EFFECTIVE PROPERTY HANDLING TIPS WHILE CLEANING

Why should we clean?

One of the importance of cleaning is to leave properties better than we found them. We clean to maintain hygiene and to create conducive decorum in an environment. Every property has significance and beauty, and these qualities can only be seen or admired when the item or property is clean.

Why do we need to effectively handle properties while cleaning?

It is because household properties and items are objects of different materials and stuff. And these materials can be destroyed or effected by different solvent or other liquid solutions. Consequently, handling them while cleaning is crucial to avoid domestic damage. In addition, using inappropriate materials like alcoholic solvents and hard duster to clean, also damages the properties. It is important we learn how to handle these properties effectively.

These materials include:

• Woods
• Plastics (Vinyl)
• Glass
• Ceramics
• Cloth Stuff
• Metal
• Synthetic Fibre

Let’s look at how to handle some household properties while cleaning:

1. HOW TO HANDLE GLASSWARE WHILE CLEANING…

Glassware is simply defined as an item or vessel made from glass. These items can be vases, containers, ornaments, drinking glasses, designs, crystal glasses etc.

There are chances that you might break an item while cleaning. Should in case you break any glassware, ¹soak a piece of paper towel in soapy water or distilled water, then gently press down on the pile of damaged glass. The damaged glasses will stick to the damp paper towel. Then simply dispose of the paper towel, immediately and everybody is safe. ²Another important way to clean broken or shattered glass is to simply sweep the shards with a broom and dustpan.

Tips

• At all times, use two (2) hands to carry any glassware. Since all glasswares are slick, handling them with wet hands can cause breakage. Don’t forget to position one hand under the glassware for support and use the other hand to hold the upper part. Ideally, using appropriate hand gloves or insulated gloves when there is a risk of breakage is advised.
• Soak a clean cloth in soapy water, squeeze and gently wipe the glass. You can also soak the cloth-wipe in a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the glass. Always start your cleaning from top to bottom.
• Do not keep glassware that your hands cannot reach. It’s advisable to keep glassware on a steady stand, stool or home divider. Here, you can easily reach out to your glassware, gently clean and return them to maintain a lovely ambience in the house.
• Using rough rags, hard foam, strong sponge to clean glassware can cause some damage. So, don’t use an abrasive sponge or cloth to clean glassware.
• While lifting glassware, do not apply pressure on the glassware. Mounting pressure on glassware causes severe breakage.
• Do not clean glassware with detergent solutions. Detergent can be slippery, use organic solvents to clean and rinse glassware. Or use ordinary water.
• One of the best and easiest ways to clean kitchen or dining glassware is to make use of soft sponge/foam with a handle. Please, don’t reach inside the glassware. Use the soft sponge with a handle or rinse without reaching your hand inside of the glassware.
• Do not forget to dry clean the glassware after cleaning with water. This is because glassware naturally attracts water, and when wet glassware dries, it leaves the minerals contained in the water on the surface of the glassware.
• Handle all glassware gently, and clean with ease.

• HOW TO HANDLE FURNITURE WHILE CLEANING…

Furniture is the dominant property in a house. And it is because 85% of household properties are made of wood. These wooden properties are such as chairs, dining tables, antiques, pictures frames, cushion, wardrobes, room dividers etc. and they are part of our daily lives. Every piece of furniture has a purpose, and they need a proper and effective way of handling them while cleaning.

One of the major causes of furniture damage is the careless handling and lack of maintenance made by the owners. Furthermore, another important cause of furniture damage is the condition under which the wooden properties are arranged. The ‘condition’ in this context means the environment where these properties exist. One thing to understand is that there is never an impeccable condition that contributes to the weakening or protection of furniture. So, do not keep your furniture under hot temperature or in a damp or moist environment.

Note and Tips: 

• Temperature can damage a piece of furniture. Therefore, protect furniture from fire and excessive heat and sunlight. And avoid placing hot, wet objects on the furniture. Use a napkin or table cloth to place hot dishes on the dining table.
• Make use of furniture for the purpose it was designed for – Do not stand or play on a cushion meant for sitting. 
• Furniture comes in different sizes and shapes. It is essential to handle these pieces of art carefully. Do not carry a heavy piece of furniture because you have the strength, get someone to help you move them. 
• One of the simple ways to dust a big piece of furniture is using a vacuum cleaner. You can also use a brush to remove dust on the surface. 
• When an item of furniture becomes too dirty or tarnished after being exposed to a harsh atmosphere, in such a case as this, polishing can be the best way to clean it.
• Regular(biennial) polishing of furniture is a good way to maintain a piece of furniture.
• Simply clean with soapy water to avoid accumulation of dust(dirt)