Spring Clean your home in 2014
With these tips you can save money and increase your house value in 2014.As most of us know if you let a house go without cleanings you will find that furniture and walls lose their lustre and brightness over the winter season from being closed in for so long and will deteriorate faster and need to be replaced. “Use it or lose it” isn’t just a saying, it’s a fact and that stands for things in your home or in your body. Trouble is the body can’t be replaced like our possessions!! We only have one body and it needs periodic cleaning!
Getting every nook and cranny of your home cleaned is something worth doing if you have the energy and time, however many people tend to shy away from this kind of task because apart from being wearisome, it is also time-consuming.
The job of keeping your home clean during the spring will appear less daunting if you engage the services of experts for things such as upholstery cleaning, painting, or carpet cleaning, and following the spring cleaning tips offered in this write up.
1. Clean your stovetop and kitchen counters with a degreasing agent to remove tough stains
2. Label and fill plastic storage bins to organize and reduce clutter
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3. Clean all screens without removing them by using a vacuum with an extending attachment.
4. Use a microfiber cloth on your windows to avoid all streaks.
5. Before using your vacuum, gather all rugs and shake them outside. For best results, hang rugs outside for several hours.
6. Purge your refrigerator. Remove any spoiled food including condiments, and replace with a box of baking soda to control odours.
7. Sanitize sponges by soaking them in bleach. Mix 3/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water and soak the sponge for about five minutes.
8. Clean your linens and fabrics at once. Wash your mattress pad, pillow coverings, and pillows from all beds. Then do a second load with your bath mat, shower curtain, and even the curtain liner on the gentle cycle with color-safe bleach. (Make sure to check all labels for specific laundering instructions).
In this part we will see how you can save MONEY by making homemade cleaning agents.
Healthy homemade Cleaning agent
Baking soda
This is the best cleaning agent in your kitchen. When the counter tops or stainless steel sinks are stained, wet them down, sprinkle baking soda over them and rub them with a clean wet rag. Rinse well and you will have a clean surface. For stubborn stains, you may need to let the baking soda sit for several minutes and then scrub. Using the same steps, you can clean burned-on stains from pots and pans. It will also remove stubborn coffee stains from coffee cups or other items.
Baking soda + 4 cups of warm water
Add 2 tablespoons baking soda to 4 cups of warm water to clean the inside and outside of the refrigerator. For stubborn spots, rub with baking soda paste. Rinse with a clean, wet cloth.
Vinegar
White vinegar does its part to keep the kitchen clean, too. Vinegar is a versatile ingredient that can safely be used anywhere in your home; it kills bacteria and cuts through soap residue. Run white vinegar full strength through your coffee maker. To get the vinegar odor out, run the coffee maker two or three times with clear water.
For a basic vinegar clean and shine antibacterial formula mix your own:
1 cup white vinegar +1 cup water + 5 drops liquid soap
Mix all ingredients, put in a spray bottle and use for cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces such as appliances, mirrors, stainless steel sinks, laminate counter tops and tile. Do not use this mixture on stone surfaces, as acids can etch and damage stone.
Mildew scrub
For a basic mildew scrub, mix one-fourth cup vinegar, 1/4 cup borax and 1 cup water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on surface and let the solution penetrate for several minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Glass Cleaner
For no-streak glass cleaner, mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 quart warm water. Apply with a sponge or pour into spray bottle and spray on. For lint-free results, wipe dry with crumpled newspaper, buff to a shine.
Food Stains
Club soda is a great substitute for food stains on carpet. It must be used immediately to be effective. After removing all solids, pour the club soda on the stain. Blot with a clean rag. The soda’s carbonation brings the spills to the surface and the salts prevent staining.
Use Cinnamon sticks
Instead of grabbing a can or air freshener, try a natural approach. Place several small bowls of white vinegar around the room in inconspicuous locations. Cinnamon sticks are another way to freshen a room. On pretty days, just open windows and let the house air out.
