Everyone loves a neat and clean home. However, a long list of daily obligations doesn’t leave you with enough time to tidy up, which can lead to stress. Here are some liberating cleaning methods to work their magic for multitasking persons and busy parents.
Use alcohol for chair stains
Many chairs are now made with microfiber upholstery, which makes them harder to clean. Rub the stain with alcohol and wipe with a clean sponge. Alcohol won’t leave a mark because it evaporates faster than water. You don’t have to worry about alcohol fading your fabric either. Make a mixture of one part dishwashing liquid and two parts hydrogen peroxide, spray it on the stain, rub it in, let stand and wash.
Baking soda is good for trash odors
Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of a trashcan to keep the unpleasant odors away. This is particularly helpful if you have cans in a hot garage or porch. If you’re using trash bags, roll up an old newspaper and put it in the bottom of the bag. The papers will absorb the odor and prevent unwanted leakage from the discarded products in the bag.
Keep sinks and stove clean
Dirty sinks, stovetops, or counters are signs of a messy home. Make a habit of wiping down the surface you’ve just used. It takes only a few seconds to wipe down the used area, and it will stay clean and disinfected, ready for the next use. Additionally, if you don’t clean the surfaces regularly, grease and grime will build up over time and make it harder to restore their original shine, but any quality polish will keep those kinds of surfaces neat and clean.
Don’t neglect glass surfaces
Sometimes, it’s easy to neglect your windows, mirrors, or any other glass surface, especially if you don’t have kids and pets to make it dirty with their little fingers or paws. You can use traditional window cleaning products, but if you notice that there’s no change, then you can opt for a water-based hydrophobic glass coating that can repel dirt by using water that picks up the dirt and make it easier for you to remove it. That way your windows and glassy decor will stay cleaner for much longer, which will make your home look and feel more pleasant. Also, such coating products can also be used in your car and other glass surfaces in your home.
Cleaning your blinds with a pair of socks
Dust can accumulate on your blinds. This may not have occurred to you, but a pair of old socks can help you clean your blinds. Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a bowl, put a sock over one hand, dip it into the mixture and go over the blinds. Use the other sock to wipe away the dampness.
Lemon helps in cleaning microwaves
If your children made a mess in the microwave while trying to reheat leftovers from dinner, a lemon can save the day. Slice the lemon into a bowl of water and put it in the microwave on high for 3 minutes. Keep it in the microwave for 3 more minutes and then just wipe out the inside of it. No tough cleaning required. If you want to get rid of odor quickly, place a bowl of white vinegar inside the microwave, shut the door, and keep it there for an hour.
A bathroom with essential oils
Keeping your bathroom fresh can be a real challenge, particularly during the summer months, when your house is cramped with guests and your children’s friends. A great trick you can use is to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the inner roll core of your toilet paper. Every time the roll is used, a pleasant smell will be released.
Get rid of old clothes
If you’re wondering which pieces of clothes to retain, simply apply the old rule: If you haven’t worn it in a year, dump it. Avoid cluttering your closet with old stuff you hardly ever wear. Instead, treat yourself with something new. If an old item goes out, a new one can take its place, but be careful not to get overwhelmed with new pieces without dismissing the old ones.
Keep your garage neat
Check the state of your garage every six months and get rid of anything you don’t need. You can have plenty of things, like old bookshelves and rugs, that only take up space in your garage. It’s a good idea to have labeled bins for different stuff. This will make finding things much easier.
Balancing work and home is challenging and we need all the help we can get. Use these tips to make your home fresh again, stress-free.