House Cleaning Tips
Clean the Air With Houseplants Adding a houseplant or two is an easy way to make the air inside your home cleaner. Some of the plants that work most effectively at cleaning the air include Boston fern, shown here, spider plant, English ivy, snake plant and peace lily. Some plants (like peace lily) are toxic to humans and pets, so be sure to check that you’re buying a pet-safe plant. Want to go beyond the pot? Consider adding a living wall of fresh green plants.
Storage Ottoman If your mudroom is big enough to include a seat, consider making it one that includes hidden storage. Use the interior space to stow spare pairs of shoes, outdoor gear or pet necessities. Just be intentional about which category of items you’re storing there — otherwise, this useful piece has the potential to be filled with stuff that belongs elsewhere NOTE: Maybe put the unused gloves/hats in here
Magazine File Instead of piling magazines, catalogs and notices on a flat surface (where they can quickly multiply and become impossible to sort through), stash these items in upright magazine files. If you have a large, busy household, assign each person an individual magazine file for collecting mail.
Use Natural Cleaners There’s no doubt that heavy-duty cleaners get the job done. But for light daily cleaning, it’s not really necessary to bring out the serious chemicals. And since most natural cleaning recipes can be made using just a few simple, inexpensive ingredients — like distilled water, white vinegar, Castile soap and baking soda — you’ll breathe easier and probably save a little cash. A few easy cleaning solutions to try: All-purpose cleaner: Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar and water at a 1:1 ratio and use a microfiber cloth to clean. This works on windows, mirrors, bathtubs, tiled floors and more. Marble, granite and quartz cleaner: Fill a 24- to 32-ounce spray bottle with water; add 4 to 5 ounces of rubbing alcohol, six drops of Castile soap and several drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or rosemary. Stainless steel polish: After cleaning the surface with an all-purpose cleaner (see above), spray it lightly with coconut oil cooking spray. Rub in the oil with a clean dish towel or paper towel.
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