11 Cheap home cleaning tips

Home cleaning can sometimes feel like you are fighting a losing battle. From the various rooms and surfaces that need cleaning to the several products required to clean, the chore can be time-consuming and relatively costly.  Luckily, you can repurpose some of the everyday household items to clean your home while saving both time and budget.

Below are a few cheap home cleaning pointers.

Remove stains and deodorize carpets

You can always use vinegar, water, and steam iron to remove the unsightly spots from carpets and rugs. Mix vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio, apply it to the spot, cover it with a wet cloth, and steam for a minute. If you want to deodorize the rugs or carpets, sprinkle baking soda, allow to sit for an hour and vacuum.

Sparkly window glass

Make your glass cleaner by mixing ¼ cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration), ½ cup of white vinegar, and 2 cups of water in an empty spray bottle. Clean the windows by squirting the mixture onto the glass and wiping it with a clean microfiber cloth.

Clean upholstery with shaving cream

Remove upholstery stains by rubbing some shaving cream (avoid the gel kind). Let it sit for 30 minutes and blot it dry. Alternatively, you can pat the stain with a wet, apply a little bit of shaving cream, and dab clean with a sponge. The cream will remove food spots because it can break down stubborn oil and grease stains.

Clean your blinds

You can clean the blinds by putting an old, clean sock on your hand. Dampen it with water and run it over every slat. Use the thumb on the bottom and the four fingers on top, so you only do the slat once. Remember to start from the top so that you can wipe any dust knocked down as you move to the next slat.

Give your stove burners a new look

Some grease and grime require soap and water only. But if that doesn’t work, then place the removable burner parts in a large sandwich bag and pour a quarter cup of ammonia. Close the bag, and leave the ammonia to soak overnight. In the morning, you will wipe off the gunk with ease.

Freshen up the fridge

Clean your fridge by getting rid of old food, and wiping the shelves, bins, and crisper drawer. You can also deodorize the fridge using coffee, which absorbs the lousy scent. Simply lay freshly milled coffee (spread evenly on a plate) in the refrigerator overnight for a better, fresh scent.

Remove hard water without being harsh

If you have hard water build-up around the showerhead or faucets, you should use distilled white vinegar to remove them. For the faucet, wrap a vinegar-soaked paper towel around the handles and let it sit for 20 minutes. For the showerhead, fill a sandwich bag with vinegar, place it on the showerhead using rubber bands, and leave it to soak overnight. You can now use an old toothbrush to scrub off the hard water.

Refresh your garbage disposal

It is easier than you think to sanitize your garbage disposal. Run some ice cubes through the unit to sharpen and clean the blades. Add a few orange or lemon peels while running the disposal to eliminate the odors and give it a mild citrus scent.

Clean the toilet

Having a sparkly clean toilet is just a less-than-10-minutes chore. You will need baking soda, vinegar, and a toilet brush. Pour a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and allow it to sit for a minute. Add a cup of baking soda and another cup of vinegar- the mixture will form a bubbly solution. Leave it for 5 minutes; scrub it with a toilet brush, and rinse. 

Repurpose dryer sheets

Used dryer sheets can work magic around the house. They can buff water spots from shower doors, mirrors, wipe baseboards, and dust lampshades and electronics. They have anti-static properties, and that hinders dust from settling back onto the cleaned surfaces.

Freshen up the shower curtain

Chances are that you don’t stretch your shower curtain after each shower for moisture to dissipate, and that can lead to moldy spots. To remove the stains, throw the curtains in the washing machine with a mild detergent and three bath towels to increase the cleaning agitation.

Bottom line

Home cleaning doesn’t have to take up all your time, and it doesn’t need a cabinet full of specialized cleaners. The above tips will help you clean your home efficiently and increase the enjoyment of your home.

These Tips Will Make Cleaning The Fridge Easy

Did you know that National Clean Out Your Kitchen Day is right around the corner?

Yes, it is an actual holiday that helps motivate people to clean out their kitchens. This is a great time to clean one of the most important areas of your kitchen, your refrigerator. In honor of this day, we are going to share with you some tips that can help make your fridge sparkle!

Clean Up Spills Quickly

If you have a spill inside your refrigerator, you should clean it up as soon as possible. Once a spill drys, it can be a real pain to clean up. By cleaning up spills as soon as they happen, your fridge will remain clean and you won't have to deep clean as often.

Use Toothpaste To Clean Stains

Cleaning stains can be a difficult task. They are often hard to remove and many cleaners simply won't help. If you run into this problem, you can safely remove stains with a simple household item. Toothpaste works wonders on stains. No matter the brand, most toothpaste can make any fridge shine! Simply place a small amount of toothpaste onto a cloth and rub the stain until it is removed.

Eliminate Odors With A Brown Paper Bag

Sometimes our refrigerators can stink. Old food or spoiled fruits can really emit strong odors. After you have removed the rotten food, place a clean brown paper bag inside your fridge. Leave the bag inside for a few days. The bag will absorb the odor making your fridge smell great again! Remove the bag and toss it in the trash when finished.

Get Rid of Dust Bunnies

We all have those dreaded dust bunnies that love to hide under the fridge! They are super hard to get rid of because they lurk so far under the bottom. A great way to remove them is by placing a pantyhose on the end of a yardstick. This will allow you to safely remove dust bunnies without hurting your back.

Tackle Mold With Salt and Vinegar

Mold can be a nasty problem inside your refrigerator. It can cause foul odors and can even make you sick. To remove mold you can combine one cup of salt and one-half cup of vinegar. This mixture should turn into a paste that is great for removing mold and any other stains you may have.

Vacuum Cooling Coils

One of the most important appliances in the kitchen is your refrigerator. It keeps all of your food cold, so you never have to worry about your food going bad. But if you don't take care of your fridge, it can break down and leave you without proper food storage. In order to keep your fridge running smoothly, you will need to vacuum the cooling coils three times a year. This will remove dust buildup and help your refrigerator last longer.

Deep Clean Once A Month

A great way to make sure your refrigerator is always clean is to do a deep clean once a month. During the deep clean you will need to remove all the food from the fridge. Make sure you store it in a cool place to protect it from bacteria. A good place to store your food while you are cleaning is inside of a cooler. Make sure to add a little ice at the bottom of the cooler to keep your food cold. Next, you will need to wipe down the inside using a cloth and a non-toxic cleaner. You should also remove all drawers and clean out from under them. By deep cleaning your refrigerator once a month it will help keep it sanitary and smelling great!

Allow Your Fridge To Cool

Once you have deep cleaned your refrigerator, you should allow it to cool before replacing any food. This will help the fridge get colder faster, and it will help protect your food from spoiling. You may be able to speed up this process by using the fast-cool function that many refrigerators have.

In Conclusion

Now that you know some great cleaning tips, why get started today?

By keeping your fridge clean, it will help keep your food safe and make your life much easier. Remember to deep clean at least once a month, and clean up any spills as quickly as possible.

The Benefits of maintaining a clean office environment

In the world of business, first impression matters. The appearance of your office paints a picture in the mind of potential clients who walk in your organization and sets the tone of the relationship that follows. Besides, the office is one of the most common hotbeds for bacteria proven to cause infections and diseases and proper office cleaning ensures that workers are in good health for maximum productivity.

It is important to keep your office neat and clean at all times as it will have a great impact on your business. Keep reading as we’ll talk about the positive benefits of maintaining a clean office environment to convince you why you should clean it and make it a better place to work.

1. Gives your office a professional look

When your office is well organized, neat and clean, it gives the impression that you’re efficient and you love your work. Taking care of little things in your offices such as dusting the surface paints a picture to your clients and visitors that you are enthusiastic about details and this will build and maintain a good relationship with them. Besides, a clean office gives a professional look and builds confidence to your clients that you can solve their problems.

2. Makes the office safer

Every employee desires to work in a safe place. However, accidents happen when we least expect but according to research, some of the accidents that take place in offices can be avoided through proper cleaning. For instance, ensuring that the floors are dry, no stationery lying around carelessly, or no cables are crisscrossing in your office makes your workspace safe. In other words, the office and ensuring that it’s well-arranged ensures that the risk of accidents in your office is greatly reduced.

3. Improved air quality

Dusty surfaces, upholstered office furniture or carpets can create poor air quality. However, if you maintain a consistent schedule to wipe down surfaces, clean the upholstery and vacuum your carpets, you will cut down on respiratory irritants and ensure that the overall air quality of your office is improved. According to experts, upholstery and carpets hold onto debris and dust from the air and enclose them firmly in their fibers, but a professional office cleaning keeps your workspace air clean and fresh.

4. Increased productivity

Without mental distraction or obstacles of clutter that a dirty and disorderly office causes, workers are more productive and happier. In a messy office, employees spend a lot of time cleaning up past projects or locating documents, but in a clean office environment, they remain focused and the level of stress is highly reduced. A happy worker is always a working employee and with increased productivity, high profit in an organization is a guarantee.

5. Increased customer satisfaction

There’s a relation between a clean office and customer satisfaction. When a customer visits your office, he will come back to buy from you based on the condition of your office. When your office is clean and well organized, it shows that your firm is serious about your business and image and convinces your customers that they can trust your products/services.

Bottom line

A clean and sanitized office environment denotes a high level of professionalism and shows your potential clients that you care about your employees and your brand. In fact, office cleaning connects the dots between employee performance and customer satisfaction and if you want your company to attract customers and make a good profit, ensure you clean your office environment regularly.

Bed Cleaning Tips

Did you know that human beings spend a third of their lives on the bed?

Well, if you had no idea, imagine how many hours you sleep at night and also the time you go to bed to unwind. With that information, therefore, the bed is one of the most important household items you should take care of especially in cleaning.

Proper bed cleaning can keep your bed clean for years and reduce allergens in your bedroom. A bed consists of many components but the most important ones are mattresses, sheets, comforters, pillows, and pillowcases. A clean bed is not only good for your health but also keeps your bedroom fresh.

Here are amazing tips on how to clean your bed.

1. Remove pillows and decorations from the bed

The best bed cleaning approach starts with stripping your bed. Remove the top layer of items such as pillows, toys, decorative pillows, blankets as well as other objects. Also, remove the pillowcases, sheets that are covering the mattress such as fitted sheets, top sheets and any other mattress protector you may have and throw them in your laundry basket. Fold your blankets and move the items to a different place to get ample space for cleaning your bed.

2. Wash your bedding and linens

After removing everything from the bed and the mattress is bare, it’s the right time to start cleaning. Wash the pillowcases, linens, and sheets in a washing machine. As a rule of thumb, ensure you carefully read the care labels when cleaning any fabrics and use hot water to kill dust mites or bacteria that could be hiding in your linens. Remove the mattress and clean the headboard, bed frame and footboard using a soft cloth and hot water.

3. Cleaning and deodorizing the mattress

Given that you spend as many as eight hours on your bed, you should pay special attention to your mattress and clean it using the following steps;

• Vacuum - First things first, you should vacuum your mattress to remove dead skin, dust, hair, mites, dust, and other debris. The top of the mattress should be vacuumed using a wide brush attachment, and a long upholstery nozzle to clean the corners and sides.

• Address fresh spills - If there are fresh spills on your mattress, address them first using cold water and a damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the spill as it will push it further into your mattress, and instead, blot it with the damp cloth until all the excess liquid is absorbed.

• Clean stains - Take a small bowl and mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Stir them gently using a spoon to create suds that will be effective in treating stains from drinks, food, and dirt. Take an old toothbrush, dip it into the suds and scrub on the affected areas gently. Wipe excess cleaner using a clean, damp cloth.

• Clean biological stains with an enzyme cleaner - An enzyme cleaner is effective in breaking down the proteins in urine, blood, vomit, sweat and any other biological stain. Therefore, take a clean cloth and spray enzyme cleaner on it. Blot the stained areas with a clean cloth to saturate it and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Use the same cloth to blot the area to get rid of the stain and finally blot the area using a cloth damped in cold water.

• Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress - After dealing with stains, clean and deodorize your mattress by sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda on the surface of the mattress. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb smells, other liquids left during stain cleaning, and break down acids.

• Vacuum the mattress once again - After allowing the baking soda to sit on the mattress for some time, vacuum it to get rid of baking soda. That way, you will take odors, acids and any other liquid absorbed by the baking soda. Lastly, let your mattress air out to allow any liquid left to dry out. According to experts, if your mattress traps moisture, it can lead to mold which will not be good for your health and therefore, ensure you give it time to dry.

Bottom line

A clean bed helps you sleep like a baby and wake up the next morning with energy to face the day ahead. Also, cleaning your mattress protects your investment in your bed. The above bed cleaning tips will help you clean like a pro. Once your bed is clean, make it even better with clean linens and enjoy quality sleep.

3 Things To Know When Buying A Vacuum

Let’s face it, vacuuming is an important key to keeping your home clean and it’s no surprise that you should have a quality vacuum cleaner in your cleaning closet. A vacuum cleaner makes cleaning easier as it sucks up debris and dirt and can as well remove pet hair, allergens, and more from your living space.

Whether you have plush carpeting or hard floors, a vacuum cleaner is what you need to keep your home tidy. According to research, vacuum cleaners use a cleaning head with a brush and a motor to generate power that sucks up debris into the nozzle which eventually travels to the dust collection bin or bag for later disposal. Some vacuums have specialized onboard filtration systems to entrap minute particles and prevent them from being released to the air via the vacuum’s exhaust.

Vacuum cleaners are available in all sizes and shapes with different features and use. With that in mind, choosing the best one for your home can be intimidating, but getting your hands on the right one can make a difference in your cleaning chores. Before spending your hard-earned money on a vacuum, here are three things you should know.

1. There’s a different type of vacuum for every need

There are different models and types of vacuums and that’s what makes shopping for the right one confusing. If your friend tells you that they bought the best vacuum for carpet cleaning, that doesn’t mean you can buy the same model for a different purpose. The truth is that vacuums are different for every need and you should ask yourself why you need one before purchase.

If you are not sure which type will suit your needs, focus on the features you’re looking for and surely, you’ll get your hands on the right one. If for instance you want a device that’s portable and can clean small spaced areas, a handheld vacuum will be perfect for you. If you want a vacuum you can excellently clean your house without the need to plug and unplug, a cordless model will suit you. The following are some of the most common categories of vacuum cleaner models to put into consideration;

• Upright – In this device, suction head and motor are contained in one unit and hence perfect for large houses and carpet cleaning

• Handheld – They can be corded or cordless. Interestingly, they are handy and can be used for quick bare floors and carpet cleaning. Also, some of the handheld vacuums can clean the interior of your car, while others can deal with pet hair on your furniture

• Canister – With their suction head and motor separated, these vacuums are perfect for cleaning stairs, bare floors and under furniture. Besides, their attachments are ideal for cleaning upholstery and drapes

• Robotic – They have a programmable device and can do all the cleaning as you relax. The newest models can be controlled on your Smartphone using an app

2. The best time to buy

Most people think that they can purchase a vacuum any time of the year. Well, even though that’s true, there’s the best time to make the purchase without straining the wallet. After discovering the vacuum that will meet your household needs, plan to shop during the spring cleaning sale season in April or May. Someone could ask the reason to buy during this season and because you’re reading this article, we’ll tell you. According to research, every year, April or May provides amazing discounts on vacuums and you can find yourself buying a high-quality vacuum at half price. This will ensure that you get your desired home cleaning assistant without breaking your bank.

3. There are many product specs you should read

Different types of vacuum cleaners come with different specifications and you should read them before committing to buying one. It goes without saying that you’d want a device with features that don’t compromise your expectations and to avoid disappointments, take your few minutes to read through the specs of your desired vacuum. If you don’t know where to start from, relax as there are few components to consider;

• Weight – Determine how heavy you want your vacuum to be depending on your household needs

• Cord length – If you prefer a corded model, make sure the cord is long enough to clean the entire room without the need to unplug

• Battery – If you desire a cordless model, ensure you get the right information on how long it will keep operating on a single charge

• Bag – Vacuum replacement bags can be expensive and if you don’t wish to purchase them from time to time, it would be wise to go for a bagless vacuum variety

The Bottom line

Modern vacuums come in a variety of sleek shapes, designs, and cool colors. While some people will go for shapes and other designs, it's worth investing in a vacuum that will do a good job as you’d want. Keep in mind that features may be appealing but you should spend your money on a device that fits your cleaning needs.

Three reasons why dusting is important

We all understand the challenges that come with dusting. Once you realize that dust has already built up in your home, you take the necessary measures to clean it and within a short period, it creeps up back again. We are human beings and we can get tired of doing the same thing over and over again.

But, before you throw your hands and ignore the dust, we will advise you that dust is not something to give up on. According to research, close to 50 million Americans report experiencing allergies yearly, and most of them are allergic to dust. Therefore, dusting should be considered as part of home cleaning activity, naturally. Besides giving surfaces a fresh look, dusting is extremely important. Keep reading as we educate you.

What is dust and where it’s located?

Dust can be defined as small particles that become mobile, travel and find their way back to the earth and land on chairs, blinds, tables, desks, windowsill and other surfaces around our home. Dust is composed of up to five thousand different small particles of materials such as animal dander, the skin we shed, soil particles, smoke and ashes, bacteria, pollen, hair, insect parts, fibers, fungi, and dust mites. If you reside in an area with smoke from factories or construction, dust can find its way in your home through venting and open windows especially if you don’t change or clean your heating and cooling filters regularly.

Importance of dusting

Now that you already know what dust is, the question that could be going through your head is, why is dusting so important? Let’s find out.

1. Dusting is good for a healthier environment

When dust collects on desks, upholstery, beddings, tabletops and other soft fabrics, it becomes easier for your entire family to breathe it in. What’s more, it can find its way in your HVAC system easily and circulate all over your home. The result is that every member of your family will be more susceptible to dry eyes, breathing issues and illness. Dust can as well spread contaminants that cause various diseases and if you’d want you and your family to live healthy year-round, make dusting part of your home cleaning chores. According to experts, pollen and other allergens can find their way in your house and when they become dust, they’ll make things uncomfortable for individuals with asthma and allergies. Most importantly, dust on the surface makes your home untidy and dusting ensures you and your family are living in a clean environment.

2. Protects your HVAC system

When you have dust in your apartment, it doesn’t just collect on the furniture or sit on baseboards, it also gets its way in your HVAC system. Most people will argue that it’s a good thing for the dust to be trapped in the filters, but the truth is that it also collects in the ductwork. Once the dust gets caught in the filter, the HVAC system will be forced to work harder in pushing air through the filters and eventually in your house. This is not only detrimental to the air quality but also damages your expensive system meaning that it will wear down a short period after buying it.

3. A better-looking home

Dusting your home regularly gives you peace of mind knowing that you are living in a dust-free environment. Besides, a clean home looks and feels better and provides a comfortable environment for you and your family to unwind. As a rule of thumb, ensure you pay special attention to places that are hard to reach such as along the windowsill and on the top of the fan blades. If you have pets, it is common for pet dander to spread faster and therefore, remember to vacuum your upholstery. According to experts, dusting ensures that dust doesn’t accumulate in your home and this makes daily routines such as cleaning easier.

Bottom line

Keeping your home dust-free is not always a walk in the park. But, if done correctly, dusting provides a healthier environment for you and your family to live in. If you have a busy schedule or you think dusting will be too much work for you, you don’t have a reason to risk your health as well as that of your household as you can seek home cleaning services in your area for professional dusting and have peace of mind knowing that you are living in a dust-free home.

Does Carpet Cleaning Ruin Them?

A person is likely to check on your carpet when he/she enters the living room. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to make it clean.

Carpet cleaning is necessary for everyone who has a carpet. Some people think that carpet cleaning can ruin the look of the carpets. Carpet cleaning won’t ruin your valuable asset if you use the right tools and processes.

How can carpet cleaning ruin your carpet? How can you prevent this?

This article will answer these questions.

1. Use gentle chemicals

Your carpet will remain intact if you use modern cleaners. The chemicals are gentle but firm and can penetrate the carpet fibres without ruining it. Carpet cleaning regularly can keep your carpet looking new.

Ensure that you test a carpet cleaner before you use it. You can test it on a small spot and see its effect before cleaning the entire carpet.

2. Don’t use too much water

Although you should rinse the cleaning products from the carpet, ensure that you regulate the amount of water. Ensure that you rinse the carpet and have it dry in a few hours. Use the right amount of cleaning chemical. The carpet will take longer to dry when you use too excess chemicals since you will to rinse over and over. Note that leaving the carpet with too much water can cause shrinking. Therefore, you should balance between chemicals and water to get the best results.

3. Don’t scrub

The first thing that people think of when they see a stain is scrubbing it. Removing stains by scrubbing can do more harm than good. Scrubbing can destroy the carpet fibres. The best way of removing stains is by blotting. Also, ensure that you don’t spread the stain while blotting. Blot from the outside and not the inside. All use white towels since colored ones may transfer their dyes to the carpet.

You should try to remove the stain as soon as you spot it. Stains become more stubborn when you fail to remove them quickly. You will need to use harsh chemicals to remove the stain, ruining the carpet instead.

4. Don’t use powder deodorants

Although powder deodorants are cheap, using them ruin your carpet. The deodorant can build-up in the carpet fibres, and vacuuming it may not remove them completely. The powder may mislead you into thinking that the carpet is clean since it has a good scent. Therefore, you should ensure that you use liquid deodorizers instead.

5. Deep clean the carpet at least once in a year

Surface cleaning is important but should rely on it since it doesn’t remove all the stains. Ensure that you deep clean them to prolong their life. Since deep cleaning is not easy, you should hire professionals to do the job.

Conclusion

Carpet cleaning can’t ruin your carpet if you do it properly. Ensure that you use the correct tools and chemicals. You should hire carpet cleaning professionals instead of doing it yourself. They have the skills and knowledge of how to clean your carpet without ruining it.

Green Cleaning Benefits to the Environment

If you’d like a meticulously fresh smelling and clean environment with no heavy chemical smells, green cleaning could be what you need. In layman’s language, green cleaning is the use of cleaning products, equipment, and practices that are environmental friendly in nature to not only protect the environment but also the health of individuals and animals in that environment. Employing green tactics aims at establishing a healthy, hygienic and fresh-smelling living environment that creates a sense of well being and therefore, it’s the best option for house cleaning. The following are some of the benefits green cleaning has on the environment.

1. Better air quality

Air is life simply because we breathe it all our lives. The use of materials and chemicals containing toxic chemicals emit volatile organic compounds in the air and can cause respiratory conditions. Besides, most people cannot withstand the smell that comes with strong chemical odors and if you are one of them, the best solution is to switch to eco-friendly cleaning products. Whether you prefer to make green cleaning products at home or buy at your nearest store, the fact is that they contain pleasant natural essential oils that will motivate you to do your cleaning every day without experiencing any health problem thanks to the better air quality.

2. Reduces environmental damage

The colorful and bright cleaners you grab at your nearest store may be promising to be a quick fix but they’re harmful to the environment in two major ways. One, the toxic chemicals released in waterways contaminate the natural water resources and two, the chemicals released in the air cause air pollution. Therefore, the best way you can help the environment is by going green. That way, you’ll end up preventing air and water pollution and control the global climate change and minimize ozone layer depletion. Again, there will be no toxic chemicals draining to natural water resources meaning that you’ll be saving aquatic life.

3. Less packaging waste

Traditional cleaners are packaged in different materials most of which cannot be recycled because the chemicals they contain are corrosive and dangerous. Fortunately, green cleaning products are not corrosive and therefore, they can successfully be packaged in environmentally friendly materials which can be recycled to minimize waste released in the environment. That way, you will end up living in a clean environment.

4. Makes your home safer

Many are the times when the chemicals we buy for domestic use have labels that warn us that they are either toxic or flammable. In fact, some chemicals such as ammonia and chlorine can be dangerous when mixed together and therefore, having them at home makes the environment unfavorable. According to experts, pets and small children are vulnerable to higher exposure to these chemicals due to their size Besides, the National Control Center reports that house cleaning supplies are among the things that put your family at risk and the only way to minimize this risk is by shifting to eco-friendly products that are not dangerous or toxic.

Final thought

We all want to work and live in clean and pleasant space and, eco-friendly or natural cleaning products are the best for our environment as they use natural ingredients that can never cause any danger. These products benefit your family and home as well as the surrounding environment because it doesn’t suffer from exposure to pollutants and toxins. If you are concerned with the environment you live in, then there is no better time to use green products than now and you’ll definitely take part in securing a better future for the upcoming generations.