October 3, 2024 by Mulberry Maids
Cleaning on your own is a great habit to get into, whether it is your personal home or you are out cleaning on a professional basis. While there are so many great tools and solutions to use when cleaning, it is important to be conscious of the residue that can be left behind once you have cleaned a surface.Â
That being said, as your go to Fort Collins green cleaning service, we know all about using environmentally friendly tools to maximize the home cleaning experience. Even though some of these tools can leave behind residue, you should not shy away from using these great eco-friendly solutions that are so effective when cleaning many different surfaces.Â
Keep reading to learn more about making sure that you do not leave residue behind when using certain cleaning tools and solutions in your house cleaning routine.Â
What are some of the reasons that residue is left over after I clean?
Residue can be left over after cleaning as the liquid evaporates and leaves behind cleaning products or chemicals that are dissolved in the cleaning solution. It is a similar phenomenon that happens when mineral deposits are left over on wet surfaces in your home if you have hard water, and can happen when using both green cleaning products and store bought products.Â
Leftover cleaning residue is caused by the following:
- Spraying a cleaning solution on a surface and letting it dry
- The liquid will evaporate into the air
- The left over product will not evaporate, and will leave residue on surfaces
What are some tricks to make sure that I don’t leave residue behind after cleaning?
Just like reducing dust in your home, cutting down on leftover cleaning residue is an important step to take to make sure the surfaces in your home are clean and clear. While products like Magic Erasers can leave behind residue, it is more common when using powdered cleansers like baking soda or Bar Keepers Friend that are mixed with water. Residue can also be leftover, or built up over time, from floor cleaning solutions, window cleaning solutions, and even solutions used on countertops that can build up a sticky film on the surfaces.Â
It can be really easy to leave residue behind after cleaning, as you won’t necessarily see the residue until the surface has fully dried. This will be even more of an issue for professional cleaners who won’t see surfaces that were cleaned later in the day when the residue really starts to appear.Â
To make sure that there is no residue left over, you can follow these tips:
- When using powdered cleansers, such as baking soda or Bar Keepers Friend, make sure to thoroughly rinse off the surface after you have fully cleaned it. This will help to make sure that all the powdered residue is lifted off of the surface. Follow up the rinse with a drying of the surface with a clean microfiber cloth.
- If you still have residue leftover, you may be using more product than is necessary. Try to reduce how much powder you are putting on the surface.Â
- When using liquid solutions, such as floor or window cleaner, make sure to not overuse the solution. For floors, make sure to dilute the solution so it does not leave as much residue on the floor.Â
- For most flooring, you should be able to use a very weak dish soap and water mixture or a vinegar and water mixture to reduce leftover and built up residue.Â
- With other tools like Magic Erasers, make sure to wipe the surface with water after use. Magic Erasers are abrasive and break down with use, which can leave some residue from the sponge behind on the surface. A solid water rinse should remove whatever is leftover.Â
Should I avoid cleansers and products that can leave residue behind?
Because many cleaning products and solutions can leave behind residue, there is no need to try and avoid using these tools. Some of the best and most natural cleaning agents, such as baking soda can leave residue behind. It is best to be conscious of this so you can mitigate the leftover residue before it becomes an unsightly problem.Â
Safe and effective Fort Collins green cleaning!
Mulberry Maids uses the finest, safest, and most eco friendly cleaning solutions and tools on the market. Whether you are getting a move in cleaning for your new home or are on a bi-weekly rotation, we are the experts to make sure your home is taken care of safely and effectively.Â
So instead of stressing about cleaning, give us a call today and spend your afternoon exploring The Gardens on Spring Creek. We can be reached any way possible – phone, text, email, or online booking inquiry. Grab a quick quote or submit your booking online to get on our schedule in no time!
Thanks for stopping by, and we can’t wait to help you out soon!