The Simple Cleaning Method That'll Keep Your Home Sparkling

Americans spend close to two hours every day on housework. If this sounds familiar, then you know how important it is to make good use of your time. Between cooking, cleaning, and laundry, the chores quickly pile up, so you're probably looking for a way to work smarter, not harder. Since dusting is a key part of any cleaning routine, take a closer look at how you're removing dirt, grease, and grime from your surfaces. If you find that you're moving your hand in a circular motion while scrubbing, you may want to revamp your style. In a brilliant YouTube cleaning hack shared by Clean My Space, it's explained that the "S" pattern wins out over circular motions time and time again. 

If you've seen "The Karate Kid," then you'll already be aware of the concept of "wax on, wax off," aka cleaning in small, circular movements. According to Clean My Space, however, this antiquated cleaning method does nothing but swirl dust, dirt, and bacteria around in a circle, moving it from one spot to the next. This results in unnecessary work when you could be cleaning your home in less time. You may also notice streaks when you wipe surfaces. Luckily, the "S" pattern moves from the top right of your surface down to the bottom left, removing gunk and grime while leaving a streak-free finish. As such, this pattern is perfect for refrigerators, windows, tables, counters, and more. 

Aside from aesthetics, there is a scientific reason for using the "S" method when cleaning. According to two former NHS doctors who spoke to the Daily Mail, this cleaning method works to prevent wiping bacteria around a variety of surfaces. This includes counters, windows, and anything else you want to sanitize. When cleaning in a circular pattern, you're simply moving germs around, pushing them right back where they came from. But an "S" pattern moves surface bacteria from top to bottom, sloughing it away as you wipe. Couple this routine with the best DIY natural cleaning solutions for countertops and you'll have a space that's showroom-worthy in no time. Consider using vinegar, as it can be a versatile cleaning tool for removing germs, cleaning windows, and more. 

Kitchen counters are common harbors of Salmonella and E. coli, so it's important to up the ante with your cleaning regimen, and this hack can help. Once you've mastered the "S" cleaning technique, it's crucial to use the right tools too. For example, consider cleaning and washing surfaces with a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is known for catching dust and leaving behind streak-free surfaces. You can also reuse microfiber rags, making them a sustainable choice. If you're not convinced, keep in mind that this material is positively charged. Since dust is negatively charged, it clings to microfiber. Dirt and grime are also negatively charged, easily attaching to this type of fabric.