becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, you need to wipe down the bin and the lid at least twice a week.
When you do take out the bin bag, you should hose it down outside (if you have space). Use hot water and vinegar and lemon juice (along with some essential oils) and give it a good scrub before you pop another bag in the bin.
If you are looking for even more tips on sprucing your home, we’ve researched the ultimate cleaning hacks including how to make your bed in less than five minutes!
