38 cleaning secrets to help you get the perfect clean

On the kitchen

1. Sink

The kitchen sink is the most attractive place for germs. There's even more6 surprisingly dirty places in your home / WebMD bacteria than under the rim of the toilet. Therefore, the sink should be cleaned and disinfected every week.

Suitable for stainless steel soda and lemon juice. Mix the ingredients to make a paste, apply it to the sponge and scrub the inside of the sink in the direction of the metal texture.

An enamelled sink is best done with a mild baking soda and water scrub and a microfiber cloth.

2. Dishwasher

It is recommended to clean it once a month. You can do this with white vinegar. Pour it into a machine-washable cup or bowl, place it on the top shelf and start the cycle at the warmest temperature.

If you don't like the smell vinegar and you do not want to use this method, sprinkle the bottom of the machine with one glass of baking soda and turn on the hot water mode.

To clean the drain hose, unplug it, use a soapy sponge or toothbrush and remove any food debris and mold, if present.

3. Oven

It can be cleaned to a shine with a mixture of baking soda and water. Remove all trays and racks first. Soak them for a few hours with detergent and then scrub with a sponge.

When the oven is empty, make a paste using ¾ cup baking soda and ¼ cup warm water. Spread the mixture over the interior, avoiding bare metal surfaces and doors, and leave overnight. In the morning, remove the remaining product with a plastic spatula, moistening the surface as needed.

Repeat the procedure every few weeks to maintain oven clean.

4. Microwave

Detergents that are too harsh, bleach and other harsh chemical solutions can damage the inside of the microwave.

Try regular gel instead. for dish washing. Heat a glass of water in the oven for 2-3 minutes. Leave the door closed for a few more minutes to fill the microwave with steam, then wipe the inside with a sponge and dishwashing liquid.

If the method does not work, mix the baking soda and water in a 3: 1 ratio and remove the dirt with this paste and a microfiber cloth.

Don't forget about the outside of the microwave too. It can be cleaned with regular soap and water.

5. Hotplates

Remove the grate from the stove and soak it in a non-toxic degreaser. Then remove the burners and treat the stove with the same product. Use a soft sponge to scrub the grease off the surface, then go over it paper towels. Scrub the grates and hotplates thoroughly with a nylon brush.

Try to stay away from harsh agents. Gentle cleaning gives an equally effective result.

6. Hob

Cleaning the hob seems to be as simple as possible - you wipe it down, and that's it! However, sometimes oil stains and burnt food still remain. Soda, water and vinegar will help to cope with them.

Mix baking soda with water in a 3: 1 ratio and spread the resulting paste evenly over the surface with a brush or spatula. Then, pour some vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the hob, and place hot, wet towels on top. After 30 minutes, remove them and wipe the panel in a circular motion.

7. Stainless steel surfaces

Stainless steel is one of the most non-whimsical materials from a maintenance point of view. All you need is soap and water. Dampen a soft sponge with this solution and wipe the surface. Wipe off any residue with a regular dishcloth, then wipe it off with a clean, dry towel.

If there are fingerprints on the metal, use a glass cleaner. The main thing is not to abrade stainless steel surfaces, otherwise the material may be scratched.

8. Sponges

The kitchen sponge should be changed every two weeks or at least once a month. It depends on how often you use it.

If you still decide clean the spongeInstead of replacing, mix ¾ cup of bleach with 3.7 liters of water, leave the product in this mixture for 5 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with water.

9. Fridge

First, remove all hand-washed shelves from it and thoroughly clean the case with hot water and soap. Food stains can be covered with a warm, damp cloth for a couple of minutes to soften them, and then wiped off with any non-abrasive cleaner.

To clean shelves and other parts that cannot be removed, mix 1: 7 baking soda and water. Treat all surfaces with the mixture, and then dry thoroughly.

To eliminate the unpleasant smell Put the baking soda in a bowl and leave it on the bottom shelf for a couple of hours.

10. Coffee maker

It is important not only to wash the removable parts of the coffee maker with soap and water after each use, but also remove limescale deposits every month.

To do this, fill the tank with a mixture of vinegar and water in equal proportions. Start a brewing cycle, prepare half of the “drink” and turn off the coffee maker. After an hour, turn it back on and cook the other half.

Drain the used vinegar solution into a sink, then thoroughly rinse the reservoir and filter container. Then add plain water to the tank and start three more brewing cycles without coffee. Change the water and take breaks 5-7 minutes after each cycle.

11. Toaster

Make sure the toaster is turned off. Remove the crumb tray carefully. Wash and dry it.

Wipe the outside of the appliance with a damp cloth and mild soap. If you have toaster stainless steel, you can use a little vinegar. It will add radiance to the surfaces.

12. Glass beakers

Experts advise cleaning them with white vinegar. Soak a small dishcloth or rag in it and wipe the glasses, then rinse with water. You can soak them in the same vinegar for 15 minutes.

13. Lockers

Most kitchen cabinets, including metal, plastic, laminate, vinyl and wood, can be cleaned with a solution of liquid soap and warm water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, apply to the outside of the furniture, wipe with a rag and dry thoroughly. For stubborn stains, use a paste of baking soda and water and a soft brush.

Once the outside of the cabinets are dry, remove all of the contents and vacuum to remove any crumbs. Then you can wipe the inner surfaces with warm water and a mild detergent and leave to dry.

Remember to tidy up food containers and other utensils before putting them back in place.

14. Countertops

When caring for marble, quartz, granite or laminate countertops, avoid acidic cleaners. Better to use hot water and some dish soap. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, apply to surfaces and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

This recipe is also suitable for cutting tables and concrete countertops. Moisten them and wipe thoroughly with a dishwashing sponge or plastic-bristled brush.

15. Pots and pans

If the cookware is made of cast iron and covered with enamel, fill it about a quarter with water and let it boil. Add two tablespoons of baking soda, stir and continue to simmer for a couple of minutes. Then pour everything out and rinse the dishes with warm water.

Non-stick pans can also be cleaned in another way. Pour in water so that it completely covers the bottom and add baking soda to make a thick paste. Leave it on for a few hours and then wash the dishes as usual.

In the bathroom

1. Shower cabin

Most often, she looks untidy due to divorces. Getting rid of them is easy. Mix equal proportions of vinegar and water, spray the mixture on panels and doors with a spray bottle, let sit for 15 minutes and wipe clean.

2. Shower

Shower can often accumulate bacteriatherefore it needs to be cleaned regularly. White vinegar works well for this.

Fill half of a regular plastic bag with it, hang the bag over the shower, completely immerse the watering can in it and secure with tape or thin rope. It is better to leave this structure for a few hours. If the watering can is made of brass or nickel, soak it in the vinegar for no more than 30 minutes.

If any dirt remains after such a procedure, brush the watering can with an old toothbrush, and then rinse with hot water.

3. Floor tiles

In the seams between the tiles in the bathroom, it often starts mold. It is best removed with special cleaning agents or a 1: 10 mixture of bleach and water.

4. Toilet bowl

Use half a glass of bleach to clean the toilet, starting from under the rim. Rub the surface with a brush, leave for 5 minutes and rinse. Then return the cleanliness to the outer parts of the toilet.

5. Rug

This is a favorite spot for mold and bacteria and should be cleaned at least every 2-3 weeks. Check the label before doing this - it often contains important instructions.

Microfiber or chenille lint mats can usually be machine washable at low temperatures with the addition of a mild laundry detergent. And it is also better to dry at the lowest temperature.

Plastic or rubberized mats can be washed and dried in the same way. The main thing is not to set the drying temperature too high, otherwise the material will crack or even melt.

6. Bath drain

If you suspect that your drain is clogged, or you simply haven't cleaned it for a long time, try using baking soda and vinegar. Place half a cup of baking soda in the drain and add half a cup of white alcohol vinegar. Leave it on for a couple of minutes and then wash off with hot water.

7. Washer

To remove dirt, mold and other unpleasant substances that can form during regular washing, run the hottest cycle with two glasses of vinegar instead of powder. Then mix about a quarter cup of vinegar and about 900 ml of water and wipe the inside of the machine by hand with a sponge or old toothbrush.

Finish the procedure by running another hot setting, but this time without powder or vinegar.

In the living room

1. Furniture

Vacuum it first. Then, in a small bucket, mix warm water and half a teaspoon of dish soap. Lightly dampen a furniture brush in the solution and gently stroke the upholstery. Finally, wipe the surface with a clean and slightly damp cloth.

2. Ceiling fan

If you have one, you know firsthand how much dust it collects. But you can easily get rid of it.

Place a pillowcase over the blade and begin to gently pull the fabric from the center of the fan towards the end of the blade. All dust and dirt will remain in the pillowcase, which can then be easily shaken out and washed.

In the bedroom

1. Decorative pillows and textiles

Proper care of your textiles is highly material dependent, so be sure to check the labels.

Silk and velvet is usually cleaned with anhydrous detergents, while other materials, such as cotton or polyester, can be cleaned with regular detergents and water.

It is better to wash pillows and bedspreads on a delicate cycle at a low temperature, and then let them dry. Remember to handle pillowcases and pillows separately.

If you prefer to use a sponge, squeeze some furniture cleaner onto it, rub the pillow in a circular motion, and wipe off any residue with a clean white cloth.

2. Mattress

It should be cleaned at least several times a year. Remove the bedding and vacuum the mattress from all sides. Then, combine a glass of baking soda and a few drops of lavender oil and sprinkle directly onto the mattress through a sieve. Leave it on for a few hours and vacuum it again.

Stains on mattress can be removed with a paste of two tablespoons of baking soda and salt and 100 ml of soap solution. Rub the paste over the dirt, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then walk around with a clean, damp cloth.

In the hall

1. Wardrobe

If a strange aroma has settled in it, soda will help - just leave an open pack inside, and the product will absorb odors for a whole year. The main thing is to place the package so that it does not wake up.

You can also get rid of the smell by treating the floor. Mix 3.7 liters of warm water, half a cup of vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda. Wipe the floor first with this solution, then with clean water and let dry.

2. Shoes

Use detergent, vinegar, and baking soda to remove odors from your boots and shoes.

If shoes machine washable, add a glass of white vinegar to a small amount of suitable detergent and use warm water.

If the shoe can only be cleaned by hand, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda inside so that it completely covers the insoles. Leave it on overnight and remove the baking soda the next day.

All over the apartment

1. Skirting boards

A special nozzle will help remove dust. vacuum cleaner or a duster. Don't forget about the gaps between the floor and the baseboards.

If they are stained or smudged, mix warm water with a little liquid soap and vinegar in a bucket and scrub the surfaces with a melamine sponge or soft cloth. Finally, wipe the baseboards dry with a clean cloth.

2. Carpet

It can be easily tidied up without expensive tools. Mix 1: 3 white vinegar with water to create your own solution that is equally effective. Dip a brush in it and scrub the carpet gently. After processing, remove excess moisture with a clean cloth.

3. Wood floors

Vinegar works best for them. Prepare a solution of 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar and 3.7 liters of lukewarm water.

Sweep or vacuum floors to remove dust and small debris. Then pour the solution into a bucket and use a flat mop and microfiber cloth.

Do not wet your floors too much, as excess moisture can ruin wood surfaces and cause distortions and other defects.

4. Blinds

They collect dust frequently. To get rid of it, you need a vacuum cleaner with a small brush attachment, a dust broom or a microfiber cloth.

If you have roller blinds blinds or wooden blinds, close them, vacuum or dust as usual.

To clean metal or plastic slats, mix warm water with a couple of drops of liquid soap and white vinegar in equal proportions, soak a sponge in the resulting mixture, squeeze it and wipe each crossbar.

Furniture polish is suitable for wooden blinds, and products made of microfiber or fabric can be gently wiped with warm water and a drop of liquid soap.

5. Curtains and curtains

First of all, study the information on the label. If there are no specific instructions for a washing machine, use cold water and some mild laundry detergent. Curtains and drapes made from delicate materials such as lace should be washed in a mesh bag or by hand.

And if you don't want to remove the curtains, use steam cleaner.

6. Window

First, vacuum the frames or dust them off with a special brush. If there are bars on the windows and they are dirty, wash them with hot water and soap, and then rinse with clean water and let dry.

The glass can be cleaned with a household cleaner. Mix two cups of water, half a cup of vinegar, and a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol. Apply the mixture to the glass and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

7. Bin

Remove all debris from it, including food or packaging leftovers adhering to the bottom and sides. Shower the bucket, sprinkle with disinfectant on all sides, then scrub thoroughly with a nylon-bristled brush. Rinse the container again with water and let dry thoroughly.

8. Mirror

Use half a glass of distilled water, half a glass of white vinegar, and one tablespoon of cornstarch to clean it without streaks. Mix all the ingredients, pour into a spray bottle and process the mirror. Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth or crumpled newspaper from top to bottom, repeating the shape of the English letter S.

Stubborn stains can be removed with a cloth dampened with alcohol. Wipe the tricky areas this way first, then use water, vinegar, and cornstarch.

9. Desk lamp

On fabric lampshades, first sweep a microfiber cloth or vacuum cleaner with a special attachment to remove dust. Then fill the tub with warm water, add a couple drops of mild laundry detergent or dish soap, dip the lampshade into the tub and scrub with a microfiber cloth. Drain the dirty water and rinse the fabric, then let it dry.

For plastic lampshades, after cleaning from dust, it is better to use a solution of warm water and a few drops of a mild dishwashing detergent. Wipe the surface with it - and lamp will look like new again.

10. Makeup brushes

For them, not only a special cleaning agent that is sold in cosmetics stores is suitable, but also, for example, baby shampoo. Rinse first brushes water, and then gently massage the shampoo into the bristles. Then rinse the tools until the water is completely clear.