House Cleaning Tips & Hacks | Best Techniques for Home & Apartment
Whether you live in a house or apartment, it will eventually get dirty with daily use, even if you consider yourself a reasonably tidy person. Everybody makes messes, and if you have children and pets, your home will be more challenging but not impossible to maintain.
Tip No. 1: Cleaning Homes & Apartments Made Easy With Checklists
There are many ways to keep your home sparkling with minimal effort. The best way to living mess-free is to keep a schedule or a handy checklist that you can refer to often.
You want to make a list of things that need to get done, on what days, as well as by whom if you share your household with other family members. Keep your checklist in a central location, such as on the fridge. Be sure to keep a marker handy to check off jobs once they’re completed. This checklist will help you to stay on track.
It will also ensure that every room of your house will get cleaned eventually even if it isn’t used that often, such as a spare bedroom. You can even laminate your list to use a dry erase marker so you can avoid having to print extra sheets every week. Keeping a visual checklist of chores that need to be done will help boost your motivation as well.
Tip No. 2: Homemade Cleaners
Homemade cleaners offer many benefits. First off, they tend to be a lot less expensive than store-bought versions of the same cleaners since you can usually find all the ingredients you need around your house.
They also tend to be healthier for our environment as well as your health. You can even personalize them using your favorite essential oils. You just need to set a little time aside every so often to mix up a new batch so that you don’t run out.
Tip No. 3: Deep Clean Your Washer & Dryer
Many places in the home get overlooked even if you use them daily. Areas such as your dishwasher or washer and dryer. It is a good idea to wash your washing machine regularly to avoid a foul odor from developing. This is especially important if you have a front loading machine since they tend to trap more bacteria in the rubber ring.
Use an old toothbrush plus a mixture of soapy water to clean the ring thoroughly. Be sure to also use a machine cleaner every month or so to keep it smelling fresh. Be sure to keep your lint trap clean in your dryer as well to prevent any buildup as well as a higher potential for a fire.
Tip No. 4: Skip that Carwash & Power Wash Your Car
A car wash is a great thing when you are in a hurry or just don’t feel like washing your car yourself. But more often than not, a carwash will not get to every place where dirt lurks.
Be sure to wash your car every once in awhile using a high-powered pressure washer plus a soap that is formulated for cleaning cars. Just be sure to use a lower-powered nozzle so that you don’t strip off any paint.
Tip No. 5: Deep Clean Your Carpet Regularly
Carpets can harbor not only debris such as ear wax and skin flakes but odors as well. If you have many carpets or find that you are touching up spots frequently, it may be wise to invest in a steam cleaner.
Or you could always rent a machine from your local depot or store. They often come in a combo that includes both your steam cleaner as well as a professional cleaning solution.
Tip No. 6: How to Make Your Home Not Smell Like a Dog
If you have a pet or pets, you know that they’re wonderful companions, but it also means that you will also have to deal with shedding and odors. Over time, those smells can overcome nicer smells in your home. There are many products that can help to deodorize any smells that pets may emit into your home.
There are sprays, powders, and wall fragrance plugs to freshen up the air in your home. You can also invest in a pet bed to encourage your pet to stay off of furniture or place an old sheet or cover over furniture that pets like to sit on. Be sure to also bathe your pets regularly so that their coat smells fresh. Regular washing also helps to keep dander under control.
Tip No. 7: Create a Portable Cleaning Station
Depending on the size of your home or apartment, it may be best to get multiples of cleaning supplies. If you have more than one bathroom in addition to an upstairs or downstairs, it can be tedious to have to haul cleaners and vacuums around as you clean. To make it easier on yourself, you will want to keep a caddy underneath each sink stocked with essential cleaning supplies. You will want to have a good all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl brush, window cleaner, and paper towels.
You will also need a few scrubbers as well as an old toothbrush for getting into grooves, such as between shower doors. Rubber gloves and a pumice stone are also nice to have in your kit. You may want to get a vacuum to keep on each floor as well.
Tip No. 8: Grout Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Cleaning grout can be tricky, but there are a few tricks as well as techniques that will make cleaning grout in your apartment or home much less tedious. The best way to keep your grout looking immaculate is to keep up with cleanings. (This is where your cleaning checklist comes in handy.)
You shouldn’t use too much water or harsh cleaners. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or acidic cleaners as well, which can break down grout. Instead, use grout-friendly cleaners plus a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean grout.
Tip No. 9: When to Invest in Services Near Me
Sometimes, it is best to invest in services that others offer, such as professional carpet cleaning or car detailing. It is good to get your carpets professionally cleaned if you are moving into an apartment rental or new house with very dirty or stained carpets. Not only is it more convenient, but they have a higher grade of equipment and cleaners to get difficult stains out.
They’re also professionally trained to deal with all kinds of stains. After a professional cleaning, it is easy to keep up with your carpets using a residential house model that you can pick up from your local depot or big box store.
Tip No. 10: Keep Your Drains Running Clear
Don’t forget your drains! It is best never to dump anything down your drains that will clog them, such as grease or food chunks. Sometimes they’ll get clogged by sludge or hair, so if they start to drain slowly, you may have to grab some professional drain cleaner from your local depot.
Or make a homemade cleaner made of vinegar plus baking soda. Be sure to follow every direction carefully. For just a small investment in a drain cleaner, it is going to be less of a cost than hiring a plumber to unclog any stubborn drains in your house or apartment.
