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House cleaning Many cleaning agents are actually unnecessary
In the trade, there is now a special cleaning product for almost every occasion. Quite often leads to that that the cleaning cabinet is filled to bursting with various means. But that does not have to be the case: According to household and environmental experts, three cleaners are all that's needed to clean the household for the week.
Cleaner for every imaginable contamination
Especially for wood floors, developed for heavy contamination, against stains in the shower: Meanwhile, there is a special cleaner for every imaginable contamination or surface. More and more different products are being launched. The cleaning cabinet bursts in many households from all joints. But that does not have to be. Experts say that in practice, less than a handful of cleaners are enough to clean windows, floors and bathrooms. In a message from the news agency dpa experts give important tips on the subject.
Many cleaning agents are unnecessary. Picture: M. Schuppich - fotolia Three funds are enough
"You need a dishwashing liquid to remove greasy soiling," explains Monika Wittkowski from the DHB - Household / Professional Association of Households. "Then you need an all-purpose cleaner, so I can clean all surfaces, including the toilet." And for heavier soiling a scouring agent is needed. "If I have these three cleaners in the house, I can clean all surfaces in the house," said the expert.
Meaningful additions
Philip Heldt of the consumer center North Rhine-Westphalia says in the agency message that in addition, an acidic cleaner, such as a vinegar cleaner or a cleaner with citric acid, can provide good services in the home. "The remove very well limescale, such as stubborn edges in the shower or the bathtub." In addition, can also remove urine stone in the toilet with this remedy. According to Marcus guest of the Federal Environment Agency would be a useful addition to a cleaner for the oven. "If something spills over in the oven, it is often not immediately wiped away. If it does, it will be difficult to remove. "
Dispense with environmentally harmful substances
You should definitely refrain from chlorine products or toilet cleaners with inorganic acids, as these damage the environment. If such agents are still used, care must always be taken not to mix toilet cleaners with chlorine cleaners, as this can lead to the formation of toxic gases. Other ingredients such as phosphonates, polycarboxylates or paraffins also pollute waters and soils. "But not everyone knows what is behind the individual technical terms and whether the substance is harmful to health or endangers the environment," explains environmental expert Gast. Here eco-labels offer a certain orientation. "These cleaners are tested, they have to be as good as a conventional cleaner," says Gast. For example, the sign Blue Angel has recently been found on cleaning agents. "This marks cleaners and detergents that are more environmentally friendly," explains Gast. "The EU Ecolabel, the Euro Flower, also points to cleaners that are less harmful to the environment."
Disinfectants are usually not needed
But not only the environment can be polluted by cleaners, even humans. Some detergents make you sick. Disinfectants are usually not appropriate in your own home. "Except the doctor recommends the use," explains guest. Prophylaxis, however, did not make sense. "Studies show that the risk of allergies in children increases when they grow up in households that are frequently disinfected," said the expert. "However, it is unclear whether this is due to the lack of germs or the disinfectant itself." But it certainly makes sense to avoid hysterical hygiene, as many other experts say.
Anyone who brushes regularly needs less sharp means
But it does not just depend on the right cleaning agent, if you want to make the apartment shine. "It's also about cleaning regularly," says Wittkowski. "Then you do not need to use harsh cleaning agents to remove caked and dried dirt." Also important is manual work: "Most consumers look for strong stains an even stronger cleaner. The right rag can make a difference, "explains Philip Heldt. "Microfiber cloths can absorb dirt better than a normal dishcloth," the expert says dpa. It can develop mechanical effect with the rough fabric.
This also applies to a pot sponge with a rough underside, which can also be used for other objects and surfaces. Other similarly practical helpers are brushes and window pullers. It is not just often, less is more, but also: "With the right tools, cleaning agents and therefore also chemicals can be saved," says Gast. The environmental expert has yet another tip: "When washing, you should make sure to put microfiber cloths in a wash bag in the machine." Otherwise they take up a lot of lint from the water in the drum.
Daniela Döpke, managing director of Döpke building cleaning in Hanover, also confirms: "It depends more on the cleaning technique and not on the sharpness of the cleaner." Regular households would often use natural vinegar cleaners. This also protects the environment, Döpke continues. The company has been relying for some time on environmentally friendly cleaning agents. (Ad)