A professional cleaner with nearly two decades of experience has unveiled her indispensable cleaning tips and the one tool she says she "absolutely can't live without." Iryna Balaban, founder of Sunlight Cleaning Inc, which serves residential, office, and commercial spaces, shared her insights with the Daily Express.
The Essential Tool: Microfibre Cloths
According to Balaban, professional-grade microfibre cloths are her go-to tool. These cloths are made from very fine synthetic fibres, typically a blend of polyester and polyamide, and are known for their ability to capture dust, pick up grease, and absorb liquids without needing chemical cleaners. They can hold many times their weight in dirt and moisture.
Balaban emphasises the importance of using separate cloths for different areas: "Because of this ability, I use separate microfiber cloths for different parts of my clients' homes, typically colour coding them so that bathroom cloths are never used in kitchens. Colour coding helps me maintain higher levels of sanitation as well as reduce the possibility of transferring germs from one area of the home to another."
White Vinegar for Bathroom Cleaning
Another top tip involves using undiluted white vinegar. Balaban explains: "I find that using undiluted white vinegar (a highly acidic product) on bathroom shower heads, faucets, and tile (where there has been an accumulation of soap scum or hard-water stain buildup), works exceptionally well." She recommends spraying the area generously, letting the acid penetrate for 15-20 minutes, then wiping with a microfibre cloth. For heavily scaled shower heads, soaking in a plastic bag filled with white vinegar for several hours or overnight can dissolve mineral deposits and improve water pressure.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Mould and Mildew
Balaban also praises hydrogen peroxide for eliminating mould and mildew from grout lines, silicone seals, and damp areas. She advises spraying a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution directly onto the affected area, letting it dwell for 10-15 minutes, then scrubbing with a stiff bristle grout brush. For heavy infestations, repeating the process two to three times may be necessary.
Dealing with Grease
For greasy splatters on kitchen walls, cabinets, and range hoods, Balaban suggests using a microfibre cloth with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. For tough grease around stove tops, letting the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping can reduce scrubbing time.
Stone Surfaces and Tile Floors
When cleaning stone surfaces like granite or marble, Balaban avoids acidic products to prevent damage. Instead, she uses pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for natural stone. For tile floors, she prefers microfibre flat mops over string mops, as they pick up dirt better. She mixes warm water with a small amount of pH-neutral floor cleaner, warning that too much detergent can leave a sticky film that attracts dirt.
Grout Cleaning
Balaban notes that grout cleaning is her most common service request. For moderately stained grout, she makes a paste from baking soda and water, applies it to the grout line, lets it set for several minutes, then scrubs with a grout brush. For older grout, multiple treatments may be needed, but regular maintenance keeps it looking cleaner longer.
Top-to-Bottom, Dry-to-Wet Technique
Balaban recommends cleaning top-to-bottom and dry-to-wet. In a bathroom, she starts with mirrors and shelves, then sinks and countertops, and finally the shower. In kitchens, she cleans upper cabinets and appliances first, then worktops, and lastly floors.
