Author: Sabco Australia

Your home, your temple, your rules. A home reflects the people who live in it, their habits, and their personalities. Our home shows what type of person we are. Homecare is an extension of selfcare. A happy home is also a healthy, clean home.

There are different types of approaches and personality traits connected to cleaning. Psychologists have also studied cleaning types. Let’s explore some of the most common:

The happy cleaner

The happy cleaner is a person who is naturally happy, and (believe it or not) loves to clean. When they clean, they put on some vibey music and make the entire process fun. Between dancing and cleaning, the happy cleaner is having too much fun to get the cleaning done quickly. This type of cleaner will just be happy with their job. They will feel energised and more positive after cleaning.

The house for them is a place where they want to have fun, always full of people and good vibes.

Upsides:

• Their mantra: “It’s the path that counts, not how long it takes”.
• Light-hearted personality, full of energy.

Downsides:

• It can take a long time to get the entire house clean.
• Between cleaning, dancing and singing, the happy cleaner may not be very thorough.
• The neighbours might complain about the loud music and the dancing (especially if the happy cleaner lives in an apartment)!

Best Sabco product for these cleaners: the SupaDry Spin Mop & Bucket fun and easy to use!

The avoidant/procrastinator

Cleaning?? What, when and most important WHY?!
The avoidants will try everything to ‘avoid’ cleaning the house. Any excuse is reason to get out of it. They would prefer to do anything else, then cleaning the house.

But when they get around to doing it, they are very efficient: quick and thorough. Opposite to the happy cleaner, the avoidant shows skills they would have never discovered otherwise. Everything to make the pain of cleaning go away. Sometimes they will clean so well that it (almost) doesn’t need cleaning again for weeks.

Upsides:

• They take their life day by day.
• They love to enjoy every single moment and they are usually driven by what it makes them feel good in that second.

Downsides:

• They are endless procrastinators.
• They may also have a lot of stuff lying around…with dust on top of it.
  
  Best Sabco product for these cleaners: the Kitchen Shine Microfibre Sponge Cloths for a quick and efficient clean.

The wellness cleaner

For these people, cleaning is not just a way to have their house ‘healthy’ but is also a way to achieve a safe and serene place to live. Which, for them it is vital. This type of cleaner, may not stop until the house is sparkling clean. Their objective is to ‘purify’ the house, ensuring there are no nasty germs lurking around, and a happy place to be.

They often use only organic or natural products.

Upsides:

• Very precise and relaxed type of cleaner.
• They love moving objects around in order to make them not just look good but ‘feel good’ for the space and the mind.
• Their house is often beautifully decorated too.

Downsides:

• They may want everything done their way…the ‘perfect’ way, as it is best for the house.
• If you live with this sort of cleaner, you may find that they are not particularly happy with how you clean (this may be a good thing if you are an avoidant cleaner!).

Best Sabco product for these cleaners: the Sabco Naturals Dishbrush & Naturals Scrub Brush, made using 100% quality natural materials that are sustainable and biodegradable.

The anxious cleaner

Cleaning is a common way that people relax, especially if they are anxious, stressed or angry. Cleaning is a great way to distract you from stressors; the physical and repetitive nature of cleaning is almost like meditation, clearing away anxious thoughts. The anxious cleaner may only clean some parts of the house and miss parts they don’t like doing (like fridges and stoves). The parts they do clean are immaculate, just don’t look for dust on the top shelf! It’s better to leave these people alone while they are cleaning—especially if they are cleaning to channel their anger into something more positive.

You definitively do not want to cross their path. It is possible they will start shouting at you, and asking why you’re walking with your shoes on, as they have JUST CLEANED THE FLOOR.

Upsides:

• They are very quick and fast. House ready to go in half the time it would normally take you.
• They clean very well too.

Downsides:

• They may only clean well when they are anxious, forgetting about it when they’re happy.
• They may also miss cleaning places that they hate cleaning.

Best Sabco product for these cleaners: the Whisk Away Carpet Sweeper for when they need to clean the floor fast and well.

The frantic/fiery cleaner

These people tend to clean in huge bursts of energy, or just clean here and there when they feel like it. They like to clean often but their house is often clean but untidy.

These cleaners are prone to leaving the vacuum cleaner in the middle of the floor and stepping around it for days, until they trip over it, or need to use it again. They also tend to suddenly decide to do a huge cleaning job, chuck all the contents of a room or cupboard on to the floor, and then get bored halfway through and shove it all back in. They also tend to clean with whatever they find or repurpose for the job.

Upsides:

• When they are really into cleaning, they will clean everything, very thoroughly.
• Not very sentimental, they tend not to hoard, so they are very good at decluttering!

Downsides:

• Generally, they are not perfectionists and don’t like to clean everything in one go.
• They like a stress-free life and clean little by little.
• In saying that, they could impulsively start a huge cleaning job and leave it half done.

Best Sabco product for these cleaners: the Premium Cobweb & Ceiling Fan Broom perfect to release some energy and clean at the same time!

Which type of cleaner are you? Did you recognise yourself in these types of cleaning personalities?

Sabco isn’t just a company, but part of the Australian way of life. We’re proud to have been in the cleaning business since 1892, and stand behind all our products. That is why we have been the cleaning experts for over 100 years.

When it’s all over, let’s get out! But first, let’s clean!

Let’s get started!

• Make a list of tasks by room.
• Declutter before you start each room.
• Work from the top down.
• Set goals and reward yourself.

Make sure you know what supplies you need, and order what you don’t have online for delivery / click and collect.

Here’s a sample list we put together:

✔ 3 in 1 spray squeegee

✔  All-purpose microfibre cloths

✔ Green Microfingers Dusting Glove

✔ Rinse n’ Wring microfibre flat mop

✔ Flo-Thru Wash Brush

✔ Duex Scrub & Wipe Kitchen Sponge

✔ Curved Cobweb Brush with Extension Handle

✔ SuperSwish Spray Mop

✔ Skirting Board Broom

✔ Oakwood Leather Care Deep Clean Soap

✔ Oakwood Hydrating Leather Conditioner

✔ Grout Brush

✔ Sabco Tile & Grout Brush

✔ DUSTING Premium Microfibre Cloths 2pk

✔ All-Purpose Microfibre Cloths

If you’re waiting for items, you can still get started with your spring clean, start by cleaning out cupboards, sorting our clothes and toys.

Let’s make this fun for the whole household. Listening to music while cleaning always makes the jobs easier but I think we can do a little better.

• Racing, a little bit of competition is always fun. Assign a cupboard to each member and the person to finish first wins.
• Judging, kind of like master chef, but master cleaner.
• Always have a reward / point system. This will motivate anyone, of any age.
• Fashion Show, of all the clothes you forgot you had / haven’t worn for a while. This will be fun but will also help you decide if you should keep it or not.

And now let’s tackle room by room! Here’s a list to get you started:

KITCHEN:

• Fridge:
  1. Throw out anything out of date.
  2. Remove everything from the fringe.
  3. Remove fridge shelves and clean in the sink with hot water and detergent.
  4. Wipes the inside of the fridge out with warm soapy water. Product tip: Use our Duex Scrub & Wipe Kitchen Sponge.
• Dust all the edges and above the kitchen cabinets. Product tip: You can always count on our Curved Cobweb Brush with Extension Handle; it can get into those hard to reach places!
• Pantry and Cupboards: Give your cabinets a deep clean. Empty the cabinets of all contents (throw away any out-of-date items). Then with a microfibre cloth with warm water, wipe down shelves, the inside of the door, and the outside of the door. Use a clean toothbrush to treat the corners and other small crevices. Let dry completely before restocking.

BEDROOMS:

• Mattress deep clean. Start with stripping the bed and wash all the bedding, then vacuum the mattress (don’t forget to do it both sides!), spot-clean the mattress with a stain remover, and leave your mattress out in the sun for the day to make sure the UV rays will kill all the mold or bacteria that still sits on the mattress.
• Wardrobe: – Tip: make a pile of clothes and shoes you haven’t worn in a while. You don’t have to throw them / donate them just yet. Over the period of 3 – 6 months (keep in mind of seasonal clothing), you will either take from the pile / look for something. What is left at the end of the period, donate.
• Toys clean out.
• Wipe down the walls. Tip: A quick and easy way to clean your walls is following this easy hack and use our microfibre SuperSwish Spray Mop: with 10 drops of essential oil, your walls will smell like Spring!
• Windows and curtains. Remove curtains (if you can) and wash as per manufacture instruction, alternatively wipe them down with warn soapy water. Remove fly screens and wash. Product Tip: Flo-Thru Wash Brush, just connect to your hose and clean away. Next dust the window frame, then use a window and glass cleaner for a sparkling clean window. Tip: use microfibre to help your window cleaning, they are absorbent, remove the dirt and leave the glass streak-free and shiny. Product tip: 3-in-1 Spray Squeegee.
• The duster will be your very best friend to tackle all surfaces. Make sure to use an electrostatic duster, it attracts dust like a magnet and much needed especially in the kids rooms!
• Carpet & fabric cleaner if needed.

LIVINGROOM:

• Skirting boards. Product tip: You only need the Skirting Board Broom, one broom for a complete sweep!
• Walls, tip above. 😊
• Clean your couch, remove cushions and vacuum, and wash cushion covers. If you have a leather couch, we recommend to use a Oakwood Leather Care Deep Clean Soap. Removes stains, in-ground dirt and grime build up. Provides a gentle deep clean to remove dirt, grime, body oils and odours. And Oakwood Hydrating Leather Conditioner to preserve softness and durability of the leather instead.
• Dust all items on shelves and dusting the surface.

BATHROOM: 

• Clean and re-organize your under-sink cabinet, chuck all the expired products.
• Deep clean the grout between tiles. Product tip: remove all the tough grime with our Grout Brush and the hard to reach grout with the extra firm bristles Sabco Tile & Grout Brush.
• Make-up cabinet: take everything out of the cabinet and toss all the expired makeup, skincare, and hair products.
• Shower drain. Remove the cover and take out the trapped hair that you can inside. Tip: If your shower drain is clogged and you’re looking for a ecofriendly method to unclog it, you can use baking soda and vinegar. Follow these three easy steps:
  • 1. Use a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain.
  •  2. Wait for 5 minutes and then pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain.
  • Wait for 2/3 hours and pour boiling water down the drain.

OUTDOORS:

• Outdoor furniture.
• Play equipment.
• Clean all the windows.
• Gutters and drainpipes.
• Re-organise the garage / garden shed.
• Empty and clean out the bins. Tip: Baking soda is a great tool to help neutralize odours in homes. It works the same way for rubbish bins. Pour a small amount in the bottom of the bin and let the baking soda do all the work for you!
• Clean your outdoor doormat by shaking / banging the dust out on the grass or in an outdoor area.

Take you Spring Clean to the next level!

We call it “The under everything clean” and the “In everything clean”. The plan below is comprehensive, but there are so many places in your home that get missed.

All those good-looking boxes and baskets you use to store stuff, go through them, and clean them.

Under the fridge, couch, beds, draws, etc. There is carpet, walls and skirting boards hiding under there. Now let’s not forget bathroom fans, heating and cooling vents and kitchen exhaust fans. If you can remove the covers to clean, this will be a cleaner option, however dusting and wiping these will be enough. Kitchen exhaust fans will need a little more love. Fill the sink with hot soapy water and use a scrubbing brush to remove all the grime.

Eco friendly solutions

Microfibre cloths can be washed and re-used up to 500 times as a general rule. This makes microfibre one of the most economical cleaning materials existing today.

Microfibre cloths trap the grime and lift it away, and since they’re reusable, you’ll be doing the planet a favor! Instead of using chemicals, the unique fibre structure picks up 99% of bacteria with just water. Say goodbye to unnecessary chemicals in your home!

Product tip: Sabco DUSTING Premium Microfibre Cloths 2pk is perfect  to use in different areas of the house and they can be washed up to 500 times!

Did you know

Spring cleaning what is it? And why it’s so important?
When we talk about Spring Cleaning the first thing that comes to mind is how much work is involved in cleaning our houses. But what exactly is a Spring Cleaning? And why do we religiously do it every single year?
 
Fun fact, the term “Spring cleaning” is really old. Its origin date back centuries and this practice is a hallmark of Jewish, Iranian and Chinese cultures. The Jewish culture is originally connected to Spring cleaning for religious reasons, while the Chinese and Iranian ones find this practice useful to welcome the new year on a positive and lucky note. 

The actual definition of Spring cleaning relates to a domestic cleaning of the entire house, from top to bottom, making sure to thoroughly clean each room. ‘Cleaning’ is not the only process involved when we talk about Spring Cleaning: decluttering, dusting and re-organising the house are all activities involved as well. For this reason, it’s important to have a very good plan and make sure to have a good list of all the different chores and decide in advance what and when and which products to use. 

Sabco isn’t just a company, but part of the Australian way of life. We’re proud to have been in the cleaning business since 1892, and stand behind all our products. That is why we have been the cleaning experts for over 100 years.

Microfibre will make cleaning easy, efficient, and effective. The best part is you don’t need chemical cleaners, as microfibres trap dirt, and remove 99.9% bacteria with water alone.

Here are all the tips and tricks you need to know when it comes to cleaning with microfibre and caring for your microfibre. Just grab a cuppa and start reading.

How to care for your microfibre.

The first thing to know about microfibre, is how to take good care of it! For ultimate care, Microfibre should be washed in cool to warm water (below 40 degrees) to best preserve the quality. It’s also important to use a mild water based detergent when washing – oily soap is a no-go!  Remember to Avoid fabric softeners as they coat the fibres, preventing them from trapping dirt & dust and making the fabric unusable.  

Tip:  Be careful what you wash your microfibre with. Avoid anything made with cotton, as the microfibre will grab on to the lint, damaging the fabric. To avoid this, washing in a delicates bag would keep your cloths tip-top condition. 

Suggested products: Sabco All-Purpose Microfibre Cloths,  Sabco SuperSwish Spray Mop

The superpower of microfibre.

Why use single use, disposable paper towels to wipe away any countertop messes?! Paper towel will just move dirt & dust across surfaces. Microfibre cloths trap the grime and lift it away, and since they’re reusable, you’ll be doing the planet a favor!

Instead of using a chemicals, the cloths unique fibre structure picks up 99.9% of bacteria with just water.

Say goodbye to counter spray unnecessary chemicals in your home!

Suggested products: Sabco All Surface Microfibre Cloths, Sabco Extendable Feathered Microfibre Duster with Flexible Head

500 times! Long-lasting!

Microfibre cloths can last a long time, as they can be washed and re-used up to 500 times. This makes microfibre one of the most economical cleaning materials currently existing in the market!

Suggested products: Sabco Dusting Microfibre Cloths

Microfibre cloths & their multi-purpose function.

A multi-purpose tool to help us cleaning our spaces. Microfibre can be utilised for:

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• Reflective surfaces like windows and stainless steel. Microfibre cloths are great to use on reflective surfaces as they leave a streak-free finish.
• Bench tops, microfibre cloths are ideal to remove grime, food residues, liquids, and all types of mess you make while cooking. The microfibre cloths trap the grime and lift it away using just water!
• Skirting boards, the microscopic split fibres will grab dust and dirt with one wipe. 
• Bathroom surfaces. Keep a separate set of microfibre cloths for bathroom cleaning and replace more often. As you only need water to clean, you can even keep one in the shower and give it a once-over while you are in there. Be sure to wring out the cloth, as it can hold up to eight times its weight in water and will get mouldy if left completely soaked.
• Use DRY on Electronics like laptops, mobiles, and tablets can get grimy with constant use. Microfiber cloths are gentle enough for the fragile screens, so you can give them a good wipe-down without worrying about damage (as before use the lint-free microfibres for delicate surfaces).
• Suggested products: Sabco Superswish Xtra Mop, Sabco Microfingers Duster, Sabco SuperSwish Duo  

Smart way to use your microfibre cloths: Colour Coding!

Using one cloth for all spaces can transfer germs and bacteria around the home. The cleaning industry professionals came up with a smart way to tackle this problem. By using different coloured microfibre cloths, you will avoid transferring any germs or bacteria around the home. For example:

• Green cloths – Kitchen Benches
• Yellow cloths – Kitchen Stovetop
• Blue cloths – General Cleaning and Dusting
• Red cloths – Bathroom
• Orange cloths – Toilet

Suggested products: Sabco All Surface Microfibre Cloths   

How to Tell Your Microfiber is Worn Out?

Signs your microfibre cloth is becoming worn out can include a rough feel to the cloth itself. While this doesn’t mean that the cloth is useless, you should still consider replacing it soon.

Typically, the first signs of wear on your microfibre cloths will be visual. If you notice frayed material or streaks while cleaning, your cloths might be close to needing replacement.

Storage your microfibre cloths.

Very important is once you have washed, dried and folded your microfibre cloths, store them in a container or drawer to protect them from the environment. Microfibre is so great at picking up dust and dirt, leaving them out in the open can cause them to get dirty before you even use them again!

Make sure to take good care of your microfibre products and it will ensure a long-lasting usage.

Sabco isn’t just a company, but part of the Australian way of life. We’re proud to have been in the cleaning business since 1892, and stand behind all our products. That is why we have been the cleaning experts for over 100 years.