Cleaning is necessary but not much fun. My first rule of thumb is to do it regularly and my second is to set a time limit. But there are some aids that you can ensure you end up with a spotless house in record time with a minimum of fuss.Naturalproducts that our grandmothers swore by and a couple of modern, labor saving devices, will see you get the cleaning done in no time.
Here are my seven handy cleaning tips that you may be overlooking
Sodium bicarbonate
I am totally hooked on Sodium Bicarbonate. It is also known as bicarb soda and baking soda and is available at your supermarket. It works best when mixed with vinegar and does everything, and more, that nasty, toxic commercial cleaners can do. It will work on all surfaces. Sodium bicarbonate is also much more effective at cleaning your oven than expensive and, often dangerous, oven cleaners.
Two extra good things about sodium bicarbonate: you can buy it in bulk, and it won’t give you a headache like nasty ammonium based cleaning products.
Vinegar
Vinegar is sodium bicarbonate’s natural companion for cleaning surfaces but is also great on its own. Try some in the toilet instead of that nasty blue toilet deodorant; you can also add it to your washing for a bit of extra grunt in the stain removal department. Best of all it smells fresh and clean.
Sodium bicarbonate and vinegar are the only two cleaning products you need in your arsenal.
Invest in a steam mop
Steam mops are quick and easy to use; they don’t need any chemicals and your floors will dry super quick. They can even be used to freshen up carpets. You’ll save money because you won’t need to buy floor cleaners. It’s the steam that does the work.
Use a stick vac
A stick vac is a vacuum cleaner that can be used on a stick like a steam mop, or as a dust buster on upholstery and soft furnishings. Because stick vacs are light and easy to use you won’t hesitate to whip yours out to deal with dust as it occurs. Stick vacs are cordless which makes them even more portable. When not in use, just leave on the charger.
Recycle towels as dusters and cleaning cloths
No need to spend money on fancycleaning cloths when your old towels will do the job just as well. And you can just throw them in the washing machine and then reuse. Saves time, money and shopping.
Sunlight
Take advantage of the powerful, natural antiseptic properties of sunlight by cleaning on a sunny day when you can throw open all the doors and windows.It is also much better for your clothes to dry them in the sun rather than the clothes dryer. Taking advantage of sunlight saves energy as well as money. Your clothes, sheets and towels will feel so much fresher.
Tidy as you go
As I mentioned at the top I clean regularly and always set a time limit. However, I do believe keeping the place tidy makes cleaning easier. So every night before bed, I do a quick tidy and put away anything that is out of place. When cleaning day rolls around I’m not faced with a big tidy up as well.