Professionals are professionals for a reason. Most things in life are endlessly more complex than they might seem on the surface. If you will forgive the pun, surfaces are a great example, something we hardly even think about until it’s time for some deep cleaning.
The TikTok account of a New Zealand cleaning service went viral when they shared the things they would do and avoid doing based on their professional experience. From the size of drains to the materials used to put together a kitchen, take note for the next time you are designing. So be sure to upvote your favorite tips and comment your thoughts.We got in touch with the company behind the video to learn more.
More info: TikTok
#1 Would Do – Ceiling High Kitchen Cabinets
This will avoid dust and grease buildup, plus more storage.
We got in touch with Leaders Cleaning and they were kind enough to answer some of our questions. We wanted to know why they decided to start a TikTok account in the first place. “First, is to give exposure to our business, as regular TikTok users ourselves, we think the social media presence gives some sort of reassurance to the potential client that they are making the right choice.”
“Secondly, is to share our experience. Of course, we are not perfect and always learning, however, we have worked through hundreds if not thousands of properties, so we have an idea of what performs better for the easier life in terms of maintaining a home,” they shared with We.
#2 Wouldn’t Do – Spiral Kitchen Tap
Looks great and professional. However, dust and dirt accumulate a lot in between spirals.
#3 Would Do – Shower Without A Glass And With Larger Tiles For Less Grout
We also wanted to hear if they had any other tips for the folks at home. “The main mistake is using the wrong tools/products and not reading cleaning product labels. Not only can it be a serious health hazard to mix different cleaning products, but it can also damage the materials irretrievably. It can be bad for natural materials like wood and stone. We have seen it all.”
“If it looks clean – it is clean. Visual cleanliness can be deceptive and commonly used areas like benchtops, table handles, toilets, and the vanity need a good detergent or disinfectant to sit and work for a few minutes for its actual cleaning properties.Cleaning can be overwhelming, take it one step at a time and clean a little bit every day rather than all at once. If you have the opportunity, reach out to your local cleaning professionals, in our experience it gives so much relief to our busy clients.”
#4 Wouldn’t Do – Mirror Behind A Tap
Just catches all the splashes.
#5 Wouldn’t Do – Black Granite Sink
Hard water stains are real. After it’s stained, really hard to clean.
#6 Wouldn’t Do – Stainless Steel Bench Top
Requires a lot of polishing for a clean look. Best for commercial kitchens.
The first time you start living by yourself, you become acutely aware of just how hard it can be to clean things. You end up with a never-ending war with dust and humidity, windows that get dirty milliseconds after you clean them, and nooks buried so deep it’s easier to “forget” to clean them.And the moment you start to think you might be winning, you learn why vacuuming and a mop are not the same as deep cleaning. This process can be so time-intensive and require so much specialist equipment and chemicals that people can and often do simply hire professionals, like “Leaders Cleaning,” who made the videos featured here.
The most common “evil” one might encounter is black mold, which absolutely loves to show up wherever there is but a little too much moisture. As a child, you may have not even realized that those black areas in a less-than-tidy bathroom were mold. Perhaps it’s dirt, mud, or just general grim, you could have thought to yourself.
#7 Wouldn’t Do – Corded Wooden Or Metal Blinds
Corded wooden or metal blinds get tangled, collect dust, dirt and mold. Very, very, very hard to clean.
#8 Would Do – Bath Attached To The Wall
If not attached, there is water, dust, and mold in this little gap between the wall and bath.
#9 Would Do – Electric Or Induction Cooktop
Needs only a quick wipe after each use. What a dream.
Despite being so ubiquitous, black mold is disproportionately bad for humans. Besides looking gross, there are a number of links between the presence of mold and respiratory issues. While scientists have yet to discover a hard correlation between the two, there does seem to be enough secondary evidence to suggest having random black mold in your corners is bad.
#10 Wouldn’t Do – Open Plan Range Hood
Collects grease and dust. At the same time, hard to reach the top.
#11 Wouldn’t Do – Black Glass Top Table Or Furniture
Reflects dust so much, even when cleaned frequently.
#12 Would Do – Rimless Toilet
My favorite. So easy to clean and no place for germs to breed.
While you can physically scrub away mold, without chemicals, you are unlikely to fully eradicate it. While this can be done at home, it’s one reason why it can be beneficial to contact professionals. Black mold can regrow in as little time as 24 hours, so imagine working all day only to be defeated by some fungus in roughly a day’s time.
#13 Wouldn’t Do – Round Shower Cabin
Harder to clean. Squeegee and get into sliding fixtures. Could save space but would keep as a last resort.
#14 Wouldn’t Do – Glossy Floor Tiles
Really prone to streaks.
#15 Wouldn’t Do – Long Shower Drains Inserts
Looks sleek, however, collects all the hair and dirt really fast. Also gives an odor if not cleaned often.
After a few years of maintaining your own place, it gets easier to spot potential issues. From weird shapes and surfaces to easily stained materials, there are so many pitfalls. For the same reason that we don’t wear white every day, it’s worth thinking about every design choice from the perspective of “How will I clean this?” and “How will this look after a year of use?”
#16 Wouldn’t Do – Kitchen Rug
Looks good but gets dirty constantly with all the cooking.
#17 Would Do – Integrated Range Hood
Looks seamless and avoids dirt buildup. Only filters need to be washed manually or in the dishwasher on a low, medium heat short cycle.
#18 Would Do – Kitchen Appliances In The Pantry Cabinet
Appliances all on display require more frequent cleaning.
Easier to place them in the cabinet and do a maintenance clean.
#19 Would Do – Any Non Reflective Splashback
Non-reflective surface leaves less to no streaks during cleaning.
#20 Wouldn’t Do – Matte And Black Matte Kitchen Cabinets Or Anything Matte
The moment you touch it, it leaves marks. Especially hard to clean oily stains. Looks stunning though.
#21 Wouldn’t Do – Pocket Like Kitchen Handles
Rarely get properly cleaned and disinfected deep inside. It is also a mission to do it.
#22 Wouldn’t Do – Velvet Furniture
These are so beautiful, but almost never looks neat unless you don’t sit or touch it. Leaves messy marks after every touch.
#23 Would Do – Countertop Integrated Vanity
Easy to clean and wipe down right to the sink. Splashes are contained on the surface and don’t go all around the walls.
#24 Would Do – Shutter Blinds
If you still decide to have blinds, shutters are easier in maintenance.
#25 Would Do – Modern Wooden Kitchen Cabinets Finish
In my opinion, it leaves less streaks and hides fingerprints well.
#26 Wouldn’t Do – Ceiling High Wardrobe Mirrors
As it’s used often, there are always fingerprints and it’s hard to polish at the very top.
