When it comes to cleaning your place, many people become overwhelmed and frustrated, just thinking about it. House cleaning is probably the number one item of my to-do list that I continually keep procrastinating. The reality is that for many of us, vacuuming, dishwashing, decluttering is dreadful. Postponing it, however, makes it even harder than it was at the start.
Nevertheless, the reality is that life is much more comfortable at home when you know where things are, and when the house smells and looks good. Moreover, a cluttered and dirty house causes you to feel depressed. Namely, a scientific study conducted by researchers at Indiana University has confirmed the fact that people with clean and uncluttered homes are healthier than people with messy ones.
So, with that in mind, you can decide (as I did) that you don’t have the luxury to wait for spring to clean your home thoroughly. Follow these cleaning tips and tricks, and I promise you, cleaning your home will become a lot more relaxed and quicker than usual.
Clean home asks for consistent and routine cleaning
Regular cleaning helps you keep your home in top shape. Though it may sound like a lot of work, moderate changes in your daily habits will help a lot to reduce the mess. Here are the things that need to become your daily routine:
- Keep the bedding simple and as soon as you get up, make your bed;
- Put that one thing away now. It is a lot easier to put one item in its place after you finish using it than to put all the things away at the end of the day;
- Clean the shower walls while you are still in the shower;
- Clean the bathroom sink and faucet with disinfectant wipes. Use those wipes on apparent signs of uncleanliness in your toilet as well;
- Use disinfectant wipes for your kitchen table and counters as well;
- While cooking meals, wash the dishes you use as you go. Load the dishwasher after dinner. And always empty the dishwasher as soon as it finishes a cycle;
- Don’t let dirty laundry pile up. Place a laundry basket in each bedroom. Choose a day when you’ll visit each of the baskets and take them to wash.
Conquer your mess and try staying organized
Let’s face it – a cluttered home is hard to clean. Sure, different people are comfortable with varying degrees of clutter, but the reality is that cleaning and organizing every room in your home will help you focus on what matters. Understandably, trying to tackle a mountain of stuff can be quite overwhelming. So, to start, go through the room and scoop up any things you see on any chairs or sofas. Also, scoop up the stuff on the floor. Clear all counters and tables. Take one of those 55-gallon trash bags and put all the things you don’t need or use in them. Set a time to select what is for trash, what can be recycled, what can be sold, and what stored. If you are like me, throwing out many things at once is too much to take, try reducing your stuff one day at a time. Over time, you’ll experience quite a transformation. Believe me!
Additionally, store all your books and magazines on shelves or in closed closets if you want to dust them less frequently. Designate spaces for often-used items. And, for every item you bring into your home, take one out. Having fewer things to move around while cleaning, reduces cleaning time significantly.
Try using natural house-cleaning products
Take care of yourself and the environment by using natural detergents when cleaning your home. Ditch chemical hazards and use as much as possible natural cleaning products. Your cleaning is effective as much as it promotes good health. Start using natural cleaning agents free of chemically processed salt. Do how our grandmothers once did. For example:
- Use Himalayan salt to clean your home. Unlike the toxins found in standard salt, one hundred percent pure, Himalayan salt contains antibacterial properties; or
- Make your all-purpose cleaner by combining four tablespoons baking soda and 1-quart warm water. Use a sponge to wipe messes away.
- Clean aluminum pans and pots with lemon juice. Fill the cookware with water, add a tablespoon of lemon juice, and let simmer for shiny results;
- Use the vacuum rather than sweeping because it is more effective. Vacuuming removes the dirt and dust rather than just mixing it all around the floor;
- Always use something moist (as mop or sponge) to get those things that are tough to get;
- Mix half cup white vinegar with 1/4 alcohol (70% concentration). Add 2 cups of water and dispense into an empty spray bottle. To clean your windows and any glass surface, use a soft cloth or clean microfiber cloth to avoid streaking.
- Remove small marks from your hardwood with a sock or clean tennis ball. To erase bigger scuffs, add a little baking soda to a damp cloth and gently rub. Rinse with a wet paper towel and dry.
Don’t forget the details
You know how they say – “The devil is in the detail.” For your house to really feel clean, pay attention to these small details:
- Emptying trash bins and take out the trash regularly. Wash and air out the trash can whenever possible;
- Change bed sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers every two weeks;
- Doorknobs and drawer handles get handled multiple times a day. Spray them with vinegar and water, then wipe aggressively with a cloth;
- Get rid of horrible mildew stains by putting your shower curtain in the washing machine;
- Clean your refrigerator regularly. Be diligent every day to prevent cross-contamination and just ickiness in general. Wipe up any spills right away with a cloth moistened with food-safe antibacterial spray. Once a week, finish or dispose of the leftovers. And, at the start of each new season, give your fridge a deep clean.
If you find these tips useful, use them right away! Good luck with shining your home!
Image credit: cleaning home via Billion Photos/shutterstock