12 fascinating facts about cleaning based on scientific studies

We recently held a training course featuring Tuula Suontamo, a true professional in her field with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland and extensive experience in conducting studies on the cleaning of surfaces and putting study results into practice.

Here are 12 fascinating facts about cleaning (based on scientific studies) that Tuula highlighted during her training:

• One way to make cleaning safer for your health is to give up spray bottles. Choose a moistening bottle instead to prevent particles from being sprayed into the air where they could enter our airways.
• The refrigerator handle is often more soiled than the kitchen floor. Refrigerator handles (and other handles on doors and drawers) are contact surfaces that must be cleaned regularly.
• The interaction of particles from laser printers and fragrances (air fresheners, perfumes) can cause health problems (e.g. headaches, eye irritation, runny nose). If possible, keep printers in a separate room away from where people work.
• The most difficult type of soiling in the bathroom is caused by the residues of cosmetic products. Make sure to rinse and dry surfaces every time you shower.
• Only clean equipment can make surfaces clean. If possible, keep brushes and floor squeegees in a hanging position, as keeping them in contact with the floor will significantly increase the amount of bacteria on the equipment.
• Common household objects that people forget to clean are usually the most soiled, e.g. phones, TV remotes. They can be successfully cleaned with a damp microfibre cloth.
• Most micro-organisms, soiling and sediment remain on surfaces if they are not dried. The best way to improve hygiene levels is to dry surfaces with a clean, damp microfibre cloth.
• When choosing cleaning chemicals, give preference to odourless products (which may smell of raw materials), as fragrances enter the respiratory tract and cause allergies or irritations.
• The backrests of chairs are contact surfaces that must be cleaned regularly. Backrests are left uncleaned and accumulate a large number of bacteria and micro-organisms, which are then reintroduced onto our hands and into our bodies, and we carry them to other surfaces. Take note of other overlooked contact surfaces.
• Surveying indicates that school floors are cleaner than students’ desks. Desks should be wiped down with a damp microfibre cloth every cleaning cycle. Remember to fold the cloth to ensure that only clean cloth surfaces are used for cleaning.
• The most effective way to clean every day is with a damp or moist microfibre cloth. The wiping method can be identified by doing the mirror test – if the cloth does not leave wipe marks on the mirror, the cloth is damp and there is no need to dry the surface.
• The frequency of cleaning affects indoor air quality. The more often you clean, the less particles remain in the air for people to breathe in.