As a nanotechnologist and mother of two-year-old twins, Dr Michelle Dickinson is a very busy woman. So saving time by cleaning smarter, not harder, is a cause close to her heart.
“Many of us Kiwis vacuum without thinking about the science behind how it works,” explains Michelle. “Once we understand the forces and chemistry involved in cleaning, we can let science do the hard work, so we don’t have to!”
Using her expertise in understanding how materials behave on the tiniest scales, Michelle has teamed up with the number-one vacuum brand in the US and UK, Shark, to help Kiwis clean more effectively, and shares her top cleaning tips.
“Shark’s new PowerDetect Clean & Empty System, with its innovative Reverse Clean Technology, doubles efficiency, capturing dirt and debris in both forward and reverse motions, unlike other vacuums,” she says.
“As a nanotechnologist, I spend my time analysing how tiny particles interact with surfaces. That includes understanding scientific principles like friction, adhesion and cohesion, which are all important when you vacuum and clean.”
Michelle’s top four cleaning tips
1. Dust first, vacuum second
Follow the principle of moving dirt downward and let gravity do its thing. Start by dusting high surfaces, like ceiling fans and fixtures, allowing particles to settle on the floor before vacuuming.
2. Use slow and deliberate movements
Vacuum slowly to allow maximum suction while the brush kicks up the debris. This technique helps the vacuum’s rotating brush properly disturb carpet fibres, releasing embedded dirt and dust, and meaning you don’t need to vacuum the same area twice.
3. Harness these three cleaning powers
Chemical cleaning: Breaking bonds with science. Chemical cleaning relies on substances like soaps, detergents or surfactants to break down and lift dirt, grease and oils from surfaces.
Thermal cleaning: Lets heat do the heavy lifting. Heat increases the kinetic energy of molecules, making dirt and grime easier to loosen. A steam cleaner is a great example – it uses high-temperature vapour to dissolve stubborn grime and kill bacteria without needing harsh chemicals.
Mechanical cleaning: The science of motion. Mechanical cleaning uses physical force to dislodge dirt, dust and debris from surfaces. Friction between a cleaning tool and the surface helps break the bond between particles and the surface, making it easier to remove them.
By combining these three powers, you can clean more effectively and efficiently in any situation!
4. Think like a particle
Household dust isn’t just dirt – it’s a mix of skin cells, hair, mites and fibres. Using technology, like Shark’s Reverse Clean, not only removes visible debris, but it also traps microscopic particles that are harder to see, improving air quality.
The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System, $1149.99, is available from leading retailers and sharkclean.co.nz.
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