No matter how often you clean your house, there are always areas that end up neglected. Some are too out of the way and easy to forget while others just take too much time and effort. But it doesn’t have to be that way anymore.
Deep cleaning your house shouldn’t be something you dread. Instead, try a few of these tips. It will make the job easier and you’ll end up with a little more free time in the end.
1. Toilet siphons
You probably clean your toilet on a regular basis, but how often do you clean the toilet siphons? Trust me; it’s time. You’ll have to start by turning off the water to your toilet and flushing to empty out the remaining water in the bowl. Then cover all of your toilet siphons with duct tape and make sure it’s on tightly. Pour vinegar into the toilet tank and flush, which will cause the vinegar to get trapped in the siphons. Let this sit overnight and in the morning, remove the duct tape and turn the water back on.
2. Porcelain sink
Different types of sinks require different types of cleaning. For porcelain sinks, start by sprinkling a fine layer of baking soda into the sink and scrubbing over it with a sponge. After you’ve worked in the soda, pour a little hydrogen peroxide onto the sponge and scrub more. Let it sit for about 20 minutes and then rinse everything down the drain.
3. Electric stove burners
If you can remove your electric stove burners, then you can clean them with nothing more than dish soap and baking soda. Start by squirting a little dish soap onto a damp cloth and wipe down the burners. Make a paste of water and baking soda and gently rub it onto the burners. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing it off. When the burners are completely dry, you can put them back on the stove.
4. Glass cooktop
Since you can’t remove the burners from a glass cooktop, it requires a different method of cleaning, but the same ingredients. Submerge a rag into hot, soapy water and let it soak while you spread a thick layer of baking soda over the cooktop. Take out the soapy rag and squeeze out half the water before laying it over the baking soda. Leave it for 15 minutes and then use the rag to scrub over the baking soda. Finish by drying the cooktop with a clean, dry cloth.
5. Cloth couches
With the exception of leather ones, most couches can be cleaned the same way. Start by brushing over the fabric with a stiff brush and then sprinkle on a layer of baking soda, which you’ll leave for at least 20 minutes before you vacuum over it with the brush attachment. Use your favorite brand of cleaner (or make your own) to scrub over any stains and then allow the couch to dry.
6. Brooms
Brooms and dustpans can get really gross after a few uses, but most people just stick them back in the closet until they’re needed again. Doing this just spreads dirt and germs, though. Next time you finish sweeping, soak your broom for an hour in a bucket of warm water and dish soap. Let it air dry and then put it away. For your dustpan, spray it with disinfectant after each use.
7. Area rugs
Most people probably have their area rugs professionally cleaned, but the cost of that can quickly add up. Next time you notice a stain or two on your rug, try this method: Lay out the rug on a flat, cement surface (like your driveway) and spray it down with a hose until it’s completely saturated. Pour a small amount on laundry detergent all over the rug, especially on any stains. Spray the hose over it again and then brush it out with a large bristle brush. Let it sit in the sun for a couple hours before using the hose again to remove all remaining detergent. Roll the rug tightly to squeeze out the rest of the water and then stand it up to dry.
8. Pillows
While most people wash their pillowcases often enough, how many times have you washed your pillows? It’s pretty easy, so don’t hesitate to try it. Put two pillows into the washing machine and wash them on hot with an extra rinse cycle. Use your regular detergent along with 1 cup of bleach. When you dry the pillows, toss a couple clean tennis balls in with them to help re-fluff the pillows.
9. Vent covers
Metal vent covers are incredibly easy to clean as long as you can remove them without trouble. First, wipe off the dust and cobwebs with a paper towel and then put the vent covers into your dishwasher. Run a short cycle of water only, remove the covers and immediately dry them with a towel. Finish up by reattaching the covers.
10. Oven
If you want to deep clean the inside of your oven door, try this terrific treatment. Start by combining 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1/8 cup of dish soap and 2 cups of hot water in a spray bottle. Shake it up well, then spray it all over the inside of your oven door. Add a thick layer of baking soda to the door, and spray again. Leave it overnight, and in the morning wipe it away with a damp, soapy cloth.
11. Stop towels from smelling like mildew
If towels sit damp for any amount of time, towels can become rather stinky. The solution is in your kitchen. Wash the smelly towels in hot water with one cup of vinegar and no detergent. If they still smell, wash again on hot with 1/2 cup baking soda. This process help strips the buildup holding onto the mildew smell.
12. Window tracks
Window tracks are hard to clean. Make it quicker and easier with baking soda and vinegar. Simply sprinkle baking soda in the track and add vinegar to start a fizzy reaction. Let the solution work its magic for 1o to 15 minutes. Use an old toothbrush, paper towels and a butter knife wrapped in a cleaning rag to clean out the gunk with ease.
13. Dishwasher
Regularly cleaning your dishwasher keeps gunk and hard water stains at a minimum. You can perform a hands-off cleaning once a month using the power of vinegar and baking soda. Start by placing a cup of white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher and running a hot water cycle. Next sprinkle the bottom of the dishwasher with baking soda. Run another cycle. You will be amazed how easy it is to keep your dishwasher fresh and clean using this method!
