Tips

8 Easy Tips to Keep Your Home Sparkling Clean

Everyone wants to maintain a clean and tidy living space, but not everyone has the luxury of time to spare for a thorough cleaning. However, with these simple tricks up your sleeve, you can keep your home looking spick and span without spending hours on end scrubbing and tidying.

Administrator

20 July, 2024

113

Window Track Cleaning

Window tracks are hard-to-reach areas, so cleaning the dirt in this area will take a lot of time. Follow these steps: Sprinkle a little baking soda (baking powder) on hard-to-reach areas, especially in small corners or window tracks, then add a little vinegar. The mixture will start to fizz.

Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes, and the dirt and rust lumps will soften or flake off, and you just need to gently wipe it off with a cloth.

Window tracks are hard to clean. Photo: *brightside*

Tips for cleaning grease on kitchen walls

Greasy kitchen walls can be a headache for many housewives because if you use a detergent or scrub hard, it will scratch the wall surface. Here’s a simple suggestion to keep the walls clean and scratch-free:

Mix 1/2 bowl of baking soda with vegetable oil until a dough forms. Apply this mixture to the greasy stains on the wall and wait for 10 minutes. The grease stains will instantly disappear, restoring the shine to your kitchen walls. Wipe off with a damp cloth to completely clean the area. This method can also be applied to the stove surface, kitchen floor, etc.

Clean the microwave

Cut a lemon in half, put it in a cup, and add a little cinnamon. Place it in the microwave and turn it on for about 5-10 minutes at the lowest power setting. Lemon will help clean and disinfect, and cinnamon will help eliminate odors. The steam will make it easier to wipe away dirt and grime.

Dip a dish sponge into the lemon-cinnamon mixture and wipe away the grease and food splatters on the inside of the microwave. This will easily push out bacteria and grime.

To clean the bathtub, prepare vinegar, soap, a spray bottle, a sponge, and a clean cloth. Photo: *brightside*

Bathtub Cleaning

A bathtub provides not only a place to bathe but also a relaxing escape from the daily grind. Soaking in the tub helps melt away fatigue and tension.

To clean the bathtub, prepare vinegar, soap, a spray bottle, a sponge, and a clean cloth. Fill the spray bottle with soap, about 1/3 full. After warming the vinegar in the microwave, pour it into the spray bottle with the soap at a 1:1 ratio. Spray the mixture all over the bathtub and wait for 30 minutes. Then, scrub it with the sponge. It is best to use a soft sponge to avoid scratching the enamel.

Clean the washing machine

Vinegar is a perfect choice for cleaning the washing machine safely, effectively, and affordably.

Rinse the drum with warm water at about 40°C. If your washing machine has a hot water washing mode, use it. If not, prepare a sufficient amount of warm water and pour it into the drum. Add 2 bowls of vinegar to the detergent compartment. Then, close the lid and soak for about 1 hour if using the normal washing mode. It is best to use the soaking mode and self-cleaning mode (if available) for the most effective cleaning.

Furniture Cleaning

Wooden furniture can become dry, cracked, less durable, and faded over time. To protect your wooden furniture and enhance its shine and aesthetics, follow these steps:

Slightly dampen a soft cloth with warm vegetable oil and wipe down the furniture’s surface. As the wood absorbs the oil, it will gradually regain its shine and beauty, reducing the chances of cracking and fading. Warm the oil slightly before wiping for better and faster absorption.

Crayon or pencil marks on the floor can be easily removed. Photo: *brightside*

Cleaning Stubborn Stains on the Floor

Removing crayon marks, pencil marks, or mold from the floor or walls can be time-consuming and laborious. Try these methods instead:

– Squeeze a small amount of regular toothpaste onto a damp cloth (preferably a small-fiber cloth) and rub it into the stain.

– Use hairspray or deodorant. Simply spray it on the stain and wipe it off with a damp cloth.

– Sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub the affected area, and rinse with water.

Cleaning Children’s Toys

Children’s toys can easily collect dust, mold, and bacteria. To protect your child’s health, clean their toys regularly using the following methods:

– Dip the toys in boiling water: This method is only suitable for heat-resistant toys that are not electronic, battery-operated, or prone to color fading/deformation when exposed to hot water.

– Mix 3.5-4 liters of water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and soak the toys for about an hour. After soaking, remove the toys and rinse them with regular water to get rid of the vinegar smell. Then, dry them off.

– Alternatively, put all the toys in a mesh bag and tie it closed before putting them in the washing machine.

Vy Trang (According to Brightside)

Frequently asked questions

Keeping a home sparkling clean doesn’t have to be tedious. Here are some easy tips: wipe down surfaces regularly with a mild disinfectant, vacuum and mop floors at least once a week, tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and keep a caddy with all your cleaning supplies for easy access.

Speed up your cleaning routine by focusing on high-traffic areas, using a timer to stay focused and efficient, and keeping a ‘catch-all’ basket to quickly tidy up clutter. Multitasking while doing everyday activities, such as wiping down the shower after use or spraying cleaner and letting it sit while you do something else, can also save time.

A thorough deep clean is recommended at least twice a year, but a general rule of thumb is to perform a deep clean whenever you notice a significant build-up of dirt, dust, or grime. This could be every few months or so, depending on your lifestyle and the amount of foot traffic your home receives.

Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are versatile and effective natural cleaners. Baking soda can be used to scrub away grime and stains, while vinegar is a great disinfectant and can help remove hard water stains. Lemon juice has antibacterial properties and can be used to freshen and deodorize surfaces.

Pet owners may need to clean more frequently to manage pet hair and dander. Use pet-safe cleaning products, and consider investing in a pet hair remover roller or a vacuum designed for pet hair. Regular grooming of your pet can also help reduce the amount of hair shed around the house.

To prevent mold and mildew, ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated by using an exhaust fan or opening a window during and after showers. Wipe down wet surfaces, and use a squeegee on shower walls and doors to remove excess water. Also, be sure to clean and dry bathmats regularly.

Maintain a clean kitchen by wiping down countertops and appliances daily, taking out the trash regularly, and cleaning as you cook. Deodorize your sink by grinding lemon peels or ice cubes made of vinegar in your garbage disposal. Also, remember to clean your oven and refrigerator regularly to prevent the buildup of food spills and odors.

Make your bed every morning to instantly make your bedroom look neater. Have a hamper for dirty laundry and put clothes away promptly to avoid clutter. Keep surfaces clear by putting away jewelry and other personal items, and regularly dust and vacuum to maintain a fresh and inviting space.