Mum's cleaner using wrong sponges - how worrying is this?

[Itsfreezingcold]

Mum instructed her cleaner which sponge to use on the kitchen floor and which one to use on the surfaces.
She just found out that the cleaner has been doing the opposite, for a long time.
So Mum has, herself, been using a sponge on the surfaces and sometimes the dishes (she usually uses the dishwasher) that has been used on the floor. She says she tends not to put things directly on the countertop.
She has mild digestive symptoms which I attributed to stress and medicines.
I sent a message to the GP, but wondering how worried I should be.

@SnoopysHoose A GP has referred your mum for mild digestive symptoms

She is 75 years old, and had worse symptoms this morning.

I am entirely in favour of this action and I am very pleased she will be taken care of.

I don’t consume cleaning products but if you enjoy them then carry on.

I'm more surprised that a referral has been made so swiftly, without you mentioning if GP has seen her. Very unusual to take your word and make a referral.
Mild digestive issues would suggest D & V, you must live in an area with little demand for referrals.

I’m stunned that you have a toilet in your kitchen!

I wouldn't worry. Growing up, my mum (bless her) had one cloth which was used for EVERYTHING: dishes, surfaces, floor, loo and it was washed out each time with bleach. Sounds gross but we all survived. I haven't kept up the tradition though... it's blue (cloth) for the loo! Hope your mum's better soon.

I don’t get so wound up above the chances of transfer of “cleaning products” residue on dishes. But if you do, then carry on, I’m sure it’s excellent for your anxiety!

The GP has asked for a referral based on a wrong cloth being used? No wonder the NHS is crumbling

Exactly!

What are you babbling on about? When have I expressed anxiety about cleaning products. Please point me to the post from which you have deduced this?

I’m wondering the same. I even have a poster on here telling me to seek help for my anxiety because I said I accidentally cleaned the dishes once with the same sponge I used on the hob (with a hob cleaning fluid). No fuss, no drama, just a statement I made. Is there something in the air because MN has had some weird posts recently.

If you’re referring to me, that’s not what I said?

I didn’t tell you to seek help for your anxiety?

But, are you ok? You’re reading things I’ve not said?

But maybe (fingers crossed 🤞) you mean another poster?

@LovelyLeitrim Me thinks someone has been imbibing too much Cif?

As I asked before, please direct me to the post where I express anxiety over using a sponge for a hob and the dishes. To help you along it will be at either: 09.31, 14.38 or 17.44.

God knows why you decided to jump on my innocuous posts, very odd.

Get rid of the sponges altogether. They are not hygienic (they tend to stay damp and are full of holes that are home to bacteria).

Get your mum a dish brush for the dishes and some washable microwave cloths for the floor. The cleaner can rinse the cloths out under the tap when she's done, and someone can pop them into the washing machine. They can air dry.

Honestly don’t worry about imbibing cid having any effect, especially with it just being on a hob sponge you’ve used for dishes.

you’ll be fine.

Try not to stress about it.

Stop being ridiculous it’s tedious and weird.

Get your Mum one of the little sponges on a stick for dishes. I'd buy a steam mop for the floors then there can be no more confusion.

😆

Says the person concerned about cross contamination from a sponge used in a hob, that’s used to wash dishes!

Relax. Not something to worry about.
Just sort it out from now on

Why does the cleaner have to clean the floor with a sponge? Presumably on her hands and knees?
What's wrong with a mop and bucket like most people use? Or a floor steamer, there are plenty of good mops on the market rithout telling your cleaner to get on her hands and knees with a sponge

Imagining the cleaner, cleaning the floor with a teeny sponge and thinking ‘eff this’ and putting it back where the counter sponge goes

I've cleaned for 30 years and couldn't imagine only having access to 2 cloths that are used continuously.wether I use clients cloths or supply my own they are all washed immediately after.i use a different cloth for each different surface and even a small home I'd be using at least 10, so are you meaning two "types" of sponge but more of them?

If it was me I'd just buy 2 new packs of the sponges and swap to what the cleaners been doing and try not to think of all the times the wrong one was used.
That's if you're otherwise happy with the cleaner.if not replace her with one that can follow simple but important instructions.

Hob cleaner

@Toptops
Too late to relax, OP has secured a referral from
the GP despite her mum
not seemingly even seen the GP, wonderful service from
the GP

Yes - isn't that astonishing service?

I've reported the thread.

@Itsfreezingcold does the poor cleaner have to get down on her hands and knees to wash the floor with a sponge???????