We can’t think of any part of our life that science has improved even just a little bit, and today we’re focusing on, drumroll please, cleaning! Okay, maybe not the most exciting part of our lives, but we all have to do it. And what more is cleaning than just a bunch of chemical reactions? Let’s look at some cleaning tips that are backed by science!
Research tells us that our kitchen can house just as many germs as, wait for it, our bathroom. So when you’re cleaning do not, we repeat, do not skip your cutting board, sponges, and your sink because these are hot spots for yuckiness (scientifically speaking) due to excess moisture and food particles.
Ditch the paper towels and opt for microfiber. Why you ask? Microfiber towels are more effective at removing germs, and microfibers have a static charge that attracts particles and don’t spread germs as paper towels do.
(Image via: home depot)
Use natural UV rays (sunlight) to disinfect. Placing items like cutting boards in the sunlight after washing them with soap and water can kill bacteria and other germs.
Vinegar is great for some surfaces, and not great for others. First things first, vinegar is highly acidic which makes it great for surfaces that are not natural. When using vinegar it’s important to avoid seals, grouts and caulks because the acidity can cut through and eat away at these types of surfaces. Plastic, metal, appliances, and ceramic can handle the cleaning power of vinegar, while surfaces such as marble, tile, granite, stone, and paints cannot.
Never, under any circumstance, mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. Combined, these two liquids form peracetic acid that can be dangerous when inhaled or when it comes in contact with skin. Now no worries if you use these liquids separately, it’s the combination of the two that is dangerous.
Keeping lemons on hand is a good move. Lemon peel has just enough acidity to clean surfaces but doesn’t have as much acidity as vinegar making it safe for all surfaces. Add the peel to spray bottles full of vinegar or rubbing alcohol to create an all-purpose cleaner. Just keep in mind that lemon juice contains natural sugars and will leave surfaces sticky, so we do recommend using the peels versus the juice.
(Image via: HGTV)