Cleaning is vital. In fact, if you don’t clean regularly, you won’t enjoy using your space at home. If you’re anything like me, then you may have forgotten how much time cleaning takes out of your day. I always find myself making sure that my house looks good, even though I know that it wouldn’t take much effort to actually keep it looking nice. There are various things you can do to make sure you get some clean surfaces without spending hours on it. Here are some tips:
Workout: Exercise increases the flow of blood around the body, and helps flush out toxins and chemicals. You could use weights, running, swimming, or even dancing!
Sweep floors: Regular sweeping ensures that no dirt gets trapped between floorboards. Use a brush, broom, or mop; whatever works best for you.
Wipe down windows: Windowsills tend to attract grease, dirt, and grime, especially when they are not cleaned often enough. Try wiping over them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or residue. Wiping them dry afterwards will help prevent mildew.
Dust shelves: Shelves tend to collect dust and debris easily. Make sure to wipe them off regularly.
Vacuum carpets: Carpets tend to accumulate dust and pet hair, so they should be vacuumed regularly. Remember to empty the vacuum bag after each use.
Wash dishes: Dishes can become dirty due to food particles sticking to their surface, and food stains getting stuck into small crevices. Washing your dishes will ensure that they’re free from any build-up.
Clean ovens: Ovens need regular cleaning to prevent food odours and bacteria from building up inside them. Keep your oven cleaner than usual to avoid nasty smells.
Scrub sinks: Sinks collect dirt and germs, so making sure they look clean is really important. Remove stubborn water rings with a sponge wetted with hot soapy water and scrub gently.
Clean toilets: Toilets are notorious for collecting germs and bacteria, so keeping them clean is really important. Run warm water through the system once or twice a week. Always aim to clean under fixtures, too.
Clean your fridge: Fridges accumulate bad smells and bacteria. Ensure that it’s thoroughly cleaned out at least once a month. You should wash it down regularly, too.
Clean your microwave: Microwaves accumulate lots of bacteria and grease, so it’s worth ensuring that they’re kept clean and cleanable.
Clean your freezer: Freezers accumulate mould and bacteria, so cleaning them regularly is really important. Thoroughly clean the inside with hot soapy water, and wipe it dry afterwards.
Keep the countertops clean
Cleaning counters tops is a simple task. You just need to wipe them down regularly, keeping the sink and stove clear. Also, wash dishes and utensils frequently, especially if they are dirty. If you don’t have enough time to clean your counters, then use plastic bags or paper towels to cover them.
Countertops are perfect for storing small items. However, they can become cluttered easily, making cleaning a chore. To keep things neat, follow these tips:
- Clean the tops of the cabinets regularly. A good way to do this is to first lightly sweep the surface, then wash it with soap and water. Wipe dry.
- Store loose items in baskets or bins, and arrange the contents by category (e.g., utensils, spices).
- Put away seldom-used items such as extra cutlery, condiment containers, etc.
- Keep appliances well maintained. Replace lids on cans and jars, and clean out refrigerator shelves frequently.
Clean the oven regularly
You should not wait until it becomes full of old food and sticky residue before cleaning the oven. When using a sponge, first soak it in warm water and soap and rub it over the entire interior surface of the oven. Then rinse it thoroughly and dry it well. After drying the oven, lightly spray it with some non-stick cooking oil. This will prevent foods from sticking to the inside of the oven.
Keep the fridge clean
It’s always best to keep the refrigerator door closed while storing something in it. Put away leftovers immediately after eating them, and place fresh stuff in the drawers. You can also open the top drawer occasionally and move things around to get rid of odors. Make sure you properly seal the fridge and put away any leftover food as soon as possible.
Clean the microwave oven
To remove burnt smells, you can fill the microwave with cold water, place a damp cloth on the bottom rack, and run the microwave for several minutes. Rinse the cloth afterward and leave it to sit for about 10 minutes. Repeat this step until the smell goes away.
Use baking soda
Baking soda helps reduce odors and freshens your home. Sprinkle a little bit in each room you want to eliminate bad smells, close the curtains, and let it work overnight. Baking soda works well with household cleaners, including laundry detergent. To make your own homemade cleaner, mix equal parts baking soda and hot water.
Clean drains regularly
If you didn’t know, washing your hair can cause clogs in your pipes. In order to avoid this problem, clean drain pipes at least once a month. Pour boiling water into the trap of the pipe and allow it to drain out. Remember to never pour boiling water directly into the sewer line. Instead, let the boiling water cool off outside the house. To clean your shower head, turn off the water supply valve and fill the tub with hot water. Using a scrub brush or toothbrush, clean the inside of the faucet and showerhead. Allow the pipes to air dry before turning back on the water supply.
Remove grease from pans
Grease can build up quickly and cause messes, so remove it as soon as you can. Grease can easily be removed by pouring a small amount of dish soap into the pan and heating it up on a stove burner. Let the grease cook and bubble for three to five minutes. Turn off the heat and add a few drops of dish soap so the greasy smoke doesn’t burn off the grease. Pour the mixture through a strainer and discard the solidified fat.
