2. Self-learning Activity Cleaning and Care in the Home

3. Introduction One of the keys to running a home well is to understand and apply appropriate methods in keeping the home environment clean and hygienic.

4. Objective This activity is designed for students in secondary school to self-learn basic methods and skills for cleaning and care in the home.

5. Instructions In the first part of this activity, you are invited to visit the topics or the areas you like. After that, you are required to complete a quiz to consolidate and review what you have learnt.

6. Instructions If you do not understand any topic or area, it is strongly recommended to consult your teacher as soon as you can. Hope you would enjoy it………

7. Cleaning and Care in the Home Living Room BedroomKitchen Bathroom

8. Kitchen Ceramic-tile walls Cooker Kitchen surfaces Pots and Pans Stainless-steel sink Refrigerator

9. Bedroom Carpet floors Non-washable wallpapers Wooden furniture Windows Curtains

10. Living Room Painted walls Painted ceilings Ceramic-tile floors Soft furnishing Marble or metal furniture

11. Bathroom Vinyl wall coverings Porcelain sinks Bath tubs Bathroom taps Quarry-tile floors

12. Wood Floors Hard floors treatment Sweep or dry mop unsealed floors regularly to remove dust and dirt. Clean sealed floors with mop dampened and wrung out. To give it a shine, apply sealed wood floor polish. Keeping dust down Sprinkle damp tea leaves on floors to help collect dust when sweeping. Damp tea leaves will also keep dust down when you are cleaning ashes. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

13. Ceramic-tile Floors General clean Clean with solution of floor cleaner applied with sponge mop or cloth, then wipe over with soft leather. Mop up sills immediately – wet floors are dangerously slippery. Do not polish Since this will make them slippery. Clean grouting with soft-bristled brush dipped in strong solution of detergent. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

14. Quarry-tile Floors General clean Glazed tiles need mopping regularly with water and little floor cleaner. Scrub unglazed tiles with this solution to remove dirt. Rinse thoroughly. Apply liquid or solid-paste polish, preferably. Care for new laying Treat newly laid tiles with linseed oil. Do not wash them for at least two weeks afterwards. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

15. Carpet Floors Vacuuming Vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt, and keep the pile in good condition. Ideally, go over each area eight times. Dry shampoo To freshen carpet cheaply and ecologically, liberally sprinkle bicarbonate of soda all over it. Leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

16. Painted Walls Cleaning Use warm solution of diluted liquid cleaner to clean walls. Start at the bottom of wall and work upwards. Do not stop in the middle of cleaning. Marks on walls Rub fingerprints and pencil marks gently with eraser. Wash food stains off with undiluted, non-abrasive household cleaner. Where furniture has knocked and left a mark, first use eraser then household cleaner. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

17. Ceramic-tile Walls Heavy-duty washing Scrub tiled walls with cleaner and a scrubbing brush occasionally to get rid of accumulated dirt. Cleaning grouting Tiles often show dirt between the tiles. Use an old, clean toothbrush dipped with cream cleaner to clean grouting between tiles. If the grout is filthy, it may be easier to apply new grouting. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

18. Non-washable Wallpaper General cleaning Never use water because it will loosen the paper from the wall. Rub marks with scrunched up piece of crustless, white bread, or eraser. Rub gently to avoid damaging the wall covering. Removing greases Apply warm iron over brown paper to absorb grease marks. Repeat until all the grease is absorbed, then apply an aerosol grease solvent. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

19. Vinyl Wall Coverings General care Wash occasionally, using all- purpose cleaner applied on a sponge. Start from the bottom and work your way up, and rub gently so as not to damage the surface. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

20. Painted Ceilings Painted surfaces It can kept in good condition for a long time with regular cleaning. But marks such as heavy tobacco stains can be difficult to eradicate. Do not wash it. A fresh coat of paint is more effective. Cleaning ceilings Dust with the improvised duster, a long-handled brush, or the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

21. Kitchen Surfaces Laminated counter top Clean the tops with damp cloth dipped in bicarbonate of soda or cream cleaner. Avoid harsh abrasive and cleaners containing bleaches, which can be poisonous. Kitchen cupboards Clear out cupboards several times a year, discarding anything that is no longer fresh. Wash the interiors with all-purpose cleaner, then rinse. Wipe each item base. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

22. Wooden Furniture Dusting wood Dust with a synthetic fluffy duster. Rub the duster first to increase static collection. A soft paint brush also works well. Do not wet unsealed wood – it will swell. Antique furniture Keep away from direct heat and sunlight, which cause damage. Remove sticky marks with little vinegar and water. Use beeswax polish once or twice a year. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

23. Marble or Metal Furniture Marble furniture It just needs dusting with cloth or soft brush. Occasionally wipe with soapy water, and rinse before buffing the surface. Do not use polish on white marble. Metal furniture Use stiff wire brush to remove rust. Coat metal furniture that is kept outdoors with rust-proof paint. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

24. Soft Furnishings Upholstery Apply upholstery shampoo to remove marks. Wind adhesive tape around your fingers (sticky side out) to remove lint and pet hair. Brush it over the fabric. Leather furniture Wipe with damp cloth wrung out in soapflake solution (but not to overwet). Do not rinse. Allow to dry naturally then apply leather polish as usual. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

25. Porcelain Sinks Easy clean Fill your sink with hot water and a few drops of household bleach. Pull the plug out, and replace it upside down. The water will drain slowly, giving everything a good clean. Rinse well. Sparkling white sinks Place a layer of paper towels across the sink bottom, and saturate with basin tub cleaner. Leave for 5 minutes, then remove towels. Rinse well. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

26. Stainless-steel Sinks Restoring shine Clean sinks daily with washing- up liquid. Use surgical spirit or white vinegar to remove water spots. Rub with soda water or using stainless-steel polish. Rinse thoroughly. Removing limescale Limescale tends to build up around drainholes in hard- water areas. Rub the deposit vigorously with the cut side of half a lemon or use commercial scale remover. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

27. Bath Tubs Enamel and porcelain Clean with basin tub cleaner. Avoid harsh abrasive that may dull the surface. Rub stubborn marks with turpentine or white spirit. Rinse with a hot solution of washing-up liquid. Glass-fibre Treat carefully, as the colour is in the surface coating only. Use washing-up liquid – avoid abrasive, metal polish, and harsh cleaners. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

28. Bathroom Taps Removing scale Where scale builds up on chrome taps, rub well with half a lemon until the scale disappears. Rinse thoroughly, then buff dry. Cleaning tap bases Use an old, clean toothbrush dipped on cream cleaner to get rid of the deposit and grime that builds up behind taps. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

29. Cookers Cleaning ovens Keep clean by wiping them out with damp cloth dipped in bicarbonate of soda. Use abrasive household detergent to remove stains on ovenproof glass. Cooker hobs Wipe after finish cooking. Where food has burned around burners, cover with cloth wrung out in washing-up solution. Leave for a couple of hours before cleaning. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

30. Refrigerators General clean Use bicarbonate of soda and warm water to wipe out the insides – soap or washing-up liquid will leave a smell and can taint food. Deodorizing Leave a bowl filled with cat litter or charcoal to absorb smells in it that are going to be left switched off for any length of time. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

31. Pots and Pans Aluminum pans Boil natural acid – try an onion, lemon juice, rhubarb or apple peel – in discoloured the pans. Do not soak the pans for long or leave food in them because they will discolour and pit. Copper pots Rub the exteriors of copper pots with the cut side of half a lemon dipped in salt to remove tarnish. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

32. Windows Home-made cleaner Make you own solution for washing windows by adding vinegar to water in a plant- spray bottle. Vinegar cuts grease, and brings up a good shine. Using newspaper Wipe newly washed windows clean with crumpled old newspaper. This is a cheap alternative to a soft leather, and the ink will give the glass an extra shine. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

33. Curtains General care Dust curtains frequently, using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Stand on a stepstool to reach the top. Washing Always have lined curtains professionally dry-cleaned, even if they are washable – the different fabrics may shrink at varying rates. Wash large curtains in your bath, since they are too heavy and could cause damage. [Kitchen]Kitchen[Bedroom]Bedroom[Living Room]Living Room[Bathroom]Bathroom[Main]Main[Quiz]Quiz[Previous]Previous[Next]Next [Walls]Walls[Ceilings]Ceilings[Surfaces]Surfaces[Furnishings]Furnishings[Floors]Floors[Equipment]Equipment[Others]Others

34. Quiz This is the second part of this activity, you are required to attend the quiz to review what you have learnt. In this section, if you do not understand any topic or area, you are recommended to consult your teacher as soon as you can.

35. Kitchen How should we clean stainless- steel sinks in kitchen? A. Use bleaches to clean. Use bleaches to clean. B. Apply harsh abrasives on the surface. Apply harsh abrasives on the surface. C. Wash and dry immediately after use. Wash and dry immediately after use.

36. Kitchen No, the bleaches can be poisonous.

37. Kitchen No, the surface will become pitted.

38. Kitchen Yes, we should wash and dry stainless-steel sinks after use immediately.

39. Bedroom How should we clean the dirty patches on the carpet? A. Apply neat household bleaches. Apply neat household bleaches. B. Use carpet shampoo by hand. Use carpet shampoo by hand. C. Scrub with water and detergent solution. Scrub with water and detergent solution.

40. Bedroom No, the bleaches can damage the fabric of the carpet.

41. Bedroom Yes, we should we apply carpet shampoo by hand to dirty patches.

42. Bedroom No, the carpet may shrink and will have to pay for relaying.

43. Living Room How should we clean white marble furniture in living room? A. Clean and wax polish on the surface. Clean and wax polish on the surface. B. Sponge with soapflake solution. Sponge with soapflake solution. C. Apply household detergent. Apply household detergent.

44. Living Room No, wax polish can penetrate and deteriorate the marble.

45. Living Room Yes, we should sponge white marble with a solution of soapflake, rinse before buffing the surface.

46. Living Room No, marble is a porous stone, the detergent can penetrate and damage it.

47. Bathroom How should we clean porcelain bath tubs? A. Clean with hot water and a few drops of household bleach. Clean with hot water and a few drops of household bleach. B. Apply metal polish to the tubs. Apply metal polish to the tubs. C. Use bleaches to clean the tubs regularly. Use bleaches to clean the tubs regularly.

48. Bathroom Yes, when you rinse the tubs well with water afterwards, it gives a good cleaning.

49. Bathroom No, it can damage the surface of the tubs.

50. Bathroom No, if bleaches left for any length of time, it may cause crazing or cracking in the glaze.

51. Floors How should we clean unsealed wood floors? A. Sweep or dry mop the floors. Sweep or dry mop the floors. B. Use damp cloth to clean the whole floors. Use damp cloth to clean the whole floors. C. Clean with a solution of water and household detergent. Clean with a solution of water and household detergent.

52. Floors Yes, We can only sweep or dry mop the unsealed floors regularly to remove dust and dirt.

53. Floors No, the damp can make the wood shrink.

54. Floors No, the wood can absorb the water with detergent and can be damaged.

55. Walls How can we clear grease marks on non-washable wallpaper? A. Use a solution of water and household detergent. Use a solution of water and household detergent. B. Rub marks heavily with an eraser. Rub marks heavily with an eraser. C. Apply a warm iron over brown paper to absorb. Apply a warm iron over brown paper to absorb.

56. Walls No, water can loosen the papers from the wall.

57. Walls No, rubbing marks heavily with eraser can damage the wall coverings.

58. Walls Yes, we should apply a warm iron over brown paper to absorb grease marks.

59. Ceilings How should we remove heavy tobacco stains on a painted ceiling? A. Use a solution of washing- up liquid. Use a solution of washing- up liquid. B. Clean with warm water. Clean with warm water. C. Apply a fresh coat of paint in the end of the year. Apply a fresh coat of paint in the end of the year.

60. Ceilings No, any chemical may make the paints peel off.

61. Ceilings No, water can make marks more worse.

62. Ceilings Yes, redecorating may be a better solution than trying to scrub off the stains.

63. Surfaces How should we clean laminated counter tops in kitchen? A. Use bleaches to remove the dirty. Use bleaches to remove the dirty. B. Use damp cloth with bicarbonate of soda. Use damp cloth with bicarbonate of soda. C. Apply abrasive and harsh cleaners. Apply abrasive and harsh cleaners.

64. Surfaces No, bleaches can be poisonous.

65. Surfaces Yes, we should clean the counter tops with damp cloth dipped in bicarbonate of soda or cream cleaner.

66. Surfaces No, abrasive and harsh cleaners may damage the surface of the counter tops.

67. Soft Furnishings How should we clean dirty leather seats? A. Rinse with damp cloth and household detergent. Rinse with damp cloth and household detergent. B. Wipe with damp cloth wrung out in soapflake solution (not to overwet) and let it dry naturally. Wipe with damp cloth wrung out in soapflake solution (not to overwet) and let it dry naturally. C. Rub dirty with eraser. Rub dirty with eraser.

68. Soft Furnishings No, household detergent can damage the leather of the seats.

69. Soft Furnishings Yes, it is a good method to clean dirty leather seats.

70. Soft Furnishings No, rubbing dirty with eraser cannot clean the leather seats effectively.

71. Equipment How should we clean the insides of refrigerators? A. Use household detergent and rinse. Use household detergent and rinse. B. Wipe with bicarbonate of soda and warm water. Wipe with bicarbonate of soda and warm water. C. Apply washing-up liquid solution and clear. Apply washing-up liquid solution and clear.

72. Equipment No, household detergent can be poisonous.

73. Equipment Yes, we should clean the insides of refrigerators by wiping with bicarbonate of soda and warm water.

74. Equipment No, washing-up liquid will leave a smell and can taint food.

75. Others How should we clean large dirty curtains? A. Wash the curtains in the machine. Wash the curtains in the machine. B. Wash with bleaches in the bath. Wash with bleaches in the bath. C. Always have lined curtains professionally dry-cleaned. Always have lined curtains professionally dry-cleaned.

76. Others No, since the curtains are too heavy and could cause damage.

77. Others No, the fabrics may shrink at varying rates.

78. Others Yes, we should always have lined curtains dry- cleaned professionally.

79. End of Activity This is the end of this activity. We would like to remind that if you still do not understand any topic or area in this CD, you should visit again or consult your teacher as soon as you can.visit again

80. Self-learning Activity Cleaning and Care in the Home Students Course Lecturer Music Main Reference Wendy Fong (99750923) Florence Ng (99751068) ACTE Theresa Lai Uncle Al by Kenny G The Ultimate Book of Household Hints & Tips by Cassandra Kent