SOCK IT TO ’EM
Finally, there's a use for those old socks that have holes in them. Dust your blinds or ceiling fan using a cotton sock and a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Clean these fixtures first, as dust will drop on to the surrounding surfaces which can be easily wiped down or vacuumed up once you've finished.
WHIZZ ROUND
Make light work of your vacuuming with a high performance, cordless, freestanding vacuum cleaner. Its extra-long running time and super-light design allows you to whizz round your whole house in record time. The Bosch Athlet Runtime Plus cordless vacuum cleaner runs for up to 75 minutes, depending on the power setting, and has a light, ergonomic design that makes it easy for you to manoeuver. It's also bagless and very easy to clean. Add to that quick charging and no docking station which will save you time and space.
ALLERGY ALERT
If you suffer from allergies, especially when it comes to dust in the air, cleaning can become something you want to avoid. A common mistake is sweeping hard floors with a broom which throws allergy-aggravating dust into the air and displaces it, leaving it to settle in other parts of your home. Using a vacuum to clean these surfaces will stop the dust from spreading around, as well as helping to stop those dust-causing allergies.
SOFA SO GOOD
When spot cleaning your sofa or rug, try not to saturate the fabric with too much liquid as this can cause more harm than good. It can also spread any dirt around in other areas, which is something that can end up staining your sofa even more. Also, remember to blot dry rather than rub so that it doesn't spread any stains. You can also get out a hair dryer to assist in fast-drying the area you're cleaning.
FRESHEN-UP
Unfortunately, over time, your sofa is bound to pick up dirt and odour but there's an easy fix, and it's not leaving the plastic cover on your couch. To remove lingering smells from your sofa, sprinkle it with some baking soda and then leave for 20 minutes. After that time, simply get your vacuum our to clean up the residue. While also being a natural and inexpensive product, Baking Soda is a great deoderiser that can be used around the house.
You’ll find more handy tips and tricks for your home in the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
