Having the correct cleaning products help to keep your appliances in the best shape and allows us to kill bacteria and mold while cleaning. Going through your cleaning products once a year is a great way to refresh your space and make sure you’re using products that are effective and safe.
Help at Home with Pam requests the client to purchase the cleaning products of their choosing (without bleach please to save our Pro’s lungs). Of course, we have our favorites! If you are interested in products we think work best, please let us know – we love talking shop!
1. Gather Everything
Our suggestion is to set up your cleaning supply areas in bathrooms and kitchens and have an area for extra cleaning supplies and designated cleaning rags. When you go through your cleaning products, gather all of your supplies in the areas that they will be stored. This helps to make sure you have the room to store what you have and saves time and energy.
2. Check Expiry Dates
Many cleaning products have an expiration date or shelf life (especially those that are more natural or contain certain chemicals). Look for:
- Disinfectants (usually 1-2 years)
- Spray cleaners (around 1 year)
- Bleach (usually lasts 6 months once opened)
- Oils, soaps, and other natural cleaners (check the label for specific dates)
3. Assess Condition
Look at the condition of the products:
- If a bottle is leaking, rusted, or dried out, it’s time to toss it.
- If the spray does not work properly, transfer the bottle or throw it out
- If the scent is off or the texture has changed, get rid of it.
- If you don’t like the scent, toss it
4. Check Ingredients
If you’re trying to reduce chemicals in your home, you can sort through products based on ingredients. Toss or recycle:
- Harsh chemicals that you no longer want to use.
- Duplicates of the same product you no longer need.
- Products with ingredients you find questionable or that don’t align with your preferences.
7. Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials
If you have products that can’t be thrown away with regular trash (like certain chemicals, aerosols, or bleach), check with your local disposal guidelines to find the safest way to get rid of them.
8. Stock Up on Essentials
After you’ve pared down, take note of any items you need to restock. We are always happy when there are extra scrubbing bubbles and toilet bowl cleaner!
If you just don’t want to set up or clean out your cleaning areas, call us! Let’s discuss and we can provide you with this service.
