Surface Cleaning Methods: How to Effectively Clean Surfaces

Surface cleaning is the mechanical cleaning process and fundamental aspect of hygiene, which is crucial for removing soil, dust, dirt, grime, mold, germs, and other surface deposits, which could otherwise make you sick. 

Surface cleaning is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs, as it aids in effective disease and infection control and a healthier lifestyle for you and your loved ones. 

However, cleaning involves more than just dusting and wiping. So, how exactly do you ensure you keep your surroundings germ-free?

Let’s explore the vital surface cleaning methods you must know to strike a perfect balance between the probable care of each surface or object and the possible problems related to surface cleaning. 

Defining cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing

Although commonly mistaken for one another, cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing are distinct processes, each serving a unique purpose.

• Cleaning: This process includes physically removing dirt, dust, germs, and other impurities from surfaces and objects. Performed usually with soap and water to scrub, wash, and rinse. 

• Disinfecting: This process includes removing the remaining germs on the surface with the help of a disinfectant that survived the cleaning phase to lower the risk of spreading diseases such as Coronavirus, typhoid, cold & flu. 

• Sanitization: A little more gentle than disinfecting, this process includes reducing the number of germs, surfaces, or objects to a level considered safe using cleaning or disinfecting techniques. 

Classification of surface cleaning methods

Commonly used surface cleaning methods can be classified into two main categories: Dry and wet cleaning methods.

1. Dry cleaning method

Dry cleaning methods usually remove contaminants by pressure, suction, or energy from external high-energy substances. Some common dry cleaning methods include laser, plasma, dry ice blast, high-speed impact jet, and super-condensed, supercooled kinetic cleaning.

While these cleaning methods are good, their low efficiency and high cost make them difficult to use outside small-sized workpieces. 

2. Wet cleaning method 

Wet cleaning methods use water, liquid solvents, or multi-surface disinfectant products to remove dust, dirt, grime, germs, and other impurities from the surfaces by soaking or spraying. Some common wet cleaning methods include ultrasonic, megasonic, dip, wipe, and spray cleaning.

Most common surface cleaning methods

In most situations, regular cleaning, including the grimiest place in your home, can be sufficient to prevent the spread of germs. Follow these top surface cleaning methods to clean different surfaces safely:  

1. Dusting

Dusting is cleaning a surface or object using a duster, microfiber cloth, or similar tool to brush or wipe away loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surface.

This method effectively cleans objects and surfaces that are prone to collecting dust, such as shelves, tabletops, electronics, and decorative items. In addition, dusting is necessary as it reduces the risk of mild allergies and sickness, such as coughing, eye irritation, and sneezing. 

Dusting frequently and keeping your living room clean helps improve and control your indoor allergic reactions and symptoms. 

2. Wiping 

Wiping means cleaning using a microfiber cloth or rag wetted with a solvent or Dettol Multiuse wipes before physically rubbing the surface to remove dirt, stains, or contaminants from surfaces.

Effective on surfaces such as countertops, tabletop, and appliances, this cleaning method helps remove visible residue and spills while sanitizing the surface, making it safe for contact provided you are using disinfecting multi-surface products.

3. Vacuuming

Vacuuming, as the name suggests, uses a vacuum cleaner to clean surfaces such as floors, carpets, rugs, and upholstery by suctioning dirt, dust, debris, and allergens from carpets, rugs, upholstery, and floors.

Regular vacuuming helps keep surfaces clean, makes carpets, floors, and upholstery last longer, and removes allergens, contributing to a healthier living environment.

4. Mopping

This method involves cleaning and disinfecting hard and non-carpeted floors with a mop and a cleaning solution, typically water with Dettol Multipurpose Floor Cleaner, which removes 99.9% germs, stains and offers 3X cleaning performance with 24-hour long-lasting fragrance.

This cleaning method is very effective and important for homes with kids crawling around and you want to make your floor safe. 

5. Scrubbing

Scrubbing involves applying force and using scrub, brushes, scouring pads, or other abrasive tools to remove stubborn dirt, grime, or stains from high traffic and prone to heavy soiling surfaces such as leaning tiles, grout, and non-smooth surfaces where contaminants can accumulate. 

This process often requires using a cleaning agent or detergents like Dettol Mould and Mildew to break down and remove stubborn residue. 

Surface hygiene: Additional tips for cleaning surface 

In addition to maintaining proper hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is equally important to slow the spread of viruses and remove bacteria. 

1. Wear gloves

Always wear disposable gloves before executing any surface cleaning procedures and discard them after finishing the cleaning job. 

After removing the gloves, wash your hands immediately with Antibacterial Soap, Liquid Hand Wash, and water. In addition, dry your hands thoroughly with a paper towel or let them air dry. 

2. Start high, go low

Tackle high, hard-to-reach surfaces such as ceilings, light fixtures (including bulbs), walls, trim, and baseboards first, using a clean microfiber mop or a duster with a telescoping handle. 

Once the floor builds up dirt and dust, clean them with a mop soaked in a Multipurpose Floor Cleaner solution. 

3. Disinfect surfaces 

To properly disinfect, only use an approved disinfectant such as Dettol Multi-Surface Disinfectant products and follow the manufacturer’s instructions such as concentration,

application method, contact time, etc. In addition, always check for the product’s expiration date, as expired chemicals will not disinfect effectively.