How To Clean Hard Surfaces In Your Home?
Sprucing up an entire home is tedious, stressful, and time-consuming. Each hard surface requires a specific cleaning approach to prevent dullness or serious damage. From painted walls to countertops and chrome surfaces to hardwood floors, each surface has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to cleaning. Some may endure acidic cleaners, while some delicate areas may need more gentle cleaning solutions or just water.
Therefore, it is always recommended to understand the type of surface you are dealing with and use the most appropriate product. Also, read the cleaning and care guidelines mentioned for household surfaces like stainless steel appliances, countertops, cooktops, fixtures, and flooring.
In this guide, we will discover the right strategies for cleaning and caring for different hard surfaces in your home. It will also help preserve the beauty of fixtures and fittings while maintaining a shiny and beautiful abode in Sydney all year round.
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]- Remove Smudges and Stains From Painted Walls
- Ceramic Glass Cooktop: Use the Power of Baking Soda
- Marble and Granite Surfaces and Tiles: Use Gentle Cleaning Agents
- Porcelain Surfaces: Use Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
- Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
- Achieve Streak-Free Glass Surfaces
- Natural Products to Clean Wooden Surfaces
- Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring
- Wrapping Up
1. Remove Smudges and Stains From Painted Walls

Whether you have oil-based paint, latex or semi-gloss, you should always begin the process by removing dust from top to bottom using a microfiber duster. After that, consider the following methods to clean different wall finishes:
- Oil-based Painted Walls: Add one teaspoon of mild dishwashing liquid and ½ teaspoon white vinegar per quart of warm water. Dip a cloth and spot-clean the walls. Gently wipe it in a circular motion.
- Latex Finish: Do not use a water-based solution. Instead, clean with a dry sponge or spot clean with a mild cleaning solution.
- Semi-gloss or High-gloss: Use a diluted dishwashing liquid soap and warm water to remove stains and smudges. Use a magic eraser for gentle scrubbing. This will keep the paint intact.
However, if you are at the end of your tenancy, contact experts for a professional end of lease cleaning Sydney. They will spruce up the entire property, including walls, according to a pre-approved cleaning checklist and secure you hard-earned bond money.
2. Ceramic Glass Cooktop: Use the Power of Baking Soda
People often cause damage to the delicate ceramic glass cooktop when scrubbing grease and oil stains. It is important to be gentle when cleaning such surfaces. Always use a soft sponge, microfiber cloth and baking soda paste to remove build-up grease and oil stains. Apply the paste and scrub with a sponge for sparkling results. This will also banish bad smells and lurking germs from surfaces that can cause foodborne illness.
Tip: Avoid using cleaners containing ammonia, bleach or even vinegar as they may discolour the surface.
3. Marble and Granite Surfaces and Tiles: Use Gentle Cleaning Agents
Like any other natural stone surface, marble and granite tiles (bathtubs, countertops, walls, floors) are also prone to scratches if abrasive tools and products are used. Acidic cleaners like vinegar and lemon can dull the surface, while ammonia-based products cause serious damage.
Instead, use baking soda, castile soap or hydrogen peroxide to clean your tiles. Castile soap and baking soda are perfect for regular cleaning. It can even remove soap scum and grime. It can help remove brown stains from toilets as well. For stubborn stains like mould and mildew, spray hydrogen peroxide and scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
Tip: Rinse the surface with plain water and dry the walls to prevent unpleasant water spots.
4. Porcelain Surfaces: Use Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge
Are your porcelain sinks, bathtubs and other hard surfaces looking their original shine? Removing stains, grime, and grease can be challenging, as harsh products and tools leave scratches behind.
Baking soda is an excellent cleaning agent for porcelain stone surfaces, especially grout lines. Dissolve one tablespoon of baking soda in warm water and gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge or a soft-bristled brush. Let the product rest to break down stains and gunk. Next, rinse with water and dry the surface.
Tip: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide to remove mould spores and mildew stains from porcelain surfaces.
5. Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances are usually made of stainless steel surfaces. Use the right method to regularly clean your much-loved appliances, like oven, microwave and refrigerator. Here is a quick guide:
De-grease Filthy Oven: Remove and soak racks in hot, soapy water. Next, apply baking soda paste inside your oven (except heating coils). Leave it for a few minutes. This will dislodge build-up grease. Now, use a damp sponge to clean the interiors and other parts.
Steam Clean Microwave: Add a microwave-safe bowl of vinegar, lemon juice, and water to the appliance and heat it for 2-3 minutes. Leave the door closed to allow the steam to break down gunk and grease. Next, scrub with a sponge or damp cloth.
Empty and Clean the Fridge: Remove all food and toss expired or stale items. Next, remove the shelves and soak them in hot, soapy water. Meanwhile, spray a white vinegar solution inside your appliance and wipe down with a cloth or sponge.
Tip: Follow this guide and clean all types of metals and surfaces like a pro or hire professionals for a thorough end of lease cleaning Sydney.
6. Achieve Streak-Free Glass Surfaces
Use the diluted white vinegar solution and warm water to clean your window glass, mirrors, and shower doors. Spray and wipe with a cloth or sponge to remove dirt and stains. Then, run a rubber squeegee to achieve a streak-free and sparkling surface like a pro.
Tip: Never use a newspaper to wipe down your glass, as it will leave ink residue behind.
7. Natural Products to Clean Wooden Surfaces
Cleaning wooden furniture, floors, cabinets, tables, and doorframes requires proper care and the right methods. You can use white vinegar or mild dish soap and hot water to remove adhesive stains and grime. Do not use excessive water, as it can damage the surface. In the final step, polish it with olive oil to see sparkling results.
8. Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring
Vinyl and linoleum floors are prone to abrasive tools and harsh cleaners. Excessive water can also cause damage. So, be careful and use a HEPA-filtered vacuum machine to clean the floors. It can remove loose dirt and debris with perfection.
For stubborn stains and grime, dampen your microfiber mop in a hot soapy water, and wring out excess solution when you mop the surface. Clean your floors regularly to keep dirt and grime at bay.
You can also prefer hiring experts for a quality end of lease cleaning Sydney. They cover every inch of the rental property to help you pass the final inspection and secure your full bond money.
A Guide to Clean Different Hard Surfaces in Your Home

Wrapping up
Follow this simple guide to keep your hard surfaces clean and shiny without causing any damage. The best part is that all the cleaning products mentioned above in the article are environmentally safe and super-effective, promoting a healthy and hygienic indoor environment.