Core Cleaning Principles

Remove visible dirt with a surface-compatible cleaner before applying disinfectant. Soil can interfere with the product’s performance.

For routine low-risk household surfaces, regular cleaning may be all that is needed; disinfect when circumstances call for it.

Use one product at a time, according to its label, with fresh water and clean tools.

If changing products, rinse away the first product when appropriate and check the instructions before continuing.

Identify the material and check its care guide before treating a stain or buildup.

Test a small hidden area with the intended dilution and let it dry before using the product more widely.

Dust shelves and higher surfaces before cleaning furniture and floors below.

In each area, start with the cleaner surfaces and finish with the dirtier ones, switching cloths as needed.

Read the label for dilution and dwell time before starting. Let a compatible cleaner loosen soil before scrubbing.

For dried food, a damp cloth laid briefly over a water-safe surface may soften residue for easier removal.

Keep products in original labeled containers, closed securely and out of reach of children and pets.

Store tools clean and dry, and keep incompatible products apart according to their labels.

Keep a small cleaning tote in each bathroom with the supplies used there, such as a suitable surface cleaner, cleaning cloths and a scrub brush. That way, everything is handy for quick touch-ups.

Keep separate supplies in the kitchen and laundry room, chosen for the jobs and surfaces in those areas. You won’t need to carry cleaning items from room to room, and bathroom tools stay separate from kitchen tools.