The Times Australia
Fisher and Paykel Appliances
The Times House and garden

.

Effective Cleaning Techniques for Different Types of Surfaces

  • Written by The Times

Cleaning is an essential routine in our daily lives, but the one-size-fits-all approach doesn't apply when it comes to different surfaces. The approach to cleaning a carpet is entirely different from that of cleaning a glass window. Just as we differentiate the treatment for various fabrics in our laundry, we also need to be mindful of the appropriate cleaning techniques for different surfaces in our homes or offices.

From wood and glass to marble and stainless steel, each material requires special attention and care. In this article, we’ll guide you through effective cleaning techniques for different types of surfaces, helping you maintain them in pristine condition for the long run – whether you’re doing a casual Sunday spring clean or comprehensive post renovation cleaning.

1. Wood Surfaces

Wood is a material that exudes warmth and elegance – to preserve its natural beauty, you need to adopt a specific cleaning regimen. Use a microfiber cloth to dust off the surface initially. For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap solution or a wood-specific cleaner. Never soak the wood; instead, use a damp cloth and always dry the surface immediately after cleaning to prevent watermarks or damage.

2. Glass Surfaces

Glass surfaces, like windows or mirrors, can be tricky to clean as they show smudges and streaks easily. To maintain a crystal-clear shine, use a glass cleaning solution or a mixture of vinegar and water. Spray it onto the glass surface and wipe it off using a squeegee or a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.

3. Marble Surfaces

Marble surfaces, renowned for their luxury and durability, require delicate handling. Acidic or abrasive cleaners can dull the marble surface. Instead, use a non-acidic, soap-less cleaner or a stone soap. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly, and buff dry for a shiny, spotless finish.

4. Stainless Steel Surfaces

Stainless steel surfaces, while durable and resistant to rust, can showcase fingerprints and smudges. Use a stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Wipe the surface in the direction of the grain using a soft cloth to avoid scratches and maintain its original shine.

5. Carpeted Surfaces

Carpeted surfaces are known to accumulate a lot of dust and dirt – regular vacuuming is essential to keep them clean. For spot cleaning, use a carpet cleaner and follow the instructions mentioned on the product. Always test any cleaning product on a hidden spot to ensure it doesn't discolour the carpet.

Understanding the nature of various surfaces is key to maintaining their beauty and longevity

By using appropriate cleaning techniques and products, you can ensure your surfaces continue to shine, making your space more inviting and comfortable. Always remember, a clean environment is a healthy environment, so happy cleaning!

Active Wear

Times Magazine

Myer celebrates 70 years of Christmas windows magic with the LEGO Group

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Myer Christmas Windows, Australia’s favourite department store...

Kindness Tops the List: New Survey Reveals Australia’s Defining Value

Commentary from Kath Koschel, founder of Kindness Factory.  In a time where headlines are dominat...

In 2024, the climate crisis worsened in all ways. But we can still limit warming with bold action

Climate change has been on the world’s radar for decades[1]. Predictions made by scientists at...

End-of-Life Planning: Why Talking About Death With Family Makes Funeral Planning Easier

I spend a lot of time talking about death. Not in a morbid, gloomy way—but in the same way we d...

YepAI Joins Victoria's AI Trade Mission to Singapore for Big Data & AI World Asia 2025

YepAI, a Melbourne-based leader in enterprise artificial intelligence solutions, announced today...

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an onli...

The Times Features

Myer celebrates 70 years of Christmas windows magic with the LEGO Group

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Myer Christmas Windows, Australia’s favourite department store...

Pharmac wants to trim its controversial medicines waiting list – no list at all might be better

New Zealand’s drug-buying agency Pharmac is currently consulting[1] on a change to how it mana...

NRMA Partnership Unlocks Cinema and Hotel Discounts

My NRMA Rewards, one of Australia’s largest membership and benefits programs, has announced a ne...

Restaurants to visit in St Kilda and South Yarra

Here are six highly-recommended restaurants split between the seaside suburb of St Kilda and the...

The Year of Actually Doing It

There’s something about the week between Christmas and New Year’s that makes us all pause and re...

Jetstar to start flying Sunshine Coast to Singapore Via Bali With Prices Starting At $199

The Sunshine Coast is set to make history, with Jetstar today announcing the launch of direct fl...

Why Melbourne Families Are Choosing Custom Home Builders Over Volume Builders

Across Melbourne’s growing suburbs, families are re-evaluating how they build their dream homes...

Australian Startup Business Operators Should Make Connections with Asian Enterprises — That Is Where Their Future Lies

In the rapidly shifting global economy, Australian startups are increasingly finding that their ...

How early is too early’ for Hot Cross Buns to hit supermarket and bakery shelves

Every year, Australians find themselves in the middle of the nation’s most delicious dilemmas - ...