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Carpets and upholstered furniture can trap dirt, dust, and allergens. Use a steam cleaner to deep clean carpets, or rent a machine if you don’t have one. For upholstery, test a small area first and use a fabric cleaner that’s safe for your material.
Carpet Cleaning Solution:
Ingredients: 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups warm water, 2 teaspoons baking soda.
Instructions: Mix the solution and apply to stains using a cloth or brush. For general cleaning, add the solution to your steam cleaner’s reservoir.
Ingredients: 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups warm water, 2 teaspoons baking soda.
Instructions: Mix the solution and apply to stains using a cloth or brush. For general cleaning, add the solution to your steam cleaner’s reservoir.
5. Disinfect High-Touch Areas
Door handles, light switches, and remote controls are some of the most touched surfaces in your home. Wipe them down with a disinfecting solution to kill germs.
Disinfecting Solution:
Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 10 drops of essential oil (optional).
Instructions: Mix the solution in a spray bottle and use it on high-touch surfaces. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
Ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 10 drops of essential oil (optional).
Instructions: Mix the solution in a spray bottle and use it on high-touch surfaces. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
6. Clean Your Glass Stove Top
Glass stove tops can accumulate burnt-on stains and residue that require careful cleaning to avoid scratches.
How to Clean a Glass Stove Top:
Ingredients: Baking soda, dish soap, vinegar, hot water.
Instructions:
Let the stove top cool completely.
Sprinkle baking soda over the surface.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with hot water, then soak a towel in the solution.
Lay the towel over the baking soda for 15-20 minutes.
Gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Let the stove top cool completely.
Sprinkle baking soda over the surface.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with hot water, then soak a towel in the solution.
Lay the towel over the baking soda for 15-20 minutes.
Gently scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
7. Refresh Brooms and Mops
Brooms and mops can harbor dirt and bacteria. Cleaning them regularly ensures they’re not spreading more mess around your home.
Cleaning Brooms:
Instructions: Soak the broom head in a bucket of warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and let it dry upside down.
Instructions: Soak the broom head in a bucket of warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and let it dry upside down.
Cleaning Mops:
Instructions: If your mop head is machine washable, toss it in the washer with hot water and a cup of vinegar. For non-washable heads, soak in a bucket with hot water and vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse and let it dry.
Instructions: If your mop head is machine washable, toss it in the washer with hot water and a cup of vinegar. For non-washable heads, soak in a bucket with hot water and vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse and let it dry.
8. Stop Towels from Smelling Like Mildew
Mildew-smelling towels can be a nuisance. The key to keeping them fresh is ensuring they dry completely and are cleaned regularly with the right method.
Mildew Prevention Tips:
Instructions:
Wash towels with hot water and 1 cup of vinegar (no detergent).
Run a second cycle with regular detergent and 1/2 cup of baking soda.
Ensure towels dry completely after each use—consider hanging them in a well-ventilated area or using a dryer.
Wash towels with hot water and 1 cup of vinegar (no detergent).
Run a second cycle with regular detergent and 1/2 cup of baking soda.
Ensure towels dry completely after each use—consider hanging them in a well-ventilated area or using a dryer.
9. Sanitize the Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink is likely one of the dirtiest places in your home. Clean it thoroughly with a disinfecting solution.
Kitchen Sink Cleaning:
Ingredients: Baking soda, vinegar, dish soap.
Instructions: Sprinkle baking soda over the sink, then scrub with a sponge. Rinse with vinegar, which will help disinfect and deodorize. Finish by wiping the sink down with a little dish soap and water.
Ingredients: Baking soda, vinegar, dish soap.
Instructions: Sprinkle baking soda over the sink, then scrub with a sponge. Rinse with vinegar, which will help disinfect and deodorize. Finish by wiping the sink down with a little dish soap and water.
10. Tackle Grout Lines
Grout can accumulate dirt and mold over time, making your tiles look dingy. A deep clean can bring them back to life.
Grout Cleaning Solution:
Ingredients: Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap.
Instructions: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of dish soap. Apply to grout lines and let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
Ingredients: Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap.
Instructions: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of dish soap. Apply to grout lines and let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush.
11. Deodorize Trash Cans
Even if you change the bag regularly, trash cans can harbor odors and bacteria. Cleaning them periodically will keep your home smelling fresh.
Trash Can Cleaning:
Instructions: Take the trash can outside and rinse it with a hose. Scrub with a mixture of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water, then rinse and let it dry in the sun.
Instructions: Take the trash can outside and rinse it with a hose. Scrub with a mixture of 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water, then rinse and let it dry in the sun.
12. Polish Wood Furniture
Over time, wood furniture can lose its luster. Regular polishing not only restores its shine but also helps protect it from future wear and tear.
