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Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
Cleaning Odds and Ends in the Kitchen
by Amy Sardone
on Oct 11 2024
How do you clean salt and pepper shakers?Â
The ones left out on the stove can start to look really disgusting. Wiping them with a wet sponge when cleaning after cooking doesn’t do much to help, right? Well, have you ever noticed how much time restaurant staffs spend cleaning salt & pepper shakers? Sitting there on the stove at home, they’re collecting grease, grime, and splatters plus enough heat to harden them into a film that’s nasty to get off. However, Speed Cleaning Red Juice and a Speed Cleaning White Pad will clean them nicely and with minimum effort. Then clean the holes in the salt and pepper shakers with a toothpick. As good as new!
How do you clean a can opener?Â
Do you ever feel like your can opener is so dirty that you just want to throw it away and start again? Don’t toss your can opener in the can just yet. If it’s a hand-operated one, put the whole thing in the dishwasher. (First give it a quick scrubbing with a toothbrush and a shot of Speed Cleaning Red Juice.) If it’s electric, slide the cutting mechanism away from the body of the opening, and put only that part in the dishwasher. The body can easily be cleaned with Speed Cleaning Red Juice, a Speed Cleaning Premium Cotton Cleaning cloth, and probably a toothbrush. Any small appliance, with difficult to reach nobs, buttons, corners, and molded parts is an ideal place for a toothbrush to come to the rescue. Naturally, do unplug small appliances before you start bathing them in Red Juice or anything else.
How do you clean glass stove tops without streaking?Â
There can be streaks on porcelain stove tops also, it’s just that they don’t show up the way they do on glass. The streaks on your glass stove top are from two sources. The first is that you’re probably cleaning the stove top with a sponge and soapy water or with Speed Cleaning Red Juice or another general cleaner. Any of these products can leave a visible streak on glass. After first using one of these products to clean, respray the stove top with Speed Cleaning Blue Juice and wipe it dry with a Speed Cleaning Premium Cotton Cleaning cloth. The second reason it may be streaking is that you may be cleaning it while it’s still warm. In that case, the heat is evaporating the cleaner faster than you can wipe it all off, and the result it streaks. Let it cool thoroughly first.
Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
Dispelling Myths: The Power of Cold Water Cleaning
by Amy Sardone
on Aug 07 2024
The science behind cleaning is fascinating! For years, households have shared tips and tricks for better cleaning, but some of those tips and tricks aren't exactly based on science... In this month's "Myth vs. Fact," we dive into the myth that has circulated in the cleaning realm for far too long – the belief that cold water is ineffective for cleaning. At Speed Cleaning, we're all about breaking free from conventional wisdom that holds us back. So, let's set the record straight.
Myth: Cold Water Can't Get the Job Done
For years, the misconception has been that cold water lacks the muscle to tackle tough messes. Some believe that unless you're using hot water, you're not really cleaning. This myth might have originated from the idea that heat enhances the cleaning power of certain detergents.
Fact: Cold Water Can Be Mighty
Here's the truth – cold water is a powerful ally in the cleaning battle. While hot water can be beneficial for tasks like breaking down grease, cold water holds its ground for a variety of cleaning jobs. For everyday spills, stains, and routine cleaning, cold water is not just effective; it's often more practical.
Energy Efficiency Matters
Consider the environmental impact. Waiting for the tap to heat up wastes water and energy. With cold water, you skip the wait time, reduce water wastage, and contribute to a more sustainable cleaning routine. In a world where every drop counts, choosing cold water is a step towards a greener, more eco-friendly approach.
Time is of the Essence
In our fast-paced lives, time is a precious commodity. Waiting for water to reach the desired temperature is not just inefficient; it's a delay in your busy schedule. With cold water, you get straight to the task, cleaning efficiently and saving valuable time.
Myth Busted: Cold Water Cleaning Is In
At Speed Cleaning, we champion practicality and efficiency. The myth that cold water is ineffective is officially busted. Embrace the power of cold water for everyday cleaning, save time, and contribute to a greener planet. So, the next time someone questions your choice of cold water in your cleaning routine, share the facts, and let them in on the secret of efficient, eco-friendly cleaning.Â
Happy Cleaning!
Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
A Heartfelt Thanks from Speed Cleaning: Cleaning Together, Grateful Together!
by Amy Sardone
on Aug 07 2024
As the delightful aroma of Thanksgiving feasts fills our homes and the comforting warmth of the kitchen embraces us, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.Â
There's truly nothing cozier than the sounds of football cheers echoing in the background and the promise of a delicious meal shared with loved ones. In the spirit of caring for one another, let's ensure this Thanksgiving is not only joyous but also safe.Â
Amid the laughter and festivities, it's essential to be mindful of food safety. The threat of salmonella is no joke, with over 40,000 reported cases annually. To keep our celebrations merry and bright, we're sharing ten vital ways to help you navigate the kitchen and avoid any unwelcome surprises.Â
Keep reading to learn how to safely prepare your Thanksgiving feast for your friends and loved ones. This Thanksgiving, we also want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for having you as a part of the Speed Cleaning family.Â
Your trust, support, and loyalty mean the world to us. As you gather with loved ones to give thanks, please know that we are thankful for each and every one of you. Your commitment to a clean and healthy home inspires us daily. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy that comes from a beautifully cleaned space.
Happy Cleaning,
Amy Sardone, Owner/CEO
Tips for hosting Thanksgiving... ?without salmonella!
10 tips to avoid kitchen bacteria this Thanksgiving:Â
1. After you unwrap the raw turkey, immediately discard the packaging. Don’t drop it on the countertop where it could spread bacteria.Â
2. Do not rinse or wash the turkey before cooking. By washing the bird in the sink, you’re likely contaminating the rest of your sink and kitchen.Â
3. Don’t place raw meat directly on the countertop where it will create a puddle of bacteria. Instead, place it on a cutting board dedicated to meat.Â
4. When you’re cutting up vegetables, use a separate cutting board from the one you’re using for meat. Wash cutting boards carefully with hot soapy water between uses and never cut raw vegetables on the meat cutting board.Â
5. If necessary, you should wipe up any meat juices with a paper towel and spray the counter with Red Juice, then wipe clean with another paper towel. We recommend that you do not contaminate a dish cloth, but if you do, throw it immediately in the laundry so that people won’t be exposed to potential bacteria.Â
6. Don’t use a sponge to clean up raw meat juices —germs get trapped in the sponge and will create a breeding ground for bacteria. If you do get raw meat juices in your sponge, rinse in hot soapy water, then microwave the sponge for 60 seconds. Be sure to let the microwaved sponge cool down before grabbing it for use.Â
7. Wash your hands vigorously with warm soapy water for at least 1 minute after handling raw meat. Don’t forget to clean under your fingernails—there might be areas which were completely missed when you washed your hands. The CDC has recommendations on proper hand washing techniques: Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry!Â
8. Use hot soapy water to wash any utensils, plates, or platters that touch raw meat before placing the cooked meat back on them.Â
9. Prevent meat drips or spills from contaminating vegetables by storing raw meat on the lower shelf of the refrigerator and storing vegetables on the higher shelves.Â
10. Making stuffing? Experts suggest that cooking the stuffing inside your bird puts you at risk because turkey juices that may contain salmonella bacteria could soak into the stuffing while it cooks. Your best bet is to cook the stuffing separately. You can always add it back into the turkey right before serving. ?Â
We hope these tips help you to serve a safe and healthy meal this Thanksgiving. When in doubt, keep washing your hands!
Cleaning Myths vs. Facts
Using more cleaning product means better results...Myth or Fact?
by Amy Sardone
on Aug 07 2024
Don't "FALL" for the myth that using more cleaning products makes your home cleaner!
As the autumn leaves start to fall, there's a common misconception that often descends upon us - the idea that more cleaning products equate to a cleaner home. It's a myth that can lead to counterproductive cleaning habits, increased chemical exposure, and even more household clutter.Â
At Speed Cleaning, we're committed to debunking this fallacy and helping you achieve a cleaner, healthier, and more efficient living space. In this blog post, we'll unravel the truth behind this myth, explain the science behind the facts, and introduce you to some of our trusted cleaning solutions that prove less is often more when it comes to cleaning. Let's embark on a cleaning journey that not only simplifies your life but also keeps your home sparkling, all while embracing eco-friendly practices.
Myth: Using more cleaning product means better results. Â
Fact: Using too much cleaning product can actually be counterproductive. It can leave behind a residue that can attract dirt and grime, making surfaces dirtier faster.
When we pour or spray an excess of cleaning solution onto a surface, we might believe we're achieving a deeper clean. However, the reality is that an over saturation of cleaning product often leads to residues being left behind. These residues can be sticky and act like a magnet for dust, dirt, and other particles.Â
As a result, what was once a sparkling clean surface can quickly become grimy and coated with a layer of buildup. This not only undermines the effectiveness of your cleaning efforts but also creates a vicious cycle where you find yourself cleaning more frequently to combat the accumulating grime.Â
How do you know if residue has been left behind?Â
If it's hard to spot by eye, you can feel the surface to test if it is sticky, slimy, or greasy. When residue from a cleaning chemical is left behind on a surface, the molecules in that cleaning solution are still doing their job of attracting and bonding to dirt. So when there is residue left behind on a surface, that surface will continue to attract dirt, which then creates a breeding ground for bacteria.Â
If you do have residue build-up, follow the instructions on your cleaning solution, with the correct dilution for the surface, and clean off the residue. Cleaning product instructions are typically formulated to ensure optimal cleaning performance without leaving harmful residues. Using the right amount of product, combined with proper cleaning techniques, will help you maintain a cleaner and healthier environment in the long run, without falling into the trap of using more product than necessary.
Aren't the cleaning products supposed to... clean? How do residues from my cleaning products attract more dirt? HERE'S THE SCIENCE!
The science behind residues left by using too much cleaning product becoming sticky and acting like a magnet for dust, dirt, and other particles can be explained by the principles of surface chemistry and the properties of cleaning agents.
Surface Tension and Molecular Attraction: Cleaning products often contain surfactants, which are molecules with both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts. Surfactants work by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread and wet surfaces more effectively. When you use the right amount of cleaning product, surfactants disperse evenly, lifting away dirt and grime.
Excess Residues: However, when you use an excessive amount of cleaning product, these surfactant molecules can become concentrated on the surface. This concentration can lead to an imbalance in the hydrophilic and hydrophobic forces on the surface.
Stickiness: Some cleaning agents contain ingredients that, when they dry or when excess product is left behind, can become sticky as they partially evaporate or undergo chemical changes. This stickiness is often due to the residual presence of hydrophilic groups on the surface.
Attracting Dust and Dirt: The stickiness of the residue can make the surface more adhesive, causing it to attract and hold onto dust, dirt, and other particles in the environment. This is because the sticky residues effectively bond with these particles due to the intermolecular forces at play.
Buildup: Over time, as more particles are attracted and trapped by the sticky residue, a visible layer of grime can develop. This layer can be challenging to remove because it's adhering not only to the surface but also to the residue left by previous cleaning attempts.
In essence, the excessive use of cleaning product can disrupt the delicate balance of surface chemistry. Instead of facilitating the removal of dirt and grime, it can inadvertently create a surface that actively traps and holds onto particles, making cleaning less effective in the long term. Therefore, it's crucial to follow recommended product usage guidelines to achieve the desired cleaning results without creating a sticky residue that attracts more dirt.
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