Even at the best of times, the outside world is filled with chaos. So why would you want to replicate that chaos inside your home? The world is currently undergoing an unprecedented crisis, and with imposing self-quarantines, it is more than important than ever to foster calm in our households. A clean setting will inspire peace and tranquility, which is our best form of protection. Although nobody looks forward to doing a deep clean, it’s not that difficult, yet there are many benefits.
The Benefits of Having a Clean Home
Studies have shown that people who live and work in clean environments tend to be more focused and productive. Increased productivity means you’ll generate better results and earn more money in the long run! Moreover, washing your dishes can be a good mindfulness activity. If you approach cleaning this way, you end up with a reduced heart rate and less stress. The process of cleaning and de-cluttering has been known to provide several mental health benefits. Less stress is always a good thing.
Minimal clutter helps in keeping things out of harm’s way. This can help you avoid safety hazards. However, more importantly, there’s a lovely feeling about having a clean and organized home even when you are not expecting any guests.
Let’s face it. There’s nothing better than walking into a warm and clean home.
Deep Cleaning
The best approach is to tackle room per room and make sure you cover all the corners and appliances. Deep cleaning takes general cleaning to a whole new level. If you start with your bedroom, your pillows are inevitably filled with many things. You can put them into your washing machine on the hot cycle with one cup of bleach and regular detergent and make sure to run an extra rinse cycle.
When you move to your kitchen, cover your sink with a layer of baking soda and scrub with a sponge. You can add some hydrogen peroxide as well. Let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse your sink off. You can clean out your oven with 1/2 a cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of vinegar. Just let it sit for 12 hours to work its magic, and all you will have to do is scrape and wipe it out.
You can also use lemon with salt to clean a wooden cutting board as they tend to pick up everything that gets cut on them. Use the salt to rub and then use half of a lemon to sanitize it. The other half of the lemon can be used to clean your microwave. Just throw it in a glass of water, microwave it for a couple of minutes, and rest. After five minutes, the fumes will do all the work, and all you need to be wiped out the food stains.
For your bathroom, there is no need to use dangerous chemicals. You can pour Coca-Cola in your toilet; it will end up sparkling just the same. Hard water stains can be cleaned with lemon juice, as long as you let it sit before rinsing with warm water. As for your bathtub, you can sprinkle coarse salt and use half of a grapefruit as a sponge.
Ensure you clean the brooms that you cleaned by soaking them in warm water, cleaning detergent, and spraying them with a disinfectant. Otherwise, you’ll only be spreading germs around.
Don’t Forget to Clean Your Appliances
In most homes, we usually use between 10 and 20 appliances per day. By caring for them properly, we preserve their efficiency and increase their lifespan. If you wish to protect your appliance investments, regular maintenance is a must that will result in several benefits:
- Removing Germs
Even dishwashers can accumulate germs, so make sure to run a hot-water cycle with a cup of vinegar. If you can’t clean the fridge all at once, do one shelf or one door.
- Reduce Utility Bills
Dirty appliances have to work harder as they are clogged. This extra effort translates into higher utility bills that already contribute the most to your monthly bills. Clean filters, the coils on your fridge, and spills on the interior of the oven that might make it harder to generate heat. While you’re at it, make sure you understand your usage to see where you can cut your costs. Compare ambit energy rates to make sure you have the best deal.
- Increase the Appliance’s Lifespan
Just like cars require an oil change from time to time to keep the engine running, your appliances require the same maintenance. A regularly cleaned appliance works better and lasts longer.
Show Your House Some Love Show your appliances a little cleaning love, and they’ll thank you by both looking good and performing better. Clean your house room by room until everything is free of whatever it is, making it look and feel dirty. Every other corner in your home will look just like new. So, grab your rubber gloves and start cleaning.
