What do you use to clean...

[Luckyelephant1]

I'm on a bit of a spring clean roll and need to update my cleaning techniques I think.

I'm not really after cleaning PRODUCT recommendations but more so the type of cloths/sponges etc. So, what kind of cloth/sponge/towel/other do you use to clean:

• dishes? We've always used normal cheapo sponges with the white side and coloured side but apparently they harbour so much bacteria and are awful for the environment...but what else does one use?

• windows

• general dusting

• bathroom surfaces

I find myself using any old cleaning cloths or even old tshirts for general cleaning (obv wash them after use). Im sure there are better tools that I may be oblivious to. I dont want to use wipes or disposable things, but happy to invest in some proper, decent cleaning cloths that I'll look after and wash regularly.

I use the Minky sponges for pretty much all types of cleaning. I use one for washing up and every night I Chuck it in the dishwasher when I put it on. If the dishwasher isn’t going on I just soak it in a bit of zoflora and hot water overnight.
I like the scrub daddy for my shower screen.

I sound like Mrs Hinch....

E cloths are good for kitchen worktops and spills. They go in the washing machine and come out barely damp ready to use immediately.

dishes - those green scouring pads which I replace every week or so.

• windows - old T-shirt cut up with a vinegar solution

• general dusting - those yellow dusters very slightly dampened

• bathroom surfaces - old towels which are cut up as they're good for scouring but not too abrasive. And can be washed at a high temp.

I use these for washing up. Each one lasts for months. They feel stiff when dry but soften immediately in water so they are flexible enough to fit into drinking glasses etc, but their fibrous texture is great at removing food particles. Just rinse out after use and leave to dry on your draining rack. I wouldn't use anything else now.

I love a moppet sponge for surfaces. I have one for each bathroom and one for the kitchen - they get a dunk in watered down bleach every day. For tough spills like cooked on food round drive top I use a magic eraser sponge with a bit of fairy on (again bleach daily) and wire pad for oven cleaning.
I like using bounty kitchen roll for windows and mirrors with method spray not very environmentally friendly but one handful goes a long way. Old T-shirt’s / baby grows for dusting / polishing - love method wood polish it’s all almondy!

I use microfibre cloths for everything, washing up, wiping down surfaces. I have blue ones for the bathroom and green ones for everything else.
I know that they are bad for the environment as they shed minute fibres, so my plan is to replace them with cotton cloths when the microfibre cloths eventually fall apart but they seem to be indestructible, they've lasted for years!

The minky pink duster for dusting - it actually picks dust up instead of just moving it around.

• dishes

Swedish dishcloths (cellulose sponge cloths) like this (other brands and designs available!) which can go in a hot wash and can be composted:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B08245KWYY?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

• windows

Flannel or cut up old towel with vinegar spray

• general dusting

These cloths:
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07KRJK5FD?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Or the Swedish dishcloths (that's why I buy ones in different colours) or cut up old clothes/rags

• bathroom surfaces

Any of the above.

For scrubbing the bath, I use bicarb and one of these loofah scrubbers (also compostable):
www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/loofco/loofco-heavy-duty-scourer/

• dishes - oxo good grips soap dispensing washing up brush (dishwasher mainly though) but previously it was the sponge the same as you.

• windows - ecloth window cloth followed by glass and polishing cloth (I know you're not supposed to with ecloth but I also but a tiny amount of washing up liquid and white vinegar in the bucket too).

• general dusting - slightly damp ecloth/ecloth polishing for shiny surfaces.

• bathroom surfaces - ecloths for a quick swish and swipe but often cif with the washing up sponge (need to change this). I spray method on toilet surfaces and use a kitchen towel to wipe it off. Again I think I need to change this.

Dishes- soap dispenser sponge with handle
Everything else- ds' cut up pyjamas. He makes holes in them so rather than chuck them out I cut them into cloths for dusting/ bathroom etc