If you own a home or rent an apartment, there are some basic things that you need to know. You should learn the layout of your house, figure out how to escape in an emergency, and ensure that your finances are always in order.
Another good thing to know is how to clean your place — and everything in it — effectively. If you are a little confused about how to do that, here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Dry a damp load of laundry more quickly.
Clothes taking too long to dry? Throw a dry bath towel in with them.
2. Shine silverware without expensive cleaners.
Toothpaste will actually clean silver pretty well in a pinch. Apply a little bit to each piece and rinse.
3. Remove a lightbulb that’s gotten stuck.
First, unplug the lamp or turn off the power through the circuit breaker. Next, put on thick gloves and wiggle the base of the bulb loose until you can twist it out. If that doesn’t work, break the bulb and insert a rubber jar opener into the base and turn it counterclockwise.
4. Clean your toilet tank.
You’d be surprised at how dirty these things can get. First, turn off the water valve, flush the toilet (which will empty the tank), then clean away the grime with paper towels.
5. Wash marble countertops and baths.
You should clean marble with tin oxide and a sponge. Anything with acidity like lemons or vinegar will eat away at the marble, so avoid using things like that.
6. Keep your towels from collecting fuzz.
Place a nylon net in the washer and dryer. It will make balls of fuzz fall off.
7. Wash your dishwasher.
Put paper towels and sponges into the bottom of an empty dishwasher, pour several cups of vinegar into the bottom, and run a full cycle.
8. Prevent color bleeding in the wash.
Many people will think that vinegar will stop clothes from bleeding, but that’s not true. In fact, pouring vinegar on your clothes will do more harm than good. The only proven method is separating whites from brights like your mama taught you (or hoping for the best and washing everything on cold).
(via Good Housekeeping)
These tips will make your home a much cleaner, more efficient place. When it comes to making your house a home, cleanliness is key.
