Cleaning

A clean home is a happy home, but some of your cleaning tricks may be spreading dirt around rather than making it a germ-free space. Did you know that the average household in this country has more than 7,000 different types of bacteria floating around? It’s no wonder people get sick so frequently these days.

You may be worried about picking up germs outside, but you can catch a virus or infection from your sweet abode. There are ways that you can cut the bacteria and other germs that lurk inside your home. Get ready; you’re going to be shocked how some of your traditional cleaning methods and supplies are doing more harm than good.

If you want to make a change in your family’s life and health, start by adapting new cleaning methods first. Here are the top ten cleaning fails that make your home dirty.

1. Feather Dusters

If any cleaning item should be thrown out the window, it’s the feather duster. This invention was famous in the 1970s to quickly remove dust. The only problem with this device is that it scatters the dust everywhere. Sure, a bit of the debris gets trapped among the feathers, but most of it just gets transferred into the atmosphere.

You’re doing little good for your family when you spread the dust around. However, if you want to trap the dirt and remove it from your space, you need a wet cloth. A damp rag will trap the dirt into the fabric and doesn’t redistribute it.

You’re not cleaning if you use this old-fashioned duster, and your home will still be dirty. Someone with asthma or allergies in your family needs you to get rid of as much dirt as possible.

2. Dirty Vacuum Filters

In the age where people can use a bagless vacuum, why are people still using bags? A bag collects all the crud it picks up from your floors and keeps it in reserve. Have you ever turned on your vacuum cleaner, and it blew dust everywhere? Bags are not full proof.

Another problem is those dirty filters. Many people don’t even check their vacuum filters, so it can’t effectively clean because it’s clogged. The dirty vacuum filter won’t stop it from operating, but it won’t work as efficiently to clean your home.

3. Toilet Brush

Is there anything nastier than a toilet brush that is reused? It sits on a stand and collects water, fecal matter, and urine for everyone to breathe. These brushes are a magnet for harmful bacteria and diseases.

Thankfully, there are new one-use brushes on the market that you don’t have to store anything other than a wand. You clean your commode, release a lever, and the pad falls into the trash. You will have better luck keeping your bathroom germ free when you get rid of those disgustedly dirty toilet brushes.

4. Kitchen Sink

You wouldn’t think that your kitchen sink would be a place where dirt and debris harbor, oh, but it’s one place that needs some bleach. Do you know how many people let dirty dishes sit for days? What about the people who bathe their kids and animals in the sink? All these things are causing a build-up of germs in a commonly used area.

The sink is one place where you need to keep the germs down because you will eat from dishes cleansed here. Make sure that after each time you use your sink, you wipe it down with bleach or scrub it down with detergent. Bleach and soap will kill any germs that harbor on the surface and keep your home cleaner.

5. Using the Same Cleaning Cloth

The cleaning cloth you use for dishes wipe down the table, clean your child’s dirty hands, and wipe down the stove, should only be used for one purpose. You can’t keep using the same cleaning cloth and not expect to spread germs around.

It would help if you had a dedicated rag that you can use for each surface, and it needs to be washed when you’re done. Never let a dishcloth sit out on the sink to dry and then use it again the next day. If you want to cut down germs in your dirty home, then stop using the same rag for multiple purposes.

6. Not Cleaning the Register Vents

Your register vents are one place that is out of sight and out of mind. However, you drop things down in these vents all the time. Some may be more of a “hot spot” than others. Your children also drop things into these holes.

The real problem is when your furnace or AC system kicks on. It spreads these germs all-around your home. Bits of food can mold and spread fungi all over the place, making your home’s air quality lackluster.

Take a vacuum hose and clean as far back into the duct as you can. If you find that the area is really dirty, then you should call in a professional for duct cleaning.

7. Washing Machine

No one would dream that their washing machine would be dirty. It has soap, bleach, and fabric softener running through it all the time. Yet, if your clothes come out smelling not so fresh, then this appliance and its bacteria levels could be to blame.

When the new front-loader style washer came to the forefront, it changed everything. All these rubber seals to keep the water inside while turning on its side made things tricky. Unlike a top loader, which can easily have the lid opened to keep it fresh, it’s a bit more challenging with the new models.

The wet atmosphere and closed-door make it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Many people complain that their washer stinks as well as their clothes are coming out with a smell. It would help if you cleaned your washer with a bleach and baking soda combination. If you don’t do this routine clean, then your washer’s seals will become full of mold and bacteria that will get redeposited on your clothes.

8. Remote Controls

If there is one item in the household that most people forget to clean, it’s the remote control. Think of how many times the remote is touched daily. Now, consider how many people sneeze, wipe their nose, cough, and then toss the remote on the couch; it’s dirty.

It collects germs from almost every member of the household, and it also gathers surface germs. You must wipe down this handy device at least once a week with an antibacterial wipe. Just remember to remove the battery before doing this routine clean.

9. Shower Curtain

The shower is the place you go to get clean. All the dirt and grime your body picks up during the day is washed down the drain. Naturally, it would be best to clean your shower and bathtub regularly to keep germs at bay.

However, when is the last time that you’ve washed your shower curtain? The curtain encounters your body both before and after it’s passed. Additionally, your body isn’t the only one it’s touching.

Chances are there is a lot of dirt that fungi that harbor on this curtain, and it should be washed frequently.

10. Light Switches, Doorknobs, and Handles

You can sit back and kick your feet up after a routine clean. You’ve got the important stuff that seems to have germs and dirt cleaned, but have you got everything? Light switches, doorknobs, and handles are often overlooked as no one thinks to clean these unless the dirt is apparent.

However, dozens of times, people in your home touch these items and bring outside germs inside your home. Think of all the times your children go to the bathroom and forget to wash their hands, or there are numerous occasions that a cough or sneeze will encounter them.

When you do your routine household cleaning, you need to remember to include the Light switches, doorknobs, and handles on the list. Your family could easily pass around the flu or other viruses on such items, and you might not be any the wiser.

Final Thoughts on Whisking Away Those Dirty Cleaning Habits

Do you still use the old mop and bucket when you clean your floors? You pick up dirt and redistribute it to other areas of the home. So many old cleaning methods can’t get rid of the germs and infectious diseases that you fight today. You can never be too careful when it comes to the cleanliness of your home.

Sure, your schedule is busy, and the last thing you have time for is to be sick. Sadly, many people aren’t cleaning their houses well enough, or they forget germy hot spots that make them ill. Engage the whole family in making the home a cleaner space.

Cleaning your remotes, washing machines, kitchen sink, as well as your light switches, doorknobs, and handles, should be a routine part of your week. You want to encourage a haven for your family where they can rest easy and won’t get sick. Are you guilty of these epic cleaning failures? Now is the time to cast toxins from your living space.

When you’re cleaning your house, it can be tempting to mix cleaning products to maximize their effectiveness or try killing two birds with one stone. Chances are, though, that your actions will not have positive results – and the results might even harm you.

Cleaning products are packed with all sorts of complex chemicals that can react with other complex chemicals to produce dangerous or toxic gases. At best, some of these bad reactions will damage the thing you’re trying to clean, At worst, they’ll poison you and those in your home. Here are 20 cleaning products to never mix together.

Never Mix These 20 Cleaning Products

1.    Ammonia and Bleach

Ammonia is commonly found in many window and glass cleaners. This is because ammonia is an incredibly powerful cleaning substance, and greatly enhances the effectiveness of just about any cleaning product.

When mixed with bleach, however, it creates chloramine gas. This gas can cause the following symptoms:

• Chest pain and shortness of breath
• Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat
• Nausea and watery eyes

2.    Detergent and Disinfectants

Sometimes, desperation moves our hand to try combinations that seem to be the potential answer. For example, detergents and disinfectants should create a positive result, right?

Unfortunately, most market-based disinfectants use ammonia, which can react badly with most detergents and create all sorts of toxic vapors. Instead, you should try the following:

• Create a soapy solution with detergent and warm water
• Apply the solution directly onto the desired area
• If all else fails, hire cleaning experts for help

3.    Bleach and Oven Cleaner

Bleach is known to be a powerful cleanser, but it really should be used on its own. This is because it’s main ingredients – the secret behind its effectiveness – can have disastrous chemical reactions with other off-the-shelf cleaners, such as oven cleaners.

Mixing the two together can create chlorine gas, which can cause the following symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Blurred eyes

4.    Bleach and Vinegar

Just like with bleach and oven cleaners, mixing bleach and vinegar also produces chlorine gas. This is because vinegar is an acid – when an acid comes into contact with bleach, it will create chlorine gas.

Even at low levels, chlorine gas is perfectly capable of causing:

• Burning
• Shortness of breath
• Skin irritation

5.    Bleach and Drain Cleaner

No matter how much positive thinking tells you that this would result in something highly effective, drain cleaners and bleach do not mix. In reality, they combine to create chlorine gas – which is dangerous and corrosive.

If exposed to it in any way, the CDC recommends the following:

• Move away from the chlorine gas if outdoors
• Move to higher ground if indoors, as chlorine gas sinks
• Remove the clothes quickly. Do not pull them over your head – cut them up instead
• Seal the clothes in two layers of plastic bags to protect others and yourself
• Inform health and safety personnel
• Wash thoroughly with large amounts of soap and water

6.    Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol

Chloroform is infamous for being used in movies to knock someone out. In reality, you will need large amounts of chloroform to make someone pass out – but any amount created by mixing bleach and rubbing alcohol together will still be a problem.

Here are some of the things associated with chloroform:

• Accumulates as carcinogenic substances in the lungs
• Causes hepatic and renal damage
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Convulsions

7.    Castile Soap and White Vinegar

On their own, castile soap and white vinegar are some of the best natural cleaning products you can get. Combining them won’t give you a net positive, however. Unfortunately, they are both alkali and acidic, respectively. As a result, they neutralize each other’s beneficial cleaning abilities and create useless white gunk.

Instead, consider using them one after the other – a vinegar wash should easily remove any remaining scum that is left behind by castile soap.

8.    Baking Soda and Vinegar

Both baking soda and vinegar on their own are fantastic natural cleaners. Unfortunately, when combined, they simply become useless – here are some reasons as to why it is so:

• Both are acidic substances, so they do not create more extra cleaning power together
• When mixed, they simply form lots of water and some sodium acetate
• The resulting mixture will foam up and potentially explode

9.    Mildew Remover and Bleach

When combined, mildew stain remover and bleach produce chlorine vapors – a dangerous and toxic kind of gas. Here are some of the more acute symptoms of chlorine gas:

• Blisters, redness, and pain on exposed skin
• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Tissue damage

10. Bleach and Toilet Bowl Cleaner

You will have to use either bleach or toilet bowl cleaner – combining the two can otherwise create disastrous results. More specifically, it can create chlorine gas. Here are a few ways to identify chlorine gas, should an accident occur:

• The gas itself takes on a yellow-green color
• The gas sinks to the bottom, as it is heavier than air
• There is a pungent and irritating odor, much like the scent of bleach

11. Two Different Kinds Of Drain Cleaner

Unless you’re willing to reach in physically and pull out whatever it is that’s clogging your pipes, you will normally reach for the drain cleaner. If the first round doesn’t work, however, the solution is not to pour in a different drain cleaner. You might create an explosion by accident!

Instead, you should do the following:

• Choose a product proven to work
• Ensure that you have followed the instructions correctly
• Be prepared to call the plumber, should the product fail to work

12. Vinegar and Water – For Certain Floor Types!

Vinegar and water is a handy, natural cleaning solution that works for most floors. However, the acidic nature of vinegar can actually damage hardwood floors, dulling their otherwise beautiful appearance. Additionally, water can also cause warping and moisture damage to your hardwood floors if you’re not careful.

Instead, reserve your mixture for cleaning these types of floorings:

• Ceramic tiles
• Carpets with synthetic fibers
• Vinyl floors

13. Bleach and Glass Cleaner

The main ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite – a substance that interacts with ammonia to create toxic chloramine fumes. Unfortunately, most glass cleaners feature ammonia as their main cleaning ingredient.

As a result, mixing them with bleach is an idea fraught with danger – no matter how much positive thinking suggests that this combination might double their cleaning power.

Instead, consider keeping the following tips in mind for clean and streak-free windows:

• Invest in a good quality squeegee
• Wipe down the squeegee regularly
• Replace the rubber blade of the squeegee when it gets dull

14. Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar

On their own, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are two excellent cleaners. They can be be used one after another to clean fruits and countertops, so long as each one is wiped clean before the next.

When mixed, however, the two create peracetic acid. This acid could potentially be a decent cleaner in and of itself – if it wasn’t so dangerous to use in most households without preparation.

At low concentrations, this acid is:

• Corrosive
• Potentially toxic
• Irritating to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract

15. Bleach and Lysol

Lysol and bleach are, on their own, excellent cleaners and disinfectants. That does not mean that they can be combined for a more effective cleaning solution, however.

When mixed, bleach interacts and oxidizes the 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol found in Lysol. This creates fumes that are corrosive and harmful to human health.

The potentially harmful effects of 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol include:

• Toxic vapors
• Skin irritation
• Eye irritation

16. Bleach and Dish Detergent

Ammonia is a common ingredient in dish detergents. This substance can improve the effectiveness of dish detergents but will create chloramine gas when mixed with bleach.

Instead, consider doing the following for better cleaning effectiveness:

• Use warm or hot water
• Ensure that the detergent and water have been mixed together in appropriate amounts
• Soak dishes in the mixture for a while to loosen stubborn particles and stains

17. Bleach and Lemon Juice

When mixed with any kind of acid, bleach will produce chlorine gas. As a result, bleach reacts with lemon juice like it would any other cleaning product off the market and create chlorine gas.

That said, lemon is a powerful thing to use on its own. Consider the following ideas:

• Putting lemon slices in vinegar to give it a fresh, citrusy smell
• Let the lemon juice sit on the affected area for a minute, before wiping it clean
• Use the oils in lemon rinds to clean and shine items

18. Some Types Of Pesticides and Water

You might want to check the instructions on the label. Upon contact with water, some strong pesticides can create phosphine gas. This gas is colorless, flammable, and highly toxic.

Here are some of the effects of inhaling phosphine gas:

• Convulsions
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shock
• Coma
• Liver and kidney damage

19. Bleach And Most Cleaning Products

In general, most household cleaning products available on the market use ammonia. This allows them to be highly effective in removing dirt and grime. Unfortunately, when mixed with bleach, they will react and create chlorine gas.

Some of the examples of household cleaning products that will contain ammonia include:

• Wood cleaner
• Toilet cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Floor cleaner
• Dishwasher detergent

20. Any Cleaning Products From Different Brands

Unless you take the time to examine every single ingredient on the list and cross-reference them with the ingredients in the cleaning products back home, you are always in danger of creating some deadly chemical reaction.

Instead, consider doing the following for your own safety:

• Stick to one brand only
• Use gentler alternatives
• Make natural and organic cleaning solutions
• Keep only one type of cleaning product for each purpose on hand
• Take your time to invest in a proven cleaning product

Final Thoughts On Some Cleaning Products To Never Mix Together

As a general rule, you shouldn’t be mixing products together without understanding them. Each cleaning product is designed for a specific use, and using them one by one may take longer, but is much safer. It’s better to be inconvenienced than ill or dead, after all!

If you really need fewer products in your life, opt for multi-purpose cleaners that cover a wide range of different functions. This way, you can use a single product for multiple items without harming yourself or others.

A wellness routine that fits into your life is of the essence. Be it simple workouts, hitting the gym, or jogging, the simpler the method, the better. And using an essential oil diffuser is an effortless way of bringing wellness into your living space.

Essential oils have been in use for centuries. Their complex blend of therapeutic benefits and aromas has also seen them play an indispensable role in modern life. Apart from making the room smell better, they have many uses in the food and cosmetic industries.

Research proves essential oils contain a mixture of molecules obtained from plant organs. Leaves and flowers contain the highest concentration of essential oils in a plant. If plants gain this much from essential oils, how much more do you stand to gain? Once you know all that, the next thing is to get the essential oils from the plant to the room, office, or car. So, how do you do that?

Think essential oil diffusers. Whether you use a nebulizer or an ultrasonic diffuser, the principle is constant. Diffusers break down the complex chains of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons of essential oils into small molecules. These molecules then disperse as tiny, breathable particles into your room.

Common types of essential oil diffusers

When it comes down to buying a diffuser, the kind of diffuser you buy will depend on:

• Cost of the diffuser
• Availability of the diffuser type
• Size of your room
• Dispersion capacity of the diffuser
• Your tastes and preference

What to look for when buying an essential oil diffuser

1. Timer

A timer determines the frequency of releasing essential oils. Most diffusers have an interval of 1, 2, or 4 hours. The timer allows the diffuser to run for some minutes or continuously, depending on the type of diffuser.

2. Mist adjuster

An adjuster allows you to determine the number of essential oils you want to diffuse in your room. The button or knob should have an allowance of low, high, or medium setting.

3. Low noise level

A nebulizer diffuser produces a lower noise as compared to an ultrasonic diffuser. The noise comes from the release of the pressured air, which means that you will barely notice it.

4. Wide dispersion capacity

A diffuser should cover the entirety of a room.

5. Lightweight

Since it is an essential item, a diffuser should be cordless, rechargeable, and electric to allow you to carry it with you wherever you go easily.

6. Manufacturer guarantee

A warranty is a standard feature in many diffusers. It ensures that in the event of a malfunction, the manufacturer will repair your diffuser.

The above factors will largely determine the type of diffuser you opt for.

There are two main types of essential oil diffusers on the market right now:

1. Nebulizer diffuser

When you want to buy a silent diffuser, uses no water, and do not produce heat but still look classy, consider acquiring this diffuser. It has no plastic parts, which means that it feels and looks expensive. Its usage is simple because it only requires you to pour pure essential oils into its reservoir. After that, it will work to disperse the essence and aroma of the oil.

It works in the following ways:

• Air under high pressure forces a current through a small tube. The low pressure at the end of the tube reduces the speed and direction of the air.
• The change in pressure, speed, and direction create a sucking force that causes essential oils to rise upwards.
• As the oil is rising, the pressured air separates it into tiny particles.
• The oil particles then rise and are emitted out of the glass container in the form of a dry mist.
• The remaining particles drop back into the container, thus creating a cycle that only ends when the container is empty.

Nebulizing diffusers are low maintenance since they don’t require water or heat. They are a great choice for the environmentally conscious people.

2. Ultrasonic diffuser

This is also known as a humidifying diffuser. It works in the following ways:

• Water dilutes the essential oils to enable the ultrasonic vibrations to work.
• The diffuser generates tiny waves above the human hearing ability. These waves break up the essential oil into fine molecules. The fine particles then create a visible, aromatic mist.

Other than giving your room a fragrance, this diffuser also adds moisture to your room. This makes it a great choice, especially during the cold season. It is important to note, however, that this type of diffuser requires extra attention and care because its plastic parts are prone to corrosion by the oils.

Pro tips on cleaning your diffuser

After reaping the many benefits of owning a diffuser, it is now time for some maintenance. To continue reaping the endless benefits of essential oils, it is important that you take care of your diffuser. The following are some pro tips on how you can clean and maintain your diffuser.

Just like any other appliance that you use at home, diffusers are also prone to catching some dirt. To avoid dirt build-up, regular cleaning is mandatory. There are several methods you can use to clean your diffuser.

Before we review them, however, first things first:

Turn off and unplug the diffuser. As simple as that might sound, it should be the first step you take before you start cleaning your diffuser. This will help avoid accidents such as electrocution and possible damage to your diffuser.

Before commencing the cleaning exercise, it is important to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps avoid common mistakes that could damage your diffuser. It is worth noting that each diffuser is manufactured differently.

1. Deep cleaning

   • Fill your diffuser with clean water. The water should be preferably at room temperatures.
   • Add white vinegar. Experts recommend using approximately ten drops. Vinegar breaks down the essential oil particles.
   • Switch on your diffuser and let it run for a few minutes. This step allows any oils stuck on the diffuser to break down.
   • Flush out the water
   • Using a soft cloth, swab or brush, wipe the inside of the tank. Concentrate on the grunge that could be stuck to the sides of the tank.
   • Afterward, wipe the outer surface of your diffuser with a clean cloth.

   2. Wiping

   • Pour out the water in the diffuser. Experts recommend that you do this from the back to avoid damaging the buttons.
   • Pour a small amount of dishwashing soap on a piece of cloth or cotton swab.
   • Gently wipe the inside and outside of your diffuser.
   • Dab persistently on the grime to remove it effectively.
   • Use a clean damp cloth to rinse the soap residue. Do this by wiping the inside and outside of your diffuser gently. Repeat this step until there is no soap remaining on your diffuser.
   • Clean the ultrasonic chip inside the water tank. To do this, just take a clean cloth, dip it in rubbing alcohol, and gently wipe the chip to avoid damage.

   Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your essential oil diffuser

   • Avoid soggy clothes since they may get water under the buttons and lead to a malfunction.
   • Avoid using hard bristles because they may scratch surfaces and cause your diffuser to look old.
   • Clean your hands thoroughly before working on the diffuser to avoid getting more grime onto it
   • Do not let water and oil sit in the diffuser for long. This makes the diffuser harder to clean.
   • Avoid cleaning your diffuser while plugged in.
   • Do not use water that has been sitting in the diffuser to clean the diffuser.
   • Do not use harsh chemicals. These can harm your diffuser or leave a persistent smell that will affect the natural scent of your essential oil.
   • Do not use more soap than needed because it will make the cleaning process longer than necessary.

Final Thoughts on Maintaining a Clean Essential Oil Diffuser

Using essential oil diffusers comes with many benefits. Among them is the fact that they allow you to use our essential oils easily whenever you need to. With enough research backing the use of oils, all you will need is an oil diffuser to enjoy their full benefits. Essential oils promote better sleep, relieve pain, improve skin conditions, encourage digestion, and help you breathe better.

No better way exists of reaping these benefits than using a diffuser. It is affordable, portable, and convenient. Whichever type of diffuser you choose. However, it is necessary that you take good care of your diffuser in the same way it takes care of you.

7 Reasons to Hire a Professional Office Cleaning Service

Your office is probably dirtier than you think. A study found office desks are 400 times dirtier than a toilet seat. You want your office to be clean and getting it as clean as it should be can be challenging.

A clean work environment leads to better productivity and employee satisfaction. Read about more great reasons to hire a professional office cleaning service.

1. Create a Healthier Workplace

You want your employees to be healthy. All these germs lurking around your office could lead to more sick days, which ultimately affect your productivity.

Allergies are another big reason people miss work. This is why it’s important to have a professional cleaning service to help reduce the buildup of allergens.

2. A Clean Office Makes a Good Impression

You want your customers and visitors to feel welcome in your building. It takes 3 to 5 seconds to start off on the right foot with your customers.

Having a clean office helps make a good impression. You can be sure your bathrooms and reception areas are clean when you use a professional cleaning company.

3. Reduce Stress

Having clutter and dirt can be stressful. You have more important things to do instead of cleaning. Leave the cleaning to the pros to help you feel refreshed and not worry about cleaning.

4. Higher Quality Cleaning

A professional cleaner has the tools and knowledge to make your office sparkle. They will focus on the cleaning and can tackle multiple areas without interruption. Some companies, such as Like Never Before Janitorial Service Inc., offer green cleaning services that are better for the environment and your employees.

5. Free Up Time

It takes time to run a business, and you shouldn’t have to worry about doing the routine chores around your office. Imagine how nice it would be to just focus on your business and have a reliable company come to remove all the germs and grime from your office. 

6. Save Money in the Long Run

A cleaning service tackles the stains and contaminants before they get worse. Without proper cleaning, you could have to remove mold or mildew which is costly. You can also make your carpet last longer since it is regularly cleaned.

7. Increased Productivity

Employees would be much happier in a fresh, clean office. The clean air is easier to breathe. The EPA says that indoor air quality is one of the top risks to human health.

Your employees won’t be as productive if they are facing allergies or having to stop working to run a vacuum. Dirty air can diminish your cognitive function and will make you not think clearly.

Ready for Professional Office Cleaning Service?

You want your employees to be healthy and happy. You need a clean office to keep the germs away and prevent employee sick days. Hiring a professional office cleaning service will ensure you have a professional level clean—and save you time.

Looking for other business advice? Check out our site to learn more about digital marketing and content strategy and how to drive traffic. You can learn how to drive more customers into your newly cleaned office space for a great first impression.

How Robots Are Transforming the Cleaning Industry

Remember how far off the future seemed as a kid? You may have had daydreams about self-driving cars and automated homes.

While some of that is still (sadly) quite a ways off, technology has come a very long way. Case in point, the automated cleaning industry.

While your first thought may be of the Roomba, robotic cleaning is far more advanced and sophisticated than many of us can imagine.

Read on to learn more about how robots are changing the way the cleaning industry operates.

How Does it Work?

Perhaps the most interesting thing about robotic cleaning technology is how it works. This tech is largely based on machine learning, a concept that aims to improve the way machines recognize patterns.

Pattern recognition is extremely important for basic cleaning tasks like vacuuming and sweeping. In order for a robot to accurately clean a room, it first must understand it.

This is where a lot of bumping and banging comes into play. Don’t be surprised if your new vacuum runs into the couch a few times.

A Roomba With a View

If you’re only used to thinking about robotic vacuums, it’s time to expand your horizons.

Although the technology for vacuuming is quite fascinating, as well. For instance, Dyson is working on a line of AI-based home cleaners that connect with a user’s smart home. These new machines use computer vision to detect the dirtiest areas of a user’s home.

These days, there’s a bot for nearly every chore you can think of. Boston Dynamics even created a robotic dog that can load your dishes and pick up trash.

iRobot introduced the Braava a few years ago, which is one of the first robotic carpet cleaners.

There’s also Winbot which gives you the freedom of never washing a window again. No more worrying about smudges and the harsh smell of cleaning chemicals.

And if you hate yard work, be sure to look into LawnBott, which promises to symmetrically cut your lawn.

What Does This Mean for the Cleaning Industry?

This increased focus on automation may make people feel a little bit uneasy. Especially since more companies seem to be working toward an increasingly automated workplace.

While some cleaning jobs will dissipate, most of the industry is safe for the time being. The tech that most of these robots use is specifically designed for a home environment.

That means that there’s still a big need for cleaning services in places like offices and hotels.

It also means that many of these jobs will be replaced by fields like robotics and computer science. The latter, for instance, has seen a tremendous growth.

As of last year, the computer science sector featured an estimated 500,000 jobs for 50,000 graduates. While a job in these fields may not seem feasible for some, there are tons of ways you can learn these skills for free.

At the end of the day, robotic cleaning tech is great for everyone involved. We’ll see less waste, cleaner homes, and fewer back injuries. So next time you’re stuck taking the trash out or scrubbing dishes, remember — soon you’ll have help.