Welcome to your essential guide to choosing the right cleaning products for each type of surface in your home or business. Knowing which product to use not only ensures that your surfaces remain immaculate but also prevents damage, prolonging the life of each material. Let’s discover together the secrets of effective and safe cleaning!
Understanding the Types of Surfaces and Their Care
Cleaning products for surfaces: Each surface in your home requires special attention to maintain its beauty and integrity. Using the wrong cleaning product can do more harm than good. Here, we explore the necessary care for different types of surfaces.
Wood Surfaces
Wood is noble and exquisite but requires caution to avoid damage from harsh products. Always use cleaners specifically formulated for wood that clean without removing natural oils. Apply the product with a soft cloth, using gentle motions and always following the grain of the wood to prevent scratches.
Glass Surfaces
Glass needs products that do not leave residues or stains. Ideally, use a quality glass cleaner, spray directly onto the surface, and remove with a lint-free cloth, a crumpled newspaper sheet, or a paper towel for a shiny and streak-free finish. Care must be taken when using abrasive products as they can scratch and damage the surface.
Metal Surfaces
For metal surfaces, such as stainless steel or aluminum, choose products that protect against oxidation in addition to cleaning. Metal polishes are excellent for restoring the original shine while protecting. Apply a small amount with a clean, dry cloth (or paper towel), rubbing gently to avoid scratches. Avoid abrasives and products containing chlorine, which can damage the surface.
Leather Surfaces
Leather sofas and chairs require specific care to avoid drying out or cracking. Use cleaning products and conditioners specifically for leather, avoiding oils or solvents that could deteriorate the material.
Fabric Surfaces
Care for fabric surfaces, such as sofas and curtains, depends on the type of material. Some fabrics can be cleaned with steam or specific fabric products. Others may require professional cleaning to avoid damage.
Marble Surfaces (including flooring)
Marble is a porous material that can easily stain and scratch. For daily cleaning, opt for gentle products specially formulated for marble. Never use vinegar, lemon, or any acid as they can erode the stone. For stains, it’s advisable to use a specific stain removal product, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Granite Surfaces (including flooring)
Granite is more durable than marble but still requires care to prevent damage. For routine cleaning, warm water and a mild detergent are sufficient. To maintain shine, you may periodically use a sealant specifically for granite, which helps protect the stone and facilitates cleaning.
Laminated Surfaces (including flooring)
Laminated surfaces, common in kitchen counters and furniture, are practical and durable. For cleaning, a damp cloth and mild detergent are sufficient. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and heat, as they can cause warping and discoloration.
Vinyl Surfaces
Vinyl floors and furniture are chosen for their durability and ease of maintenance. Clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent when necessary. Avoid abrasive products and waxes, as they can leave residues and wear down the material.
Cold Floors
Cold floors, such as ceramic and porcelain, are practical and resilient but also require care to prevent stains and dirt accumulation. Use mild detergents diluted in water for regular cleaning. Avoid the use of acids and abrasive products, which can damage the enamel of the floor.
Ceramic Surfaces
Ceramic is used in floors, walls, and decoration. It can generally be cleaned with neutral cleaning products. Avoid using acidic products that can corrode the enamel or paint, preserving the quality and appearance of the material.
Essential Cleaning Products for Surface
Understanding the appropriate products for each surface allows for effective and safe cleaning. Let’s detail the best products for each need.
Neutral Detergents
Neutral detergents are versatile and safe for most surfaces, including ceramics and plastics. They are effective in removing dirt without being harsh, ideal for daily cleanings. Dilute according to the instructions on the product packaging and apply with a soft cloth or sponge.
Specific Cleaners
There are cleaning products for surfaces that are formulated for specific needs, such as anti-mold products for bathrooms or oven cleaners for kitchens. These products are designed to solve specific problems, ensuring effectiveness and protection.
Windex Liquid
Used for cleaning glass surfaces like windows, doors, and tables.
Mold & Mildew
Used to remove mold and fungus from tiles, walls, toilets, and sinks. It serves the function of bleach.
Easy-off
Used for heavy-duty cleaning of stoves and ovens.
Lime-A-Way
Used to remove calcification caused by water on bathroom glass, faucets, and showers.
Cook Top Cleaner
Used to clean glass cooktops. It is essential for black cooktops as it keeps them shining.
Clean Stone
Used to clean and polish granite surfaces.
Stainless Steel
Used to clean and polish stainless steel surfaces.
Glass Cleaner
Used to clean mirrors.
Oil Soap Wood
Used to clean all wood surfaces, including floors. This product needs to be diluted in water.
Furniture Polish
Used to clean wood surfaces.
Scouring Pads
Used to remove stuck and difficult-to-clean dirt. Can be used to clean tiles and sinks… In the kitchen or bathroom.
Magic Eraser
Used to clean any white surface, such as in bathrooms, walls, and refrigerators. It can also be used to clean inside the refrigerator.
Pumie
A stone used to remove stuck and difficult-to-clean dirt. It can be carefully used on porcelain surfaces, such as sinks, and also on toilets to remove calcification, and on ovens and stoves… For stainless steel surfaces (stove), it is necessary to test in a small area to see if it will scratch. Not all stainless steel surfaces can use this stone.
Degreaser
Used to remove grease from stoves, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators. It can also be used for cleaning walls, doors, door frames, and baseboards, but it is important to check if these surfaces are washable, as it may remove paint from ordinary painted surfaces.
Vacuum
Used to clean floors. There are three types of vacuums: one that cleans both floor (tile/wood) and carpet, one that cleans only floors, and one that cleans only carpets. It is important to know that the vacuum that cleans both surfaces does not have suction as good as the specific vacuum for each different surface.
Blade Spatula
Used to remove elevated and stuck dirt from smooth surfaces, except wood. It is also great for cleaning general glass, inside the oven, and stove. Care must be taken because if the angle of use is not correct, it can scratch the surface. The correct angle of use is between 150 and 165 degrees.
Plastic Spatula
Used to remove elevated and stuck dirt from any smooth surfaces.
Toilet Brush
Used to clean toilets.
Soap Pads
Used to clean calcification from bathroom glass. For best results, the glass should be dry.
Swiffer
Used to remove dust from surfaces, thus preparing the surface to receive the specific product.
Stairs
Used to reach high places. For deep cleaning, it is essential.
Squeegee and Scrubber
Used to clean glass windows, mirrors, and bathroom enclosures.
Microfiber Rags
Used to clean all surfaces, except the toilet. Add the product to the cloth and clean.
Garbage Bag
Used to collect all the trash generated during cleaning.
Scouring Powder
Used to clean porcelain bathtubs, white kitchen sinks, and glass with calcification.
MOP
Used to clean cold or wood floors.
Broom and Dustpan
Used to clean floors where the vacuum does not reach and also for outdoor areas.
Steam Cleaner
Helps remove deep dirt, without the use of chemicals. Great for cleaning kitchen hoods, door and window tracks, removing wallpaper…
Grout Cleaning Nylon Brush
Make sure the bristles of the brush are nylon. Brushes with steel bristles can damage the grout.
Gloves and Mask
Essential items for the protection of the professional when using chemical products.
Disinfectants
Disinfectants are crucial for eliminating germs and bacteria, especially in high-contact areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Choose products with proven antibacterial action and apply according to the instructions for effective disinfection.
How to Correctly Use Cleaning Products for Surfaces
Knowing how to correctly use cleaning products is as important as choosing the right one. Here are some techniques and precautions for efficient and safe cleaning.
Techniques for Using Cleaning Products for Surfaces
Use appropriate techniques for each type of product. For example, sprays should be applied directly onto the cloth, not on the surface, to avoid excess product and prevent staining. Sponges and blades should be used carefully to avoid scratching delicate surfaces.
Safety Precautions When Using Products for Surfaces
Always wear gloves and, if necessary, protective glasses when handling chemicals. Keep cleaning products out of the reach of children and pets and never mix products without knowledge, as this can create dangerous reactions.
For your safety, we advise you to request the services of a professional. Choose one of our services here and request a quote.
Choosing the right cleaning product and applying it correctly are fundamental steps to keep surfaces clean and safe. With this guide, you will be well-equipped to make informed choices and maintain an environment that is not only clean but also welcoming and preserved. Continue following these tips to ensure the best possible cleaning!
If you are unsure about how to use the surface cleaning products mentioned above, let us do the work for you. Request a quote.
