Take advantage of the change of season to tackle the general cleaning of the house. With the usual products and ingenious tricks, it will be impeccable.
1- ORDER IN DRAWERS AND CABINETS
As in the rest of the house, the basic rule prevails: they are cleaned from top to bottom to prevent dirt from falling on areas that have already been cleaned.
With the vacuum cleaner, suck up the dust accumulated in the corners and the joints of shelves and drawers. Next, pass a cloth drained into the water with neutral soap over the sides and bars, and dry.
2- THE SHINY TILES
Put on gloves and open the window. Ammonia removes fat, and vinegar removes limescale. Mix each splash with a pint of water and a dash of non-bleach dishwashing liquid. With a flower sponge, clean tiles, and joints. Rinse with a cloth moistened in water and dry immediately with a cloth.
3- DON’T FORGET THE WALLS
Although it may not seem like it, dust and cobwebs also accumulate in them. Remove pictures, mirrors, and any other decorative elements. Please take the opportunity to clean the dust also on the back of each of them. Cover the broom with a dry microfiber cloth and go over the entire wall, from the ceiling to the floor.
4- A SPARKLING SINK
Cut a lemon in half, add salt to the pulp and rub vigorously. Rinse with hot water and dry with a cloth. To avoid foul odors, pour a splash of hot water with baking soda down the drain. Decorate the area with pots of aromatic herbs and details, and it will gain charm.
5- THAT DELICATE CROCKERY
Antique porcelain should be washed with lukewarm water, as hot water can crack it. If there are old stains, make a mixture with 1/4 cup of cream of tartar – used for cooking – and a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Apply with gloves and a soft sponge, and rinse. Opera support leaves the flower and steel sponges as the diva’s hair.
6- CEILING LAMPS
Never clean them on or hot. Prepare a mixture of 3/4 parts water and 1/4 part alcohol-based and ammonia, halfway. Protect the floor with plastic and spray the mixture on the screen without reaching the cables.
7- CARPETS: ALL TO THE GROUND!
Vacuum them from the right and from the reverse to remove dust. If the furniture legs have left marks, apply an ice cube, and it will return to its original shape. The most practical thing in areas exposed to stains is to place a washable rug, such as Stripes.
8- SPOTLESS WHITE CLOTHES
The passage of time can cause yellow spots to appear on it. To eliminate them, prepare warm water in a basin. Add the juice of two lemons and soak the clothes for 30 minutes. Afterwards, wash it on a hot water program and hang it in direct sunlight—magenta tub, Flower Power folding clothesline, with the hooks and basket with 12 pegs.
9- KITCHEN FURNITURE
They coexist with splashes of fat, steam, and ingredients that leave their mark. Empty its contents and clean the interior and the fronts with warm water and a splash of ammonia. Dry instantly.
So that they remain in good condition from one cleaning to the next, line the internal shelves and the bottom of the drawers with specific plastic paper for kitchen cabinets. Lightly padded, it will protect them from scratches from pots and pans and dripping oil and traces of flour, salt… Clean each can, jar, and container with a damp cloth, and give the kitchenware a turn in the dishwasher.
10- CRYSTALS THAT DAZZLE
To clean windows and glass doors:
- Impregnate newspaper with vinegar.
- When it dries, dilute a teaspoon of coffee in half a litre of hot water, apply the mixture with a sponge, and dry with the newspaper.
- If the views are unattractive, put stickers on the windows.
11- TOWELS AND SHEETS
Did you know that mites multiply in damp and shady places? To avoid this, air out the linen closets for 10 min. Every day. Prepare cloth bags and put chalk to absorb moisture or cedarwood with an anti-moth effect—towels.
12- BETTER TOMORROW
Some areas of the house are difficult to access, but cleaning them will be more bearable with ingenuity. For example, if you reach into a mismatched sock, it will be easier to clean the blinds with it.
And some cotton swabs soaked in alcohol will be perfect for going over the tiny slats of a ventilation grill. And it is that cleaning does not require a battalion of products, but… Practical solutions!
