We are all keen to reduce the amount of time that we spend cleaning the house, so here are some ideas using a tennis ball, vinegar and baking powder to help you speed up that task and allow you to do something more enjoyable.
1. Remove clutter - less items to dust and polish around.
2. Give yourself a psychological boost by cleaning areas that clean easily first.
3. Concentrate on one room and do as many tasks as you can.
4. Use a tool carrier to keep all your cleaning products and cloths together to save having to keep going back for additional items.
5. Use a new tennis ball to wipe of scuff marks from woodwork, vinyl, tile and painted walls.
6. If the above does not work apply baby oil to scuff maks on vinyl flooring, leave for a few minutes, then wipe off. A typewriter rubber can be used to remove black heel marks.
7. Remove mildew from tiles and shower curtians by spreading a mixture of lemon juice and baking powder on the surface, leave for a couple of hours then rinse off.
8. Remove crayon from gloss painted walls by spraying hairspray on the stain and wiping off with a cloth.
9. Clean fridge seals with a toothbrush and toothpaste and wipe off.
10 To clean the dishwasher pour half a cup of white wine vingar into the tablet space and run one cycle empty - this will remove the grease and leave it smelling fresh.
11. Oven cleaning - mix enough baking powder into a paste to cover the inside of the oven, apply to the inside and leave for 12 hours. Wipe off and spray with a little vinegar, it will foam, and then wipe out until all the foam has gone and your oven should be clean.
12. Grout in the shower - Initially try a little warm water and a stiff brush, if this does not work try mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and brush on. For more stubborn stains mix the white vinegar with baking powder and brush on. If you still have stains use oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach), usually comes a a powder, so mix into a paste and apply to the affected area as a final resort. In all cases scrub on, leave for a few minutes and then wash off with plenty of clean water.
