Home tidying tricks and methods for a more spotless abode
In today's world, it's essential to maintain a clean, fresh, and healthy living environment while being mindful of our impact on the environment. Here are some effective homemade, eco-friendly cleaning tips to help you achieve just that.
Natural Cleaning Solutions
By using simple, non-toxic ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils, you can create versatile cleaning solutions that are gentle on your home and the planet.
- An all-purpose cleaner can be made from a mixture of water, white vinegar, and a bit of dish soap, which cuts grease and grime without leaving harmful residues.
- A lemon vinegar cleaner is another great option that combines cleaning power with a pleasant scent.
- For sparkling windows and mirrors, an equal parts water and vinegar solution works well and avoids toxic chemicals found in commercial glass cleaners.
Cleaning Tips for Various Areas of Your Home
Kitchen
- Bicarb soda can be used to absorb food odours in the fridge, making it fresher and more pleasant.
- Vinegar can be used to clean the inside of a microwave, removing stubborn food stains and odours.
- For a sparkling dishwasher, vinegar and bicarb soda can be used to clean and restore water pressure.
- A solution of white vinegar can be used to clean grimy shower glass and remove built-up film on glasses.
- Drain unclogging can be achieved by using a combination of bicarb soda and vinegar, which creates a reaction that clears out the drain.
Bathroom
- Vinegar and bicarb soda can be used to clean off limescale deposits in a shower head and soap scum in the shower.
- A paste of bicarb and water can be used to clean tile grout, removing mold and mildew naturally.
- Bicarb soda can be used to remove fabric stains and odours from clothes.
- Baking soda paste helps remove mold and mildew naturally in the bathroom.
- Essential oils such as tea tree or lavender can be used for their antibacterial properties and fresh scents.
Living Spaces
- Microfibre cloths with just water can clean many surfaces effectively, reducing the need for chemicals.
- Baking soda and vinegar can be used together as a natural scrub for tough stains and odours on carpets and other surfaces.
- A solution of 1:1 vinegar and water can be used to clean windows and windowsills.
- Dusting with a microfibre cloth can help remove dust and allergens from surfaces.
Chore Scheduling and Maintenance
- Creating a chore schedule can help you stay on top of tasks and maintain a clean and healthy home.
- Regularly attending to chores such as sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, and bathroom cleaning helps maintain ongoing cleanliness.
- Monthly deep cleaning can focus on under furniture and appliances to tackle hidden dirt.
- Regularly emptying and cleaning your garbage disposal with vinegar and lemon can help keep it fresh and odour-free.
- Keeping your cleaning equipment clean is important to prevent spreading germs around your house. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting your mop head, duster, and vacuum cleaner.
Other Tips
- Following the one-touch rule can help declutter your home and leave it looking neater 24/7.
- Wiping away spills and stains with dirty equipment can spread germs around your house.
- Organizing your kitchen pantry and cleaning your bathroom are important tasks to include in a chore schedule.
- Fireplace maintenance and safety checks are also essential tasks to include in a chore schedule.
- Regularly attending to chores relieves stress and keeps your home in good condition.
- Effective recycling can help divert waste from landfill. Common recycling mistakes should be avoided.
- Bin deodorising can be achieved by using bicarb soda to neutralise odours.
- Linen closet freshening can be achieved by using bicarb soda to absorb food odours.
- For clothes dryer maintenance, clear debris, rub with a microfibre cloth and mild dish soap, tumble a load of clean clothes or towels to dry, hire a professional or buy a dryer vent cleaning kit for exhaust vent cleaning.
These methods not only keep your home clean and fresh but also minimize exposure to harsh chemicals and reduce environmental impact, aligning perfectly with eco-friendly living principles.
- Incorporate natural cleaning solutions into your home-and-garden lifestyle by creating versatile cleaning solutions using simple, non-toxic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils.
- For a healthier and eco-friendly home-and-garden lifestyle, consider using homemade cleaning products for various areas of your home such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces to minimize exposure to harsh chemicals and reduce environmental impact.
