A Smarter Way to Clean Your Home
Every home — big, small, apartment or vacation home — gets dirty. And while there’s not just one way to clean your living space, there is a smarter way to get the job done. Take this guided tour of your home — from the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and living areas — to learn the basic rules of cleaning as well as some tips and short cuts that will help you clean thoroughly and efficiently, starting now.
How to Clean the Kitchen
In the kitchen, wiping surfaces, keeping tabs on the fridge and washing dishes every day will prevent big time-consuming messes down the line.
Keep Dishes Clean
If you’re a person who tends to let dishes pile up in the sink to avoid washing them, try this simple trick to put the effort involved into perspective: For a few days, as you think of it, set a timer before you begin washing the dishes, and make note of how long it took to clean up. If you know the task will take just minutes to complete, it will be less difficult to convince yourself to take care of those dishes now.
How to Clean a Burned Pot: To clean a badly scorched pot without scrubbing, cover the burned area with a liberal amount of baking soda and pour in enough boiling water to fill the pot a third to halfway up. When the water is cool enough to touch, head in with your sponge and use the baking soda solution to scrub away the scorch. Dump the solution and wash the pot with hot, soapy water.
The Dishwasher Debate: While there isn’t an absolutely correct way to load a dishwasher (and what would couples bicker over if such a directive were carved in stone?), there is one universal rule: It is much easier to load from back to front.
Deep Clean Like You Mean It: Your Exhaustive House Cleaning Checklist
Aless-than-clean home can cost you thousands off the sale price or completely turn away potential buyers. A messy house is a red flag for many buyers, who’ll suspect repair problems lurking beneath the dirt. A spotless home sends the unspoken signal that yours is a well-maintained property.
It’s not as simple as tidying up for a dinner party either. . Buyers are coming in to kick your home’s proverbial tires. As they decide if your house will meet their needs, they’ll open closets, explore out-of-sight corners and may even shift furniture. A good deep cleaning at the beginning will make it easier to keep your place tidy for showings the entire time your home is on the market.
Hiring in a cleaning crew is one option to get the job done, but it comes with a price. Depending on the square-footage and cleanliness of your house, you could be looking at a full day job for a multi-person team.
If you take on the job yourself you not only save money, you get a jumpstart on tackling the biggest distraction to buyers: clutter. Roll up your sleeves, get the cleaning supplies out, and follow along. We’ve put together this easy-to-follow guide for deep cleaning a house while it’s on the market.
Conquering Clutter
Take a stroll through your home and appraise the place as if you were a guest instead of a resident. Fresh eyes will find those untidy paper stacks on your desk, the mantel overflowing with photos, the basket of laundry waiting to be folded.
The Ultimate Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
Breathe new life into your home after a long winter. Our complete spring cleaning checklist guides you through a deep-cleaning that will leave your house shining from the inside out.
As the snow melts into spring showers, it’s time to refresh your home. This comprehensive spring cleaning checklist offers an opportunity to get the whole family involved in tidying up. Running short on time? Try tackling one room per week
Entryway
Sweep floors
Mop floors
Wipe walls
Wipe baseboards
Clean door
Clean doormat
Organize shoes
Hang jackets
Kitchen
Clean stovetop
Clean oven
Clean microwave
Clean dishwasher
Clean refrigerator
Wipe drawers and shelves in refrigerator and freezer
Defrost freezer
Discard old or expired food in pantry, fridge and freezer
Clear countertops
Degrease cabinet doors and backsplash
Remove items from cabinets and thoroughly clean inside
Clean fridge/freezer seal
Dust top of high surfaces including fridge, microwave/range hood, cabinets
Deodorize and degrease the kitchen drain
Wash dish rags and clean sponges
Wipe walls
Wipe baseboards
Mop floors
Shake out dust or dirt from floor mats
Dining Room
Dust china in china cabinet
Launder and press table linens
Polish silver
Dust and polish furniture
Vacuum or spot clean chair cushions
Wipe walls
Wipe baseboards
Clean light fixture
Dust blinds
Dust curtain rods
Clean window sills
Wash windows
Clean or vacuum curtains
Mop or vacuum floor
Shampoo rugs or carpet
Guide to Deep Cleaning your Car
Interior
Use vinegar or specific cleaner for the insides of the windows.
Wipe clean any dust or stains from the dashboard or steering wheel.
Use reputable upholstery cleaners and wipes.
Consider using newspapers to keep the windows streak-free.
Vacuuming
Make sure your vacuum is lightweight, and has a variety of attachments.
Shake the floor mats out.
If your car smells, sprinkle a little baking soda then vacuum it up.
Get under the seats and pedals.
Do not forget to vacuum the boot.
Washing
Park in the shade.
Wet the car, then use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the entire roof in a circular motion. The car should stay wet the entire time.
Move on to the windshield and bonnet, repeating the steps from the roof.
Lift the wipers to ensure that you reach all necessary cleaning points.
Dry the car, starting from the roof, using a microfibre cloth or chamois.
Use a brush to scrub the tyres, rims and wheel wells.
Once the car is dry, use a non-acid based tyre cleaner to make them look new.
Waxing
Use a wax stripper to clear off any old wax so you can start with a clean, even surface.
Apply the wax in a thin layer, and buff it until it is slightly cloudy. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Buff the first coat until shiny, then apply the second coat more liberally. Let it cure for 20 minutes, then buff it until it is clear.
Make sure you have quality, long-lasting wax (either liquid or paste), depending on your preference.
Mask off any plastic, chrome or other materials to protect them in case you accidentally put wax on them.
Ultimate Coronavirus Deep Cleaning Guide
In this cleaning guide you will learn:
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)
How to protect your home and family
What cleaning products kill coronavirus?
How to deep clean your home like a pro
What is Coronavirus?
According to The World Health Organisation Coronavirus is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
How to protect your family
Always follow government advice and stay at home until told otherwise. You can take extra precautions when going out for essential items. Be sure to wear a face mask and gloves at all times. When you have left the shop or supermarket where you have been, throw the gloves in the nearest bin. You don’t want to contaminate your car after wearing them in the supermarket.
You should also:
wash your hands with soap and water often – for at least 20 seconds
wash your hands as soon as you get home
cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands
not touch your face if your hands are not clean
What cleaning products kill coronavirus?
We recommend keeping your home clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of coronavirus. If no one in your household is showing symptoms or has been diagnosed, then the chances of the virus living on a surface in your home are less likely.