I’m sure most of us want to come home to a clean and clutter-free house. In fact, the sight of clutter and disorganization is enough to make anyone feel anxious and more stressed out. It may sound far-fetched, but the state of our home has a huge effect on our physical and mental health. Psychologists say that a messy home can contribute to feelings of despair, helplessness, and anxiety.
One easy way to reduce our stress and anxiety is to keep our homes clean and organized. However, keeping our homes clean is easier said than done. Many of us aren’t natural homemakers and haven’t got the slightest idea where to start. While carpet cleaning can help you get your house in order, that’s not the only important thing.
Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you clean your house on a budget.
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Raid your pantry for ingredients
You can recreate many cleaning products using ingredients you can find in your kitchen pantry or bathroom cabinet. Some of the things you need include baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, olive oil, and vinegar (either white or apple cider works just fine). To keep your home smelling fresh and fragrant, you may also use fresh herbs, citrus fruits, or essential oils.
The list above should allow you to do most cleaning jobs from deep cleaning a kitchen to deodorizing a musty room. Keep in mind that you’re going to use these ingredients over and over again, so you might want to run to the supermarket if you’re running low on the essentials.
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Invest in a good microfiber cloth
The single most useful cleaning tool is the microfiber cloth. Not only is it better at cleaning any surface than paper towels, old rags, and sponges, it’s also reusable and machine washable. And it’s resistant to germs if you clean it correctly.
You can clean surfaces and neutralize odors by using a solution of warm water, white vinegar, and liquid soap. Add a few drops of essential oils to cover the acidic scent. Use a microfiber cloth to remove sticky gunk and wipe dust down from any surface. Look for microfiber mops and towels if you’re looking to expand your cleaning closet.
Not only is vinegar cheap, but it’s also safer than most household chemicals. You can rest assured that your kids or pets won’t come into contact with something potentially toxic and caustic.
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Keep the windows open
The air indoors can be more polluted than outdoor air, so don’t forget to open the windows. Opening the windows while cleaning prevents the product fumes from lingering in the air and ensures that the air is circulating within your home. It will also help reduce the presence of bacteria, mold, mildew.
Make sure to air out your home for an hour or so every day. Stale air can give your home that musty smell and exacerbate allergies and respiratory conditions. You can even leave your windows open during the spring and summer months so you can take advantage of the cool, fresh air.
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Polish wood with olive oil
People have been using olive oil to polish wood for thousands of years. If you look at any wood cleaner or polish, you’re probably going to find olive oil in the ingredients. To keep your wood floor and surfaces sparkling, use a solution of lemon juice and olive oil. You may also add vinegar and water if you want to clean the wood in the process. Make sure to use a microfiber cloth as regular cloth can scratch the wood’s surface.
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Apply baking soda to stained carpets
If you have rugs and carpets in your home, then you know how difficult it is to keep them clean. Carpets attract dust, mold, and insects, and don’t get me started on spills and stains. Sprinkle baking soda all over your carpet to deodorize it and vacuum it afterward. You can also mix water and baking soda to remove stains.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to keep your home clean. If you invest in the right tools and use everyday products found in your pantry, you can banish dirt and grime without breaking the bank.
