How To Clean And Declutter Your Home: The Ultimate Guide

There’s a feeling of fulfillment you will experience when you learn how to clean and declutter your home and actually do it. It’s almost the same way life feels calm and purposeful when there are no unnecessary dramas involved.

A clean home is not only devoid of what is generally accepted as dirt. Too many things, even though clean, lying around with no apparent use make your space appear untidy.

Statistics have consistently shown ridiculous figures concerning people’s desire to hold on to things they don’t need.

 

clean and declutter
courtesy: wikipedia.org

 

Interesting Stats

  • The National Soap and Detergent Association says, eliminating clutter will reduce the time spent cleaning an average American home by 40% (source).
  • Most people don’t even look at 80% of the information and paper they keep (source).
  • The American storage industry is worth $154 billion. That’s a lot of money spent on storing things away from home (source).
  • The United States Department of Energy says, 25% of Americans who have a 2-car garage cannot park their cars in there. We’re sure you can guess why.

In this post, you will learn decluttering tips for every important room in your home. When you’re done with that, we will also give you pro tips on how to clean them.

Your home will look serene and inviting by the time you’re done applying our practical tips. You might even need tips on getting rid of visitors overstaying their welcome.

 

Why You Should Clean and Declutter your Home

Clutter is a menace and it can quickly go from being a physical one to a psychological burden.

Christopher Peterson, Ph.D., said in an article that decluttering has a huge positive impact on your cognition (source).

To further buttress this, a neuroscience study at Princeton University highlighted by Mikael Cho shows that a cluttered and messy environment can adversely affect the brain, hence reduced productivity (source).

So, if certain areas of your life have been ‘so so’, perhaps it is time to consider cleaning and decluttering your home.

 

 

 How to Clean and Declutter your Home: Room-by-Room Approach

So, you’re still here, nice going for commitment. Chances are you’re convinced your home needs to be cleaned and decluttered.

To let you know your efforts to do what it takes will not be in vain, read what Rick Woods, the author of Make Room for Clarity: Getting Rid of the Clutter that Gets in Your Way, said in his book:

“With less clutter, there will be more room for you, your family, and your friends. You’ll get to enjoy the freedom of all the space you’ve reclaimed (source).”

 

What to keep and what to bin?

It’s one thing to want to declutter, it’s another to actually do it. We’re here to help you achieve the latter.

The first thing you want to do is decide what goes and what stays.

To help you with that, check this out:

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”  William Morris

If that’s not enough to help you ruthlessly decide, let’s play ‘21 questions’. Promise, it will be fun.

 

clean and declutter
courtesy: flickr.com

 

 

The question game

  1. Do you know what the item is?

 

If you don’t or are not sure, bin it! If you do, it goes to the next level.

 

  1. Does it work (optimally)?

 

If it does, next level. If it doesn’t or you don’t know, bin it.

You want to get rid of anything that has not earned its place in your home. You cannot afford to be sentimental here.

 

  1. Does the item take a lot of space?

 

If “no”, then you can keep it. If “yes” or you’re not sure, “can you keep a part of it?” Is that a “yes”, then keep a part. If “no”, bin it!

 

That was fun, wasn’t it?

We won’t be wasteful. So, everything we’re ‘binning’ won’t all go to the trash. Those that are still good or maybe even relatively new can be sold!

eBay is a good way to do that. Alternatively, there are local pawn shops or places like that you can raise cash for things you don’t need.

Recycling, charity, etc. are other options you can exploit.

Now that you have the formula to eliminate the excess, let’s get on with the real work.

 

Prepare to clean and declutter

We’re not going to pretend this is an easy task. Due to that, it is important to have an approach to ensure the decluttering process is a productive one.

  1. Make a plan

 

Regardless of how many rooms you’re going to deal with or how many things you will go through, you need a plan.

 

  • Order your approach. Likely clutter hotspots are basements, garages, attics, and closets. These are the places you start with.

 

When you’re done with the difficult parts of a project, it is easier to remain motivated than the reverse.

 

If there’s an overwhelming amount of clutter in one room, it is best to break the room down into sections. Take one corner at a time till you’re done.

 

  • Set a time limit for dealing with the clutter. Even if you will break a room into smaller parts, set a time limit for each section.

 

If you make the process a challenge, it will be more fun dealing with it. However, to avoid frustrating yourself make sure the timeline attainable.

 

  1. Have a clear system to sort things

 

When you’ve decided what you will toss or keep, the items that will stay need to be arranged. If not, what you’ll have is a clutter of things you need.

 

Items that are used often or have an aesthetic effect can be kept neatly in the open. Those that not used often enough can go into drawers or storage boxes.

 

In the name of organization, it is best to keep similar things in the same area. For instance, items with related functions can be in the same storage or area in your home. That makes things easy to find.

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Labeling boxes is a good idea. Once you have things you don’t use often boxed, you can arrange them neatly in the attic or basement.

 

You could get creative with your drawers and shelves or buy some drawer organizers to maximize space.

 

Now you have planned how you will clean and declutter your space. You also have a general idea of how to arrange and organize your things. It is time we get specific on a room-by-room basis.

 

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Declutter your living room

This is a place for family relaxation, right? This is where guests also get entertained. Therefore, it should look as such to feel as such.

Relaxation and entertainment could mean different things to different people so you have the freedom to decide what stays here.

One thing that’s common regardless of your inclination is space. We don’t mean big; we mean space for movement and air circulation.

Jenn of Clean and Scentsible said, “Use your space to its full potential to get the maximum amount of storage and function…think vertically (source).”

It’s a great idea to use furniture that doubles as storage. That way, you can put things that need to stay hidden while saving some space. A good example of this is a storage ottoman.

A media unit with storage is another great one. You can store DVDs, gamepads, etc. out of the open.

Finally, if it does not belong in the living room, take it where it does.

 

Courtesy: needpix.com

 

Bedroom Decluttering

Decluttering your bedroom isn’t for your guest, it is for you and your quality of living.

Mary Johnson, a professional organizer, and author said, “We deserve a place to come to at the end of a long day that is a sanctuary, where we can truly relax. It is almost impossible to feel peaceful in a cluttered and chaotic environment. We also start our days in this room when we wake up (source).”

If you’re married and have kids, it is also in this room the relationship is nurtured and your children will pick up examples based on how the room is maintained.

A study done by St Lawrence University, New York, found that people who have hoarding disorder and have clutter sleep worse than those with less clutter (source).

  • Start with storages. Bring out everything in there and run each item through the 21 questions game.
  • Neatly arrange the things you want to keep back into their areas. Remember to store similar items together.
  • You can repurpose plastic containers, cereal boxes, etc. and use them as extra storage.
  • If you don’t have too much ground space to hold things (you need), you can go vertical and keep moderation in mind.

 

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Courtesy: flickr.com

 

Dealing with closet clutter

For those who have closets, this is one of the popular havens for clutter in the bedroom. It will seem daunting at first, but if you follow our guide, you will even enjoy it.

Look at the bright side, there’s a therapeutic effect to cleaning out the clutter in your closet. There’s usually a memory or two attached to an item.

As you go through them, deciding which to keep and bin, you can relieve yourself of the emotional baggage you might have suppressed.

Moreover, Dr. Robert London, a New York psychiatrist says, “When you relieve the problem [clutter] and learn to throw things away, you feel better (source).”

  • Neatly arrange shoes and bags on a rack.
  • Arrange jewelry and makeups in drawers or repurposed containers.
  • Let go of clothes that don’t fit, or you just won’t wear. The fewer clothes you have, the lesser the problem with storing them.

 

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Let your kitchen breathe

You want to start with countertops as flat surfaces are favorite spots for clutter. Let go of items you don’t use often or can’t remember when last you used them.

Now move to drawers and cabinets.

Anne Blumer, a professional organizer says, “Group all baking supplies and materials together and create a baking zone in the kitchen. Keep spices together, all canned goods are in one spot, and dishes in another (source).”

If you stick to this approach, all members of the household will soon know where to find what.

Be mindful of how many utensils you keep in relation to the size of your family. “A good rule of thumb is 2 of each per person”, says Anne.

Ideally, any item or gadget you have not used in the past one year has overstayed its welcome. You obviously don’t have any use for it. Give it out or sell it.

 

 

clean and declutter
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Keeping your bathroom organized

Clutter in bathrooms is often apparent. So, getting rid of it should be pretty straightforward. Countertops, shelves, and drawers are the main areas.

  • Bring every item out in the open. That will give you a good idea of how much things you’ve been hoarding.
  • Arrange similar things together. All medicines, cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc. in the same section.
  • Do what you will with what you don’t need.
  • Finally, find a new zone in the bathroom to store each category of items.

If you keep things this way, not only will your bathroom be neat and comfy to use, it will be easy for even guests to find what they need.

 

Courtesy: needpix

 

Home office or workstation decluttering

The bulk of the clutter here is paper. So, you’ll start with them. The most important part of your office is the desk so, you’ll start there too.

The Journal of Neuroscience suggested that having too many things on your workspace is not a good idea.

Your visual capacity to process multiple objects is limited. So, everything within your view is tugging for your attention which is bad for productivity (source).

Sift through the paper and arrange them according to “sorted”, “to-do”, and “trash”.

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Store the sorted papers away in a file cabinet. Put the “to-do” ones in a folder and place it where you can see them. As for the trash, …

All you should have on your desktop are the items that are essential.

One more thing, cords can be a visual representation of chaos. Wherever there’s a cluster, you can wrap them together so they’re not lying loose. That way, you can trip on them.

 

Courtesy: pixabay.com

 

How to clean and declutter your Laundry room

This is one of the most diverse rooms in homes. Most laundry rooms are different. This makes it a bit challenging to give specific decluttering advice.

The idea is to not have things you don’t need in there and keep the ones you need organized. By now, you have a good idea of how to get rid of clutter. So, let’s get on with how to keep things arranged and in check.

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  • If your laundry room is small, do the “vertical thing”. Get a hook on the wall to hang clothes for repair. You can store other things on a rack as in above.
  • Do not keep clothes on the floor. Fold them in a basket or a bin and place it on a shelf.
  • Don’t store anything on the washing machine and dryer either.
  • Store detergents and fabric softener together. If you want to add some aesthetic effects, you can store them in a glass container.

This space shouldn’t take long to declutter unless you’ve been doubling the room as a clutter box.

 

Courtesy: pixabay.com

 

Garage decluttering

Is there space for your car in your garage? How funny it is to ask such a question but you know how appropriate it is.

Garages are often a stronghold of clutter in homes. It makes sense to keep things that you think you might need someday. However, if you haven’t used it in about 5 years, you probably never will.

This will be a tough task but you will get it done and be better for it. With that said, let’s get started decluttering your garage.

  • You first want to bring everything out. That should give you a good idea what size your garage really is.
  • Sort through and make your decision on what to keep. Refer to the 21 questions for help. Remember, no sentiments, for that will defeat the entire purpose of decluttering.
  • Keep similar things that are staying together. The spaces on the walls are your friend, they will help you maximize ground space. You might have to buy more storage bins, install a tool cabinet, a wall hanger, etc.
  • You can rent a storage space for extra things. Don’t get us wrong, this isn’t cheating. It is possible you have truly useful things that you might not need immediately. It is also possible your garage is full already with what you need. Get the picture now?

 

Courtesy: flickr.com

 

Clean and declutter the basement and attic

When was the last time you went into your attic or basement? This is why you can rest assured there’s clutter there. The following decluttering tips will help you sort things out.

Do you remember the saying “out of sight is out of mind?” We can bet you there are items in your attic or basement that you haven’t seen in years. Some people even have things from their childhood there!

Fortunately, we are here to help you get rid of the clutter. You better be ready for war. The following are steps you can take to win the battle.

  • Approach the decluttering in sections. Since there might be a lot to go through, you have to segment the place for efficiency. Clear up space in the middle of the basement or attic. This is where the sorting will happen.
  • Take out everything one section at a time. Bring them to the clearing you made and start sorting through. If there are things you need to repair, keep those in a separate pile.
  • Take things you want to toss out of the house. Isolating these things makes it easier to dispose of them
  • Keep functionally similar things together. The organization tips we gave earlier cuts across. This is so good that when you need something, you just need to go to a section of your basement or attic.
  • Label the storage containers. This makes everything easier. Write something to indicate the general content of each container.

 

Well done! You’ve done a great job so far. Now you can relax and enjoy all you have accomplished. The new space and serenity will surely reflect in your wellbeing.

 

courtesy: pxhere.com

 

Make sure the clutter does not creep back

You might not be used to the new space and arrangement at first but as time goes on, it will feel like home.

Only you can tell exactly how much effort you put in to get rid of clutter in your home. You cannot afford to let all that go to waste. Trust us, it is easy to let all that clutter back in.

Davonne Parks, the author of Chaos to Clutter says, “Make a commitment that once an area is decluttered, it will no longer become storage space for the stuff you don’t know where to put (source).”

To make sure your home remains decluttered, the following will guide you.

  • Watch what you buy. Most of the things you now consider clutter used to be things you bought. Whenever you want to buy something, ask yourself the following, “do I need it?”, “where will I keep it?” If you cannot honestly answer that, don’t buy it.
  • Decluttering is a continuous process. What you have accomplished is the main thing. However, on a daily basis, you will be doing some small-scale decluttering. Decide when and how much time you will commit to this.
  • The more you buy, the more you let go. Avoiding clutter won’t stop you from buying new things, right? But if you keep buying new things, you will soon fill up the space you gained. A best practice is to take out something as you buy a new one. For instance, when you buy a new vase, give out any item you already have.
  • Keep a flat surface policy. Another best practice to keep your home clutter-free is to ensure that all flat surfaces are clean and empty. It is easy to dump things on countertops, coffee tables, or even furniture. This policy will prevent tabletop clutter from happening.
  • Consider borrowing or renting instead of buying. When you buy something you won’t be using often, you have the burden of storing it. You can rent tools and items you only use for repairs or occasionally.

 

Don’t let perfection take anything away from the effort you have put into cleaning and decluttering your home.

It might not look perfect, however, relish the progress you have made. This will motivate you to do more and declutter even further.

 

 

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Smart Home Cleaning Tips

Now that you’ve decluttered your home, you will notice you now have more space to clean. Trust us, it’s better than living in the chaos of clutter.

Spring cleaning is a popular routine people use as a house cleaning method. However, you don’t necessarily need to follow that trend.

We are going to involve you in some efficient and effective ways to clean your home and keep it that way.

If you’ve noticed, we are methodical. That’s the best way to go about things like this (most things actually). That said, you’re going to have a plan of attack for this too.

  1. How deep a clean do you want and how much time do you have? This is important because it will determine how you go about the process.

 

You have to sincerely answer this because if you end up rushing, you won’t get the desired result. If you’re not motivated enough too, you might not do a good job.

 

  1. Decide how you will go about the cleaning. If you’re motivated enough and have all the time you need to take on the whole house, then go from one room to another. You can follow the same sequence you did with the decluttering tips.

 

When cleaning a particular room, start from top to bottom. You don’t want to vacuum the floors and while dusting the ceiling fan dust falls on your clean carpet.

 

There are stains you will have to leave for a while for the cleaning agent to take effect. Apply the cleaner to those ones first and then continue cleaning other things.

 

We’ve got the preamble sorted, it’s time to get on with the actual work. We’ll start with ways you can clean items that can be in any area of the home. Afterward, we will proceed to items categorized by rooms.

If you’re ready, let’s get started!

 

General

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How to clean rugs and carpets at home

Your carpet and area rugs take the most beating of all the items in your home. It could also be a stronghold for dust and allergens. So, it only makes sense to do the utmost to keep it clean at all times.

There are basically two ways to go about it. One is the routine cleaning and the other is to wash it.

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If you need help deciding which one is best depending on the type of carpet or rug you have, and your preferences too, this guide will see you through.

As for the washing, unless your rug or carpet is delicate, you can clean it yourself. To get the best result, you will need to get a carpet cleaner.

Don’t worry, you won’t have to move out till your floors get dry, there are models that dry the carpet as they wash. Your carpets will be dry and ready in just 45 minutes.

On another hand, if it’s a spot clean like cleaning poop, this will help. The method will also get rid of smells.

We also have a pro tip for dealing with mold on carpets. It can help you save instead of calling the professionals.

Whichever type of washing you do on your rug or carpet, you can use this approach to get it dry fast.

 

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Home remedies for carpet stains

Accidents are sometimes inevitable. Stains smear the carpet or rug and create an unbearable sight ruining its aesthetic value.

The best way to get rid of stains off these surfaces is to clean it immediately it happens. However, that is not always possible.

You’re about to find out some of the things you probably already have at home that can help you clean out stains on carpets.

  • Baking soda is great for cleaning urine and vomit stains. You’ll first want to clean up as much as you can. Then pour baking soda over the affected area and pat in with a paper towel.

 

Allow it to dry up and then vacuum the residue. Baking soda will not only clean the stain, but it will also deodorize it.

 

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  • Hydrogen Peroxide works on almost any type of carpet stain. All you have to do is mix a spoon of hydrogen peroxide with cream of tartar. Rub in the mixture with a soft cloth over the stain and leave on for a bit. Afterward, rinse and pat dry.

 

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Mix a tablespoon of detergent with 1½ spoons of vinegar and two cups of water. Work in the mixture onto the stain and pat dry for fruit juice stains.

 

An equal part of white vinegar and water works wonders for tea or coffee stains.

 

Courtesy: freestockphotos.biz

 

Best ways to clean home windows

Have you ever tried to clean windows or other glassware and end up making a bigger mess? We certainly have and it was annoying.

If you haven’t, it’s your lucky day! You might never have to experience it because we’re about to give you professional guidance from Carolyn Forte, the Director of Good Housekeeping Institute.

  • Choose a cloudy day or start with windows under a shade. You don’t want to get frustrated one minute into the process, do you? Forte says a sunny day will dry the cleanser before you’re done applying it. That will leave marks that are even harder to get off.
  • Sweep off dirt and dust first. If you don’t do this, you will only get a muddy mess when water gets involved. You can use a vacuum cleaner attachment for dusting to do this. That works for blinds and shades too.
  • Use a good window cleaner. There are lots of window cleaners you can get from the stores. Forte suggests that you use the cleaner generously so it can completely dissolve the dirt. That way, you will avoid leftover streaks.

 

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  • ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol (70% concentration)
  • ½ cup of vinegar
  • 2 cups of water

Mix them all up and pour into a spray bottle.

  • Microfiber cloth is a good choice. Squeegees work great too but you need to know how to use it to avoid the drips and smears. A good microfiber cloth is ideal for ‘DIYing’ small windows. It will leave you with a shiny surface without lint.

It’s one thing to clean the glass on sliding doors and windows, cleaning their tracks is a different ball game.

 

 

Courtesy: flickr.com

 

How to clean vents and heating ducts

If your allergies are getting triggered often lately, it might be time to clean your air duct.

Wherever there’s a passage of air, whether inward or out, you can rest assured there will be an accumulation of dust. Without further ado, let’s get into how you can clean vents and ducts.

  • Protect yourself. Whenever you’re dealing with dust, always wear a mask whether you have allergies or not.
  • Turn off the power. You shouldn’t attempt to clean a duct while it is on. It’s just not right. Stay safe always.
  • Take out the grilles. You will get a bit handy here. Grab a screwdriver or any appropriate tool to loosen the cover so you can reach into it.
  • A vacuum cleaner will do the job. Most vacuums come with attachment tools that help you deal with dust. You will need the crevice and dust brush tolls in this case. They will let you reach into the duct and sweep off the dirt respectively.

 

If you want it spic and span, you can use a damp cloth to wipe the duct and the grilles before fixing it back.

 

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How to clean fabric sofas at home

Just like carpets, stains on your beloved sofa can be an eyesore. This is why it is important to have more ways than one to handle the damage.

  • Deal with the stains quickly. It is best to take action immediately it happens. The longer the stain stays, the more it sets into the fabric and the harder it is to clean off.
  • Consult the manufacture’s recommendation. Before using anything on the sofa, be sure it won’t cause more damage. Ideally, you would have read the tag on it to be prepared for this eventuality.
  • For dry dirt, use a brush or a vacuum. You can easily sweep particles of dirt off a fabric sofa with a stiff brush or use a handheld vacuum. Some full-size vacuums come with an upholstery attachment tool meant for this.
  • Use baking soda. This is one of the most versatile household cleaning items.

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You can use baking soda for dry and wet cleaning of your fabric sofa. Sprinkle it dry all over the couch and let it sit there for a while before brushing or vacuuming it off. This is good for general cleaning and deodorizing.

 

If it is a stain, mix the baking soda with water to form a paste. Put the mixture on the stain and leave for 15 to 20 minutes and then wipe it off.

  • Cleaning fabric sofas with a steamer. Be sure to first clean the sofa of any loose particles. Verify if this method is okay for your sofa before blasting on ‘full steam’.

 

Also, make sure the room is well ventilated to avoid a build-up of moisture. Let the sofa air dry before vacuuming again to pick up any dirt the steam might have loosened (source).

Microfiber couches are getting popular. If you have one, sooner or later, it will have stains and accumulate dirt. We have you covered on how to clean a microfiber couch.

 

Bedrooms

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How to clean mattress at home

Do you know that an average adult spends about a third of their lives sleeping? This is assuming you get sufficient sleep.

It only makes sense to keep your mattress clean enough to encourage a good and refreshing rest.

Regularly washing the sheets, duvet, and other accessories is a given but cleaning the mattress, our focus here, is a different ball game.

Here are some ways to deep clean your mattresses and rid stains from it.

  • Use the vacuum cleaner. Most vacuum cleaner models come with attachments tools that allow you to clean from floors to ceiling and everything in between.

 

Use the mini-motorized tool or upholstery tool over your mattress to get rid of dust, allergens, and particles. You can also switch to the crevice tool so you can reach into corners and folds.

  • Tackle spills immediately. Just like carpets and fabric sofas, the longer the spill stays, the harder it becomes to clean. Quickly blot the spill or stain with a damp cloth to absorb it. Do not scrub or you will spread it, says Melissa Maker, a cleaning expert (source).
  • Use an enzyme cleaner on biological stains. These types of cleaners break down the component of these stains which is why they are effective.

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Spray an enzyme cleaner of choice on a piece of cloth and use it to blot the stain to saturation. Leave it on for 15 minutes.

 

Afterward, blot the stain with that same cloth till the stain is off. Then blot again with a different cloth damped with water (source).

  • Use baking soda to deodorize your mattress. You likely have this in your kitchen. Sprinkle it over the mattress and into folds. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes. The longer you leave it on, the more it will absorb.

 

Afterward, vacuum it off and you will be cleaning along with the odors and liquid the powder has absorbed.

 

Finally, let the mattress air out by opening the windows to create an abundance of ventilation. If you can take it out under the sun, do so.

If you own a memory foam mattress, some find it comfy than a regular one, the cleaning process involved is a bit different. It requires extra care, and we teach you the safe way to clean a memory foam mattress.

 

How to clean pillows

Pillows are similar to mattresses in more ways than one. So, the methods we explained above will work for pillows as well.

 

Kitchen

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How to clean drain pipes

It can be tricky to clean drain pipes as you can’t get in there. If you leave it be, it can get blocked and give off bad odors.

Stay with us as we take you through the methods for cleaning your kitchen drain pipes.

  • Free grease build-up with hot water. Bring a pot of water to boil and add some liquid detergent to it. Pour it all into the drain. The heat will melt through the grease and the pipes will be free again.
  • Use a dedicated drain pipe cleaner. There are three main types but if you want to protect the environment (which we support), go for an enzyme drain cleaner. Follow the directions on the cleaner which will usually involve you pouring it into the drain.
  • Use baking soda and vinegar to combat odor. Pour a cup of baking soda into the drain so it can stick to the sides of the pipe.

 

Bring about a cup of water to boil and add a cup of vinegar to it. Pour the mixture into the drain and let sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, flush it all down with another pot of hot water. (Source)

 

Do note, however, that if your drainpipe is plastic, let the water cool down for about 5 minutes.

Washing machines too have drain pipes and they can also get clogged. You can learn safe and easy ways to clean a washing machine drain pipe.

 

 

how to clean and declutter your home
Courtesy: pixabay.com

 

How to clean counter- and tabletops

Your kitchen flat surfaces are free of clutter now. It is time to ensure they always stay clean.

A clean and free countertop makes the kitchen easy to use as you don’t have to avoid knocking things over.

Here are some good ways to clean tabletops and countertops. Some of these methods disinfect them too.

It is not safe to use harsh chemicals to clean where you make your food. For that reason, we will be presenting only natural methods.

  • Use water and vinegar. Mix one part of water and one-part vinegar. With a microfiber cloth, wipe the solution across your countertops. If it is marble, don’t let it air dry, wipe it dry with another clean cloth.
  • Use baking soda paste to remove dry and sticky stains. Mix 3 parts baking soda with one part of water to form a paste. Smear some of it on the stain and let sit for an hour. Afterward, wipe it off with a damp cloth.

 

how to clean and declutter your home
Courtesy: flickr.com

 

Home remedy to clean grout in bathroom tiles

Grout is useful for keeping water from getting under tiles. However, its porosity lets it trap soap, dirt, and grime, especially in the bathroom.

The good news is, we are about to share with you some ways you can get it clean and keep it so, the natural way.

  • Attack the grout with steam. You will need an attachment tool that is small enough to hit the grout directly. Spray the steam on continuously to loosen the dirt. If this approach does not clean it completely, it will do enough to make other methods achieve 100%.
  • Try baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Mix baking soda and the peroxide to form a consistent paste. Use a toothbrush to apply it over the grout and give it a good scrub. Rinse it off with warm water. This method will not only remove stains but it will also kill molds.

 

how to clean and declutter your home
Courtesy: flickr.com

 

Home remedies to clean shower heads

If your shower head gets blocked, it’s likely mineral deposits. With a good clean, it will soon turn out to be as good as new.

  • Use some vinegar to clean and disinfect. If the showerhead is removable, you will have to remove it. Place it in a small pot and pour in some vinegar to cover the part water flows out from. Leave it there for 30 minutes or overnight.

 

Rinse it with cold water and use an old toothbrush to scrub off any excess mineral deposit and rinse again. Fix it back and turn on the shower to flush out any residue that got back in from the scrub.

 

If the shower head is not removable, you will put the vinegar in a plastic bag and tie it around the shower head such that the holes are submerged in vinegar. After the stipulated time, follow the rinsing process from above.

 

Courtesy: pixabay.com

 

Smart tips to maintain a clean and decluttered home

Now that your home is all spic and span, you cannot entirely rest your oars. If you do, dirt will accumulate again and you will have some wholesale cleaning on your hands.

Below are some of the things you can make a habit that will help you maintain a clean home at all times.

  • If you don’t stay alone, you have to make everyone aware they have a responsibility to keep things clean.
  • Never walk away from a mess. Clean up immediately so things don’t accumulate. It might seem hard at first but as you stick with it, you will get used to it. One way is to own a cordless vacuum for quick clean-ups.
  • Clean as you cook. Chances are you will be tired by the time you are done cooking. Washing what you used can then become a herculean task (source).
  • Store cleaning supplies close to where you use them. It can be discouraging to clean a stain on the kitchen counter if you have to go to the other room to get what you need (source).
  • Get a robot vacuum cleaner. They work autonomously and you can have them vacuum floors at specific times. Roborock, Neato, and iRobot have great models you should check out. Users have been raving about them.

 

There’s a new Roomba that has taken the efficacy of robot vacuums to another level as it can empty its own dust cup! Some robots can mop too which is great if you have lots of hard floors.

 

how to clean and declutter your home
Courtesy: pxhere.com

 

 

Final Thoughts

It’s been a long way and we sincerely appreciate you coming this far with us. We have shown you how to declutter every room in your home and gave you tips to maintain it.

Furthermore, you have seen how best to quickly clean your home to complete the revamp and enjoy the serenity.

It is our hope that this guide to show you how to clean and declutter your home served its purpose. You can always revisit it to refresh on what you’ve learned. On that note, enjoy life, living, and wellbeing.