Latest news with #cleaningtips
UAE Moments
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- UAE Moments
Beachside Mess? Check How to Clean Up Salt & Sand Like a Pro
Living near the coast? Lucky you! Beach days, sea breeze, and stunning sunsets come with the territory. But so does something less dreamy: the never-ending battle with salty air and sand build-up. If your windows look foggy, your car feels gritty, and your floors constantly crunch underfoot—you're not alone. In coastal regions like the Gulf, this is a common cleaning struggle. Salty air corrodes, sand invades every crevice, and humidity doesn't make things any easier. But don't worry—we've got cleaning hacks that'll have your space sparkling (and salt-free) in no time. 1. Rinse Before You Wipe Salt is sneaky—it sticks to surfaces and attracts moisture. Before wiping anything down (especially glass), rinse with clean water first. This avoids scratching and spreads the salt evenly for easy removal. Think of it as a pre-wash for your home. 2. Windows Need Extra TLC Foggy or streaky windows? Thank salty sea air. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and wipe with a microfiber cloth for crystal-clear views. Do this at least once a week to prevent long-term damage. 💡 Pro tip: Rinse window sills too—salt loves to settle there and can cause rust if ignored. 3. Beach-Proof Your Floors Sand. Gets. Everywhere. Even when you didn't go to the beach. Use doormats inside and outside every entryway and get into the habit of shaking out rugs weekly. If your floors are always gritty, vacuum daily using a machine with a HEPA filter. Got tiles or marble? Mop with warm water and a splash of vinegar or floor-safe soap to break down salt film and keep things fresh. 4. Keep Your Car Clean (Yes, Even If It's Parked) Salty air clings to your car's paint and undercarriage, accelerating rust. If you're near the coast, aim to rinse your car weekly—even if you haven't driven. Don't forget the wheels and underside! Apply a protective wax every few months to shield the paint job from corrosion. If your windows start looking hazy, a diluted vinegar spray works wonders here too. 5. Shake Out Sand (Before It Hits the Floor) Create a "shake zone" just outside your front door. Whether it's a welcome mat, a mini brush station, or even a spot to stash sandy flip-flops and toys—this small habit cuts down on indoor mess. Bonus: keep a handheld vacuum nearby for quick cleanups. 6. Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture Often Salt build-up isn't just annoying—it can damage your patio furniture. Clean surfaces weekly with mild dish soap and warm water, then rinse well. For metal pieces, finish with a light coat of car wax or a rust-prevention spray. Cushions? Shake, vacuum, and sun-dry to keep mold and mildew at bay. 7. Air-Purifying Plants to the Rescue Yes, houseplants! Certain plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and snake plants help purify indoor air and trap airborne salt and dust particles. Plus, they bring in those good Gulf vibes. 8. Rotate and Refresh Salt and sand love to hide in overlooked areas—under the couch, behind curtains, and in sliding door tracks. Make it a monthly habit to do a deep refresh: Vacuum furniture cushions and under rugs Clean window and door tracks Wash curtains or wipe blinds with a damp cloth 9. Protective Coatings for the Win If you're living close to the shore full-time, consider anti-corrosion treatments for metal fixtures, door handles, appliances, and even plumbing. A little prevention goes a long way in Gulf humidity. 10. Don't Fight It Alone—Go Digital Apps like Tody or Sweepy help you create a custom cleaning schedule. Track salt-prone zones and set reminders for tasks like 'rinse outdoor windows' or 'vacuum beach sand off car mats.' Cleaning can be satisfying… even fun? Beach Vibes Without the Grit You shouldn't have to choose between sea views and a clean home. With just a few smart habits, salty air and sandy floors don't stand a chance. Whether you're living in a Gulf-front apartment or a beach villa, staying ahead of build-up will make your space feel breezy, fresh, and Instagram-worthy all year long.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Oven glass will look new & sparkle with 50p hack cleaners swear by for removing thick grease and grime
CLEANING fans are raving over a 50p hack that leaves oven glass sparkling like new - cutting through thick grease and grime in minutes without the elbow grease. The cheap-as-chips trick is being hailed as a game-changer by savvy cleaners who swear by it for restoring filthy oven doors to their former glory. 3 Cleaning pros swear by the cult classic Pink Stuff for keeping your oven doors sparkling - and it costs just a couple of quid. Simply spread it on, let it sit for a few minutes and leave it to work its magic. Then scrunch up tin foil into a ball and use to scrub it off - it acts like a DIY scourer and works a treat on stubborn stains. Facebook users were left gobsmacked by the results, with many flooding to share their own success stories. Writing in the Facebook group Ms Hinch Cleaning Tips, John Mark said: "I am sooo shocked with the results using PINK STUFF and TIN FOIL. Thanks for the advice guys!" Where can you buy it? Sainsbury's carries the 850g tub for about £1.50, making it an absolute steal compared to specialist cleaners. Amazon UK also sells the 500g paste for around £1.50, fitting perfectly for single jobs without overspending. You'll also find it in stores like B&M, Wilko, and Tesco, though prices can range from £1.50 to £2.10 depending on the retailer. Other ways to clean oven glass Turns out there's more than one way to blitz that grimy oven glass – and it won't cost you a fortune either. Cleaning pros swear by a simple paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, scrubbed on with a dish sponge to lift off even the toughest grease. Cleaning fan reveals the cheap, easy way to get clothes smelling 'beautiful' without shelling out on pricey dryer sheets Others reach for Oven Pride cleaner for a deep-down shine, while some fans even use shaving foam to cut through the grime. And don't forget the viral fave – a dishwasher tablet. Simply dipping the tablet in warm water and gently scrubbing the oven door works wonders, lifting away baked-on grease and stubborn stains with ease. So easy, cheap and satisfying!
The Sun
03-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Bath mats are gross & a certain tile is a nightmare for grout – cleaner lists 5 things she'd NEVER have in her bathroom
A PROFESSIONAL cleaner has revealed the five things she would never have in her bathroom. So if you want a home that looks great and is easy to clean, you've come to the right place and will need to take notes. 6 6 6 6 A cleaning business owner from Ohio has claimed that not only are bath mats 'gross', but a certain tile is an absolute nightmare where grout is concerned. And that's not all, as the founder of Sparkle & Shine Cleaning, also got candid on why she wouldn't have acrylic shelves or storage above her toilet. First things first, the cleaning whizz shared her honest thoughts on acrylic shelves, which she described as ' dust collectors.' Not only this, but she also confirmed: 'Open storage just isn't smart if you want your house to look clean.' Next, the content creator got candid on bathroom mat sets, as she claimed: 'Usually gross. Just adds an extra step to your cleaning routine.' Following on from this, the cleaner explained why hexagon tiles are a no-go for her, as she explained: 'So many grout lines to scrub. Looks so bad if not taken care of.' And that's not all, as the woman then shared her thoughts on adhesive shelving in showers, as she warned: 'If you ever move, have fun removing these. Takes so long and just not worth it.' Finally, if you want a bathroom that's dust-free, you'll need to ditch any storage above your loo, as this cleaner advised: 'Just get a cabinet - you will hate looking at this because all you'll see is dust.' The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ sparklenshinecleaning, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 878,900 views. It's also amassed 16,000 likes, 231 comments and 2,546 saves. I'm a mum-of-12, I swear by £1.15 bathroom cleaner and £3.25 mould cleaner in our busy house Big divide But social media users were left totally divided by the cleaner's clip - while some couldn't agree more, others were eager to disagree. One person said: 'YES! These all seem so common sense, but never thought about!!!' But if I don't have a bath mat, how do I not slip when I get out of the bath? TikTok user Another added: 'I hate the bathroom mats! They're gross, especially if you have pets and kids! I'm sorry… that's a big NO NO!' A third commented: 'These are all true.' However, at the same time, many were particularly bothered by the woman slamming bath mats. One user snapped: 'Bathroom mat keeps my feet from freezing while I do my business. Plus, you can throw it in the washer.' A second chimed in: 'I need the bathroom mats. I can't stand walking barefoot on anything other than a rug or carpet. Plus my feet would always be cold on tiles.' Whilst someone else questioned: 'But if I don't have a bath mat, how do I not slip when I get out of the bath?' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 6 6
The Sun
23-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I tried jet washing my patio slabs & they still looked dirty – a 69p Aldi buy got them looking brand new
WE'VE all been there - standing in the garden with a jet washer in hand, full of optimism, ready to blast away months of grime from the patio. But sometimes, no matter how determined you are, those stubborn stains just won't budge. 3 That's exactly what happened to Evie, a council house mum who regularly shares her cleaning tips and tricks on TikTok via her page ' evie_brooks '. In her latest video, Evie revealed her struggle with her patio slabs, admitting that despite her best efforts with a jet washer, it 'hardly did anything.' Frustrated but determined, Evie stumbled upon a life-changing tip during a casual scroll through the comments section on cleaning TikToks. A recommendation buried within the comments caught her attention - someone suggested using a 69p bottle of Aldi bleach as a simple yet effective solution for sparkling patios. Intrigued, Evie decided to give it a go. She poured the bleach over the slabs, letting it soak in for around five minutes without scrubbing or extra effort. Then, she fired up her jet washer again - and the results were nothing short of incredible. In her video, Evie showed off her transformed patio slabs, which looked as good as new. The dull, dirty orange tint had vanished, replaced by a fresh, clean surface that instantly brightened her garden - and all for less than a pound. Evie's discovery is proof that sometimes the simplest hacks can make the biggest difference. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out So, if your patio is looking worse for wear, maybe it's time to head to Aldi, grab that 69p bleach, and give it a go. And who knows - your cleaning success story might just inspire someone else. Evie's video quickly gained traction, racking up an impressive 117.7k views and 21 comments in just one day. Viewers were quick to share their own advice and experiences: One commented: 'Might work even better when you brush in the bleach before you powerwash. Spread it evenly and let it sit for a few minutes.' 3 3 Another added: 'My gardener recommended this too and I haven't tried it but seeing this I'm definitely going to!' A third chimed in: 'Mould and mildew spray by Astonish can get in Poundland. I've tried both, mold spray is way better!' June gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month. Stake out leggy perennials With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop. Picking out the slugs and snails Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them. Pick elderflower heads You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter. Get on top of weeds It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place. Up the mowing You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them. Check on your tomatoes Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots. Chelsea Chop There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period. Sort out your tulips If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring. Deadheading your roses Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer. Enjoy your space Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
How To Deep Clean Your House In 1 Day, According To An Expert
With some planning and prioritizing, you can tackle every room in your home for a deep clean. Declutter to put things back where they belong, and work from top to bottom in every room. Keep rooms clean longer with regular cleaning and managing clutter and unused many times have you opted to throw a big party at your house, only to leave the cleaning for the day before? Whether you're in a serious time crunch and need to deep clean your whole home, or you just want to dedicate a whole day to cleaning and getting it over with, this is the guide for you. We asked Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas, for her thorough tips on how to deep clean your whole house in one day. Yes, it's possible, but will take quite a bit of effort to get it all done! While cleaning the entire house seems like a Herculean task, the rewards are worth it. Thankfully, it only needs to be done once or twice a year. Use this guide to clean it in one day or to break up tasks throughout a longer time frame. Before diving into this big project, it's important to remember that not everything has to be 100% perfect. Do what you can in the time allotted and don't give up—you can achieve more than you think in a day. Before deep cleaning your entire house in one day, there are a few things you should consider: Plan Ahead: Make a schedule or task list for each room and allocate time for each task. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you are able to clean everything you need to in the allotted time. Gather Supplies: Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies and a sufficient amount of them before you start. 'And remember to always use proper ventilation when using chemicals, and always use protective gear when cleaning (e.g., gloves, masks, etc.),' suggests Stein. Declutter: Before you start cleaning, declutter each room by removing any unnecessary items. This will make it easier to clean and help you see what needs to be done. 'Removing all items that block your vision of the rooms will allow you to clean quicker and not get distracted during a clean to put items away or back in another room,' says Stein. Prioritize: Focus on the most important tasks first—this should be your dirtiest room first. Typically, this is your kitchen and then the bathrooms. Stein suggests cleaning these first, as they will take the most motivation, momentum, time, and energy. Get Help: If possible, enlist the help of family members or friends to make the cleaning process go more quickly and efficiently. Start at the Top: Start cleaning at the top and work your way to the bottom. 'Clean the tallest items first, then work toward the ground last—dust falls and there is no use in mopping those floors if you are just going to be pushing dirt and crumbs onto it from the countertops,' explains Stein. Vinegar Spray bottle Multipurpose cleaner Bathroom cleaner Tough scrub brushes Soft scrub brushes / sponges Microfiber rags (fuzzy and the lint-free ones) Duster Dusting gloves Glass cleaner Floor cleaner Mop Vacuum Broom Specialty cleaners (if applicable) Granite cleaner Stainless steel cleaner Laundry detergent Upholstery cleaning machine Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleaner Dish soap Bucket Dishwasher cleaner like Glisten Rubbing alcohol Oven cleaner Toilet bowl cleaner Washing machine cleaner tablets Lint brush First, declutter the space. Remove any items that have landed on the countertops, put them away, and remove the towels, bath mats, and shower curtains. 'Pop them in the washing machine, so they can be washed while you clean,' suggests Stein. Start from top to bottom and dust everything in your bathroom, or use a handheld vacuum and brush attachment to remove all debris and hair from the surfaces. 'Remember, it's crucial to remove all dust before applying any cleaning products to your surfaces, so you aren't just pushing wet debris around,' warns Stein. Spray the shower and tubs with cleaner and let it sit for 15 minutes while you disinfect the toilet seats, handles, backs, base, and more. Clean the base of the toilet that is on the floor and all the knobs, too. After that, scrub the inside of the bowl before moving on. Clean the mirrors with glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol and a lint-free rag, paper towel, or even newspaper. 'Spray the sinks and countertops with disinfectant—let the disinfectant/cleaner sit on the surface of the countertops for a few minutes while you wipe down any of those cotton ball jars, cotton swab containers, soap dispensers, or other items you put aside,' says Stein. 'Scrub the inside of the sink with a good scrub brush, faucet included, and then wipe down the countertops after for a fresh start.' Use a good scrub brush or scrub mop to clean the walls, floor, corners, door, water guard on door, and grout between tiles in the bathtub/shower. Use a soft sponge or brush to clean the fixtures (shower head, handles, and tub spout), so as not to scratch them. Rinse the shower well. If you have hard water remaining on your glass shower doors, Stein suggests spraying vinegar on them and letting them sit for 15 minutes to 12 hours, before scrubbing with a sponge and rinsing clean. Once you're done cleaning the shower, you can squeegee the entire shower and dry all fixtures and any water remaining on walls, floors, doors, etc. 'A dry shower is the best way to avoid water spots, mold and bacteria,' explains Stein. Clean the windows and window treatments by dusting or washing blinds or curtains, according to their care instructions. Then, use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to clean the windows. Wipe the cabinet and drawer doors (inside and out) and take the time to remove all bins or items in the cabinets and wipe the inside down. 'You can also do some light decluttering if you are up for the task,' suggests Stein. 'Remember to empty the trash and disinfect the wastebasket bin too.' Vacuum the floors and mop them for a perfectly clean room. If time allows, scrub the grout with a tough scrub brush and some cleaner before you mop those floors to remove any deep-set-in stains. Stein suggests replacing towels, shower curtains, shower liners, and bath mats before exiting the room. Start by removing any items that do not belong in the kitchen, as well as any small appliances, utensils, or dishes that are cluttering your countertops. 'Take everything off the countertops, including small appliances, cutting boards, and other items, and store them in their proper place,' suggests Stein. Dust the entire room first, and take out any kitchen towels, floor mats, or other linens and launder them at this time. Remove the stove burners and grates and soak them in hot, soapy water in the sink. 'While they soak, wipe down the stovetop with a degreaser, making sure to clean any spills or residue that has accumulated,' suggests Stein. 'You can also use a handheld vacuum to suck up any crumbs on the stovetop, before wiping it with cleaner.' After you've fully cleaned the stovetop, use a little bit of rubbing alcohol or glass cleaner over it to make it shine. Remove racks from the oven and soak them in the sink or put them in the dishwasher. Spray the inside of the oven and let sit for 30+ minutes before scrubbing it down. 'While the cleaner sits inside, wipe the outside of the oven down with a mild cleaner and then go over with a specialty cleaner,' suggests Stein. Microwave a bowl of water and lemon for two to five minutes. Remove the bowl with oven mitts and wipe the debris from the inside of the microwave. 'You can wipe the exterior, following the same rules as the oven exterior,' says Stein. 'If your microwave is above the stovetop, remove the air vent filters and soak in the sink with the stovetop grates.' Toss any expired food and wipe the shelves down in your refrigerator. Move on to wiping down the exterior of your refrigerator and freezer (following the same rules as the oven exterior), and vacuum the coils. Don't forget to clean the refrigerator's water and ice dispenser. Wipe down small appliances, such as the air fryer, toaster, and coffee maker. Return to the sink, and scrub and rinse all of the grates, filters, and racks sitting in the sink. 'Dry them well and return them to their appropriate appliance,' advises Stein. 'If any dishes, pots, or pans have also accumulated in the sink, wash them now or load the dishwasher and run it.' Start scrubbing the sink by removing all the gunk first—pull out any goop in the garbage disposal and scrub it. Then coat your sink in dish soap and lightly scrub with a sponge to remove all food particles, stuck-on-gunk, and more. Rinse well, and follow up with the appropriate sink cleaner for the material you have (for example, if you have a stainless-steel sink, Stein recommends using Bar Keepers Friend). Spray generously on the sink and scrub it in with a cleaning sponge. Make sure to scrub the sink faucet, handles, and any other metal fixtures with a soft brush or sponge to remove any buildup or stains. 'Let the cleaner sit for 10 minutes while you clean the cabinets,' suggests Stein. 'Return to the sink, rinse it well, and dry it out fully to avoid water spots.' While your sink cleaner is sitting, clean the exterior of your cabinets. If you have wood cabinets, a mixture of warm water and a tablespoon of dish soap in a bucket is a great cleaning solution, according to Stein. 'Use a microfiber cloth, dip it in, and wring it out very well—the rag should be barely damp,' she says. 'Wipe the exterior of the cabinets and drawers, drying immediately as you clean.' If time allows, remove all items from the cabinets and drawers, and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Remove any liners and replace them with new ones, if necessary. Organize the contents of the cabinets and drawers and throw away any expired or unused items. Using a disinfectant cleaner, wipe down the countertops. 'Clean the backsplash tiles with a gentle cleaner and wipe down the grout with a toothbrush or scrub brush,' says Stein. 'If you have granite, I would recommend going back in with a granite cleaner to clean up the countertops.' Empty the trash, recycling, and compost bins as necessary, and scrub them with soap and a scrub brush. Once the dishwasher is empty, use a soft scrub brush to remove any gunk in the corners, empty the filter, and run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner. Sweep or vacuum the kitchen floor to remove any loose dirt or debris, and then mop the floor with a heavy-duty cleaner, making sure to clean any spills or stains. 'Pay special attention to the areas around the stove and sink, as they tend to accumulate the most dirt and grime,' says Stein. 'Replace all towels and floor mats with clean ones and your kitchen is done.' The first thing you want to do is remove any clutter in your bedroom—think clothes, books, and any other items that should be put away into their respective spots. Use a damp microfiber cloth and a dusting brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment, and dust everything from the top of the ceiling fan or light fixtures to the baseboards. 'Remove any dust from the ceiling, walls, fans, light fixtures, window sills, and corners of the room before moving on to dusting the night stands, dresser, shelves, picture frames, lamps, and other decorations,' suggests Stein. Clean your bedroom windows. Dust or wash blinds or curtains according to their care instructions. Then, use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to clean the windows. Strip off all of your bedding, including your sheets, pillowcases, comforter or duvet, and mattress topper/cover. 'Wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions, and don't forget to clean any decorative throw blankets and pillows, too,' says Stein. 'Clean them now so they will be washed and ready to return to the room by the time you are done.' While your sheets are off the bed, this is a great time to clean your mattress. Dust mites can be in your mattress, so make sure you are vacuuming the mattress first and steam cleaning with a handheld steamer after. Let the mattress dry completely. To remove odors, Stein suggests sprinkling some baking soda on it and letting it sit for about 30 minutes. Vacuum it up using your vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment. If you have an upholstered bed frame, you'll want to ensure you are vacuuming it now to remove dust and debris that gets stuck in it. While your mattress airs out, or the baking soda is sitting on the mattress, move on to wiping the surfaces. 'Use the appropriate cleaner for the material of your dressers and nightstands, and wipe all furniture to clean it,' says Stein. 'This includes the front of the drawers and handles.' While deep cleaning the bedroom, this is a great time to hang up any clothes that are on the floor, reorganize drawers, or go through your closet and donate items that you no longer need. When in your closet, make sure to vacuum or dust the shelves and wipe them down for a clean room. 'Replace all bedding, pillows, or other linens you laundered,' suggests Stein. Stein suggests wiping down the door knobs, lamp cords, doors, and light switches. Then vacuum the floors, including under the bed, and any carpets or area rugs in the room. Don't forget to vacuum any upholstery or curtains, if you haven't already done so. 'Start by removing any items that don't belong in the living room and find a proper place for them,' suggests Stein. 'Then, organize any items that are left in the room, such as books, magazines, or remotes.' Using a damp microfiber cloth, a dusting brush, or a vacuum with a brush attachment, dust the entire room starting from top to bottom. Remove any dust and cobwebs from the ceiling, walls, fans, and corners of the room before moving on to dusting the shelves, picture frames, lamps, and other decorations. 'Take this time to clean any knickknacks and décor items before moving on to the big stuff,' says Stein. 'I like to use dusting gloves to clean small items first, then I move on to lint roll the lamp shades, wipe coasters down, and wipe fake plant leaves.' Don't forget to dust and wipe any electronics like the TV screen, game console, remote control, and more with a microfiber cloth. Toss all throw blankets, pillow covers, couch covers, curtains, rugs (that can be washed), and any other fabric linen into the washing machine and launder before returning to the room. 'Wipe down all hard surface furniture such as tables, chairs, shelves, and more,' suggests Stein. 'Wiping with the appropriate cleaner for the item, don't forget to clean the legs and under sides of the tables and chairs, too.' For fabric furniture, start by vacuuming it first, then, if needed, use an upholstery cleaning machine or spot clean any stains. Clean the windows and window treatments. Dust or wash blinds or curtains, according to their care instructions. Then, use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to clean the windows. Vacuum or sweep the floors thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. Make sure to do any spot cleaning on rugs at this time, too. Then, wet mop or steam mop the floors to remove any stains or marks. Declutter any items that shouldn't be in the laundry room. 'Dust the room or vacuum with a handheld vacuum and brush attachment,' suggests Stein. 'Dust the shelves, cabinets, tops of the washer/dryer, and any utility items in there.' Clean the washing machine first. Stein suggests running the cleaning cycle, or if you don't have one of those, run the hottest and longest cycle with a cleaning tablet in it. While this is cleaning, head to the dryer and remove all lint in the lint trap. 'Take out the lint holder and use a lint brush to clean deep down inside the dryer's lint trap,' says Stein. 'Or, use a long vacuum attachment and clean out any trapped lint.' Wipe down the inside of the dryer with a damp rag and clean the door, too. Then, clean the exterior of the dryer. Returning to the washing machine, once the cleaning cycle has completed, open the machine to let it air out. 'Pro tip: always leave the washing machine door open after a load to let it dry completely so that your clothes do not smell like mold and mildew,' suggests Stein. Wipe out the inside of the machine, cleaning the drawers/compartments that hold the detergent, and drum around the washing machine. If you have a front-facing washer, Stein suggests making sure to spray some cleaner into the drum and let it sit for a few minutes to remove any mildew and gunk. Then, dry the inside completely with a clean rag, including drying the drawers and any compartments for the detergents, and then wipe down the exterior. Clean the exterior and the interior of any cabinets, after removing any items. 'At this time, refill any products that need to be filled or add it to your grocery list, reorganize cabinets, and make sure they are all wiped clean,' says Stein. Wipe any countertops or folding tables, including the underside and the legs. Making sure you are also checking on any utility items in this room like water filters, water heaters, and other items to ensure they are all in safe and working condition. Vacuum the floors and mop for a clean laundry room. Declutter and put items away, moving the cars or any vehicles so you can fully clean. Use this time to reorganize or put boxes away that may have been left out. 'Donate anything that is not being used or put the donations into your car to drop off,' suggests Stein. 'Make sure to put all tools away, [place] ladders in the correct location, and charge any lawn mowers, weed whackers, or other lawn equipment that requires it.' Dust the ceiling in the garage and make sure to remove cobwebs and other particles that are on the shelves or walls. Wash and clean doormats and rugs or any fabric item that lives in these outdoor spaces. 'Wipe any hard furniture, gym equipment, shelves, or tables that are in the space,' says Stein. 'Sweep up any debris on the floor and then hose down or power wash the floors if needed.' To keep your home clean for longer, get rid of clutter before it accumulates. Set aside a few minutes each day to put things back where they belong. Stick to a regular cleaning schedule each week to prevent buildup of dust, grime, and dirt. Focus on areas of the home that get heavy traffic. They may need more frequent cleaning than less-used rooms. Tasks like taking out the trash, tossing expired items from the fridge and pantry, making the bed, and wiping down surfaces often will help maintain a clean house. Read the original article on Southern Living
