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Cleaning safety tips

by Cleaning Tips

When you are working with chemicals when cleaning your home and reaching into the nooks and crannies of your house, you have to be careful. I was a professional cleaner for many years so I have put together some helpful safety tips that will ensure you enjoy the benefits of a clean home safely.

If in doubt

If you are every feeling unsure when you reach for a product then listen to yourself. You will be feeling unsure for a reason.

Before using a product always read the label.

When you are playing scientist with your cleaning caddy be extra careful when mixing cleaning ingredients. If you aren’t 100 percent positive that you can do it, DON’T!

NEVER ever mix bleach and vinegar, if you do you will be at risk of burning eyes and possibly lung damage.

NEVER ever mix bleach and ammonia, these can possibly burn your lungs, some washing up liquids contain ammonia so be careful and read those labels.

Label your homemade cleaning products

I absolutely love to make my own cleaning products, but when I do I always make sure I label the bottles. Liquids can looks the same but when cleaning you need to know what you are working with. You may think that you will remember which bottle is which, but two bottles with cloudy mixture are going to look very similar the next time you pull them out. 

Make sure you also pop on the label that date you made the product as some will only have cleaning power for A few hours/days whilst others will last months.

Don’t mix products

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT listen to advise on TIK TOK unless you are following a reputable person, boiling zoflora on your hob to make your kitchen smell nice is a big NO NO! If you want to boil anything on the hob simply boil water with some slices of lemon for a fresh kitchen smell.

There is so much bad advice it scare me but simply follow this general rule of thumb, just assume that two chemicals can NOT be mixed. Always do your research and be mindful of which sources you trust your safety with. 

Protect your family

Ensure you keep your cleaning products in a safe space with the lids firmly fastened. Kids often go exploring when they are young and you need to keep them safe. Place products up high if you can in secure cupboards. Install child-proof latches on under-sink cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom.

When you are done cleaning, properly dispose of paper towels and rags that touched the cleaning chemicals, your pet could easily grab and chew away.

Use the right tools

Always ensure you have the right tools. For example, if you have high ceilings, don’t attempt to climb a ladder to dust the lights fixtures or remove cobwebs. Instead use extendable dusting wand that allows you to effortlessly reach these hard-to-reach areas. Buy the right tools so that you’re able to clean safely and efficiently. Improvising isn’t recommended

My favourite natural cleaning products

White vinegar – the hero of natural cleaning products this should be the staple for any cleaning caddy. Use it watered down to clean windows and taps . Add a small amount to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine. It sounds bizarre but it will actually leave you with super soft clothes. It’s also great to help preserve the life of your washing machine and your clothes won’t smell of chips trust me, the vinegar disperses very quickly!  Another great use for white vinegar is to use it in the garden as a weed killer, mix a litre of vinegar with 3 large spoons of salt and washing up liquid for a child and pet friendly way of keeping the weeds under control.

Bicarbonate of soda – another household essential, bicarb is a great natural deodoriser and abrasive. Mix equal parts with water for a sink or bath scrub. Remove oil/grease stains from carpets and clothing by sprinkling bicarb on, leaving for 15 mins then hoovering or washing away.

Juicy lemons are one of the most powerful non-toxic cleaning products that is probably hiding away in your fridge right now. The humble lemon can be used instead of bleach, add a cup of lemon juice to your washing for bright whites with a refreshing scent. Cut a lemon in half and rub it over shower doors to remove mildew and water stains. Use the other half of the lemon to rub on your taps to make them bright and shiny.

Want to learn more about to clean safely 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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Places people forget to clean

by Cleaning Tips

Here is a list of all the places that you should be cleaning but may be missing in your home. These are not everyday cleaning tasks but the ones to add into your monthly cleaning calendar

Lounge

The living room is the place where we relax, unwind, watch television, and snack which can lead to crumbs getting between the cushions and under furniture. Here are some places you may be missing in the living room.

TV Remote Controls– the best way to clean these is to dip a microfibre cloth in rubbing alcohol and wipe over the entire remote. You can also grab a toothpick to get into any small crevices.

Behind and under furniture- My pink cordless vacuum cleaner is so easy to manoeuvre around my furniture because it’s so lightweight and has such great suction and lays flat to get right under my sofas.

Cushion covers – Try and pop these in the wash at least once a month

Lampshades – use a lint roller to remove any dust and dust the light bulb using a recycled make up/paint brush.

Throws – Over the winter months when you are getting cosy watching TV try and pop these in the wash every other week.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of the home. It’s where we seem to spend the most time in, gathering, talking, and eating. It is also a huge clutter zone.

Kitchen utensil drawers

Splash back

Inside cupboards

Under cupboards – you will be surprised at how sticky these can get

Oven racks – you can leave these to soak in warm soapy water with a splash of white vinegar over night

Extractor fan covers

Extractor fan hoods – if stainless steel after cleaning buff up with a tiny drop of baby oil

Around and under the fridge – use this amazing flat headed duster

Fridge shelves – most can be removed so just soak in warm soapy water.

Kitchen table and chair legs – We often do the tops but how often do we turn over our chairs and do the legs and the same for the table legs.

Kitchen Chairs – If fabric use the Dr Beckmann upholstery cleaner if leather use the Astonish leather cleaner

Microwave – to clean the inside off the microwave, fill a bowl with a ½ cup of vinegar and a ½ cup of water and place it into the microwave on high for 5 minutes you can also use an angry mama. Then just wipes away the loosened grease and grim.

Bedrooms

The bedroom is often just used for sleeping and dressing so shouldn’t get too dirty but can get very cluttered. Take a minute to look in your wardrobes, go through your clothes and take out what you are no longer wearing. Check under the bed and add these tasks to your cleaning calendar.

Mattress – Often over looked but ensure you use a thick good quality mattress protector and check out my tips on mattress cleaning.

Pillows– Again ensure you are using good quality pillow protectors and to refresh them either pop in the tumble dryer for 10 mins on a high heat to kill germs and refresh, spot clean using hydogren perxiode or steam clean them, some can be cleaned in the washing machine but follow my guide.

Under the bed – Pull out if you can as dust really does build up under the bed, if it is too heavy use my cordless vacuum as it goes nice and flat.

Bedroom Drawers – Empty and clean out.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms

So, you are probably cleaning all the obvious spots in the bathroom such as the sinks, mirrors, toilet, and bath and shower. But, there may be some spots that you have completely forgotten about. The worst places in your bathroom are the flush button and light switch/cord.

Light pull cord – Can often be discoloured where hands touch you can brighten this up using white toothpaste.

Shower Curtains – Must of these can be washed in the washing machine, if they have any mould patches treat with white vinegar

Shower Door – If built up with soap scum and limescale treat using my magic shower spray. or half a lemon dipped in bicarbonate of soda.

Shower Drain – Treat weekly by simply adding down a big scoop of bicarb, if blocked use a drain weasel

Shower head– if you have build-up on your shower head the best way to clean it is to fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and place it over the shower head. Make sure the shower head is immersed and secure with a rubber band and let it soak for a few hours or overnight if it’s really bad. If a bag won’t fix use a tea towel drenched in white vinegar.

Bathroom bin

Under and around the Sink base

Behind the toilet – dust can really build up here and it is hard to reach so blast with a steamer.

Toilet brush – Remember that silicone ones are the most hygienic.

Medicine cabinet– the medicine cabinet can not only get cluttered with stuff but it can get really dusty and dirty. The best thing to do is to pull everything out and declutter. Throw out anything out that has expired and then wipe out the inside before replacing the items.

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Clever ways you can use baby oil around your home

by Cleaning Tips

Discover the best uses for using baby oil round the home.

Do not throw away your baby oil, many of us buy baby oil ready for parent hood but it doesn’t always get used and ends up lurking in the back of your bathroom cupboard. Baby oil isn’t just for babies this cheap product has many uses that can be used around the home.

WD40 is not the only product that will stop squeaky doors, baby oil will also silence those squeaky hinges.

Stuck chewing gum can be a real pain to remove saturate it in baby oil, walk away and leave 15 minutes come back and voila the gum will lift with ease. Plus if you happen to get gum in your hair baby oil will help it slip away.

If your leather bags and shoes are looking a little dull, add a few drops of baby oil onto a dry microfibre cloth and gently buff, the oil will moisturise the leather and give it so much shine.

A glittery bath bomb can cause so much mess in your bath and with just normal rinses can take days if not weeks to disappear, pop some baby oil on a cloth run over the glitter and watch it disappear. But remember to be extra careful next time you get into the bath it can be extremely slippery.

Buff up your stainless fridge freezer, but remember to follow the grain for the perfect finish and watch those finger marks disappear.

Stuck zip on your favourite pair of jeans then apply a small amount to a dry cloth rub it on both sides and get it moving.

Clean up those chrome fittings from grubby finger prints apply a little oil to a damp cloth and clean away.

Apply a small layer to your shower screen to help prevent soap scum build up

So many wonderful uses and don’t forget it is amazing for your skin too

Lynsey

dirtytrainers

Give your dirty trainers the boot with these top tips

by Cleaning TipsLaundry

White trainers are a sitting target for dirt. The good news is, like most of us, they ‘scrub up’ well. With the right products hand cleaning your trainers is effective and doesn’t take too much effort at all.

When coming back from a muddy walk allow your trainers to air dry especially if they are wet from the rain. Trying to clean them straight away could actually make them much worse. Once they have dried knock them together outside so the mud falls off or alternatively use a soft natural brush.

Fill a bowl with warm water and add in either a drop of liquid laundry detergent or washing up liquid. Dip your brush and scrub away using a circular motion, start with the upper part of the trainer and then finish with the sole.

Wipe clean using a clean dry cloth. (I tend to save up old tea towels for cleaning our trainers)

If the soles and hard rim are still not looking quite as clean as they could be then use a magic eraser with a little bit of water, the generic term for magic eraser is MELAMINE SPONGES. They work their magic by physically removing stains and dirt from the bottom of your shoes and may even work on some suede and cloth type parts on your trainers. The eraser works a bit like sandpaper and will help to get your trainers looking brand new.

Miracle sponges are available in my QOC range. Get Yours Here

Trainers and the washing machine.

Should you put your trainers in the washing machine ? I am often asked this question and I always advise this is personal choice, I DO sometimes wash our trainers in the washing machine but i DO so with care.

Washing trainers in the washing machine can weaken the bonding agents and could also damage your machine.

If you do decide to use the washing machine then choose a low heat setting no more than 30 degrees, a low spin so they are not chucked around too much and use an old pillow case or a laundry bag.

Remove the laces as there is a chance that these could get stuck in the machine and if the shoe liner comes out take this out.

Use a liquid detergent and mix into the detergent a big spoonful of bicarbonate of soda, the reason I recommend this is because bicrab is a whitener. Do not add in any bleached based products as this will strip the colour.

DO NOT ADD ANYTHING ELSE TO THE MACHINE.

Tough stains

In the course of a day wearing your trainers you going to come into contact with threats such as accidental spillages, but thankfully there is a great inexpensive solution to get rid of these stains.

Toothpaste, white toothpaste is such a great alternative to expensive trainer cleaners, just add a generous amount of white toothpaste to the stained area and rub in using an old recycled toothbrush (toothbrushes are a must for your cleaning caddy as they can come in so handy)

Once you have scrubbed away use a damp cloth to remove any foam or residue and your trainers will not only be minty fresh but bright white too!

Laces

A really easy simple quick solution to brighten up and revitalise your trainers is to replace the laces, laces can be inexpensive and will give your trainers a new lease of life.

Cleaning laces takes time but the best solution I have found is to put them in a saucepan of boiling water and add a heaped spoonful of bicarbonate of soda. Never bleach your laces as this will strip the colour and turn them an off yellow colour making them look worse.

Drying

When drying your trainers what ever you do, do NOT put them on a radiator as this can crack them, weaken the glue, meaning the soles could start to unstick and shrink them.

Always air dry your trainers, trainers can take a while so be prepared to be with out them for 24 hours.

Protecting

If you really want to keep your trainers box fresh it is worth investing in shoe care products such a suede protector or a leather protector, use as soon as you get your trainers and after a couple of wears.

 

Get Yours Here

You can catch up with my full trainer cleaner demo from ITV’s This Morning here

Happy Cleaning

 

 

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How to get rid of stale cigarette smoke smells

by Cleaning Tips

I am often asked how to get rid of stale cigarette smells particularity when people move into a new property.  No matter how much cleaning they do the smell just won’t go away.
Smoke smells really do hang and is a very persistent odour lasting a long time.  Part of the reason for this is the leftover resins and tars from the smoke but also because the smoke from cigarettes is composed of about 4,000 different chemicals, some in particulate form bonds which cause the stench of smoke to stick to walls, carpets, furniture,and upholstery.
No matter how muck spray you spray or air fresheners you use the smell is still there or it is only masking for a few days and then the smell comes flooding back!
Interestingly, two common household products do a fantastic job of neutralising odours and deodorising the air helping you to combat this strong persistent smell.
One being one of may favourite products white wine vinegar, which being an acid,  it is very effective at cutting through resin and tar. Just placing saucers of white vinegar around the affected items and leaving them in a sealed room overnight or for several days can really help. Alternatively mix with warm water and gently wash surfaces and windows making sure you buff dry. White wine vinegar itself has a pungent odour which not everyone likes but this will evaporate and fade quite quickly so don’t panic!
Secondly another favourite of mine Bicarbonate of  soda . Bicarb is really good with fabric and upholstery. simply sprinkle the bicarb over as much of the surface as possible and leave for several hours or even a day if possible, and then vacuum everything off. Repeat a few more times if necessary. You can even add to the bicarb a few drops of your favourite essential oil too.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of fresh air. Just leaving items in a well-ventilated room or outside in the fresh air can help enormously in removing unwanted odours.

If you are soon to be moving into a new property soon take a look at my Cleaning guide

Lynsey Queen of Clean xoxo

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Time to Declutter your freezer

by Cleaning Tips

Your freezer is a cold and desolate place that’s home to forgotten, icy food in unlabelled containers and every so often it needs a little TLC.

Easier said than done but try and get into the habit of labelling your left overs and placing them into stack-able containers when you add them to your freezer to give it more structure.

When it comes to defrosting

Empty out your freezer and have a really good sort through the foods. Food that you are keeping put into ice boxes to keep them cold.

Most modern freezers have anti defrost so the build up of frost and ice doesn’t occur but it you have still got frost and ice build up you will need to defrost a few times a year.

Make sure you turn off the power to the freezer before defrosting.

Leave the freezer door open for a while to melt the ice, this can take a while make sure you leave a few old towels on the floor to really soak up the water. If you haven’t got time to stand around and wait for the freezer to melt naturally place in a few pans filled up with boiling water to help speed up the ice melting.

Once all the ice has gone it’s a good idea to give the freezer case a really good clean, I find warm water and washing up liquid works really well.  If you have nasty food smells spray some white vinegar all around and then leave for approx 30 minutes to allow the vinegar to break down the odours.

Clean all the shelves and any drawers the same way and ensure full dry before you put your freezer back together.

Once its all clean you can switch back on, leave a while for it chill and then add the food back in nice and neatly and in order.

If you don’t have the hassle of having to defrost your freezer then give you freezer a good clean using warm soapy water and then dry really well before the food goes back.

Freezer organisation

Make sure you add onto your frozen left overs freezer labels , then you can add the contents, as it is not always easy to tell what it is and the date you added to the freezer.

Categorise your shelves. Have a shelf for fish, one for meat and one for left over portions so you know exactly what you have and can clearly see what meals you have in for the week.

Keep frozen vegetables, bread and chips in the freezer drawers and use bag clips to save food from spilling out.

Use square food containers for freezing left overs so they fit together well and take up less room.

Keep a regular inventory of what you have in your freezer by either using a list which you can stick into the inside of one of your kitchen cupboards.

Dump the packaging many of the foods we buy in the frozen section come in large bulky boxes. Get rid of those as quick as you can, and use a plastic food bags to help you save space.

Remove Shelves If you don’t need them, take them out, just because your freezer comes with shelves doesn’t mean you have to use them. Many of the shelves and drawers are removable, which opens up the space to be able to make it your own.

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Upholstery Sofa Cleaning

by Cleaning Tips

Depending on how we use the sofa it can take a lot of wear and tear.. From eating TV dinner to watching a movie with your pet snuggled up against you. The couch can capture body oils, cooking odours, dust mites and allergies and they will be lurking in your sofa causing allergies and irritation to airways.Eating on your sofa really isn’t ideal, food particles, sticky finger marks and spilt drinks can all occur from enjoying a snack on the sofa.  Keep eating at the table. If you do like to indulge on your sofa you need to keep it clean or at least cover with a washable throw.

Hoover it daily and invest in a good upholstery cleaner or leather cleaner .  Take off cushion covers and wash these as often as you can. As well puff your cushions and lightly steam.

My Sofa Cleaning Tips

Bicarbonate of Soda  is great for a lot of things, including the removal of grime and embedded dirt in your sofa. Test the fabric first in an inconspicuous area, but Bicarbonate of Soda  is safe for most types of upholstery. You will need a couple of cleaning cloths, a a stiff brush, Bicarbonate of Soda and your vacuum cleaner with the smaller brush attachment.

  • Use the stiff brush to brush away crumbs, dust, and other debris.
  • Sprinkle the couch with bicarbonate of soda which you can also mix with an essential oil if you wish and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to thoroughly remove the baking soda or mixture.
  • If you have a steamer very lightly steam just to ensure your killing germs. Always hold approx 30cm away from the fabric
  • Finish of with a Dettol antibacterial spray of a fabric refresher.

For any tough stains that are still present mix together  3/4 cup warm water, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar and one tablespoon of washing up liquid and scrub the mixture in with a hard brush and then blot dry.

Other methods to try for stains which I have tried and tested are:

Teepol prespot treatment

Oxy power Fabric Cleaner

There are plenty more cleaning tips and home hacks so take a read

Now you know how to deep clean your fabric sofa so that it not only looks like new but smells fresh and clean.

Thanks for reading lynsey Queen of Clean xoxo

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How to deal with dust in your home

by Cleaning Tips

Do you find that when you dust your home the very next the dust is back and all your hard work has gone to waste? Dusting your entire house is a big a job. However, if you plan, you can get the job done in no time and it won’t be back the very next day. It is important to prepare your home for dusting and then work your way through your house from the top to the bottom.

Before you start emove all clutter from around the house. In order to make the dusting process easier and more effective. Remove things that have gathered on tables or worktops and even my home gets a pile of paperwork build up in the kitchen weekly!  Never dust around clutter like some many people do. If your going to do the dusting you may as well do properly.

Make sure you choose dusting tools that will grab the dust, not push it around. A feather duster may be fun to use or look fancy but for serious dusting, use a microfiber cloth.  Microfibre cloths literally grab dust, are super absorbent, streak free and don’t leave lint or dust behind. Use your favorite multipurpose spray or furniture polish, whichever you feel is appropriate for the surface.  If you do like to use a duster brush for quick clean up, invest in a good quality one that allows the dust to stick.

Dust in the right direction

When dusting a room, start with the highest items and work your around the room and down to the lowest, use a circular motion. Then grab the Vacuum.don’t vacuum before you dust as dust will fall.

Electronics

Computers, TVs, DVD players, music player, and printers are notorious dust magnets. Always unplug the equipment before cleaning. A gentle swipe with a microfiber cloth usually does the job,but if your Vacuum has a brush attachments a little vacuum certainly won’t hurt. Be sure to vacuum dust from around cords and vents to keep devices from getting clogged and over heating. I tend to use a glass e-cloth for the actual TV screens.

Delicate Items

For all those stylish ornaments and other intricate items, where dust can get trapped, lightly mist a clean natural-bristle paint or makeup brush, then wipe with a microfiber cloth.

Walls, Door Frames, Ceilings and skirting boards

All of these areas can hold an amazing amount of dust, if you don’t dust them on a regular basis. Use a  swiffer mop as these are really good for getting the dust of walls and ceilings the dust will stick to the microfiber pad. For door frames and skirting boards I use a mixture of warm water and a tiny amount of fabric conditioner. This removes the dust really well and leaves your home smelling amazing.

Curtains and Blinds

If these are ignored, they can hold a lot of dust.  Be sure to Vacuum both sides of your curtains on a weekly basis, to keep the build up to a minimum. Taking them down and shaking them outside helps remove a lot of the buildup too.  Have them dry cleaned at least once a year or when buying curtains try to opt for machine washable ones. .  For blinds, close completely and dust horizontally starting at the top of each blind and working your way down have you watched my video on cleaning blinds?

Upholstered Furniture

Remove pillows and cushions and Vacuum regularly using the upholstery tool and the crevice tool for corners and edges. If cushion covers are removable then wash monthly to freshen them up.  I also use a multipurpose wipe and gently rub over my crushed velvet sofa and then spray with Fabric refresher

Vents

Use your Vacuum with brush attachment to suck up the dust in the air vents, if the space is really small another really good trick is to use a mascarabrush.

A few of my most receommneded items for dusting are:

Happy Dusting
Lynsey Queen of Clean xoxox

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