Household Hygiene and Cleaning (Junior Cert Home Economics): Revision Notes

Household Hygiene and Cleaning

A clean and hygienic home makes everyone happier and healthier! Achieving this requires a good cleaning routine and the right tools.

---

Effective Household Cleaning Routine

1. List tasks:

• Identify everything that needs to be cleaned (e.g., dishes, floors, windows).

2. Organise tasks:

• Daily: Washing dishes, wiping counters.
• Weekly: Changing bed linen, mopping floors.
• Occasionally: Washing windows, cleaning the oven.

3. Share the load:

• Assign tasks based on time, age, and abilities.

---

Household Cleaning Essentials

• Cleaning Equipment:

• Cloths: Tea towels, dishcloths, polishing cloths, sponges.

• Brushes and Mops: Sweeping brush, mop, toilet brush.

• Other: Buckets, gloves, vacuum cleaners, bin liners.

  

• Cleaning Agents:

• Water: For washing and rinsing.

• Detergents: Dishwashing liquid, laundry powder.

• Bleach: Removes stains, kills germs.

• Abrasives: Cleans tough grime.

• Multi-purpose sprays: For surfaces like counters and sinks.

• Polish: For furniture, glass, or wood.

  

---

Guidelines for Safe Use of Cleaning Agents

• Follow instructions on labels to avoid harm or damage.
• Wear protective gear (e.g., gloves, old clothes).
• Store products in a safe place away from children.
• Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

---

Work Sequence for Cleaning a Room

Follow these steps for an efficient clean-up:

4. Open windows to ventilate.
5. Tidy up objects or clothes.
6. Empty bins or waste.
7. Make the bed.
8. Dust all surfaces.
9. Vacuum/sweep floors.