Cleaning Hacks

Mop and Bucket System

When cleaning, I prefer to opt for natural alternatives to commercial-grade cleaners where possible, as I often don’t like the smell of store-bought cleaners and prefer to find non-toxic options that may do just as good of a job. Below are some cleaning hacks that I have found to be really helpful additions to my deep-cleaning routine!

LAUNDRY MACHINE CLEANING

Spray Bottle, Essential Oil Set

The mixture below is helpful in removing mold around your home, particularly in areas exposed to humidity such as showers, washing machine seal etc. Even though washing machines are used so often, many people tend to overlook cleaning the machine itself. However, cleaning it is very easy, and when done periodically, it enhances its performance and potentially also prolongs its life.

For this, you will need the following 3 ingredients:

White Vinegar – 1 cup

Clove essential oil – 20 drops

Tea Tree essential oil – 20 drops

Combine the mixture in a glass container Glass Container and spray it generously inside your laundry machine’s rubber seal. (Make sure to protect your hands. These Cleaning Gloves in particular are truly the most comfortable and long lasting gloves I’ve ever owned – and probably the cutest as well )
After 20-30 minutes, wipe the seal with hot water to get rid of the mold.

In this “triple action” recipe, the acidity of the white vinegar neutralizes mold spores, the clove oil possesses anti-fungal qualities and the tea tree oil helps to prevent mold from coming back.

CARPET FRESHENER

Cordless Vacuum

Borax – 1 cup

Baking Soda – ½ cup

Essential Oil – 5 drops (here, the quantity and choice of smell is based on personal preference)

Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl, and place in a container (a Spice Container with a Shaker Lid does the job), and sprinkle the freshener around the carpet.
Let it sit for half an hour and then vacuum using any vacuum.

This formula not only takes away unwanted smells from the carpet but it also acts as a disinfectant against fleas, dust mites and other germs.

NATURAL FLOOR CLEANER

Dish Soap, Mop and Bucket System

Boiling Water – 3 cups

White Vinegar – ¼ cup

Dish Soap – 1 tea spoon

Optional ingredients for tile and/or laminate flooring only. DO NOT USE the ingredients below on hard-wood floors:

¼ cup of rubbing alcohol – so that floors dry faster and are streak-free

Essential oil – add a couple of drops of your choice for a pleasant smell

Combine the desired ingredients in a water bucket, turn on your favorite music and ease into a deep clean for a sparkling clean result. This is my favorite Mop and Bucket System, by the way, as it separates the clean solution/water from the dirty water, and gives you full control over the moisture level of the mop.

GROUT CLEANER

Power Scrubber

Whether it’s in the entryway, kitchen, bathroom or terrace, periodic grout cleaning of stains, grime and dirt is necessary in preventing the growth of mold and mildew. And naturally, floors with clean grout are also a lot more aesthetically pleasing.

Baking soda – 1 cup

Hydrogen Peroxide – ⅓ cup

Dish soap – 1 tbsp

Clove oil – 5 drops (This is optional; if you have pets, leave it out)

Combine the baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, 1 tbsp dishwashing soap and a few drops of clove oil in a dish.
With a glove on, apply this mixture onto the grout.
Wait for half an hour- 45 minutes, and scrub it off either with a Sponge or with a Power Scrubber and with a wet cloth wipe to expose clean grout lines.

This mixture helps to whiten and brighten the grout. It has made the biggest difference for my floors.