Our expert is Elena Voitsekhovich, an employee of a cleaning company.
GET RID OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS
It’s best to start a thorough cleaning by removing excess items. This is the perfect time to part with cracked cups and plates, as well as clothes and shoes that haven’t been worn for several years.
The best time to wash windows is during cool, windless, and cloudy weather. For example, in high temperatures, the cleaning solution can dry quickly, making it difficult to remove without streaks. It is recommended to use special window sprays (from 5-6 rubles for 500 ml). They do not leave streaks and temporarily prevent glass fogging and condensation.
Typically, the window washing process follows this sequence: first, spray regular water on the glass, then wipe it with a sponge or cloth to remove the main layer of dirt (it is preferable to use a microfiber cloth), after which apply the window solution and use a rubber squeegee (similar to a scraper that can be purchased at any hardware store). Wipe the drips and frames with a cloth. Instead of a spray, you can also use homemade remedies: vinegar, water with citric acid or lemon juice (50 ml per glass), as well as starch (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water).
Professionals can clean curtains right on the window, but at home, it is better to remove them and wash them in a washing machine at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees. It is advisable to turn off the spin cycle to prevent the curtains from wrinkling and to make ironing easier. Expensive and heavy fabrics are recommended to be taken to the dry cleaner. It is better to remove blinds and soak them in soapy water.
Clean the ceiling and walls from dust with a brush wrapped in a slightly damp cloth. Rinse it as often as possible in clean water to avoid leaving dirty streaks on the wallpaper or ceiling. It is more convenient to clean surfaces from top to bottom, which will prevent dust from settling on already cleaned areas. Any floor will acquire a glossy shine if you add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar to 1 liter of water.
WIPE EVERYTHING!
Vacuum carpets and clean them with a stiff brush. If possible, it is better to take them outside and beat them first. Then, go over the carpet with a damp microfiber cloth with a weak concentration of hand-cleaning shampoo. This will leave a pleasant scent and create an antistatic effect: the carpet will not collect dust for some time. It is not recommended to use professional carpet cleaning chemicals on your own, as this may damage the item.
Furniture can be polished with a soft cloth dampened with a small amount of fabric conditioner. This will help keep surfaces clean for longer. It is easiest to clean soft furniture from dust by covering it with a wet sheet and lightly beating it. All internal parts of cabinets, nightstands, dressers, and desk drawers should be cleaned with a damp cloth and dried with fabric conditioner or antistatic. This will help reduce dust accumulation among clothes.
Dishes and ceramic knick-knacks should be thoroughly washed with a strong salt solution in warm water and dried. This remedy effectively removes household dirt and is safe even for delicate surfaces.
