Want to keep your home fresh and are ready to get on with some essential maintenance? Our expert approved tips will set you on your way to ensuring your home and the contents within are in tip top shape! Of course, we could probably come up with a few hundred items to-do but let's not get overwhelmed! We know this will really make a difference not only in aesthetics but also in the function of your home. We’ve divided this series into two parts. So you can start with this and we’ll soon email you Part II after you’ve had a few weeks.
So here’s to keeping your stress levels in check and keeping your home squeaky clean too!
1.) Give your oven some lovin!
Ovens can sometimes be ignored for a very long time and can build up a lot of gunk and grime. Thankfully, you don’t need much to restore it to its glory. According to Martha Stewart Living all you need is some baking soda and vinegar, and she recommends tackling your oven with these two ingredients every few weeks. Simply, scrub, leave for 10 minutes and wipe! For oven racks, these can sometimes take a little more work, but simply soak in warm water with a little dish detergent then apply a paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water) , leave overnight and then scrape off the next day.
2.) Keep your stainless steel gleaming!
Stainless steel is actually very easy to clean and at this time of the year it’s important to wipe it all thoroughly to ensure it’s sparkles like new. To keep stainless steel clean, all you need is soap and water. First, dampen a soft sponge with water and mild dish soap to wipe down the surface of your appliance. Then use a soft towel to wipe off soap residue. Finally, once the stainless steel has been fully rinsed, wipe off any remaining water with another dry soft towel. Avoid anything abrasive and if a stubborn fingerprint remains you can use a spray glass cleaner to touch clean the spot.
3.) Refresh your fridge!
The kitchen’s most used appliance can get pretty grimey and even smelly from time to time. First, we recommend to remove and hand-wash all removable shelves, wire racks, and drawers in hot water and mild dish soap. For stubborn stuck on food use a non-abrasive scrubber multiple times. Use 6 parts water to 1 park baking soda with a touch of lemon to wipe down inner walls and non removable shelves. Finally, add a open container with dry baking soda to the back shelf to deodorize it. Replace every 3-4 weeks.
4.) Cabinets that have made a come-back!
Cabinets can surely get their fair share of stains and fingerprints. That’s why it is a good idea to clean them at least once per year and ensure they are back to their tip-top looking condition. Most cabinet types — including metal, plastic laminate, painted wood, and vinyl cabinets — can be cleaned with liquid dish soap and warm water. We recommend using a spray bottle and wipe down from top to bottom with a thick cloth. You could repeat if they are exceptionally dusty or have stubborn fingerprints on them. Once the exteriors are clean, empty each cabinet and vacuum out any crumbs. Then repeat the same process as you did with the exterior. Allow to thoroughly dry before putting back in any items.
5.) Swipe Away Hard Water Stains
Hard water stains are everywhere, on your stainless steel appliances and in your bathroom, especially on shower glass doors. It may appear difficult but getting rid of hard water stains is actually pretty easy! In fact you can easily remove hard stains with vinegar. Simply split equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, apply liberally and you’re set. Be sure to let it sit for at least 15 minutes, and wipe clean.
6.) Unclog the drains
Although considered more maintenance, cleaning household drains usually gets put off until it’s past an acceptable level which isn’t good for your pipes. If you suspect that there's a clog in your bathtub or kitchen sink drain then you’ll need to clean up your plumbing with baking soda and vinegar. Simply pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of white distilled vinegar. Be sure to let it sit for around 15 minutes and then flush it out with hot water. Even if your drains are not clogged up you can do this to flush out any buildup that has accumulated every other month.
7.) Brush off your walls and baseboards
Your home’s walls and baseboards actually go through a lot of wear and tear - smudging, fingerprints, stains, dents and scuffs are just the beginning! Don't neglect them - and we promise once you give them a clean you will notice it immensely! First tackle dirty baseboards using the brush attachment on your vacuum or a small whisk broom to remove dirt and dust from the surface. Be sure to clean the crevice between the bottom of the baseboard and the floor as well. For the walls use a light duster especially in ceiling corners or a large dusting cloth.
Once your baseboards and walls are dusted, you'll want to tackle any food or dirt stains, particularly in your kitchen. Mix a bucket of warm water, liquid dish soap, and vinegar and use a melamine sponge or soft cloth to buff out stains. For the walls use a gentle sponge to remove scuffs or specifically a white wall eraser dabbed in water. After, dry the baseboards with a clean towel. Any marks on walls can usually air dry.
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