Uniformed use of cleaning supplies can wreak havoc on your cleaning supplies, weakening their effectiveness and shortening their lifespan over time. Worse, they can lead to cross-contamination. Fortunately, that can all be solved with a color-coded cleaning system. Learn how this color-coded system reduces the spread of microbes, leaving your space and your supplies healthier and happier.
It All Begins With Microbes
Microbes refer to the collection of microscopic organisms that is bacteria, yeast, fungi, and viruses. While some microbes like mold (essential in the formation of cheese), penicillin (used as an antibiotic), and yeast (a mainstay in bakeries) are an essential part of our healthy existence, others like MRSA, E. coli, C. diff and norovirus can lead to illness. These menacing creatures are referred to as “germs,” a catch-all term for disease-causing microbes.
Germs can be found everywhere. They enter living and work spaces through people, food and even pets. Once in, they can spread from one person or surface to another, a process known as cross contamination.
Combating Germs
But don’t worry! A simple system coupled with some know-how will help you avoid cross-contamination while maintaining your space and the life of your cleaning products. For effective germ fighting, focus your cleaning efforts on germ hotspots in the home, and use a color-coded microfiber cleaning cloth system like the following:
Red (Think High Risk)
Use red microfiber cloths exclusively in areas that are at high risk for containing germs. Bathrooms have the most germ-covered surfaces. For this reason, we typically tackle bathrooms first. Be conscious as you move from surface to surface, being sure to use a new, fresh rag with each new surface. A rag used on the toilet should never be used to clean the countertops next. Instead place the soiled rag in the dirty rag bag and get a clean cloth before proceeding to the next surface.
Orange (Think Wood)
Orange cloths are used in conjunction with oil-based products like degreasers and wood cleaners. Once applied to a microfiber cloth, oil-based products tend to cling on, even after heavy and repeated washings. If washed with all other cleaning cloths, oils from oil-based cloths will transfer to other cloths. You will know this happened the next time you try to clean a window and can’t achieve that streak-free shine. To keep oils from transferring from one cloth to another, wash orange oil-based microfiber cloths separately from other microfiber cloths.
Yellow (Think Sunlight)
Use yellow microfiber cloths on windows and mirrors with a solution of diluted cleaning vinegar. Yellow cloths may also be used for short dusting of glass accessories and to clean and polish chrome.
Green (Think Vegetables)
Green cloths and pads are designated for kitchen areas. They can be used in conjunction with various cleaning products, including disinfectants, all-purpose cleaners, and vinegars. Like red cloths, green cloths should be used with careful consideration, replacing used cloths with new ones as you transfer to new surfaces.
Blue
Blue cloths are reserved as general purpose cloths. Use blue cloths when short dusting, buffing, and disinfecting touch points.
With a color-coded cleaning system like this you are one significant step closer to a healthy home. And while this is our system, you can use any system that makes sense to you. Just select your colors and assign them to chemicals and areas that make sure you are not cross-contaminating.
Interested in having a professional cleaner come take care of your space? StayClean offers premier residential, commercial, and vacation rental cleaning services throughout the greater Phoenix area. Give us a call for a 60-second estimate and to book your first cleaning today.