Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning: Secrets to a Sparkling Home This Tet Holiday

To thoroughly clean a house takes more than a day's work. Without knowing this trick, you'll still see clutter and mess even if you work yourself to the bone.

Administrator

9 September, 2024

The Lunar New Year is approaching, and many people have started preparing for the annual deep cleaning, a tradition of letting go of the old and welcoming the new for a better year ahead. During this time, some families will discard old items such as clothes and shoes and buy new ones, symbolically renewing their space for the new year.

However, cleaning an entire house is not a one-day affair. Without a smart strategy, you might find yourself exhausted and still facing a messy home! Today, we will share some deep cleaning tips to help you save time and effort, so read on if you’re getting ready for your new year clean!

1. Ceilings and Windows

1.1. Clean Ceilings and Windows First

Start by cleaning the ceilings and windows, as dust may fall when cleaning them. You can easily clean the ceilings by attaching a mop to an electrostatic mop holder, or you can use a flat mop, which is also very effective.

1.2. Then, Remove the Window Screens

Sponges have a certain level of absorbency, making them very effective for cleaning windows. Soak the sponge, then wring out the excess water before wiping. There will be a small amount of detergent residue on the window, but if you wipe it again with a sponge soaked in clean water, the result will be clear.

2. Clean Glass and Mirrors

For a streak-free shine on glass and mirrors, try using onion! Cut an onion in half and use the cut side to wipe the surface. Quickly wipe it with a dry cloth while the onion juice is still wet, and you’ll be left with sparkling glass! For stubborn bathroom mirror stains, you can also try a mixture of vinegar and a little salt to remove them. Alternatively, spray some toothpaste on the mirror, then use a toothbrush to scrub it clean and rinse with warm water.

3. Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most challenging areas to clean, and the range hood is a critical component. Our daily quick cleans often leave behind stubborn stains, especially on the range hood.

3.1. Range Hood Cleaning

A time-saving tip for cleaning the range hood is to use baking soda and hot water. Boil a pot of water and add an appropriate amount of baking soda, stirring to dissolve. Pour this solution into a large container, then disassemble the range hood parts and soak them for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub with a cloth, rinse with clean water, and your range hood will look brand new!

Range Hood Grease Cup Cleaning: If you notice that the grease cup is full, it’s time to empty it. Dispose of the accumulated grease, then soak the cup in warm water and detergent for 3 minutes. It should be easy to wipe clean with a cloth. For convenience, place a smaller, disposable grease cup (available in supermarkets) inside the original cup, and simply replace it during your next cleaning.

3.2. Kitchen Walls

Mix vinegar, hot water, and detergent, then dip a cloth into this solution and wipe down the kitchen walls, ensuring the mixture soaks into any grime. After 5 minutes, wipe everything down with a clean cloth, and you’ll be amazed at how effectively it removes built-up grease.

3.3. Stovetop Cleaning

Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 200ml of warm water, then dip a sponge into this mixture to clean your stainless steel stovetop until it sparkles like new. Alternatively, mix 500ml of hot water with 30g of baking soda, or use a loofah to easily remove oil from the stovetop. For stubborn grease stains, grind 50g of baking soda into a fine powder, sprinkle it on the stovetop, then wipe clean with a cloth. You can also use coarse salt as a natural “scrub” – dip a cloth into salt used for pickling vegetables, and easily remove grease from stainless steel and glass stovetops.

4. Bedroom

Bedroom cleaning primarily focuses on curtains and floors. When washing curtains, try to use neutral detergents to prevent shrinkage effectively. For dusty or dirt-absorbent curtains: After removing them, first, shake the curtains to dislodge surface dust, then soak them in a solution of neutral alkaline detergent for 15 minutes.

Curtain and Bedding Color Protection: Most curtain stains are simply dust, but if your curtains aren’t white, avoid using bleach to prevent discoloration. Instead, opt for neutral detergents to better protect the colors and effectively remove stains. If your white curtains have yellowed over time, soak them in a solution of half a cup of salt and detergent for a day, then wash as usual to restore their brightness. Don’t forget to clean the corners of wardrobes and the tops of door frames.

Wooden floors are another bedroom cleaning focus. Regularly vacuum wooden floors, and if possible, use a vacuum with a filter to capture visible dirt and harmful microorganisms.

Wooden floors are particularly susceptible to moisture, so when mopping, squeeze out as much water as possible and wipe gently. For oil, beverage, or other stubborn stains, a traditional trick is to use a cloth dampened with rice water – it will effectively remove the stain and leave your floor sparkling.

5. Living Room

Living room cleaning centers on furniture, carpets, and floors. Furniture cleaning primarily focuses on the two largest pieces: the sofa and any rugs, with other pieces simply needing a dusting.

Sofa cleaning methods vary depending on the material. Aside from using professional leather or wood cleaners, you can also try some home remedies. For leather furniture, egg whites can be used to disinfect and restore the surface’s shine. Hardwood furniture can be wiped with a cloth soaked in milk, then rinsed with clean water for excellent disinfection. Fabric sofas can be vacuumed, wiped with a damp cloth, or steamed. If possible, remove and wash the sofa covers before reuse.

Large carpets are challenging to wash, and materials like wool can only be dry-cleaned. The best way to thoroughly clean them is to find a professional service. If you’re short on time, vacuum the carpet, then focus on removing any stains or spots that have accumulated over the year. For sticky substances like gum, cover the area with ice cubes, wait half an hour, then brush it off with a stiff brush.

Living room floors are another key area. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as they can react with the floor’s finish and cause damage. If needed, use specialized wood floor wax to care for your floors. The process is as follows: After cleaning and thoroughly drying the floor, spray or apply the wax, oil, or maintenance solution evenly across the floor, then immediately buff it with a soft, dry cloth, moving in the direction of the grain to bring out the floor’s shine.

6. Bathroom

Since all the cleaning tasks involve using the bathroom, it’s best to clean this space last.

6.1. Sanitize Bathroom Fixtures

Soak the inside of the toilet bowl in a toilet cleaner or bleach for about half an hour, then scrub it clean and flush. This will remove stains and disinfect the surface. Note that you should never mix chlorine bleach with other acidic cleaners, as this can release dangerous chlorine gas. Sanitize the toilet seat with a diluted disinfectant. Additionally, be sure to clean the areas under the toilet bowl and around the seat.

6.2. Bathtub Cleaning

To clean your bathtub, use a neutral liquid cleaner and a soft cloth, avoiding highly alkaline products and harsh scrubbing. You can also dilute hand soap with alcohol or disinfectant to clean and disinfect the pipes while removing surface stains.

6.3. Tile and Grout Cleaning

Most bathroom walls and floors are tiled, and to tackle the grime, use a plastic brush or a regular brush to scrub the larger areas, and a toothbrush for the grout lines. After cleaning, wipe down and disinfect with alcohol or lemon juice to keep your bathroom fresh and dry.

By An Nhiên – Vietnamnet

Frequently asked questions

Spring cleaning is a tradition that helps refresh and deep clean your home after the long, dark winter months. It’s typically done in the spring season, as the name suggests, to welcome the new season with a clean and organized space. The timing varies depending on cultural traditions and regional climates but usually falls between February and April.

Spring cleaning offers several advantages. It improves indoor air quality by removing accumulated dust and allergens, creating a healthier living environment. The process also helps you declutter and organize your belongings, making it easier to find things and creating a sense of order. Additionally, spring cleaning can boost your productivity, as a clean and tidy space often leads to improved focus and reduced stress levels.

Spring cleaning involves a more thorough and intensive cleaning process than regular, routine cleaning. It includes tasks that are often overlooked or done less frequently, such as cleaning behind appliances, washing windows, and deep-cleaning carpets and upholstery. Spring cleaning aims to cover every corner of your home, ensuring a comprehensive refresh.

Start by creating a plan and breaking down tasks into manageable chunks. Gather all the necessary cleaning supplies and tools before you begin. Work from the top down and left to right in each room to ensure no area is missed. Don’t forget to declutter and organize as you clean, and consider playing upbeat music to make the process more enjoyable. Finally, don’t hesitate to ask for help or delegate tasks to family members or professionals if needed.

Maintain your spring-cleaned home by establishing regular cleaning routines and habits. Create a cleaning schedule and assign specific tasks to different days or weeks. Stay organized by putting things back in their designated places immediately after use. Also, practice the ‘one touch’ rule, where you deal with an item, piece of mail, or laundry right away instead of letting it pile up. Finally, involve your family members in the maintenance process to share the workload.