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DIAL-AN-ANGEL® Spring Cleaning Top Tips

 

If you are tempted to run screaming at the thought of a spring clean (like most of us), read our handy housekeeping tips that make Spring cleaning a walk in the park. Or you can always just get someone else to do it!

Here are some of our favourite housekeeping tips:

Install childproof locks on cabinets that house cleaning supplies. Never assume a cabinet is too high for a curious, climbing toddler.

Keep all household products in their original packages. Packaging includes useful first aid information in the event of accidental exposure or ingestion. 

Don't leave cleaning buckets unattended. Even those with a small amount of liquid pose a danger to "top heavy" toddlers. If the child falls into a bucket, it may not tip over and he or she could drown.

Schedule cleaning during "down times" such as naptime or when children are in school, or on a play date.

Avoid distractions or interruptions when children are present during cleaning. If you answer the door, take the child with you. If the phone rings, let the answering machine do its job.

Post the Poison Info Centre phone number 13 11 26 by every land phone in your home and save it on your mobile phone 

Do you keep a gift closet, adding new gift items year-round? Take inventory now, before you shop for more Christmas gifts. You'll be amazed what you may already have in store!

Cook, Bake and Freeze now. This is a great time to prepare food while it's quiet. You'll be ready in a moment when you need to put on a quick meal for surprise guests or provide goodies for a party

When ironing business shirts make sure you do the top button up only. This will keep the neckline straight and ensure the shirt drapes correctly when it's hung in the wardrobe.

For spilled candle wax on carpets and upholstery, put a brown paper bag over the dried wax and run a hot iron over it. The bag will absorb the hot wax. Dried wax on wood floors can be removed by softening the wax with a hair dryer, then removing with paper towels. Wash spot down with a combination of vinegar and water.

To eliminate refrigerator odours try a little vanilla poured on a piece of cotton and placed in the refrigerator. Or after cleaning the refrigerator add a dash of lemon extract to the rinse water for a fresh scent.

Colour Co-ordinate! Use the same colour cloth to do a task each time (for example blue for furniture, pink for bathroom cleaner) to avoid mixing cleaning agents.

Try using lemon juice to remove rust and stains from plastic, either neat or diluted, and give curry stains on carpet the heave-ho with diluted lemon juice. For spills on carpets such as coffee, beer or soft drink simply dab the stain with soda water.

If you need to dry clothes quickly after they have been washed, place the items into the dryer with 1 large dry bath towel. The towel will help to absorb some of the moisture in the load, and help expedite the drying process.

When you are shopping, put all similar items together at the checkout for bagging - fridge, cans, bathroom, toiletries, etc. Saves time when putting them away.

Write a Family Evacuation Plan. Know the fastest way out of your home and how not to become trapped. Each room in your home should have two exits (including windows that are easily opened). Practice the evacuation plan with your family before any emergency occurs.

A bowl of vinegar placed in a room helps to absorb smoke odour.

Spreading a layer of mulch - woodchips, and even gravel or stone - over your flower beds and around trees prevents over 70 per cent of moisture evaporation from out of the soil. Aim for a layer 2.5-5cm thick.

In the garden street noise or "sound pollution" can be minimised by the use of water features, such as a waterfall, or a pond with a fountain jet. Wind chimes also help, as can bird feeders that attract songbirds.

When grass is mowed frequently, clippings are small and degrade rapidly. "Grass cycling" or leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing saves time, landfill space and nourishes the soil.

Now that your home is sparkling clean, pat yourself on the back and put your feet up (just not on the freshly polished coffee table!).

If you simply have no time or energy to undertake a Spring clean, we know Angels who will do it for you! Call or email us now to find out just how easy a Spring clean can be.

About DIAL-AN-ANGEL Pty Limited

DIAL AN ANGEL provides Angels for home & garden maintenance, pet care, caretaking, childcare & babysitting, care by nannies, aged care, in-home nursing, home & corporate functions. Medico-legal reporting may be requested and a wide range of services is available through our Corporate Services department. Gift Vouchers are also available.

For further information call 02 9362 4225 or administration@dialanangel.com