These tips turn routine into magic.
Cities have entered a waiting mode for miracles, and we are already dreaming of warm evenings, hospitality, and festive tables that smell of cinnamon and citrus.
If you are hosting guests this year or simply want your home to look perfect during the winter holidays, it makes sense to make the preparation not only effective but also enjoyable. RTÉ has shared some interesting tricks.
Silverware that shines like festive garlands. You can restore the shine to spoons and forks without much effort. Soak the utensils in warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda for 10-15 minutes. Lining the sink with foil will enhance the effect. As a result, you will have a set that looks like it just came from an expensive service.
Sharp scissors in 10 seconds. Paper, ribbons, packaging—all require clean and precise cuts. Don’t buy new scissors, just cut through folded aluminum foil a few times. The blades will quickly become sharper.
Gift wrapping rolls. Rolls that fall apart and crumple are a classic of December chaos. Put a cardboard tube from toilet paper on each roll. The paper will stay neat, and you will remain calm.
Lemon and baking soda—clean oven. Mix lemon juice with baking soda to form a paste, apply it to the stains in the oven, and leave it for 30 minutes. Thanks to the natural acids, grease comes off easily, and a fresh citrus scent fills the house.
Wax stains. Place a paper towel over the wax and apply a cool iron. The wax will transfer to the paper, and the tablecloth will remain clean and festive.
Artificial tree that looks alive. Before decorating, run a cold air stream from a hairdryer over the branches. This blows off dust, makes the needles fluffier, and refreshes the tree's appearance in just one minute.
Christmas scent on carpets. Baking soda and a few drops of essential oil, such as cinnamon, orange, or pine, create a dry "scent powder." Sprinkle it on the carpet, wait 15 minutes, and vacuum. However, be careful if you have pets, as essential oils are not always safe.
Festive scent for garlands. Artificial and dried garlands will come to life if you lightly spray them with water mixed with a few drops of pine or cinnamon essential oil. The effect is instant: the house will smell like a winter forest.
Glitter. It looks beautiful in decor and is catastrophic in cleaning. Take a lint roller; it will pick up glitter from any surface, even from fabrics and blankets.
Perfect shine for glasses. Mix warm water and white vinegar (1:1), dampen a soft cloth, and wipe the glass with it. The glasses will become transparent and shine in the festive lights.
Five-minute preparation before guests arrive. Keep a small basket with a "quick kit": antibacterial spray, microfiber cloth, lint roller. Go through the key rooms, and in a few minutes, the house will look like you have been preparing all day.
“Fresh” refrigerator. Place a bowl with baking soda and a few drops of citrus essential oil inside. This will neutralize odors and create a light scent of freshness.
Christmas is about coziness, warmth, and tiny details that make a home special. And there’s no need to do a deep clean for a week straight; a few smart tricks are enough. These tips turn routine into magic and allow you to welcome the holidays in a home that smells of pine, sparkles with cleanliness, and gives a festive feeling from the doorstep.
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