Cleaning products: we really need these basics

According to the Consumer Protection Agency, just four basic cleaning products are sufficient for normal household cleaning. The use of all kinds of antibacterial cleaning agents is usually unnecessary, often expensive and harmful to health and the environment. Generally speaking, the more specialized the product, the more harmful it is. Many people are happy to reach for it when they are standing in front of a shelf of cleaning products. After all, advertising wants us to believe that our homes wouldn't be really clean without them. But we should definitely bear this in mind: It is unnatural and detrimental to our health to live in a clinically clean space - and, moreover, impossible. The aim is simply to eradicate excessive and bad bacteria. To do this, we need the following basic equipment:

1. Vinegar or lemon cleaner: an acidic cleaning agent helps against limescale and even urinary calculus.
2. All-purpose or neutral cleaner: The basic cleaning agent removes dirt from floors and all kinds of surfaces.
3. Scouring milk: This helps to remove stubborn dirt and encrustations.
4. Washing-up liquid: The all-purpose weapon cleans dishes and also helps with dirty surfaces, mirrors or windows.

Of course, certain problems may arise where we want to use a special detergent. Just bear in mind that these usually contain very aggressive substances and should therefore only be used temporarily for the acute problem.

Dosage of cleaning agents

When cleaning, a lot does not help a lot. Quite the opposite! Too much foam can even reduce the cleaning power of the product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging and, if in doubt, use one drop less.

The best cleaning tips for thorough cleaning

• The tools are almost more important than the cleaning agent: be sure to use a separate cloth for each room or area. This should also be replaced very regularly, as it is a breeding ground for germs.
• Do not skimp on water when cleaning. Only with sufficient water can the transport of germs be interrupted and everything properly rinsed away. If you want to take care of the environment, you can do without hot water for normal soiling.
• Stubborn limescale stains? Leave the area in question to soak overnight with vinegar essence instead of scrubbing for a long time or using chemicals. Everything will shine like new the next morning!
• Grease splashes can also be removed with grease: Simply use a little neutral oil. Then wipe over with an all-purpose cleaner and water solution.
• Lemon or orange peel in the cleaning solution helps to counteract the pungent smell of vinegar. Caution: Do not use when cleaning windows or mirrors, as this will leave streaks.

Date: 3.4.2020