Everyone’s relieved the economy is reopening. After months stuck at home, it’s such a thrill to be able to go out for a coffee or a quick lunch. The kids have returned to school. It’s a lot easier now for mum and dad who are still working from home.
After three months of quarantine, what is the state of your home? During quarantine, life at home would have been hectic. If you’ve overlooked a few essential household tasks now is the time to get your house back into shape by catching up on all the duties you’ve sidelined during the coronavirus quarantine.
Here are 7 amazing cleaning hacks that will make your post-iso house cleaning super easy.
1. Carpet and timber flooring
The carpet and flooring in the home have taken quite a beating with everyone at home during the quarantine. In the winter months, your carpet will need more than just a thorough vacuum. Winter is the start of the flu season. This year, we also have the threat of the coronavirus. Now that restrictions have been lifted, you may want to consider booking a professional carpet steam cleaning for your home.
Steam cleaning is the most effective way to kill harmful allergens in the carpet and on rugs. It is also helpful in preventing the spread of the flu. Need help finding a good carpet cleaner in your area? Call the team at Calibre.
2. The couch
If the kids have been bingeing on Netflix during iso, you need to give the couch a thorough vacuum and wipe down. Take the cushions out and vacuum to remove any dirt and food debris trapped underneath. Wipe wood and metal frames with a simple solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water. The dishwashing liquid you use must be fragrant free because acid-based solutions like lemon may react with the timber. If you have removable couch covers, take them out and wash according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dry in the sun or shade.
Here’s Why Professional Upholstery Cleaning is Important
3. The Bathroom
After weeks of extreme use, the bathroom deserves a proper clean to get it out of its iso state. Cleaning the bathroom doesn’t have to be a long and messy task if you follow our simple bathroom cleaning hacks:
Baths and sinks
Make it easy by using a damp microfibre cloth and a multipurpose spray. If you use a spray that states: ‘Kills 99.9% bacteria’ you will also be disinfecting the bathroom to keep it any viruses away. Don’t forget to clean around the plug holes and taps because these are the areas where germs and mould are most likely to linger.
If you have a granite sink, use a gentle cleanser to prevent scratching. Calibre’s best tips for cleaning granite sinks: Use a simple solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid or a solution of white vinegar and warm water.
Grout
Grout on tiles gets dirty very quickly. To remove any discolouration, use diluted bleach and an old toothbrush. If you are considering retiling, try using format tiles or mega slabs to minimise future grout problems. Here’s some tips on How to Clean Grout: The Best Grout Cleaning Tips
Shower stall
Try getting the kids to leave the shower door open after they have used it. That way, the steam from their shower can dissipate into the air. Soap scum on shower doors can be removed with white vinegar. Wash your shower curtain in the washing machine.
Toilet bowl
Clean with a toilet cleaner. Use an old toothbrush to brush along the rim. Don’t forget to clean the top and sides as well as the flush button. Calibre’s top tip for removing yellow stains from the toilet bowl. Make a baking powder paste. Apply with an old pastry brush. Leave for a few minutes then flush as normal. Very fuss-free and you will be amaze with the results.
Looking for a natural way to disinfect the toilet bowl? Try a lavender spray. It is a natural disinfectant that smells great.
4. The Kitchen
After dozens of family meals, the kitchen deserves some TLC now that lockdown is over.
Calibre’s top kitchen cleaning hacks:
Microwave
Fill a large bowl with water and a few slices of lemon. Start the microwave until the water starts to boil. Leave the door closed while the steam inside the microwave dissolves the grime.
Oven
Consoling yourself with coronavirus baking lately? The oven needs solid cleaning. If you are using an oven cleaner, please read the instructions carefully before you start.
Baking soda is a less toxic alternative to commercial oven cleaner. When cleaning the oven don’t forget to remove the oven racks and soak them in the sink. Use a scrub pad to remove stubborn stains. To clean the oven with baking soda, make a paste of baking powder and vinegar. Brush over surfaces with an old pastry brush. Leave for several minutes and wipe clean.
Stovetop
Glass cooktops can be cleaned using dishwashing liquid, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Use a scrubbing brush to remove stubborn stains. Leave to sit for several minutes then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Stove grates
Remove from the stove. Soak in the kitchen sink with boiled water and dishwashing liquid. Use a scrub brush to remove stubborn stains. Wash and dry. Simple!
Rangehood vents
Remove the filters. Fill the kitchen sink with hot water and add ¼ cup of borax. Soak for 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
Hard surfaces
Keep the family safe with regular wiping and disinfecting. Clean the surfaces first with a simple solution of dishwashing solution and water. Spray disinfectant and leave to dry.
Jugs and Kettles
To remove limescale from jugs and kettles, fill with water. Set to boil then add white vinegar. Leave for several minutes to soak. Rinse with cold water. Fill the jug again and boil. Repeat.
5. The bedrooms
The kids’ bedrooms are going to need a thorough vacuum and some serious Marie-Kondo declutter. Include a good sanitising regime with the cleaning to keep germs and bacteria away.
When vacuuming the room, don’t forget all the hidden places like under and around the bed.
READ: How to Clean a Mattress at Home: 5 Steps
6. TV remotes, game consoles, keyboards and toys
After weeks at home, these items will be quite grubby. Problem with sticky keyboards? Use rubbing alcohol soaked in a cotton bud. The same alcohol wipes can be used on computer keyboards, game consoles, toys and TV remotes.
7. Windows
Clean windows with a store-bought window cleaner or a simple solution of vinegar and water. To use vinegar to clean windows, mix a part of vinegar with four parts cold water in a spray bottle. Spray onto surfaces and wipe away with a clean microfibre cloth or kitchen towels. Your windows will have a lingering scent of vinegar, but this will not last. If you don’t like the scent, keep the windows opened until the air has circulated. NOTE: The same solution can be used to polish mirrors in the home.
If you hate cleaning windows, call the team at Calibre. We’ll find you a reliable window cleaner who will come to your home and do a brilliant job. Our services are available in various cities in Australia, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. End of lease cleaning services are also available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.