The A-Z guide of cleaning hacks
Your pantry and garden are great sources for items to keep your home sparkling clean and save you a trip to the supermarket. Check out these top tips for success.
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With more people at home during the pandemic, things are getting dirty faster, and keeping up with the mess can be a challenge.
And while there’s not just one way to clean your living space, there is a smarter way to get the job done – before you jump on the next Zoom call.
The pandemic has seen a rise in cleaning enthusiasts using social media apps such as TikTok to teach hacks to clean homes better and faster, using unexpected tools and creative tidying techniques.
Bunnings’ research shows that 50 per cent of Australians spring clean annually, and 53 per cent of people say their bedroom is the room most in need of attention.
Founder of home organisation website Belle Abode and “cleanstagrammer” Belle Saff says keeping a clean home can prevent the risk of contamination and improve your mental health.
Here she provides her top hacks to help you clean swiftly and efficiently, going from A-Z.
Apple cider vinegar is a great all-round kitchen cleaner, as it contains natural antiseptic. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water and use it to clean the entire kitchen.
Bicarbonate of soda removes odours from carpet. Sprinkle over the area and vacuum after an hour.
Citrus is perfect for cleaning taps and stainless steel areas to get them sparkling.
Dust can be removed from your lamp shades using a lint roller.
Eucalyptus oil is a fantastic floor cleaner. Add four parts of hot water to one part vinegar and a lid’s worth of eucalyptus.
Foil is a great way to clean baking dishes. Add dishwashing liquid, scrunch up the foil and scrub.
Glass that has been dropped and broken can be removed safely by pressing a slice of bread on the shards.
Hairspray removes pen and permanent markers from walls. Simply spray and wipe.
Indoor plants can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Support the leaves with one hand while wiping with the cloth.
Jif cleaner can remove bench stains. Spread evenly and let dry, then scrub with a non-scratch scourer.
Kettle descaling is easy with a lemon. Add half a lemon to the water and boil three times.
Lemon wedges in a dishwasher will leave your dishes sparkling while giving a refreshing citrus scent.
Mould can be fixed with vinegar as it gets to the root of the mould spores and kills it. Mix four parts vinegar and one part water and scrub the affected area.
Natural home deodorisers are easy to make. Simply place lemon wedges in water and boil. This releases a citrus fragrance, filling the room with a refreshing scent.
Oil stains can be removed with bicarbonate of soda or salt, as they absorb oil.
Pet hair is easily removed from carpet with a rubber squeegee.
Q-tips (cotton buds) get between the keys to clean computer keyboards.
Rubbing alcohol is a natural disinfectant and can clean thermometers and jewellery. Mix two parts rubbing alcohol to one part water in a spray bottle.
Steam irons are a natural way to kill bacteria in mattresses without leaving moisture.
Toothpaste can be used to clean your wedding rings.
Unclog your sinks by pouring bicarb soda and vinegar in them. Do this weekly to maintain them.
Vinegar can help to soften clothes. Add white vinegar to your regular wash cycle. It also helps remove lint.
Windows can be cleaned and left streak free using a mixture of 1 cup water, 1 tbs white vinegar, 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 tsp eucalyptus oil.
X-Range by Enviroplus is an alternative multipurpose cleaner for those who prefer to buy rather than make their products.
Ylang ylang essential oils make good disinfectants for bathrooms. Add eight drops ylang ylang, eight drops lavender oil and 1 tbs vinegar to a bucket of water and clean.
Zest from citrus can be used in cleaners. Cover zest with a little vinegar, infuse for a couple of weeks, then strain. Add infused vinegar to water in a spray bottle and use.