There is nothing like coming home to a spotless, fresh, and clutter-free home. You don’t have to worry about having nowhere to seat because clothes are all over the sofa or stepping on stuff that are lying around on the floor. Especially if you are a condo dweller and space is an issue, it is important to be organized. It also provides respite to know that dust and dirt are not living with you.
The Dalai Lama puts it perfectly: a clean environment purifies the mind. If you know where to find your keys, for example, life would be so much better.
Other than improving your mental state, a clean home also naturally reduces the risk or allergies and certain diseases. And cleaning itself has its own health benefits too. A 2008 article published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that a physical activity like cleaning the house reduces anxiety and stress by 20%. And not only that, cleaning also burns as much as 205 calories an hour, according to an article by Yahoo!.
Follow a schedule of chores for an effective time management. If you live in a condo, the task will be easier because condominiums are mostly sustainable. There are chores you can do every month to keep your space spick-and-span.
Don’t get blinded
Wipe off dust and stubborn dirt from your window blinds and shades. According to clever solutions published by the Readers Digest, it is best to use an antiseptic spray after wiping off the surface to keep dust from piling up.
While you are at it, wash your windows with a squeegee with a soft rubber edge. You may also use that old trick of using crumpled newspaper. Don’t forget window frames too and get rid of those mildew spots.
One of the best things about condo living is you get a chance to have a beautiful view. Don’t waste it with a filthy glass window or blinds.
Bugger in the shower
The shower head could be a breeding ground for bacteria because of the slime that builds up inside it. Results of tests conducted by the University of Colorado in 2009 showed that 30 per cent of shower heads contain Mycobacterium avium, a bug that is linked to a host of diseases especially of the lungs.
That is why it is necessary to clean your shower heads at least once a month. You can just rob the nozzles with your fingers or scrub it using a toothbrush. Submerge the showerhead in white vinegar for a few hours. You will also need to wash off dirt from the filter screen to eliminate bacteria.
Ceiling “fun”
If you use a ceiling fan in your living room where you stay often and entertain guests, it is important that you dust it off at every month. The task seems daunting because of the height, the blades, and awkward angles, but there are easy steps to do it.
The home website Real Simple suggests using an old pillowcase. Slide it open into every blade so the dust stays inside it. This simple trick will guard you against allergies and sinus infections.
Furniture cure
Vacuum your furniture regularly. If you live with kids in your condominium, it is inevitable that they step and spill on it. So before dust mites take over your sanity, dust them off with a vacuum cleaner. For leather furniture, use the dust brush tool.
Light it up
Ever present in a condo checklist is a nice shade, whether parchment, paper or plastic. But it is also easily ignored in a cleaning checklist. These can be easily vacuumed, or washed if plastic, so do that monthly and get proper lighting.
Wipe the boards
When you mop or sweep the floor, there’s a small amount of dust that piles up in tight areas like the baseboard. In time, the dirt will accumulate. So make it a habit to vacuum it regularly. The home website Apartment Therapy suggests using a cloth or dryer sheet and run it along the trim. This will also help remove stain.
Throw it away
Accenting your condo with throw rags is one of the most common design techniques these days. But like a regular carpet, they accumulate dirt easily. If you have furry pets who like sleeping on them, the stubborn hair gets trapped in the rag. It is not enough to vacuum them. You must try to wash your throw rags once a month before it breeds bacteria and pests.
Closet raid
You open your closet and cabinets every single day. When you buy new clothes, you simply pile them up. And when you pick up your laundry, chances are you just pile them up. You pile things up so often that everything becomes a mess before you know it.
Make it a habit to organize your clothes and other stuff like shoes and bags. These are the things that often cause clutter. They also drive you crazy. For example, how many hours of your life get wasted on looking for a shirt, a belt or the remote?
Stain in the kitchen
According to microbiologist Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona, the kitchen is the dirtiest spot in the house. It is also home to the “germiest” thing in the world: sponges. Change your sponge before it becomes home to bacteria like E-coli and salmonella.
Other than the daily rinsing, disinfect your sink regularly. Gerba warns: there are more fecal bacteria your sink than in the toilet.
Chopping off germs
When was the last time you thoroughly cleaned your cutting board? You use it everyday cutting raw meat and fish but you just usually wash it like you would a plate or glass.
Make sure you disinfect it especially if you have a wooden cutting board. Deodorize it with white vinegar and baking soda. You can also use bleach and hydrogen peroxide to get rid of bacteria.
Keeping your condo clutter and dirt-free should be a breeze. The pieces of furniture are mostly new and every corner looks new even after a year. But this should not be a reason to just doze off. Follow a strict schedule of chores and make living safer and cozier. Remember that keeping a lovely home is a commitment.
