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How to clean a toilet using citric acid

by Bathroom TipsCleaning Tips

Using citric acid to clean your toilet is an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial cleaners.

Get your supplies together you are going to need citric acid powder, rubber gloves and a toilet brush or scrubber.

Use the citric acid as it is and pour directly into the toilet pan 100/200g. If the limescale build up is quite bad use more.

Pop the lid down and allow the citric acid to sit in the toilet bowl for at least 1 hour, for best results leave over night. This gives the acid time to break down stains, mineral deposits, and bacteria.

After the citric acid has had time to work its magic, scrub the toilet bowl thoroughly using a toilet brush or scrubber. Pay special attention to areas with stubborn stains or buildup.

Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the toilet bowl, flush the toilet to rinse away the citric acid solution and any loosened grime.

For particularly tough stains or buildup, you may need to repeat the process one or more times until the toilet bowl is clean and sparkling.

Using citric acid to clean your toilet is not only effective but also safe for the environment and your family.

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Sustainable spring cleaning tips

by Cleaning Tips

As we welcome the vibrant energy of spring, it is the perfect time to refresh our homes. As more and more of us are choosing more eco friendly ways of looking after our homes let me share with you a few sustainable spring clean tips where every scrub and sweep contributes to a healthier environment.

Swap Out Single-Use: Replace disposable cleaning wipes with reusable cloths or microfiber towels. They’re washable and more eco-friendly.

DIY Cleaners: Make your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and lemon juice. They’re effective, non-toxic, and reduce plastic waste.

Opt for Refills: Choose cleaning products that offer refill options to minimise packaging waste. Many companies now offer bulk refill stations or concentrate refills.

Donate or Upcycle: Instead of throwing away unwanted items, donate them to local charities or upcycle them into something new. It’s a great way to reduce waste and give items a new life.

Energy-Efficient Cleaning: Use cold water when using the washing machine, clothes will still wash well at just 20 degrees and air dry clothes on the washing line or on an airer in a well aired room instead of using the dryer to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

Declutter Mindfully: Before tossing items, consider if they can be repurposed, repaired, or recycled. Decluttering responsibly helps reduce landfill waste and don’t forget to donate, local facebook selling groups are great for gifting on and charity shops don’t just take clothes they will also take good quality kitchen items such as bread makers and coffee machines.

Plant-Based Brushes: Choose cleaning tools made from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastic. They’re durable and better for the environment. Bamboo dusters can last years and are easy to keep clean.

Support Eco-Friendly Brands: Look for cleaning products from companies committed to sustainability, with eco-friendly packaging and ingredients. One of my favourite eco brand is Miniml they have a great range of products in refillable packaging.

Compost Food Scraps: Instead of throwing food scraps in the trash, compost them to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

Share and Borrow: Borrow cleaning tools or equipment from neighbour’s or friends instead of buying new ones. Sharing resources helps minimise consumption and waste. For example carpet cleaning machines are items we probably only use 3 or 4 times a year and not everyone has the storage for one.

Let’s embrace a greener approach to spring cleaning for a healthier planet! 🌍

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Amazing ways to clean with Denture tablets

by Cleaning Tips

Not many of us keep a supply of denture tablets in our home, but we should all keep them in our cleaning caddies because these little tablets are magic!

The best news is that denture tablets are super cheap you just need to know where to find them.

Stained Food Containers

Everyone has at least one plastic food container that has never been the same since you stored spaghetti in it that one time. But you can use denture tablets to help remove those tomato sauce stains! Just fill the container with warm water and add 1-2 denture cleaning tablets. Wait for about an hour, then rinse and dry.

Unclog a plug hole

Drop a few tablets into a slow-running drain and run the water until the problem clears. For a more stubborn clog, drop three tablets down the sink, follow that with one cup of white vinegar, and wait a few minutes. Now run hot water down the drain until the clog is gone.

Narrow Vases & Bottles

Denture tablets are great for cleaning out containers with narrow openings. Just fill the vase or bottle with warm water and add 1-2 denture tablets, depending on the size of the item. Wait an hour or two then rinse well.

Toilets and Sinks

Toilet bowls and bathroom sinks respond well to the cleaning agent in denture tablets. Drop a denture tablet into the toilet bowl. Allow it to fizz away for about 30 minutes or even overnight. Flush, and enjoy that sparkle!

Mugs With Coffee Or Tea Stains

Fill a stained mug with warm water and add one denture tablet. Wait until the fizzing stops, then rinse the mug. This also works really well on stained tea pots and tea spoons.

Hairbrushes

Fill the sink with warm water and one denture tablet, pull the hair out of your brushes and pop them in the water. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes. Swish them around a bit to make sure they come clean. Air dry them flat on a towel.

Coffee Machines

Descale your coffee machine with denture tablets. Fill the tank with water and add two denture tablets. Wait for the fizzing to stop, then run the coffee maker through a full brew cycle. Rinse out the tank, then run one or two more brew cycles to remove any remaining residue inside the machine.

Kettles

3/4 fill your kettle with water add 2 denture tablets, leave for 15 minutes. Boil and rinse away. Fill again boil and rinse for a sparkling result.

Laundry

Denture tablets can brighten dingy whites add a few denture tablets directly to the drum or fill the sink with warm water, add in one to three tablets let them dissolve then add the white items and soak for at least an hour, then wash as normal.

Baked-On Messes

Baked-on messes in your cookware can be really tricky to remove!You can use denture tablets to loosen up the gunk without all the elbow grease! Just fill the dish with warm water and add one denture tablet. Let the dish soak for 20 minutes, then wash normally.

Shower head

Hard water can easily build up in the tiny holes that the water comes out of. You can get rid of that build up so easily with denture tablets! You’ll need a zip-type plastic bag or a bucket Pour a cup or two of warm water into the back along with one or two denture tablets. Leave a few hours. Then scrub with a sponge to fully clean.

Clean,Clothes,Hanging,On,White,Radiator,In,Room

Stop drying your clothes on your radiators

by Laundry

Radiators will dry your clothing quickly, but you’ll be storing up potential problems in your home.

The moisture from the wet clothing has to go somewhere; it doesn’t just magically vanish. 

The two primary reason against drying clothes on a radiator is the cost and mould.

Radiators are not designed for drying clothes, and using them for this purpose can be inefficient. It may lead to increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills.

Cost


Your radiator, even without a thermostatic valve is trying to reach a certain temperature. Yet you’re plugging the upstream heat of your whole system. Your boiler then has to struggle to heat the room using a radiator whose cycle is blocked by your washing. Your radiator is rendered completely inefficient and it’s costing you money.

The central heating hates it and your bank account isn’t any better off either.

Mould

Mould loves it when you’re drying clothes on a radiator. Modern homes are especially vulnerable to condensation and mould because double glazing and better insulation means that there’s no air escaping. 

Drying clothes indoors releases a surprising amount of moisture into the air. This is because the water in the clothes needs to evaporate, and that moisture is then released into the surrounding environment.

The moisture released during the drying process can lead to an increase in indoor humidity. When this moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as windows, walls, or the radiator itself, it can condense into water droplets.

The moisture that condenses on these cold surfaces can create favourable conditions for mould growth. Mould thrives in damp, dark, and humid environments. If not properly ventilated or dehumidified, the moisture from drying clothes on a radiator can contribute to mould problems in a room.

Stick to a well ventilated area

Here are some tips for effective clothes drying in a well-ventilated area:

  • If possible, use a designated laundry room with good airflow and ventilation. If you don’t have a dedicated laundry area, choose a room with windows and good airflow.
  • Consider using a clothesline or drying rack near an open window or outside, if weather permits.
  • Use fans or open windows to improve air circulation during the drying process.
  • Ensure that the room is not overly humid to prevent moisture-related issues.
  • Use a dehumidifier which will cost you an average of 14p to run.

By following these tips and drying your clothes in a well-ventilated area, you can help maintain a healthy indoor environment and ensure your clothes dry efficiently.

Spacious,Bathroom,In,Gray,Tones,With,Heated,Floors,,Freestanding,Tub,

How to clean a shower

by Bathroom TipsCleaning Tips

Do you want to get a spotless shower with minima scrubbing, if YES then keep on reading. Your shower surface can attract bacteria, grime and mildew which can be unsightly and make your shower look filthy and very uninviting as well as dirt, dust, hard water spots, soap scum, and other residue such as shower gel and shaving foam can build up in the shower over time,

Here is my step by step guide on how to clean the shower to keep it sparkling fresh in no time at all using simple ingredients.

STEPS TO CLEAN THE SHOWER

Remove all contents such as shower gel, razors etc from your shower and wipe over each item with a warm soapy cloth to remove any soap build-up on the product.

Start by focusing on any mould/mildew build up. Spray directly onto the affected areas white vinegar and then leave to work for 30 minutes before rinsing away, if you have mould/mildew build up on the tile grout then spray the area with white vinegar, then use a grout cleaning brush to scrub in before leaving and rinsing.

If you have stubborn build-up around your taps, dab on a cleaning paste and leave for 10 minutes. Alternatively grab some kitchen paper spray with white vinegar and then wrap around the tap, leave for 10 minutes then rinse and buff dry with a cloth.

Use your preferred bathroom cleaning spray and spray liberally on the glass, walls and floor of the shower. Scrub in using a scrubbing brush, leave the product on for a few minutes to work and then rinse away. Grab a squeegee to remove water from the surface and buff dry with a dry microfibre cloth.

Shower door seal

Remove the rubber seal from the shower screen/door, it should come off easily and then pop it in the bathroom sink filled with warm soapy water. Scrub the seal with a small cleaning brush or recycled toothbrush.

Spritz a dry cloth with vinegar and wipe over the seal then wait until the seal is completely dry before putting back into place.

Shower drain

Use a drain snake poke down your plug hole and pull out any hair and gunk that easily builds up, even if you think your shower is clean I can guarantee you will find gunk.

once cleared either use a bathroom plug unblocker or sprinkle down one cup of bicarbonate of soda, leave 20 minutes then rinse away.

Shower head

Half-fill a sandwich bag (or bucket if the shower head is detachable) with vinegar. Insert the shower head immersing it in the vinegar. Tie the bag with a rubber band to secure onto shower head and sit for an hour (if you have a brass or gold shower head, remove after 5 minutes or keep checking).

If your shower head in a waterfall, drench an old tea towel in white vinegar and wrap around.

Remove the shower head from the bag and use the mini brush to clean build-up. Turn on the water to flush out any mineral deposits. Use a toothpick to poke holes to help remove mineral deposits if needed. Rinse with water.

Finally polish the shower head with a clean dry microfibre cloth.

Lynsey’s Top Tip

Keep a squeegee in your shower and use after each use to remove water and save hard water up.

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How to clean walls

by Cleaning Tips

We all know that with kids and animals around the house, it can be really hard to keep walls clean and mark free.

Here are some tips on how to clean walls broken down into categories

INK

It’s always such a joy when little ones begin to express their creativity through drawing, colouring, and painting – unless, of course, they decide to do it on the walls. 

  • Spray some hairspray onto a Cloth then rub it gently over the ink mark.
  • Try some rubbing alcohol/surgical spirit onto a cotton ball and dab it on the ink stain until the stain is gone.
  • Apply some toothpaste to it, leave it for 10 minutes, then wash off with water (this method is also great for wallpapered walls).
  • Apply some eucalyptus oil to some kitchen roll and rub directly on the mark.

CRAYON

Another waxy material the kids like to apply to our walls is crayon you can use Magic Erasers to get rid of crayon without taking off the paint or you can make your own using a dampened sponge dipped into some bicarbonate of soda.

DIRTY FINGER MARKS AND SCUFFS

To get rid of dirty fingerprints, mix equal parts of white vinegar with warm water and wipe down the walls. Another option is eucalyptus oil on a cotton ball rubbed on the fingerprints.

GREASE MARKS

The same vinegar/water solution as above but also add in some lemon juice. Lemon juice is a great degreaser and will shift those stubborn grease marks.

For a general clean and freshen up of your walls you can use sugar soap diluted with warm water, to reach up high use a flat headed mop, but don’t forget to dry dust your walls first of all. Sugar soap helps to improve adhesion and give a better finish when decorating and will effectively remove nicotine marks so a great product to keep in your cleaning cupboard.

Empty,Glasses,And,Wine,Carafe,In,Stylish,Modern,Kitchen

How to clean cloudy glasses

by Cleaning Tips

If you are hosting a dinner party or simply just grabbing a glass of water there is nothing worse than dingy-looking glasses.

There is a way to clean up cloudy glasses and limit how often the unwanted haze returns and you can do using staples you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboards.

All you need

How to Clean Cloudy Glasses 

Cloudiness in glassware is usually caused by two things: Calcium and magnesium left behind from hard water. Washing them by hand is the best way to keep them clean and spot-free, but with busy lives the dishwasher makes light work of washing up.

Soak in white vinegar 

You need the white vinegar to be warm before using it as an effective cleaning agent. Fill your sink with hot water and let your bottle of white vinegar soak for one minute. Next, drain the sink and refill it with the now warm vinegar. Just use enough to cover the glasses and then let the glasses soak for one hour. 

Remove the Film 

Take the glasses out of their vinegar, gently scrub with your sponge and rinse with hot water until they are crystal clear.

Dry the Glasses

To dry use a lint free cloth or a flour stack towel, these cloths are perfect and will not leave any fibres behind. Fibres can make your glasses look dingy.

Prevent the Cloudiness From Returning

Since glassware becomes cloudy from dried water droplets, is to prevent water from drying on them in the first place which mainly happens when using the dishwasher. Hand washing and drying immediately is the best solution and will help keep your glasses from getting cloudy.

Cloudiness Could Be Permanent 

If you have tried the above and your glasses are still cloudy after they dry, the condition is likely permanent.

Angle the glass toward the light, if you see shades of pink, purple, brown, or blue this is a sign that your glasses can’t be brought back to life.

Hand,And,Glove,Cleaning,The,Bathroom,Tiles.

How to clean tile grout

by Cleaning Tips

Over time, grout can become dirty, mouldy and unsightly. But with the right tools cleaning grout is easy!

If you don’t regularly clean up your grout it can become filthy and hard to clean. There are a few ways to clean stubborn grout, all which include a bit of elbow grease!

Depending on the how dirty your grout is, you can use the following suggestions and see which one works for you…

To begin with, wipe over the grout area you want to clean with hot water, this will help clean and remove some dirt and grime on the surface.

Steam clean

Attach the small hard brush to your handheld steam cleaner and begin by steaming straight onto the grout line. Use the brush lightly and gently scrub as you go. The dirt will be lifted from the grout effortlessly. Finish the job by wiping over with a damp microfibre cloth, use white to see the amount of dirt that has been lifted as this is very satisfying to see.

Shaving foam

This is the cheapest and hassle free way of cleaning grout. Simply apply shaving foam on the grout lines, scrub in using a recycled toothbrush or grout cleaning brush, leave for 10 minutes and rinse with a damp microfibre cloth.

Scrub mommy paste

If your grout hasn’t been cleaned in a while, I find a cleaning paste like the scrub mommy power paste is a quick solution to get rid of dirt and grime. Apply using the provided scrub sponge rub in and watch the dirt lift away.

Powdered stain remover

Mix up with warm water and apply direct to the grout lines. Use an oxi stain remover for best results.

White toothpaste

White toothpaste is a minty miracle, dampen a recycled tooth brush or damp grout cleaning brush with warm water, apply toothpaste just as you would if you were brushing your teeth and work into the grout lines. Leave on the grout lines for a few minutes before rinsing away.

Bicarbonate of soda paste

If you are looking to use a homemade cleaning product mix together bicarb and washing up liquid until you have a nice thick paste. Then apply to the grout lines, scrub in and rinse away. This paste is also great for shinning up sinks and cleaning soap scum lines from the bath.

Whatever method you choose, with the right tools and cleaner you can have your grout look good as new!

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Tips to keep your home dust free

by Cleaning Tips

Dust in the home can be a real pain and no matter how much you dust it does just tend to keep coming back.

Some homes are more prone to dust than others and the environment around your home can be a contributing factor but there are a few simple tips and tricks you can do to try and keep your home dust free

And don’t worry as you do not need to go out and spend money on lots of fancy cleaners as all these tips are super simple and won’t cost you nothing at all.

Close the windows

I love having my windows open, fresh air is a great natural deodoriser but when you have the windows open you are letting the dust in. If any of your windows face a busy road dust will be even more problematic, the dust becomes airborne, so it can easily find it way into your home.

Keep your blinds dust free

Blinds are one of the most common places for dust to settle due to their size and shape. If you have fabric blinds use a lint roller or a damp daddy, avoid using the vacuum nozzle as they can pull your blind out of shape.

For slated blinds pop an odd thick sock on your hand and run over each individual slate, work from the same end of the blinds and start from the top as dust falls. If you haven’t got an odd sock to hand get yourself a dusting glove, these are made from microfibre and will ultimately pick up more than a sock.

Grab a lint roller

A gel lint roller just like the kind you use on your clothes, removes dust and dirt from any other fabric just as well. Regularly use on your curtains and lamp shades.

Vacuum correctly

Keep your vacuum well maintained and clean, if the filter is blocked or clogged with dust it will not pick up any dust from your floors, instead it will start to spit out what you have already picked up. Most vacuums have settings for different floor types so ensure you use the correct setting.

Vacuum in different directions, horizontally and then vertically and get underneath your furniture too as this is where dust will really settle.

Keep clutter at bay

The more items you have lying around, the harder it’ll be to dust them. 

Clutter is one of the most common causes of dust around the home and can affect how much dirt accumulates in different parts of the house. 

Keep plants on your window seals

Plants are an excellent way to keep dust at bay because they naturally absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, which in turn releases oxygen back into the air we breathe. 

Plants placed near windows will not only help clean the air but also help remove some of the dust particles that settle on windowsills – saving you a cleaning job in the future, too.

Plant leaves can get dusty and the best way to remove the dust is to use a recycled make up brush as they are so gently when knocking the dust away.

Keep hold of that last bit of wallpaper

When we decorate we are always left with a little of the wallpaper roll. If your kitchen cabinets or wardrobes don’t go all the way to the ceiling then line the tops with the left over wallpaper to collect the dust and knock of once a week to save the build up of dust.

Keep your pets well groomed

Regularly brushing (and even just petting) your furry friend produces errant hair and dust. If you regularly groom them outside, or in an easy-to-clean space like the bathroom, you can seriously cut down on your cleaning.

No shoes

Commit to a no-shoes policy inside and get a good-quality doormats one to leave outside your main entrance and one inside.

Want more cleaning tips then grab a copy of one of my books and I will show you how to clean your house and tidy up your life

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How to get rid of dust mites on soft toys

by Cleaning Tips

Dust mites can be a real pain and more often than not they live inside our kids soft toys.

Dust mite allergy is one of the most common allergies, and I’m sure most people don’t realise this could be the reason behind a lot of sinus or hay fever symptoms.  

Dust mites like to hide in the following:

  • Soft toys
  • Quilts
  • Sheet
  • Mattress
  • Pillows
  • Curtains
  • Carpet
  • Furniture and Clothes

Here to washed stuffed toys

  • Pop the soft toys into a laundry bag.
  • Use your usual detergent.
  • Add in 4-6 drops of tea tree essential oil as this is a natural disinfectant.
  • Reshape them when they come out of the wash.
  • Either hang them by the ears to dry or lay them flat too dry.
  • Give them a little dry brush with a soft brush to get them looking fluffy again. 

In the freezer

Place the soft toy into a plastic bag and pop in the freezer for 24 hours and this will also kill the dust mites and bacteria.  Once they have thawed out you can just put them in the dryer on a low setting for about 15-20 minutes to shake them up.

Vacuum

Another thing you can do is vacuum them. I know it sounds strange but a good vacuum every week using the nozzle removes the dust mites as well as dirt and fluffs up the fur at the same time.

Steam

For delicate soft toys, steam out the dirt and grime with a handheld steamer. The steam will sanitise the toy, making it safe for your child to cuddle with, steam will also help deep clean toys with batteries that can’t go in the washing machine.