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Viakal Limescale Remover Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:31:16 GMT

Viakal Limescale Remover Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

When it comes to tackling limescale, few products are as well-known as Viakal. Used by both professional cleaners and homeowners alike, Viakal promises to remove stubborn limescale, watermarks, and soap scum while keeping surfaces shiny. But does it really live up to the hype? We put it to the test to find out.

What is Viakal?

Viakal is a specialist limescale remover designed for bathrooms and kitchens. It is formulated to dissolve and remove limescale build-up on taps, sinks, shower screens, tiles, and other surfaces prone to water stains. Unlike standard bathroom cleaners, Viakal claims to prevent limescale from forming again, leaving a protective layer that repels watermarks.

Performance and Effectiveness

We tested Viakal on several problem areas, including a heavily limescaled tap, a glass shower door with water spots, and a stainless-steel sink. The results were impressive:

Taps & Faucets: Limescale build-up around the base of taps lifted almost instantly with minimal scrubbing.
Shower Screens: Water spots and soap scum disappeared after one application, leaving the glass streak-free and shiny.
Stainless Steel Sinks: Not only did Viakal remove dull water stains, but it also restored the shine of the metal.

One of the best things about Viakal is its fast-acting formula. Within minutes, the product breaks down limescale, meaning you don’t need to spend excessive time scrubbing. It also has a pleasant, fresh scent, unlike some harsh chemical cleaners

Application & Ease of Use

Using Viakal is straightforward:

Spray directly onto the affected surface.
Leave it for a few minutes to allow the formula to break down limescale.
Wipe away with a damp cloth or sponge.
Rinse thoroughly with water.

For tougher build-ups, leaving the product on for longer (around 5 minutes) before scrubbing lightly can enhance results. It’s advisable to wear gloves when using it, as it can be a bit strong on the skin.

Pros & Cons

Pros: ✔️ Highly effective at removing limescale and water stains. ✔️ Works quickly with minimal scrubbing required. ✔️ Leaves a protective barrier to slow down future build-up. ✔️ Fresh, clean scent.

Cons: ❌ Can be too strong for delicate surfaces (always check labels before applying). ❌ Requires thorough rinsing to avoid residue. ❌ Not ideal for use on marble or natural stone.

Final Verdict

Viakal is an excellent product for tackling limescale, making it a must-have for bathrooms and kitchens where hard water is an issue. It’s easy to use, highly effective, and leaves surfaces looking polished and fresh. While it’s important to follow safety precautions and avoid using it on delicate surfaces, overall, it delivers fantastic results with minimal effort.

Would we recommend it? Absolutely! If limescale is a recurring problem in your home, Viakal is one of the best solutions on the market.

Buy Viakal on Amazon

Cleaning Hot Spots When You Have a Dog: Why It’s Essential for a Clean and Healthy Home

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:11:36 GMT

Cleaning Hot Spots When You Have a Dog: Why It’s Essential for a Clean and Healthy Home!

Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest joys. From their wagging tails to the love they provide, they truly are part of the family. However, dogs can also bring along some challenges when it comes to keeping your home clean. Pet hair, dirt, and even odors can build up in specific "hot spots" around your home. Staying on top of these areas is key to maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.

Let’s explore the most common cleaning hot spots when you have a dog and why it's so important to focus on them regularly.

1. The Dog Bed and Sleeping Areas

Your dog’s bed is often the primary hot spot for dirt, hair, and sometimes odors. Even though this area might look clean on the surface, over time, pet hair, dander, and dust can accumulate. It's essential to regularly wash your dog’s bedding, vacuum the area around it, and wipe down any surfaces nearby. This not only keeps things fresh but also helps reduce allergens in your home.

2. Floors and Carpets

Dogs bring in dirt, mud, and fur, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and entryways. Cleaning floors regularly is crucial to prevent the buildup of dirt and to maintain hygiene. For carpeted areas, frequent vacuuming helps to remove pet hair, dirt, and even mites that could be lurking deep in the fibres. Hardwood or tile floors should be mopped regularly to remove any paw prints, mud, and spills.

3. Couches and Furniture

If your dog loves lounging on the couch or curling up on chairs, these can quickly become hot spots for fur, oils from their coat, and even dirt. It's a good idea to vacuum your furniture regularly and, if possible, use washable covers that can be thrown in the washing machine. This helps prevent odors and keeps your furniture looking its best.

4. Food and Water Areas

Your dog’s food and water bowls are often forgotten, but they should be cleaned daily. Food and water areas can become breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly washed and disinfected. A quick scrub of the bowls with warm water and pet-safe soap can prevent bacteria buildup, ensuring your dog stays healthy and your floors stay free from spills.

5. Entryways and Mudrooms

Your dog likely tracks in a lot of dirt and debris from outside, especially in wet or muddy weather. The area near the door where your dog comes in and out is a prime hot spot for dirt. Consider having a designated cleaning mat by the door and wiping your dog’s paws when they come in. A quick vacuum or sweep of this area daily can help prevent the spread of dirt throughout your home.

Why Cleaning Hot Spots Is So Important

Cleaning these hot spots is not just about keeping your home looking great; it’s also crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment. Pet dander, fur, and dirt can lead to allergens building up, which can affect both you and your pet's health. Regular cleaning helps to:

Reduce allergens: Pet hair and dander can cause allergic reactions, especially for sensitive individuals.
Prevent odors: Pet odors can quickly become noticeable if areas like bedding and furniture are not cleaned regularly.
Maintain hygiene: Regular cleaning prevents bacteria and germs from building up, especially in food and water areas.
Improve your dog’s health: A clean home benefits your dog too, reducing the risk of fleas, ticks, and skin irritations.

How Often Should You Clean?

Cleaning frequency depends on your dog’s habits and the size of your home, but a good rule of thumb is to:

Vacuum high-traffic areas every 1–2 days.
Wash bedding weekly.
Wipe down surfaces and furniture at least once a week.
Clean food and water bowls daily.

By staying on top of these hot spots and maintaining a regular cleaning routine, you can enjoy a cleaner, healthier, and fresher-smelling home — both for you and your dog!

Maximizing Your Deposit Return: The Importance of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:11:10 GMT

Maximizing Your Deposit Return: The Importance of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning

Are you planning to move out of your rented property soon? As you embark on this exciting new chapter, it's crucial to ensure you leave your current residence in the best possible condition. One way to do that is by investing in an end-of-tenancy cleaning service. In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons why opting for professional cleaning can make a world of difference in securing the return of your deposit and leaving the property in its original state.

1. Impress Your Landlord:

Picture this: your landlord walks through the door for the final inspection, and they're met with a spotless, sparkling property. This immediate positive impression sets the tone for the inspection process and communicates your responsible nature as a tenant. A well-cleaned property not only showcases your respect for the space you've lived in but also demonstrates your commitment to following lease agreements.

2. Meet Lease Agreement Requirements:

Many rental agreements stipulate that tenants are responsible for leaving the property in the same condition as they found it. This includes a thorough cleaning of all rooms, fixtures, appliances, and surfaces. Failure to meet these cleaning requirements could result in deductions from your deposit to cover cleaning costs. Hiring a professional end-of-tenancy cleaning service ensures that every nook and cranny is addressed, reducing the risk of disputes over cleanliness.

3. Save Time and Energy:

Moving is a taxing process, requiring significant time and effort. By delegating the cleaning responsibilities to professionals, you can focus on packing, coordinating logistics, and settling into your new home. End-of-tenancy cleaning services are equipped with the expertise, tools, and cleaning products to tackle even the toughest cleaning tasks efficiently and effectively.

4. Comprehensive Cleaning:

End-of-tenancy cleaning services go beyond the regular surface cleaning that you might do on a routine basis. They specialize in deep cleaning, ensuring that areas often overlooked, such as behind appliances, inside cabinets, and beneath furniture, receive meticulous attention. By addressing these hidden spaces, you increase the likelihood of receiving your full deposit back.

5. Avoid Disputes:

One of the most common reasons for disputes between tenants and landlords is the cleanliness of the property upon move-out. A professional cleaning service provides you with a detailed checklist and documentation of the cleaning process, serving as evidence of your efforts to maintain the property. This documentation can be invaluable in case of any disagreements about the condition of the property.

6. Enhance Future Rental Opportunities:

Leaving a property in pristine condition not only ensures the return of your deposit but also leaves you with a positive reference from your landlord. This reference can play a significant role in your future rental endeavors, as landlords are more likely to trust tenants who have a history of taking care of their rented spaces.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Smooth Move-Out

As you prepare to bid farewell to your current rental property, remember that investing in an end-of-tenancy cleaning service is a smart decision that offers numerous benefits. From impressing your landlord and meeting lease agreement requirements to saving time and enhancing your future rental opportunities, the advantages are clear. By leaving the property in its original state through professional cleaning, you're not only ensuring the return of your deposit but also leaving a lasting positive impression. So, make your move-out a stress-free and successful experience by choosing an end-of-tenancy cleaning service today. Your deposit and peace of mind are well worth it!

Lemon fresh cleans is now accepting klarna for our end of tenancy cleaning services to help spread the cost during the cost of living crisis.

Adavantages Of having a cleaning service

megan_lovelock@hotmail.com (Megan Lovelock) — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:07:11 GMT

Advantages Of Having A Cleaning Service!

After having a long day, we all look forward to coming home and relaxing with loved ones and preparing for the next day. For most, cleaning is a chore that is unpleasant and takes time away from other activities. Most people spend their free time at home vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing.

Hiring a professional cleaning service can relieve daily chores and make life easy. Instead of cleaning and making sure that tasks get completed during your busy week, you can rely on a cleaning service to make your house spotless and allow you to have your free time back.

Bringing in a cleaning service comes with many benefits for your home. Such as more free time, healthier living, improved mental health, and reduced stress. Leaving the cleaning to the professionals who are extremely knowledgeable about cleaning will ensure they give a proper clean to your home.

Reduced Stress

It can be easily overwhelming to balance a home life, work life, and expect to keep a clean home. Most people work a full-time job or don’t have the luxury of being at home often to keep it clean. A cleaning service takes the weight off your shoulders. Companies offer different services and visits that will work around your schedule. Instead of being stressed when coming home and seeing the mess, you’re able to sit down and relax in a clean environment.

Increased Productivity

When working in a clean environment, it allows the mind to be cleared and able to focus harder. Having a messy house or room can easily cause the brain to become overwhelmed, instead of being productive with work or activities. The brain is more worried about making time to clean. Hiring a cleaning service makes the brain feel at ease and lowers the stress level.

More Free Time

Cleaning the house takes a lot of time that could be spent doing more meaningful activities. Hiring help is a great way to give you extra time to invest in your life. Cleaning can sometimes be a task that takes a lot of time and effort. After a full week or work, you most likely only have a couple hours of free time. Instead of doing tedious chores like vacuuming and scrubbing bathrooms, you should be able to take advantage of the free time and recharge. A cleaning service can come in during the week and handle the cleaning for you allowing you to enjoy more activities!

Healthier Home

A clean home is a healthier home. Dirt and dust can build up over time and create an environment that is dangerously high with allergens. Cleaning services can sweep, vacuum, and dust the allergens that cause cold symptoms. Members of the household that suffer from allergies and asthma can benefit by being able to breathe easier.

A Better Clean

Everyone can clean, but sometimes when we’re not motivated to clean we get lazy and don’t do the best job. When bringing in a cleaning service, you can rest assured your home is getting the best clean it can. Professional cleaners have a high expertise in what they do and know exactly what needs to be done. They are prepared for whatever task thrown at them, and will clean efficiently in every space.

Convenience

When hiring a cleaning service, most visits are based on your schedule and when it’s convenient for you. Weekly cleanings are very common and give your home a clean fresh feel every week. If unexpected guests give a couple days heads up, you’re able to contact the cleaning company and schedule a cleaning visit to have your home tidy for guests.

Longer Lasting Home

Keeping a schedule and maintaining a cleaning routine benefit not only the members of the home but also the life span of the home or appliances. There are things such as fans, blinds, carpet, that are important to keep clean in order for them to last a long time. Having a cleaning service come in and clean will ensure that they are getting the proper clean and will have a long lifespan. For example, carpets are an expensive addition to the home, giving it the proper care such as vacuuming or shampooing will make the carpet stay in good condition and prevent repairs and replacements down the road.

House cleaning can sometimes be a chore that some may be too lazy or extremely busy to clean their own houses. Luckily, there are plenty of resources like a professional house cleaning service that can assist you and come with many benefits to home life and health.

When looking into hiring a housecleaner, it’s important to read reviews, view their website and understand their services that they provide.

How Lemon Fresh Cleans is going to tackle COVID-19 in your home!

Fri, 01 May 2020 14:41:11 GMT

Our step by step guide...

Coffee machines have found to be ‘THRIVING’ with ‘harmful bacteria’, read on to find out why and how to keep it at bay!

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 21:43:00 GMT

Follow these steps to find out how clean your Coffee Machine can be.

Coffee machines are now a common kitchen convenience both at home and in the workplace. They have a major place on domestic kitchen counters, staff room sideboards and are readily available to customers in many working environments. With so many of us using coffee machines and drinking coffee, it is more important than ever to know not only how but why we should clean them on a regular basis.

Why?

An American study carried out by NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation) concluded that there were much larger quantities of harmful bacteria than we expected in our coffee machines. According to the study, the coffee machine (or reservoir to be precise) was: the fifth ‘dirtiest’ place in the house, had the seventh highest recording for coliform data in the kitchen (9%) and had the second highest recording of yeast and mould data with 50% - Yuck! (NSF:2011)

Another team of scientists concluded that ‘67 types of bacteria could be lurking in your drip tray’ and that bacteria multiplied in the capsule container of 9 out of 10 capsule Coffee Machines tested (Fletcher,B:2016)

With bacterias, yeast and mould having ‘negative impacts on your health’, they are known to be ‘triggers for allergies’ too, as well as having the ability to cause disease and infections; and with such high levels found inside coffee machines it is integral that the growth of yeast and mould is prevented (Hamilton Beach:2018).

Hopefully that is enough information as to WHY you need to regularly clean your machine and now you’re ready to find out HOW to give it the most thorough and bacteria repelling clean.

How?

Exterior - First things first, clean the exterior of the machine with a cloth which is wet with hot and soapy water, before buffering with a dry cloth or tea towel to clear any excess debris and ensure the surface is shiny.
Removable parts - Wash any removable parts your machine may have on a regular basis. This may include: the coffee reservoir, drip tray, filter basket, capsule compartment, water tank or anything at all which can be removed from the machine and re-connected. Good Housekeeping informs that most parts are ‘dishwasher safe’ but you can also wash removable pieces by hand in the sink, with hot and soapy water.
Drying - It is vital that you remember do dry all parts thoroughly after cleaning; this ensures a dry environment compared to a moist or damp one, which deters bacterial growth.
Descaling internal parts - Descaling the internal parts of your coffee machine is extremely important, not only for hygiene purposes but to prevent the machine from leaking, clogging and restricting the taste of your coffee. To do this you can either: use a half measure of white vinegar and a half measure of water solution or alternatively use a branded descaling solution recommended by the manufacturer of your machine. The solution should be fed through the water tank/ coffee reservoir and run through before being rinsed with water.
Getting rid of that leftover powdered coffee - Lastly, to get rid of all that dry, misplaced powdered coffee you can use a small soft bristled brush. These can be found in most convenience stores, but if in doubt you can find them on Amazon for an amazing £1.00!

Bibliography

Fletcher, B. (2016). Harmful Bacteria could be THRIVING in your Coffee Machine. Available: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/631697/harmful-bacteria-could-thrive-coffee-machine.Last accessed 30th July 2018.

Good Housekeeping. (2017). How to clean your coffee maker. Available: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a26565/cleaning-coffee-maker/ . Last accessed 12th August 2018.

Hamilton Beach. (2018). 10 reasons to clean your Coffee Maker.Available: https://www.hamiltonbeach.com/10-reasons-to-clean-your-coffee-maker . Last accessed 12th August 2018.

NSF . (2011). 2011 NSF International Household Germ Study. Available: http://www.nsf.org/newsroom_pdf/2011_NSF_Household_Germ_Study_exec-summary.pdf . Last accessed 30th May 2018.

Vilanova, C, Iglesias, A & Porcar, M. (2015). The coffee-machine bacteriome: biodiversity and colonisation of the wasted coffee tray leach. Available: https://www.nature.com/articles/srep17163 . Last accessed 30th July 20

Why keeping every day electricals clean will make you healthier.

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 22:29:31 GMT

You’ll be surprised how much bacteria can be found on the the electrical devices that we most commonly use on a daily basis.

As we move increasingly further into the 21st Century, the rate at which we use electrical equipment, goods and devices is also rapidly increasing. From computer keyboards and console controllers to coffee machines, the following blog post will cover the electrically charged objects and devices which we are most commonly surrounded by at home and at work, but that also unsuspectedly host high numbers of bacteria.

Coincidentally, Kathryn Roethel names ‘remote controls’, ‘keyboards’ and ‘phones’ as places where ‘many germs live’ in her article Fear germs?...

(Roethel, K:2013). So, here’s some guidance on the electricals that act as an excessive ecosystem for bacteria and how keeping these items clean will both improve your health and improve the cleanliness of your home, work and business environments.

TV Remotes

TV remotes are used by the whole household and generally passed from pillar to post; as gross as it seems they are sweated on, sneezed on, coughed on, dropped, lost in the sofa and picked up by everyone and anyone. What is the first thing you do when you get in from work or your children get in from school? Turn the TV on.

In her article, The Dirty Truth About Your TV Remote Control, Subrina Rubinoff states that ‘a number of major universities have confirmed that a TV remote control is the single dirtiest item in a typical home and a hotbed for contagious germs and viruses.’ (Rubinoff, S:2010). In support of this, a study from the American Society of Microbiology reports of ‘high levels of bacterial contamination on the TV remote’, the likes of which promote cold and flu viruses among other germs (2018).

So, as ‘most remotes are not designed to be easily cleanable’ but also host up to 70 bacteria per square inch (Hitti,M:2007), how do we prevent this prime relaxation tool from being such a burden on our health and our homes (Rubinoff,S:2010)? The first thing to remember is that remotes need regular cleaning but are electrical after all, so it is important not to use too much moisture. Here’s a step by step, foolproof cleaning routine.

Remove batteries.

Use an old toothbrush to remove excess debris & get into the nooks and crannies.

Use a cotton wool bud dipped in the same solution around the individual buttons.

Use a rung out microfibre cloth with a dilute disinfectant or alcohol solution to wipe down the remote top to bottom.

Dry remote with a clean microfibre cloth and replace batteries

Games Console Controllers

According to Andrew Gregory, ‘games consoles controllers have FIVE TIMES more germs than a toilet seat’ which works out as an average of ‘7,863 germs per 100 square centimetres’. Now, I know you are aware of how gross your teenager’s bedrooms can be, but that germ count is disgusting.

With consoles becoming a common convenience in our living rooms and bedrooms, enabling us access to netflix and other apps, it is more important to keep on top of their cleanliness than ever. With a very similar cleaning routine to that of the TV remote (above), it is just important to remember to use more pressure on the tougher debris in between toggles and pads and of course, don’t forget to remove the batteries!

Computer & laptop keyboards

Both BBC news and the University of Arizona claims that

the average desktop [computer keyboards] has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat’ (Krennhrubec,K and Zuckerman,D:2010). The same study found that drug resistant bacteria such as ‘MRSA’ could survive for over 24 hours on keyboards.

With statistics showing both office and domestic keyboards to be lethally loaded with germs, taking the immediate precautions of washing your hands before using as well as avoiding eating over your keyboard is advisable to avoid those infections!

When it comes to cleaning, however, the following routine should banish that bacteria...

Shut-down and unplug your computer or laptop.

Turn the keyboard or laptop upside down to remove excess debris.

Use a damp cotton wool bud dipped in alcohol or anti-bacterial solution to wipe in between the keys.

Use a clean, damp microfibre cloth also dipped in solution to wipe down the rest of the keyboard.

Leave to dry before turning back on

Mobile Phones

When was the last time you gave your phone a clean? One study suggests that we ‘swipe, tap, type, and click over 2,600 times a day on average’ (Davis, C.P:2018). If you’re anything like I was upon reading this statistic you’ll be thoroughly deep cleaning your phone right now instead of reading on….

In all seriousness, we take our mobile phones EVERYWHERE with us; around the house, in the car, to work, to the bathroom, on a night out. Our phones get chucked in our pockets, handbags and rucksacks and make contact with our hands, fingers, lips and ears - so of course they are crawling with bacteria.

Scientists found that out of 150 phones, 124 of them showed bacterial growth with ‘the most common bacteria recovered’ belonging to the Staphylococcus family (Davis, C.P:2018). Staphylococcus more commonly known as Staph can cause: sickness, impetigo, cellulitis and toxic shock syndrome. If that isn’t an incentive to clean your phone, I don’t know what is!

But how do you sufficiently clean a smartphone? First off, make sure you read the instructions to ensure you clean your device in a way which won’t cause damage. Generally, taking off the case and giving it a thorough wipe with alcohol or anti-bacterial wipes, then giving the device itself a gentle wipe with a damp microfibre cloth which has been dipped in an alcohol solution before drying well and replacing the case. Cleaning your phone at least once a week will rapidly reduce the amount of bacteria based on them.

So, what is it that all of these items have in common? Other than them all being electrical of course, our hands have to constantly make contact with them to use them! Therefore, the easiest way for germs to escape their hiding places and find their way into your body is through your hands’ (Davis, C.P:2018), which means washing your hands regularly and effectively will only decrease the bacteria levels on your electricals!

Bibliography

American Society for Microbiology. "Remote controls are one of the most contaminated objects in hotel rooms." ScienceDaily.

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120617142534.htm

(accessed July 31, 2018).

BBCS News. (2004).

Lifting the lid on computer filth.

Available:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3505414.stm

. Last accessed 30th July 2018.

Davis, C.P. (2018).

Infectious germs: where they love to hide.

Available:

https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/infectious_germs_they_hide_where

. Last accessed 30th July 2018

Doherty, K. (2015).

Don't touch that remote - until you read this.Available:

http://www.safebee.com/home/dont-touch-remote-until-you-read

. Last accessed 30th July 2018.

Gregory, A. (2013).

Games consoles controllers have FIVE TIMES more germs than toilet seat.

Available:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/games-consoles-controllers-five-times-2254476

. Last accessed 30th July 2018.

Hitti, M. (2007).

Top spots for bacteria at home.

Available:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20070625/top-spots-for-bacteria-at-home#1

. Last accessed 30th July 2018.

Krennhrubec,K and Zuckerman,D PhD, National Centre for Health Research. (2010).

Are There More Bacteria on Computer Keyboards Than Toilet Seats?.

Available:

http://www.center4research.org/bacteria-computer-keyboards-toilet-seats/

. Last accessed 30th July 2018.

Maker, Melissa. (2016).

Clean A Game Controller.

Available:

https://cleanmyspace.com/clean-a-game-controller/

. Last accessed 30th July 2018.

Roethel, K. (2013).

Fear germs? Beware the light switch.

Available:

https://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Fear-germs-Beware-the-light-switch-4233030.php

. Last accessed 30th July 2018.

Rubinoff, S. (2010).

The Dirty Truth About Your TV Remote Control.Available:

https://www.networx.com/article/the-dirty-truth-about-your-tv-remote-con

. Last accessed 30th July 2018.

Everything AND the Kitchen Sink

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 15:09:43 GMT

An investigation into kitchen cleanliness, coliform and how to banish bacteria.

The last two blog posts have been based on the extent of bacterial growth in the bathroom, so I felt like it was time to focus on the room in which we store, prepare, cook and eat our food - the kitchen of course! To keep yourself and your families healthy and safe from the illnesses and infections which can be caused by bacteria, it is integral that you know how to control kitchen cleanliness or who to call to do it if you just can’t be bothered or don’t have time (Lemon Fresh) .

A study conducted by microbiologists at NSF International (National Sanitation Foundation) ‘asked 22 families to swab 30 everyday household items’ in order to measure and compare bacteria levels across the home (NSF:2011). Although yeast and mould levels were recorded, the study was primarily concerned with c oliform bacteria. The coliform family ‘includes Salmonella and E.coli ’ and is an ‘indicator of potential faecal contamination’ (NSF). To put it bluntly, faecal contamination is basically the presence of bacteria which is found in faeces - yuck! As we know both Salmonella and E.coli can have serious effects on the human body and make us very ill, so the thought of having high levels of it present in the place in which we eat is slightly sickening.

To conclude their study, the NSF ranked the top 10 hot spots for germs in the home and ‘observed that coliforms were most prevalent on items in the kitchen’; with a staggering 6 out of the 10 highest ranking items throughout the home found in the kitchen (NSF). Surprised? Well, let’s have a look at what some of the items found to be seeping with salmonella are and the top tips on controlling how clean they are.

Kicking us off at number 10 is the chopping board , with the study revealing that 18% of the kitchen cutting essential played host to coliform and 14% to yeast and mould! The top tip to tackling the bacterial growth differs for wooden and plastic chopping boards. When it comes to wood, sprinkling the surface with baking soda and rubbing it into the board with a soapy sponge is recommended. If it is plastic however, the tactic is to either: put the board in the dishwasher or soak in ‘hot, soapy water’ (but don’t burn yourself of course) and dry thoroughly with a tea towel (CBS). Drying thoroughly is essential as it ensures that bacteria can’t multiply in the damp environment they thrive in.

Kitchen counters were also found to be highly contaminated, ranking at number 8 on the list. 32% contained coliform and a slightly higher 18% were found to have mould living on them. However, counters and worktops are slightly trickier to take on with general cleaning tips due to the range of surfaces. The cleaning method and products are dependent on the material which they are made with. Usually a diluted bleach solution and a sponge is recommended, but if you aren’t sure if that is suitable it’s worth checking with someone who knows what they’re doing before risking damage. Of course, all of our cleaners at Lemon Fresh are trained and we’d be happy to advise you with any information you might need.

Ironically, up at number 2 is the place in which you wash your dishes, the kitchen sink . The study found that 45% of kitchen ‘sinks tested positive for coliform bacteria, while 27[%] contained moulds’ (CBS). To keep this contagion under control, it is advised that you ‘clean the sides and bottom of the sink twice a week’ at least, with a strong anti-bacterial spray (CBS). You are also directed to de-clog the drain, but we can always help you further with that process.

Last but not least, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for….the item which made the top spot is the ‘item used to keep things clean’ (CBS). Yep, you got it, the kitchen cloth or sponge ! Statistically, ‘it's been calculated that the amount of bacteria on a kitchen sponge or cloth may be 200,000 times more than what is on your toilet seat (Ryder & Himelfield). Furthermore, a disgusting 77% were found to hold coliform and a further 86% carried yeast and mould.

There is coincidentally some controversy over the cleaning of kitchen cloths with certain experts suggesting strategies which pose potential hazards and risks in the home. For example, placing dishcloths in the microwave on a high heat or soaking in bleach overnight. The microwave theory has been proven to present a fire risk and having a readily available sink full of bleach is of course not ideal, especially if you have children.

If you ask me , spraying or soaking kitchen cloths and sponges in an anti-bacterial spray after use then rinsing, throwing them in a hot wash OR just replacing your dish cloths and sponges on a regular basis is the safest strategy to keep on top of the coliform.

Bibliography

CBS News. (2018). Yuck! Top 10 germiest spots in your home. Available: https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/yuck-top-10-germiest-spots-in-your-home/ . Last accessed 30th May 2018.

Higuera, V & Healthline Editorial Team. (2016). The 9 Dirtiest Spots in your Home. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/germy-places . Last accessed 30th May 2018.

NSF . (2011). 2011 NSF International Household Germ Study. Available: http://www.nsf.org/newsroom_pdf/2011_NSF_Household_Germ_Study_exec-summary.pdf . Last accessed 30th May 2018.

NSF. (2011). Dirtiest items in the home. Available: http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/studies-surveys-infographics/germ-studies/germiest-items-home . Last accessed 30th May 2018.

Mosely, M. (2018). The dirtiest place in your kitchen might surprise you.... Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43131764 . Last accessed 30th May 2018.

Ryder, A & Himelfield, D. (2018). Hygiene experts reveal the dirtiest place in your house - and it ISN’T the toilet. Available: https://www.examiner.co.uk/news/health /hygiene-experts-reveal-dirtiest-place-14323458. Last accessed 30th May 2018.

Smith, L. (2017). How to clean a sponge and kill Bacteria. Available: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a18731/how-to-clean-a-sponge/ . Last accessed 30th May 2018.

Toilets, Towels and Toothbrush holders - the truths about your bathroom.

Wed, 30 May 2018 09:58:31 GMT

Why the cleaning the toilet should be the least of your worries when it comes to your bathroom.

The room which should require the most thorough cleaning in your house must be the kitchen, the place where you prepare, make and eat food, right? Although, obviously it’s important your kitchen is kept clean, it’s actually the bathroom which is the biggest bacteria bath (no pun intended). I don’t know about you, but this came as a shock to me, especially when I found out the main reason isn’t because of the toilet. As I mentioned in the last blog, Babies, Bath toys and Bacteria, the bathroom environment encourages bacteria growth. This is due to higher than normal temperatures combined with high humidity and moisture levels. This, of course makes sense when you think about it, warm and wet environments ensure that bacteria grows at a revolting rate. This is why it is so important that we clean our bathrooms thoroughly and on a regular basis (by regularly I mean between once and twice a week not once a month). If you don’t have the time, you either need to make time OR you could of course, always get in touch with us, Lemon Fresh Cleans , for an honest and reliable quote.

So, you may be wondering, if the toilet is the least of your worries, then what or where should you be worrying about in your bathroom? Well, here is where we delve into the details of two of the most surprising areas in the bathroom, that in reality gather significant levels of bacteria and dirt.

First up, the floor! The bathroom floor is actually a farm for bacteria, but why? As Krissy Brady at Women’s Health reminds us ‘not only is the floor the largest bathroom surface, but it tends to be the most overlooked’ (Brady, C: 2015). After all, we walk on it constantly (particularly in business and office environments) and leave external bacterias and dirt on it, we leave damp towels on it and the toilet will undoubtedly splash onto it too.

Women’s health quotes Joan L. Slonczewski, Ph.D, who notes that even "right after the floor's cleaned, there might be less than a thousand bacteria per square centimeter” and “an hour later there might be a million” (Brady, C:2015) - shocking!

So what do you need to do to tackle it ? Well, obviously, cleaning the floor on a regular and thorough basis is key for preventing bacteria build ups. Additionally, wiping your floor with a strong bathroom cleaner and drying it afterwards is extremely important. This is because Bacteria breeds in moisture. You should ensure your floor is dried sufficiently after cleaning, as well as avoid creating a damp environment by: hanging up towels, putting dirty clothes straight into a wash basket after use and drying yourself stood in the bath or shower after washing. Of course cleaning the floor by using professional steam or spray machine is the most bacteria proof method because the temperature sanitises the floor so well, they give and intensive clean and leave the least product residue.

Next up, the trusty toothbrush holder , or maybe not so trustworthy when you’ve finished reading this. ‘A study by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) found that toothbrush holders are the third-most germy household items’ (Rotskoff, K: 2016). Additionally,

Coliform bacteria which is part of the E Coli family and is found in ‘more than a quarter (27%) of toothbrush holders’ according to Alistair Ryder and David Himelfield’s article:

Hygiene experts reveal dirtiest place in the house - and it ISN'T the toilet

(Ryder, A & Himelfield, D: 2018).

As we know E Coli can make us very ill and even result in hospitalisation, so ideally we need to avoid the presence of it on our toothbrushes and toothbrush holders. As toothbrush holders ‘can pick up bacteria that are spread by toilet flushing’ (Rotskoff, K: 2016), the first tip is to use your common sense, and have your toothbrush holder placed as far away from your toilet as humanly possible. If your sink is next to your toilet then it is definitely worth moving it to a surface further away. Who wouldn’t swap that minor inconvenience for the vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps and fever that E Coli can cause once it has got into your system?

Don’t forget to clean your toothbrush holder often using a bathroom or bleach based spray (then rinse well), as well as, replace your toothbrush and holder at regular and intervals to control the bacteria levels. Lastly, don’t be fooled by the idea of placing your toothbrush holder in an enclosed space or cabinet. Why not? You might ask. Well, this can be even more dangerous that your holder being exposed to toilet splash. The enclosed environment doesn’t allow toothbrushes to dry after use and therefore does allow the bacteria to multiply quicker!

So there you go, I hope you’ve learnt something new about the inner truths of bathroom bacteria habits and how to keep it at bay in those hidden and initially unsuspicious places.

Bibliography

Brady, C. (2015).

You'll never guess what the dirtiest surface in your bathroom is.

Available:

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19981389/dirtiest-part-of-the-bathroom/

. Last accessed 15th May 2018.

Neu, L, Banziger, C, Proctor, C.R, Zhang, Y, Liu, W, Hammes, F. (2018).

Ugly ducklings - the dark side of plastic materials in contact with potable water.

Available:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41522-018-0050-9

. Last accessed 1st May 2018.

Piro, L. (2014).

8 really gross mistakes you make in your bathroom.Available:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a26125/dirty-bathroom-mistakes/

. Last accessed 15th May 2018.

Rotskoff, K. (2016).

Do You Know What's Lurking on Your Toothbrush?.Available:

https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/toothbrush_germs_facts

. Last accessed 19th May 2018.

Ryder, A & Himelfield, D. (2018).

Hygiene experts reveal the dirtiest place in your house - and it ISN'T the toilet.

Available:

https://www.examiner.co.uk/news/health/hygiene-experts-reveal-dirtiest-place-14323458

. Last accessed 15th May 2018.

Star Brands. (2018).

How clean is your bathroom?.

Available:

https://www.starbrandsltd.co.uk/how-clean-is-your-bathroom-i43

. Last accessed 15th May 2018.

Babies,Bath Toys And Bacteria!

Sat, 05 May 2018 10:20:35 GMT

An insight into the potentially lethal bacteria based inside bath toys and your bathroom.

Did you know that the most bacteria riddled room in your home is the bathroom?

There are a number of reasons for this and as Lisa Neu reports in her article, ‘Ugly ducklings—the dark side of plastic materials in contact with potable water’, bathrooms are ‘known to promote biofilm formation and growth due to moderately high temperatures and increased humidity’. In simple terms,

that

means the bathroom is a breeding ground for bacteria which can cause nasty illnesses and infections.

Surprisingly, the toilet is the least of your worries. The fact that the floor is a farm for the festering of bacteria and that bacterial growth runs riot in ‘basins’ and ‘drains’ should of course, be a concern, but more on that in next week’s blog post (Neu:2018). If you hadn’t guessed from the title, or the disgusting rubber duck in the above picture, the focus of this post will be bath toys and the potential dangers they pose to babies.

Why are bath toys such a breeding ground for bacteria?

Bath toys are a family favourite when it comes to bath time and keeping babies, toddlers and children occupied long enough for you to ensure they are sufficiently washed for nursery the next day.

However, your bath, bath water and the bath toys which your babies play with are the biggest culprits of carrying communities of bacteria and here’s why.

The flexible plastic used to make bath toys - plastics are long chains of carbon atoms combined with other elements. As time passes, the carbon which is locked into the material breaks down and forms small, soluble molecules. These act as a food source for bacteria and therefore encourage ‘unwanted biofilm formation and growth’ (a biofilm is basically a layer which plays host to bacteria)(Neu:2018).

The chemical levels in tap water - the microorganisms in our tap water and the effect they have on us and our immune systems differ ‘substantially between different locations’ (Neu:2018). In hard water regions (such as Surrey and the south) water treating chemicals are used in an aim to cleanse the water, which again encourages bacteria growth in your bath.

The body and bath cleanliness - Usually when you or your little ones get in the bath there’s a reason, you’re dirty! The combination of a dirty body AND a dirty bath will incubate bacteria further.

So, what do the scientists’ statistics say about the bacteria build up in bath toys?

The recent scientific study which was carried out by EAWAG (the Swiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and Technology) has attracted a mass of media attention from BBC news to The Times and This Morning, and as I’m sure you’ll soon agree - it’s kind of understandable why.

Levels of bacteria in bath toys, particularly those which were made of flexible plastic such as, rubber ducks were investigated and the resultant statistics were scary. The study concluded that the squeezable plastic pieces in particular, are an absolute harvest for bacteria.

Bacteria capable of causing infection or disease ‘were identified in 80% of all the toys studied’. This included traces of ‘Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the rod‑shaped bacterium often implicated in hospital-acquired infections’. Furthermore, ‘between 5 million and 75 million cells per square centimetre were observed on the inner surfaces’ of bath toys (EAWAG:2018).

Additionally, around 70% of bath toys in the study were found to have ‘areas of black discoloration (indicative of mold growth)’ and ‘fungal species’ were ‘identified in 11 out 19’ bath toys which had been exposed to dirty bath water. ‘In total, 80% of all studied bath toys’ presented proof of the presence of harmful bacteria and ultimately, there was ‘visible and dense biofilms [bacteria layers] inside all bath toys’ (Neu:2018). Pretty disgusting right?

Let me guess, you’re running to throw out your entire collection of bath toys now…

Well, what are the conclusions and control methods?

We are very aware bath toys are usually (and hopefully) just used by babies and ‘children, who are potentially sensitive and vulnerable’ individuals. The thought of them squirting water out of a rubber duck in 1) their general bodily direction or 2) face, is now not only slightly sickening but will also likely ‘result in eye, ear, wound or even gastrointestinal tract infections’ (Neu:2018).

Though there are available methods for cleansing bath toys such as: emptying of water, boiling and sterilising, the statistics are scary enough to question - is worth the risk?

Would cleaning both your bath and bathroom, on a more regular and thorough basis make bath toys at bath time a safer scenario for your babies?

Bibliography

EAWAG. (2018). The ugly ducklings: Biofilms in bath toys. Available: https://www.eawag.ch/en/news-agenda/news-portal/news-detail/news/die-haesslichen-bade-entchen/?tx_ne... . Last accessed 1st May 2018.

Grierson, J. (2018). Danger:A mucky rubber ducky is a haven, for bacteria a study says.Available: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/mar/28/danger-a-mucky-rubber-ducky-is-a-haven-for-bacteria-... . Last accessed 1st May 2018.

Neu, L, Banziger, C, Proctor, C.R, Zhang, Y, Liu, W, Hammes, F. (2018). Ugly ducklings - the dark side of plastic materials in contact with potable water. Available: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41522-018-0050-9 . Last accessed 1st May 2018.

Science Daily. (2018). The ugly ducklings: Biofilms in bath toys.Available: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180327111404.htm . Last accessed 1st May 2018.

Westbrook, I. (2018). The dangers that lurk in your bathroom.Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43568018 . Last accessed 1st May 2018.

Limescale: Why is it such a prevalent issue in the Surrey area and how do I remove it?

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 11:44:36 GMT

All you need to know about tackling limescale in your home or business.

Limescale content in our tap water is ‘linked to the geological nature of the soil’ (Cleaning Wizard, 2018) and statistics from water supplier, Sutton and East Surrey Water state that ‘85% [of water] comes from underground’ in the region. This means our water is exposed to the rock and minerals that make it high in limescale, or ‘hard’. So, we are here to enlighten you on the effects it has and the tricks to removing it.

‘Hard’ water is largely filtered through limescale and chalk deposits which means there is a high level of calcium and magnesium mineral ions. There are currently 4 water suppliers who provide water to Surrey: South East Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water PLC, Thames Water and Affinity Water. Affinity Water is the main water supplier to the Woking area and state on their website that their ‘supply area has, in general, ‘hard’ or ‘very hard’ water’ (Affinity Water, 2018).

As a result, you may find that it is difficult to produce a lather from soap when you wash your hands or shower, but also that limescale is deposited on: tapware, silverware, electrical appliances such as coffee machines and kettles and glassware. Let’s be honest is a real pain, so here are some tricks and tips to removing it!

It’s worth knowing that limescale can’t be removed instantly, it takes time and there are two main ways of tackling it yourself. Firstly, you can use products that aren’t chemical based or secondly, chemical cleaning products. Of course if neither of these suit you and you’d rather someone else do it that’s where our services at Lemon Fresh Cleans come in.

The first choice of limescale removal for most people are natural products such as vinegar and lemon juice. Natural acids such as these can be left to soak from an hour - overnight then scrubbed off, usually on areas where limescale gathers such as kitchen and bathroom surfaces and taps. The only downside of this eco-friendly approach is it is time consuming and if not done properly the scrubbing can lead to damage of surfaces and metallic objects such as taps.

The second choice lies in cleaning products such as Viakal, which are affordable and accessible online and in most supermarkets. Again, there is a risk of damage to taps and surfaces. So if you’re unsure, don’t want to take the risk or just don’t have the time then contact us and enquire about our services and how we can keep your home or business limescale free.

References

Affinity Water. (2018). Check your water hardness. Available:

https://www.affinitywater.co.uk/check-hardness.aspx

. Last accessed 28th March 2018.

Cleaning Wizard. (2018). What are the effects of limescale on your life?. Available:

https://www.supersavvyme.co.uk/home/cleaning-wizard/what-are-the-effects-of-limescale-on-your-life

. Last accessed 28th March 2018.

SES Water. (2018). Our Water resources. Available:

http://www.waterplc.com/pages/community/our-water-resources/

. Last accessed 28th March 2018.

Why the common cleaning myth which tells us “keeping our homes too clean causes asthma” is false.

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 20:04:11 GMT

Current statistics state that 5.4 million people Nationwide suffer from asthma. To put that into perspective: 1 in 11 children suffer, 1 in 12 adults suffer and 1 in 5 Households is home to a sufferer (Asthma UK). This information suggests that you, a family member, or someone you know is currently suffering from asthma.

So, it’s about time we cleared up the myth that surrounds cleaning and how it impacts asthma, the ‘chronic (long term) lung disease’ that so many of us across the UK struggle with on a daily basis (NHLBI).

The common cleaning myth suggests that “over cleaning your house is making your asthma worse”. Whereas, in reality cleaning your home sufficiently reduces or even prevents some of the most prevalent asthma triggers around such as: dust mites, mould, pet hair and cold and flu viruses.

Cleaning controls the residence of and exposure to harmful germs and microbes in the home and it has been proven that ‘deep cleaning [acts] as an effective asthma reduction method’ (Fields Smith, M).

People will often complain that they react to dust mites and ‘as many as 90% of people with asthma are sensitive’ to them (Asthma UK). Dust mites are more susceptible to fabric based areas in rooms such as the lounge and bedrooms, regular dusting could do you the world of good!

Mould on the other hand is mostly found in damp areas, for example the bathroom and kitchen. Cleaning and effectively drying these damp areas of the house will heavily reduce mould spores from developing there and becoming a problematic trigger for asthma.

Health experts have ‘known for some time that colds and flu can raise your risk of having an asthma attack’ (Asthma UK), which makes it even more important we contain the spread of them. Cold and flu viruses are not entirely avoidable and there is a high likelihood for germs to gather on door handles, tables, work tops and other areas that used regularly. However, using antibacterial and cleaning products to thoroughly clean such areas will heavily reduce the risk of the spread and lower the impact of the trigger.

If you think Lemon Fresh Cleans services can help you in relation to this please call one of our team who will be happy to assist https: www.lemonfreshcleans.co.uk/contact-us

References

Asthma UK. (2018). Asthma facts and statistics. Available: https://www.asthma.org.uk/about/media/facts-and-statistics/ . Last accessed 20th March 2018.

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. (2014). Asthma. Available: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma . Last accessed 20th March 2018.

Fields Smith, M. (2016). Asthma and Carpets - the truth behind the myth. Available: http://worldwidecarpets.co.uk/asthma-carpets-truth-behind-myth/ . Last accessed 20th March 2018.

Is your office making you ill ?

megan_lovelock@hotmail.com (Megan Lovelock) — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 08:11:48 GMT

So the office place has been ranked one of the most unhealthiest places your are going to inhabit on a daily basis..
Following research has shown that sick days could be significantly reduced if companies implement a better cleaning routine.

A recent study by Dr Ackerley that the main source of germs at your desk is poor personal hygiene as a recent survey has proven that nearly 50% of some work places do not wash there hands after going to the toilet. Ew.

Crumbs and spillages encourage growth in bacteria that can lead to stomach bugs, colds, flu and even food poisoning.
Bacteria and viruses that you bring back from the toilet multiply of the work surface and remain infectious for 24 hours.

Some common bacteria found on your work surface...

Pseudomonas aeruginosa - commonly found in man-made environments like the office and causes illnesses for those with weakened immune systems.

Staphylococcus aureus - found in the office where there is contact with skin on items such as keyboards, chairs and door handles.

Actinomycetales - found in water and can be transferred from one surface to another.

Norovirus - commonly found in the office and transferred by food and water.

Given that most people eat there breakfast/lunch/snack at there desk we should really be implementing more strategic cleaning routines in the work place.

Having a clean and tidy work place also brings professionalism to your company and organisation as well as being germ free to prevent unnecessary sick days off!

If you would like any more information or would like to book a free quotation for your office please click the link below to get in contact with one of the team ----> http:/ www.lemonfreshcleans.co.uk/contact-us

**Resource http://cleaningmag.com/news/is-your-office-making-you-ill-1 **

Time for spring cleaning !

megan_lovelock@hotmail.com (Megan Lovelock) — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 19:09:42 GMT

Some spring cleaning tips

So the daffodils have bloomed the sun is shining (slightly) which can only mean one thing ... SPRING CLEANING.
Lemon Fresh Cleans have put together a few tips together to help you spring clean your home.

Kitchen cupboard fronts - Over the year grease/food fats/dust can collect on the front of your kitchen cupboards. Using an anti bacterial all purpose cleaner and some cream cleaner for them tough spots will do just the trick to get them back to tip top condition.
Bathroom/shower tiles - Built up limescale and scum over time can seem like a daunting task, however do not be afraid. In many supermarket stores now you may have seen the 'MAGIC ERASER' it really does what it says on the tin. You only need to dampen the sponge and off you go!
Fridges - Another dreaded task. Pull all shelving units out (chuck out those out of date items) wash them in slightly warm soapy water and wash the rest of the inside of the fridge with an anti bacteria cleaner to kill any unwanted bacteria in there. Place draws/shelves back and for a finishing touch slice a lemon in half and leave in the side of the kitchen door to keep it smelling fresh.
Sofas/chairs - Give the pillows and the seats a good hit with a stick or anything you have to hand and give all of the upholstery a really good vacuum will get rid of any lose soils in the material.Sofas and chairs act like a filter in your home so they should be vacuumed thoroughly on a regular basis. Whilst you are there you could pull them out and hoover underneath and behind them.
Last but not least windows - You can use a ready made window cleaner or mix up some white vinegar. Make sure you use a moderate amount to make the glass wet and wipe with a clean cloth and buff off with a microfibre cloth.

If this seem like to much work you can always call the Lemon Fresh Cleans team in to do the hard work for you :-)

5 Most Germ Breeding Places In Your Kitchen

megan_lovelock@hotmail.com (Megan Lovelock) — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 08:58:48 GMT

Your kitchen could be one of the most germ filled rooms in your house with. Some studies have found e-coli, salmonella, staph, mould and yeast, and other germs that can cause allergies or food borne illnesses lurking in and around your kitchen. YES - gross!

So, here are some of the top places that could be harbouring the most germs!

1. OVEN DIALS - When was the last time you had a really good go at your oven dials!? Can't remember? Well, start adding it to your weekly routine as they could be harbouring hundreds of germs!

2. DISH CLOTHS/SPONGES - Dish cloths and sponges can hold a lot of bacteria due to them being damp most of the time. To reduce a bacteria build up, make sure you wash it out each day with hot water and leave to dry. If you want to go that step further, pop it in the microwave for a minute or so to burn off all the lurking bacteria! Regardless of the above, make sure you change them at least every 2-3 days!

3. CAN OPENERS - Do you use your can opener on a daily basis and give it a quick wipe over and chuck it back into the cutlery draw? I think we are all guilty of it, however all of those tiny crevices can be filled with nasty bacteria! The best way to make sure all bacteria is removed is letting it soak in a bowl of vinegar over night to make sure all the pesky germs are removed. Oh, and remember to give it a good rinse after!

4. KNIFE BLOCK - Ever thought about what else slots in? Dilute a small amount of bleach with some water and pour into the slots, if possible find a tool thin enough to get to the bottom of the slots and give it a good scrub. Give it a good rinse and your good to go!

5. KITCHEN SINK - Studies have suggested that your kitchen sink should be bleached at least once a day to remove any bacteria - yes once a day! Studies have shown that the kitchen sink harbours the most bacteria in the kitchen so get your marigolds on!

Christmas Cleaning Tips - How To Have A Sparklingly Stress Free Christmas!

megan_lovelock@hotmail.com (Megan Lovelock) — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 09:10:04 GMT

The task of getting your home ready for Christmas may be daunting, but Lemon Fresh have put together some helpful tips to help you make the most of the festive period – by getting ready now, you’ll be able to put your feet up more often and enjoy a glass of mulled wine without panicking about the washing up!

It’s not just cleaning though, here’s Housekeep’s top 5 tips for a sparkling Christmas…

1. Pay close attention to the rooms people will spend the most time in.

There’s no point spending your precious hours labouring over rooms that people will only sleep in. Focus most on areas like the lounge or dining room. And of course, get that kitchen sparkling so you can have a relatively stress free day when it comes to cooking.

2. Get your oven cleaned!

Nobody likes to open the oven on Christmas day and realise that it’s full of grease and needs a good scrub - get ahead of the Christmas day panic and clean your oven beforehand. If you would rather get somebody in feel free to give us a call - I'm sure we can help you out on this one!

3. That goes for cooking equipment too...

You’re not going to be pleased if you’ve only got greasy baking trays to use in your sparkling new oven, so make a note to prepare all the bakeware you’ll need for Christmas day. And glassware too! Even if it means it all being out on the dining room table beforehand, it’s worth making sure you’ve got enough of everything (we always forget the gravy boat!) and that it’s all in tip-top shape.

4. Stock up on kitchen roll.

Christmas is prime time for spillages and sticky fingers making a mess everywhere, so to avoid a big clean up post-Christmas, strategically place kitchen roll around your home, so there’s no excuse! People can soak up any spilt bevies and catch any crumbs from those late night mince pies!

5. Plan in advance.

If you’re lucky enough to be hosting the whole family this year, get prepared! Even if you have to create a spread sheet to track your cooking, last minute food shopping, arrival times of distant relatives, or washing up rota, it will help minimise stress on the day (and hopefully less arguments over the traditional game of Monopoly!).

And bobs your uncle a stress free day!

Alternatively, if you don't fancy doing any of the above try and get an invite elsewhere!

Merry Christmas from the team at Lemon Fresh!

The Easy Way to Clean Oven Racks

megan_lovelock@hotmail.com (Megan Lovelock) — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 09:32:50 GMT

Gleaming racks - minimal effort!

Lemon Fresh's secret? FABRIC SOFTNER! Yes it actually works. Follow the steps below for a shiny new oven;

Place your oven racks in a bath or large sink, boil the kettle and pour over the racks until covered.
Pour in the fabric softener (around 2 caps full).
Let it soak for about 4 hours topping up every so often with boiling water.
Once soaked use a scourer to remove the grease.
Voila!

No harsh chemicals and no scrubbing for hours!

My First Blog Post

megan_lovelock@hotmail.com (Megan Lovelock) — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 09:07:37 GMT

It’s official, I have a blog and I know how to use it.

I have finally decided to take the plunge and add a blog to my site. I always wanted an easy way to share information with visitors and I’m super excited to start this journey. Keep coming back to my site and check for updates right here on the blog.

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Viakal Limescale Remover Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Viakal Limescale Remover Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

What is Viakal?

Performance and Effectiveness

Application & Ease of Use

Pros & Cons

Final Verdict

Cleaning Hot Spots When You Have a Dog: Why It’s Essential for a Clean and Healthy Home

Cleaning Hot Spots When You Have a Dog: Why It’s Essential for a Clean and Healthy Home!

1. The Dog Bed and Sleeping Areas

﻿

2. Floors and Carpets

3. Couches and Furniture

4. Food and Water Areas

5. Entryways and Mudrooms

Why Cleaning Hot Spots Is So Important

How Often Should You Clean?

Maximizing Your Deposit Return: The Importance of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning

Maximizing Your Deposit Return: The Importance of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning

Adavantages Of having a cleaning service

Advantages Of Having A Cleaning Service!

Reduced Stress

Healthier Home

A Better Clean

Convenience

Longer Lasting Home

How Lemon Fresh Cleans is going to tackle COVID-19 in your home!

Our step by step guide...

Coffee machines have found to be ‘THRIVING’ with ‘harmful bacteria’, read on to find out why and how to keep it at bay!

Follow these steps to find out how clean your Coffee Machine can be.

Why keeping every day electricals clean will make you healthier.

You’ll be surprised how much bacteria can be found on the the electrical devices that we most commonly use on a daily basis.

Everything AND the Kitchen Sink

An investigation into kitchen cleanliness, coliform and how to banish bacteria.

Toilets, Towels and Toothbrush holders - the truths about your bathroom.

Why the cleaning the toilet should be the least of your worries when it comes to your bathroom.

Babies,Bath Toys And Bacteria!

An insight into the potentially lethal bacteria based inside bath toys and your bathroom.

Limescale: Why is it such a prevalent issue in the Surrey area and how do I remove it?

All you need to know about tackling limescale in your home or business.

Why the common cleaning myth which tells us “keeping our homes too clean causes asthma” is false.

Is your office making you ill ?

Time for spring cleaning !

Some spring cleaning tips

5 Most Germ Breeding Places In Your Kitchen

Christmas Cleaning Tips - How To Have A Sparklingly Stress Free Christmas!

The Easy Way to Clean Oven Racks

Gleaming racks - minimal effort!

My First Blog Post

It’s official, I have a blog and I know how to use it.