JANUARY seems to be the month where many people like to get a head start on their spring cleaning.
After you have purged your closets of old junk, you may be left with quite a mess on your hands. Here are a few tips to help you with your everyday cleaning around the home as well as those leftover dust bunnies in the back of your closets.
When it comes to the bathroom, there are a few shortcuts and tips that most cleaning companies rely upon.
When wiping down surfaces such as wood furniture, mirrors or stainless steel appliances, it's recommended to place your cleanser directly onto your sponge rather than applying a wide spray over the area to be cleaned. This way the cleaner is directly applied to the surface and does not waste spray.
For toilets, gels and foams are best - especially the cleaners that are designed to be squirted directly under the toilet bowl rim. These cleaners adhere to the surface and will allow gravity to spread them down the sides of the toilet.
If you choose a foam cleanser for your tiles in the bathroom, you will find that the product clings better to the tile surface. Expensive, thin sprays tend to run down the wall before they have time to properly adhere to the surface and clean it. It's also best to let the cleaning product sit for a few minutes before wiping. This will save time scrubbing the walls.
Remember to use portion control, where possible. Purchase concentrated laundry detergents and be sure to read the label on how little to use.
Your clothes will not become cleaner with the use of copious amounts of soap. In addition, it's important to purchase low-sudsing detergents for your frontloading washing machine. Detergents that produce a high amount of suds may damage the appliance.
I always recommend using natural, eco-friendly cleaning products, where possible. If you are in a pinch, try mixing one cup of water with 20 drops of pure essential oil of lavender in a spray bottle. This is a nice, natural antibacterial alternative to the harsher chemical formulas on the market.
Another popular, natural product that is wonderful for cleaning around the home is baking soda. This versatile product is fantastic for everything from cleaning drains to removing stains. Try cleaning your silver with three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply the paste to the silverware then rinse with warm water. Dry with a soft cloth.
