Hard or impervious surfaces do not absorb soil, fingerprints, or moisture. As a result, they are viewed as unsightly when the surfaces are dirty or smudged. 

Here are a few essential tips for cleaning results that showcase beauty on the following surfaces: 

Floors, Glass, Wood; Countertops: Acrylic, Glazed Ceramic, Tile, Chrome, Corian, Sealed Fiberglass; Stainless Steel, Laminate, Porcelain, and Granite. 

Let’s Gather Some Supplies:

• Broom with a dustpan or vacuum cleaner (remember to get into corners and clean underneath furniture openings.
• Mop (Ask Cindy Microfiber Mopping System with wet and dry pads)
• Bucket
• Rubber gloves
• Ultra-Plush microfiber cloths
• White Terry Cloth Towels
• Baking Soda
• Neutral Dish Liquid Soap (Ivory Dish Soap is a degreaser with no damaging ingredients).  

Select a Cleaner That is Suitable for Your Surface

For example:

• Wood floors: Use a cleaner specifically formulated for wood.
• Tile or linoleum: A mild detergent or a specific floor cleaner does the job.

Important Note: 

If using a specific concentrated cleaner, dilute it according to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning any surface.

Prep Your Surfaces Before Cleaning:

• Dust using ultra-plush microfiber towels (these towels will never scratch surfaces). Vacuum or sweep the floor before dusting. This prevents fly-away particles from resettling onto newly dusted surfaces. Dust last! 
• Hand dust cabinet exteriors, countertops, walls, baseboards, washer and dryer appliances. 
• Damp wipe these surfaces using a soap and water solution. Last, buff the newly cleaned surfaces dry using a new and dry microfiber towel. 
• Double-check the well-traveled floor surface to pick up any matter in preparation for mopping.

Damp Cleaning: Countertops, Windowsills, Baseboards, and Painted Cabinetry:

Add a few tiny drops of neutral dish soap to lukewarm water to create a soap-and-water solution. Damply wipe to remove dirty fingerprints from walls, cabinet surfaces, wall trims, doors, countertops, and more. Damply rinse the newly cleaned surfaces with plain water and then buff dry the surface.

The Well-Travelled Floor Surface: Bare Floor Cleaning After Vacuuming or Sweeping:

• Dip the mop into the prepared cleaning solution, wring it out to avoid excess water (especially for wood floors), and start mopping from one corner of the room to the exit.
• You may need to scrub a stubborn stain gently by hand; use a soft microfiber towel for this task. 

Rinse the Floor Surface (If Needed):

• Some cleaners may require rinsing. If so, use a clean mop and a bucket of clean water to go over the floor again. Dry the Floor: Allow the floor to air dry, or use a clean, dry mop pad or cloth to wipe up any excess moisture.

General Floor Maintenance Plan:

• Regularly sweep or vacuum to keep dirt from accumulating.
• Mop as needed (You decide the frequency) 

Window Cleaning: Dust the glass first using a microfiber glass cleaning towel, and finish using Ask Cindy Glass Cleaner to clean and polish the glass surface for streak-free results. Spray the glass cleaner onto a new glass cleaner towel.

Stainless Steel Sink: Use Ivory dish soap to create a mild soap and water solution. Gently scrub the entire sink surface using a non-scratching 3-M sponge or a terry cloth towel. Stubborn Stains: Add baking soda and a small amount of water to formulate a paste. Apply gentle scrubbing, rinse with water, and dry the sink thoroughly. You never want a stainless steel sink to remain wet or to air dry. 

Always Avoid Using Any Harsh Chemical: 

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning any surface to avoid damage. 

Test-first:

When using a new cleaner, first test it in a small area to ensure it does not damage or discolor the surface. 

Pro Time-Savers: 

• Place down rugs, runners, or mats in high-traffic areas, i.e., doorways used for entering and exiting to protect the floor surface and to trap the dirt particles from shoe, boot, etc. bottoms. This attentive fact saves time on floor cleaning tasks. 
• Fingerprints on walls, doors, and cabinets?: Wipe and clean when you see them. 

Following these steps, you can keep your hard surfaces clean and well-maintained.

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