Festivals are an occasion for get-togethers and you’ll have many friends and relatives visit you. So, it’s essential to keep your home clean and smelling fresh. For effortless cleaning, use the steps given below.
Ingredients to Keep Handy:
a) Tissue papers
b) Talcum powder
c) Nylon brush
d) Toothbrush
e) Liquid detergent
f) Baking soda or a non-gel toothpaste
g) Vinegar
h) Warm water
i) Cotton cloth
j) Floor cleaner
k) Dishwashing liquid
l) Lemon
m) Sponge
Cleaning Oil Stains
Step 1: Blot with Tissue Paper
As far as possible always cleanup oil stains as soon as you spot them. Leaving it untreated will only make the oil stain set more firmly on the surface. All you have to do is blot the excess oil using tissue paper. Do not rub the oil stain as it might spread further.
Step 2: Cover with Talcum Powder
Now, cover the stain with talcum powder. The powder will absorb the oil without leaving any sticky residue.
Step 3: Scrub the Stain
Spray some water and scrub the stain with a nylon brush thoroughly.
Step 4: Wash the Stain
Wash the stain with water and allow the area to dry completely.
Cleaning Scribbled Walls
Step 1: Treat the Stain
Cover the stained area with baking soda or a non-gel toothpaste. Baking soda is a mild alkali and can dissolve dirt and grime easily. Similarly, a non-gel toothpaste often contains baking soda and helps treat tough stains. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Wipe the Stain
Now, mix ½ cup of white vinegar in 2 cups of warm water. Dampen a cotton cloth in this solution and wipe the walls. White vinegar helps break down the stains without damaging the finish of your wall Repeat, step 1 and 2 if necessary.
It is a good idea to clean your flooring after cleaning the walls. You can clean and disinfect the floor using a suitable disinfectant floor cleaner, like a sodium-hypochlorite based product such as Domex Floor Cleaner which kills germs. Follow instructions on the pack for usage and compatible surfaces and always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Step 3: Allow Air-Drying
Once the stain is gone, allow maximum ventilation in the room to let the wall air-dry.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Fittings
Step 1: Wash the Fittings
If the stainless steel fittings like door knobs, handles etc. have lost their shine, you can restore it easily. Wash the fittings with a solution of 1 tsp. of dishwashing liquid mixed with 4 cups of warm water
Step 2: Add Shine
Wipe the surface with a clean cotton cloth. Then rub a slice of lemon on the surface. Make sure you cover the corners as well for an even tone.
Step 3: Allow Air-Drying
Allow ventilation to let the surfaces dry completely.
Cleaning Stained Windows
Step 1: Make a Cleaning Solution
Start by adding 1 cup of vinegar to a bucket of warm water. Vinegar’s acidic properties help break down stains effectively and warm water helps wash away stains effectively.
Step 2: Clean Your Windows
Wipe your windows thoroughly by using a sponge and this solution. It is best to use a sponge as it helps prevent streak marks. You can use the same solution for your window glasses as well. Make sure you refresh the sponge in the solution as it gets dirty.
After cleaning, you can disinfect them for better hygiene. You can use products such as Domex Multi-Purpose Disinfectant Spray. It contains Sodium Hypochlorite as recommended by leading health organisations for disinfecting surfaces. It kills germs on frequently touched surfaces and protects against infection causing germs. Always test on a small hidden area first and follow instructions on the pack for usage and compatible surfaces.
Step 3: Wipe with a Cotton Cloth
Once you have cleaned the windows, run a cotton cloth to get rid of moisture on the surface.
Step 4: Allow Air-Drying
Keep your windows open to allow air-drying.
Cleaning Carpets
Step 1: Vacuum the Carpet
Start by vacuuming the carpet to get rid of dirt and dust.
Step 2: Clean the Stains
To clean any tough stains, liberally sprinkle baking soda to cover the spot. Wait for 15-20 minutes
Step 3: Scrub the Stains
Now, dip an old toothbrush in water and scrub the stained area gently to lift it up.
Step 4: Allow Air-Drying
Allow the stained area to air-dry completely.
Step 5: Vacuum Again
Once the carpet is dry, vacuum it again for thorough cleaning.
Let the festival cleaning begin with these simple but effective tips! Your home should be sparkling clean by the end of this cleaning exercise.
Key Step:
Do not forget to wash your bedsheets. Check the care label and wash it as suggested. If you prefer to wash your clothes in a washing machine, you can use Surf Excel Matic Liquid, which is specially formulated for washing machines and is easily available in the market.