Spring cleaning is coming soon, and Bright Side decided to make a list of objects that require regular care along with dusty windowsills and such. Rest easy, though! We’ve got detailed instructions.
Light switches and door knobs
These are the first things we touch upon coming in and the last ones upon going out, so they are probably the most “touchable” objects in our whole house, accumulating lots of bacteria.
To clean light switches and door knobs, spray some universal cleanser on a paper towel or a microfiber cloth, and thoroughly rub the surface with it. Disinfecting wipes will also work.
Window blinds
Blinds are a natural accumulator of dust. The fastest and easiest way to clean them is to remove dirt and grease with a vinegar solution. To make it even simpler, put an old sock on your hand as a mitten.
Garbage bin
Bad smells persisting even after you’ve taken out the trash? No surprise here, as leftover food and bacteria remain in the bin.
To dispose of the smell, perform the following steps:
- Remove all trash.
- Wash the bin with hot water, and dry it with a cloth.
- Spray a disinfectant over the bin’s surface, and rub it with a brush.
- Leave the bin for 5-10 minutes, then wash it again and dry with a paper towel.
Dishwasher and washing machine
It may strike you as illogical, but even washing machines require cleaning. Food remains and clothing fibers are left inside along with suds, limescale, and even mold.
First, rub the outer surfaces with a vinegar solution. Then mix white vinegar and soda in a 4:1 proportion, and pour it inside, turning the machine on at the highest possible temperature.
Toothbrush stand
You wouldn’t brush your teeth with a dirty brush, but it can become just that if you leave it in a dirty stand. All you need to do is rinse the stand with hot water, thus removing the sediment. Then wipe it clean with a sponge and soap or a soda solution.
Shower curtain
It might seem easier to buy a new curtain than to try and save the old one, but it can and should be washed.
The easiest way is to wash it along with your kitchen towels in a washing machine.
If you’re not sure whether your curtain will survive washing, clean it with a sponge and cleanser, and then rinse it in water with a soda solution.
Remotes and cell phones
Computer keyboards and accessories are also things we often touch throughout the day. These objects are a veritable storehouse of dust, dirt, and germs that are often more abundant there than under the toilet seat.
There’s only one solution: cleanse these objects with antibacterial wipes regularly.
Window screens
When washing our windows after winter, we often forget how much dust and dirt accumulate on the screens during that time.
It’s easy enough to clean them: take them off, and wash with a water and soap solution using a sponge, or just vacuum them. In more serious cases, spray some detergent on the screen, and use an old toothbrush.
Photo and picture frames
Neither glass nor frames require anything special: just a detergent and a soft smooth cloth. Pay attention, though: if your frame has spattering or intricate details, it may require certain care. For example, a feather duster, brush, or a Q-tip.
Bags and purses
Bags and purses are easily marred both on the inside and the outside.
If there isn’t much dirt, apply an alcohol-based cleanser on a cotton pad or microfiber mop, and thoroughly rub the bag with it. Pay special attention to metal parts.
In the case of pen or marker stains, use a 1:1 vinegar and alcohol solution. Oil stains are easily removed with baking soda or corn starch.
If you have a cloth bag or backpack, you can simply throw it into the washer.
Cleaning utensils
Yes, things you do the cleaning with also need cleaning themselves because neglecting them can result in spreading bacteria all over the house. Wash and regularly change your dishwashing sponges, cleaning mops, and brushes.
SOURCE: BRIGHTSIDE
Kayode Emmanuel Ojo is the Co-Founder and Managing Director at SHEFFA Limited. He is presently studying Computer Science at the National Open University, Victoria Island, Lagos.