Household Care, Cleaning and Maintenance
This domain tests cleaning agents and methods, surface-wise care, cleaning schedules, storage and safety in the home.
Core concepts
- Agents: soap, synthetic detergent, scouring powder, bleach, disinfectant, polish and mild acid. Match the agent to the surface.
- Methods: sweeping, dusting, mopping, scrubbing, washing, polishing, sunning and airing.
- Schedule: daily tasks such as beds, dishes, sweeping and garbage; weekly tasks such as linen, bathroom and dusting; seasonal tasks such as curtains, cupboards and mattresses.
- Surface care: wood needs dry dusting and polish, with spills wiped at once; glass needs water with a little vinegar; stainless steel needs soap and water, not acid; marble needs a mild neutral cleaner and never acid; protein stains need cold water first.
- Storage: clean, dry, ventilated and labelled. Keep cleaning agents away from food and out of children's reach.
- Safety: never mix bleach with acid or ammonia because toxic gas is released; ventilate while cleaning and wear gloves.
Worked example
A marble floor has a dull etch mark after lemon juice. Acid has attacked the calcium carbonate in the marble. Wash with mild detergent, rinse and dry, and do not use vinegar or an acid cleaner. The reasoning is to identify the surface chemistry before choosing the agent, because a stronger cleaner worsens the damage.
Traps
Using acid on marble; mixing bleach and acid; using hot water on blood or egg stains; storing cleaners with food; using one detergent for every surface.