It is the time of the year again: Lunar New Year, the holiday that’s all about starting fresh and embracing new, auspicious beginnings. And with that comes spring cleaning, an annual tradition that we all love to hate. But let’s be honest, there’s something satisfying about finally tackling that cluttered closet or scouring the shower grout until it sparkles.
To help you take on a day (or a few days) of deep cleaning, Pau-Pau’s put together eight hacks that will make your cleaning tasks much easier. So, put on a face mask, wipe those dusty surfaces, scrub down those counters, and declutter to your heart’s content.
1) Declutter
In the wise words of Marie Kondo, “The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.” Kick start your spring cleaning by getting rid of any unnecessary items that you no longer need or use. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition, and dispose of anything that is broken or worn out. If this sounds like a daunting task, start small by allocating 5 minutes of your time daily to declutter will make a difference!
2) To clean a clogged drain
Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with hot water.
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3) To clean the windows
Use a squeegee or newspapers if you’re more old school, to clean windows and mirrors. It’s quick and effective, and helps to prevent water streaks.
4) To remove hard water stains
Hard water stains can be frustrating to remove, but with the right approach, they can be effectively eliminated. To do so, try using vinegar or lemon juice. These natural acids can help to break down the minerals that cause hard water stains. Simply apply the vinegar or lemon juice to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge. Rinse with water to remove the residue.
5) Remove carpet stains with vodka
The alcohol in vodka helps to break down and dissolve the stain, making it easier to remove. To use vodka to remove a stain from your carpet:
- Blot the stain
- Mix equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle
- Spray the mixture onto the stain, making sure to cover it completely
- Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the alcohol to penetrate the stain
- Blot the stain again with a clean and dry cloth.
However, do note that vodka may not work for all types of stains, and it may even bleach or fade certain types of carpet. Test the mixture on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first before treating the stain to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.
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7) Buff surfaces with olive oil
Olive oil is aneffective way to clean and polish stainless steel surfaces, such as pots and pans. Apply a small amount of olive oil to a soft, clean cloth and rub it onto the surface in a circular motion. This will help to remove dirt and grime, and leave the surface looking shiny and polished. It’s a quick and easy way to bring your stainless steel items back to their former glory. Just be sure to wipe away any excess oil to avoid leaving a greasy residue!
8) Wipe dusty surfaces with coffee filter
Did you know that coffee filters can be effective for dusting certain surfaces? This is because they are soft and do not leave behind any fibers, so they can be a good choice for dusting surfaces that are prone to accumulating fibers, such as computer monitors and TV screens.
Here’s to a smarter way of cleaning in 2023. Gong Xi Fa Cai and may your home continuously shine and sparkle this Year of the Rabbit!
