Written by: Greg Wiszniewski

Everyone acknowledges the importance of maintaining a tidy home and office, but did you know that keeping your living space clean is actually vital to physical and mental health? Regularly cleaning the home is an easy way to prevent serious respiratory illnesses caused by dust and allergens. Undetected pests leave behind a trail of dangerous germs that could spread disease, so it is important to be vigilant about preventing rodents and insects from entering your home. Make sure to clean any messes from the kitchen counter and never leave dirty dishes overnight in the sink-the water will attract ants, and leftover food is appealing to mice and roaches. At the office, always clean up any crumbs that are left after eating at your desk. These can easily become trapped under a keyboard and lure bugs into the office, which will then become a problem for everyone! The first step to being a considerate coworker is keeping shared spaces clean.

In addition to being beneficial for physical health, studies have shown that people actually perform better in a space that is clean and organized. Having an orderly, sanitary place to work is vital for achieving maximum productivity. The same is true in the home-those with organized homes are much more likely to feel rested and relaxed at the end of the day. At the workplace, a clean office signifies professionalism to workers as well as visitors. Clean spaces represent people who take pride in their surroundings.

Having the right tools is essential for keeping your home and office as clean as possible. Every home needs a broom and dustpan, a sponge or microfiber mop, dusting cloths, a large bucket, large scrub sponges, good quality all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, and a reliable vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Microfiber is one of the best cleaning materials because of its ability to easily grab and retain dust and dirt. Reusable microfiber dusting cloths and mops are an excellent choice for cleaning typical everyday messes around the home. Most cleaning experts recommend dusting cloths instead of old-fashioned feather dusters, which just introduce allergens back in the air. It is also important to have a vacuum cleaner with a removable brush attachment. This attachment is handy for cleaning furniture and drapes, which often hold onto a large amount of hidden dust. In an office setting, this attachment is great for vacuuming shared eating areas and other frequently-used spaces. It’s also ideal for small nooks around desks and cubicles. Disinfectant wipes are another great choice to have on hand, although it is worth noting that the effectiveness of these wipes in preventing the spread of disease has been debated.

Because of the wide assortment of chemicals in popular cleaning products, it is important to take the time to carefully select the right cleaning products for your situation. It is wise to choose environmentally-safe, “green” cleaning products if pets or small children are involved. Most household cleaning agents will fall into one of these categories: disinfectants, acids, abrasives, detergents, and bleach. Although acids, abrasives, and bleach are effective against dirt and germs, they can also be dangerous to handle and store. Be sure to read the labels of each product to ensure that proper safety measures are being observed. Antibacterial cleaners can be very helpful when sanitizing bathrooms, but be careful not to use them too much. Overuse of antibacterial products has actually been shown to decrease resistance to certain strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These antibacterial agents are found in a number of products, from window cleaners to trash bags. Because of the risks posed by these materials, many households are switching to “green” cleaning solutions. Proponents of healthy cleaning products have maintained that chemicals are not needed in order to keep a clean household and workplace. Many of the most popular brands of natural cleaning products have been proven to be just as effective as the conventional brands, with the added bonus of being safe to handle. Vinegar and baking soda are natural materials that are cheap to purchase, easy to use, and proven to tackle common household messes. Read on to find out more about what tools and products are the best choice for keeping your home and office spotless and free of germs.

Cleaning Tools

• Basic Cleaning Tools
• Ten Good Cleaning Tools
• The Best Cleaning Tools For The Job
• Checklist For What Every House Needs
• Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide

Cleaning Chemicals and Their Effectiveness

• Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products
• Selection and Use of Green Home Cleaning Products
• Greening Your Purchase of Cleaning Products