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Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
7 Tips for Maintaining Your Vacuum
by Amy Sardone
on Oct 11 2024
Let’s hear it for vacuum lines in your carpet! Oh, they look so nice. Or the absence of dust bunnies floating across your tile. Nice! But if your vacuum is clogged with who-knows-what, it shoots dust out the sides when you turn it on, and it fills each room with an Eau de Wet Rover scent, it’s time for a little maintenance.
1. Check the bag or bin frequently. A vacuum will run cleaner and more efficiently if it’s not backed up with stuff because the bag or bin is full. Vacuum cleaner bags act as a filter as well as collecting debris, so if the bag feels like it’s heavily coated with dust on the inside, even if there’s not much debris in the bottom, change it. For bagless vacuums, cut down on the Poof! of dust when you empty the bin by rinsing it out every so often. Allow it to thoroughly dry before replacing it.
2. Clean the filters following the manual’s instructions. And sometimes there’s an additional filter tucked away somewhere, so be sure to clean that one too. Lost the manual? Just about every product manual is available online. No excuses. Some filters can simply be washed by hand and allowed to air dry. Some filters can’t be used again, like HEPA filters, and have to be replaced.
3. Clean the outside of the vacuum paying close attention to any vents. Wipe the wheels off and extend the hose to clean between the ridges.Â
4. As you’re cleaning the hose, inspect it for tears. Wipe the wand end and make sure it’s not separating from the hose, which greatly affects the suction.Â
5. Turn the vacuum over and remove the bottom plate. Inspect the brush roller, also called a beater bar. Remove any debris (if someone in your house has long hair, have scissors handy) and make sure it turns easily.
6. While the plate is off, inspect the belt, which is what turns the brush roller. You’re looking for frayed spots, nicks which can tear all the way across, and loss of elasticity. A good way to tell the condition of your belt is to hold a replacement belt next to it and compare. If they look pretty much the same and the old belt isn’t loose, put the new belt away until your vacuum needs it.Â
7. If you replace the belt, you’ll have to remove the brush roll at that time, so clean and inspect the ends to make sure they spin easily. The ball bearings may need to be lubricated, which will help the motor turn the brush roll with less effort.
The bottom line is, if you stay on top of keeping your vacuum cleaner clean both inside and out and occasionally inspect key components like the brush roll and belt, it will continue to make those awesome lines in your carpet and suck up all the dust bunnies in its path for years to come.
Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
How to Clean Candle Wax off Wood
by Amy Sardone
on Oct 11 2024
Candles add to the style, scent, and ambiance of a space, both indoors and on the patio. But when one gets knocked over, say, on a table, how do you successfully clean the wax off the wood? The cleaning experts at Speed Cleaning offer these tips.Remember – It’s best to let spilled candle wax harden – don’t try to wipe it up!
To clean wax off of varnished wood like indoor tables and shelves:Â
Scrape up as much as you can with a plastic scraper, held at only a slight angle so that you don’t score or scratch the wood. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to pick up the loose bits of wax, or lightly brush them into a dustpan. Then spray the remaining wax with furniture polish. Wipe up with a soft cloth and retreat if needed.
Tip: Give your wood furniture a deep-down cleaning every so often with Speed Cleaning’s Premium Furniture Polish. It cuts through dirt and wax build-up on furniture and the greasy, sticky build-up on kitchen cabinets – right down to the original finish – and leaves a warm sheen of fine carnauba wax. Our Premium Furniture Polish will clean up the mess and leave a luxurious shine.
To clean wax off of unfinished wood like teak patio furniture and decking:Â
Gently scrape up as much of the wax as possible with a plastic scraper, being careful not to score or scratch the wood. Vacuum or brush the loose bits of wax up, and then place a piece of paper (plain white or heavy brown paper; doubled-up paper toweling works too) over the remaining wax. Go over the paper with a warm iron (yes, even if you’re outside – just not near water) to transfer the wax to the paper, using new paper until the wax is gone.Â
See? That’s pretty easy! Spilled candle wax is not a disaster. Perhaps decide if there’s a safer spot to place your candles in the future (but sometimes accidents just happen, right?) and enjoy the warm, inviting mood they set!
Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
9 More Things to Clean with a Toothbrush
by Amy Sardone
on Oct 11 2024
Toothbrushes aren't just for dental hygiene—they're surprisingly versatile tools for cleaning around your home. With their compact size and precise bristles, toothbrushes can tackle many cleaning tasks with ease. From scrubbing hard-to-reach areas to removing stubborn grime, these humble brushes can make a big difference in your cleaning routine. Here are nine innovative ways to use a toothbrush to keep your home sparkling clean.
1. Clean your garbage can. There are generally bits and splashes of food in the can, on the lid, and down the sides, making the can stinky and unsightly. Spray and wipe the interior and exterior on a regular basis, and use a toothbrush along with the cleaner of your choice to get in the crevices and corners. The lid tends to build up the worst of the mess and it’s the most difficult to clean but a toothbrush makes it easier.
Tip:Â Before putting a bag back in the clean can, lay a few layers of newspaper in the bottom to absorb future leaks and make the next cleaning a little easier.
2. Clean your shoes. Clean the crevices where the sole meets the upper portion of the shoe. Get rid of the dark marks left by the laces on canvas and some synthetic shoes by giving the tongue a good scrub with a toothbrush.Â
3. Clean wall light switches. Brush away the grime from dirty fingers on light switches and pull out the dust that gets stuck where the plate meets the switch. A slightly damp toothbrush followed by a wipe with a cloth (microfiber is a great choice for this) or paper towel will remove all of that.
4. Clean corn. Run a new, clean toothbrush down an ear of corn to remove any remaining strands of silk before cooking.Â
5. Clean around appliance knobs, buttons, and nameplates with a toothbrush dipped in cleaner. Use a damp soft cloth to wipe away the loosened dirt.
6. Clean your waffle iron. Use a new, clean toothbrush to clean in between the rows of a waffle iron and around the outer ring where batter can collect.Â
7. Clean your comb. Styling products like hairspray and gels, not to mention our natural hair oil, can leave a buildup between the teeth of a comb. Clean between the teeth with a stiff toothbrush and alcohol or vinegar.Â
8. Clean the vents of a hairdryer to help it perform better. As the dryer blows air out one end, it’s sucking in dust, hair, and lint along with air through a screen on the other end.Â
9. Clean crevices in a drawer. Run a dry toothbrush along the seam where the side meets the drawer bottom to loosen and pull out any little bits of debris that just a cloth or even vacuum hose won’t pick up. Then wipe or vacuum the drawer out.
If you don’t already have a collection of new and used toothbrushes, maybe we’ve convinced you to start one. Speed Cleaning has a terrific Toothbrush 3-Pack meant just for cleaning, not for teeth. It’s really a mini scrub brush set at the perfect angle for cleaning. Order a set and get your collection started!
Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
by Amy Sardone
on Oct 11 2024
Whisk brooms have been around for about two hundred years. Designed by the Shakers as a smaller version of their flat broom design, the handy whisk broom is a staple cleaning tool in most homes because of its convenient size. If you don’t have a whisk broom among your cleaning tools, Speed Cleaning has 7 uses for that little broom that may prompt you to buy one.
1. Sweep up small messes like crumbs on the floor and leaves on the doormat instead of taking the vacuum out. Super quick!Â
2. Whisk debris out from under furniture cushions (give the bottom of the cushion itself a swipe while you’re at it) before vacuuming the floor.
3. Clean up crumbs and messes in cabinets and the pantry such as cereal crumbs, sugar granules that escape the bottom of the bag, pet hair that floats in, etc.Â
4. Keep a whisk broom in your car to brush the seats off after eating a drive-through meal or when the kiddos toss their crackers about. Whisk out debris tracked in on shoes, paws, luggage, and more.
5. The slightly stiff bristles of a whisk broom are perfect for brushing dirt and dried, caked mud off shoes.Â
6. The flat shape of a whisk broom is great for cleaning along the top edge of baseboards and where the flooring meets the baseboard.Â
7. This is a fun tip: Add texture when painting a wall by lightly dragging a whisk broom over the slightly cured paint. There are numerous sources online with directions on how to properly use this technique.
Whisk brooms are made from either natural or synthetic fibers. Speed Cleaning’s whisk broom has poly bristles that won’t shed as you use it, and it’s washable. It fits in the Speed Cleaning apron pocket or you can just tuck it in your back pocket as you clean. Whisk brooms are one of those small, inexpensive cleaning tools that can be a big help!
Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
7 Tips for Cleaning Hairspray Off Bathroom Surfaces
by Amy Sardone
on Oct 11 2024
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Hairspray: wonderful for your hair, but not so great for everything else. Unless you always spray outdoors, you’ll eventually notice that sticky film building up on bathroom surfaces. Don’t worry — here’s how cleaning pros handle hairspray overspray the smart way.
Step 1 – Dissolve on Mirrors and Chrome
Start with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball or microfiber cloth. Gently rub mirrors, faucets, and chrome fixtures to dissolve hardened hairspray droplets. It may take a few passes, but once dissolved, follow up with plain water to remove streaks.
💡 Alternative: You can also use Blue Juice, which is specifically designed for glass and reflective surfaces. It cuts through residue without leaving smears, making it a safe and streak-free choice for mirrors and faucets.
Step 2 – Protect Natural Stone
Never use vinegar, citrus, or ammonia-based cleaners on granite, marble, limestone, or travertine — they’re too harsh and will etch the surface. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaner like SH-Clean. It’s safe, non-toxic, and designed for delicate stone finishes.
Step 3 – Handle Wood Surfaces
For painted or stained wood trim, start with plain water. If residue remains, try rubbing alcohol or even a dab of hair shampoo on a damp cloth. Always follow with a clean damp cloth and dry immediately to protect the finish.
Step 4 – Clean Painted Walls with Red Juice
Instead of vinegar (which is acidic and may dull paint over time), use Red Juice. Spray a small amount on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the walls. Red Juice is a safe, alkaline cleaner that cuts through the sticky film left by hairspray without harming painted finishes. It’s especially effective for semi-gloss or satin paints often used in bathrooms.
💡 Pro tip: Always apply the cleaner to the cloth, not directly to the wall, to avoid over-wetting the surface.
Step 5 – Clean Vinyl Flooring
Mop vinyl floors with a mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap. For heavy buildup, apply rubbing alcohol directly in small sections, wiping as you go. Always finish with a clean water mop to lift away residue.
Step 6 – Care for Wood Floors
Mix a couple tablespoons of SH-Clean in a bucket of warm water. Use a damp cloth or mop to wipe affected areas, then rinse with plain water and dry. SH-Clean safely softens and removes hairspray without damaging wood floors.
Step 7 – Go-To Floor Solution
For an all-around safe option, use Speed Cleaning’s SH-Clean Floor Cleaner. It’s pH-neutral, wax-free, concentrated (so you can adjust strength), and requires no rinsing — leaving your floors sparkling clean.
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The Bottom Line
Don’t wait until buildup becomes a nightmare. Quick, frequent touch-ups make hairspray residue easy to handle and keep your bathroom surfaces looking pristine. Spray away — now you know exactly how to clean it up!
FAQ – Cleaning Hairspray Residue
Can I use vinegar to clean hairspray off granite?
No. Vinegar is acidic and will damage granite and other natural stone. Use a pH-neutral cleaner like SH-Clean instead.
What’s the fastest way to clean hairspray off mirrors?
Use rubbing alcohol (70%) on a microfiber cloth. For a non-toxic, streak-free alternative, Blue Juice is an excellent option for glass and chrome.
Will hairspray damage wood finishes?
Yes, over time. Always clean wood trim or flooring promptly using gentle cleaners like SH-Clean to avoid long-term damage.
How often should I clean hairspray residue?
Frequent touch-ups are best. Wipe surfaces weekly or whenever you notice buildup to prevent heavy scrubbing later.
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