Leaving the nest is a big step for youngsters towards responsibility bearing. This step in life comes with its own challenges. It is, however, important to note that if you want to enjoy living in your new home, you have to keep it clean. This will make your place comfortable and attractive.
Cleaning is a tough job and not many people like it, especially if they did not get the right training during their childhood. But, there is nothing to be scared of. You can always learn and continually improve your skills until you become a master.
To begin with, make sure you have the right materials to clean your home with. These will correspond to different areas of your home you want to clean.
Tackling the kitchen
The kitchen forms a very critical part of a home. It is where food is prepared and thus must be maintained clean at all times. You will need to clean dishes, stove eyes, counter tops, kitchen clothes, and furniture surfaces. All of these will require specialized cleaning materials.
Buy a quality dishwashing detergent and scouring pads for your dishes. Countertops and kitchen surfaces often accumulate grease. For this reason, a grease cutting agent will do the trick to keep them sparkling clean. Lock away the utensils you are not in need of and make it a habit to clean dishes soon after using them. Also, do not throw leftovers in the sink as it may block easily.
Cleaning the bathroom
The bathroom has a wide range of surfaces to clean. You will need a bleaching agent that can easily dissolve body spray stains, soap scum, and oils. Body dirt also accumulates over time and needs to be cleaned thoroughly.
Before you handle these cleaners, make sure you wear protective gloves. Wet the tub and tiles with hot water. Spray the surfaces evenly with the cleaner and give it time to dissolve the dirt. Use scrubbing pads to remove the dirt then rinse the surfaces clean.
If you have a glass bathroom, avoid using abrasive cleaners and pads or brushes. Use a nonabrasive cleaner to keep your glass clear and attractive.
You cannot afford to neglect the toilet. This is one area of the house that must be kept clean and germ-free. If you use hard water in your house, your toilet bowl will occasionally accumulate notorious stains. To keep such stains at bay, use cleaning vinegar. Apply the vinegar about two hours before you start cleaning. This will give it time to dissolve the stains. Scrub using a brush and rinse thoroughly.
Tidying up the living room
The living room is the face of your home that visitors see when they call. You need to keep it neat and presentable. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck out dust from drapes, carpets, and couches.
Note that carpets harbour foul odours, especially during wet seasons. To get rid of such, sprinkle some baking powder on the carpet and let it settle for a while before you clean it. Do not forget the ceiling and lamps, where cobwebs and dust easily colonize. Use a wet rag to wipe clean wooden furniture and appliances. You will need a mild detergent to do the trick.
Move the furniture to reach areas that are not easily accessible. You can use a broom to sweep loose dirt and then wipe the floor with a wet duster to remove the fine particles. Clean bookshelves and take some time to arrange their contents neatly. Do not forget to clean the windows and door handles as well.
Cleaning your bedroom
Your bedroom is a precious part of your home. This is where you retreat to rest and unwind after a tough day at work. It is thus important to keep it clean and neat to make it cozy. Make sure that clothes are neatly kept in the wardrobes and there are no items littered around.
Sweep the floor and mop it with a duster. Occasionally, sprinkle baking powder on your mattress and let it settle for some time then vacuum it.
Finally, make sure your home is well ventilated, always. This keeps your house fresh and expels foul smells. Empty the dustbin daily, and seek to observe your set cleaning routine religiously.
Special thanks to Beverly Jenkins for providing us with this article. Beverly is proud of her staff at The Tidy Maids house cleaning service in Raleigh, NC. She has 24 years of experience in house cleaning, customer service, and business operations. She knows all the tips and tricks and do-it-yourself hacks when it comes to cleaning and her clients’ homes are the best proof for that.
