Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Speedy Cleaning

Instead of spending hours on tedious, traditional scrubbing, there are quicker and more efficient ways to eliminate dirt and odors from your household items.

Administrator

21 July, 2024

1. Clean Surfaces

Create a powerful cleaning solution by mixing washing soda, baking soda, and soap. This mixture can be used for more than just laundry; it’s also great for mopping floors and eliminating odors. Grate a bar of soap and boil it with a small amount of water. Then, add 2 cups of baking soda and 2 cups of washing soda, stirring until you have a consistent mixture.

Once the mixture has cooled, add water to achieve your desired consistency, and then pour it into a bottle. Don’t forget to give it a good shake before each use.

2. Remove Built-Up Residue

Electric kettles can build up residue over time. To remove this, simply mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of water and bring this mixture to a boil in the kettle. Afterward, thoroughly clean the appliance with a damp cloth before using it again.

3. Clean Fans Without Dismantling

Combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, and 1 cup of vinegar. Mix well and apply this paste to the fan. Then, place the fan in a bag and let it sit for about 5 minutes. All the dirt and dust will be contained within the bag.

4. Remove Shower Head Build-Up

To clean and restore your showerhead to its former glory, mix a cup of vinegar with half a cup of water. Soak the showerhead in this solution for a few hours, and then give it a good rinse.

5. Eliminate Washing Machine Odors

Over time, washing machines can develop unpleasant odors that may even transfer to your clothes. To combat this, pour baking soda and water into the fabric softener compartment and run a cleaning cycle.

Alternatively, you can use vinegar. Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the machine and run a warm water cycle. Once the cycle is complete, wipe the inside of the machine with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.

6. Freshen Trash Cans

Some people use fabric softener to combat unpleasant odors from trash. Soak a cotton ball in fabric softener and place it at the bottom of your trash can. Then, put the bag in as usual and continue using the trash can.

7. Clean Kitchen Towels and Cloths

Combine 3 tablespoons of liquid soap, 3 tablespoons of salt, and a splash of vinegar. Then, add warm water and stir. Soak your kitchen towels and cloths in this mixture for about 30 minutes. Afterward, wash them with cold water and soap to eliminate any lingering grease or odors.

8. Freshen Carpets

Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the area you wish to clean and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, vacuum as usual to remove odors and freshen your carpet.

9. Remove Mattress Stains

If your mattress has developed stains, likely from sweat, it’s important to address them before they worsen over time. If soap isn’t doing the trick, try pouring hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spritzing it onto the stains. Use a toothbrush to scrub the stains, and then wipe away any excess with a damp cloth. Finally, apply a thin layer of baking soda to the area and let it sit for 3-5 hours before vacuuming it up.

10. Keep Pillows White

To restore yellowed pillows to their original white color, add lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide to your wash. For tougher stains, you can also use a mixture of 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup vinegar, and soap.

11. Deodorize Sink Drains

Pour 2 heaping tablespoons of baking soda down the drain, and then slowly pour hot water down the drain until the baking soda is gone. Remember to do this when there are no dishes in the sink, and repeat the process whenever odors return.

12. Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

Refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, and other stainless steel surfaces can become stained from daily use. To remove these stains without damaging your appliances, apply baking soda to the stain and gently rub it with a damp cloth or sponge. Once the stain is gone, wipe away any residue with a damp cloth to restore the appliance’s shine.

By Hà Vi. (Translated from Brightside)

Frequently asked questions

Speed cleaning is a method of cleaning your house quickly and efficiently. It’s perfect for busy people who want a clean home without spending hours on end cleaning. By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can speed clean your home and free up time for the things you enjoy.

The key to successful speed cleaning is to have a plan. Start by creating a list of tasks that need to be done, and then prioritize them based on importance and urgency. Focus on high-impact areas first, such as the kitchen and bathroom, as these rooms tend to get dirty quickly and are more noticeable when they’re not clean.