A clean abode is a must-have before selling. The only rapt person to discover a mouldy bathroom (complete with a stained toilet) is a bargain hunter who knows they are likely to nab a great price. A fresh, hygienic home leaves a positive impression on a would-be buyer – and makes any homeowner feel great, too. Here are some tried-and-tested budget-friendly, mostly eco-friendly, mantras for a clean dwelling.
Baking soda and vinegar are a cleaner’s best friend
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can unclog drains, leave stainless steel (such as laundry sinks or oven trays) sparkling clean, and remove blemishes from bathroom grout. To unclog drains and clean the sink, mix one part baking soda to two parts vinegar. You can also use this hardworking mix to clean your bathtub and toilet: just let it sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing and wiping/flushing. To spruce up bathroom tiles and grout, make a paste using the soda and water, spray with a little vinegar, then simply scrub and rinse. One of the easiest hacks is cleaning your stovetop by pouring on baking soda and sprinkling with water. Let it sit for an hour, then wipe clean. For wall stains such as fingerprints, dip a damp cloth in baking soda and wipe.
Essential oil really is, well, essential
Essential oils don’t just bestow an attractive aroma; they are cleaning champions. Cleaned mirrors and windows deliver high impact. Grab a spray bottle and simply fill it with one part white vinegar, two parts purified water and eight drops of essential oil, such as lemongrass, tea-tree, eucalyptus, orange or lavender. Shake, spray and wipe. You can also whip up a multipurpose spray for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms: just add one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water with 10 to 15 drops of oil. Lemon essential oil is also a fantastic degreaser: add it to a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. You can also clean and buff wood with it: add a few drops to some olive oil and use a cloth.
Tough situations might require a more caustic approach
Sometimes tough stains and accidents are difficult to remedy with natural products. When you have a situation, such as permanent marker on your stone benchtop, a cheeky application of Jiff might be the solution. For stubborn wall stains such as red wine, coffee or chocolate, White Magic Eraser sponges are stain-remover pros – and they can be kept and used multiple times.
If the thought of cleaning leaves you needing a stiff drink, hold on: vodka is an excellent carpet-stain remover. Good luck and happy DIY cleaning.
