Introduction

As someone who just moved out on their own, I totally understand how troublesome cleaning can be! Every time I see kitchen grease or bathroom limescale, I'm tempted to pretend I don't see it. But to avoid being a messy working adult, I've put a lot of effort into researching various cleaning tricks. Today I'll share the experience I've gathered over the past year to help you easily handle household cleaning.

To be honest, I was also a cleaning novice at first, knowing nothing. I used to buy loads of cleaning products, which was not only expensive but also made me worry about harmful chemical effects on health. Later I discovered that many common household items could be incredibly useful, with amazing results!

Kitchen Cleaning Section

The kitchen is truly the most challenging area, especially for cooking enthusiasts like me who battle with oil and smoke daily. But don't worry, I've compiled many practical tips.

Let me first talk about the magical uses of white vinegar. I first learned how amazing white vinegar was while browsing Xiaohong Shu, seeing a blogger use it to clean range hoods. When I tried it, it was incredible! Just mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle, spray it on the range hood, let it sit for 10 minutes, and the grease wipes off easily.

For microwave cleaning, my favorite method is the lemon water steam technique. I used to struggle with a damp cloth, which was exhausting and ineffective. Then I discovered that placing a bowl of lemon water in the microwave and heating it for 5 minutes softens stubborn stains with lemon steam. Once it cools down, the stains wipe away easily with a cloth, and odors disappear too.

Stainless steel surface maintenance also has its tricks. My sink and refrigerator door are stainless steel, and they used to constantly show water marks and fingerprints, which was very annoying. Until I discovered the magic of olive oil. After cleaning, lightly wiping the stainless steel surface with a bit of olive oil not only makes it shine like new but also forms a protective layer against water marks and fingerprints.

Stovetop cleaning is also important. I found baking soda to be a great helper. After cooking, while the stovetop is still warm, sprinkle baking soda on it, spray some water to make a paste, let it cool, then wipe it off – even stubborn grease comes off easily.

Here's a recent discovery - using toilet paper and dish soap to clean range hood filters. Soak the filter in hot water with dish soap, cover it with toilet paper. Replace the paper as it absorbs grease, repeat several times, and the filter becomes like new.

Sink cleaning has its techniques too. After the last use each day, I wipe it dry with a cloth, then spray some white vinegar, which prevents limescale and eliminates odors. If the drain smells, pour in some baking soda followed by hot water, and the odor disappears.

Cabinets need regular cleaning too. I've developed a good habit of taking everything out monthly and wiping with warm water and vinegar. This maintains cleanliness and helps spot expired ingredients.

Living Room Maintenance Section

The living room is the most important space, and a clean living room definitely scores points when friends visit. But living rooms have their own cleaning challenges, so let me share my experience.

First, about wall cleaning. Wall scratches used to bother me, especially black marks from moving furniture. Later I discovered tennis balls work great - just dampen slightly and rub gently, and most annoying scratches disappear. For stubborn scratches, I use a bit of toothpaste, which works well too.

I researched wooden furniture care for a long time. Initially clueless about handling water marks, I now have two secret weapons: mayonnaise and walnuts. Mayonnaise is mainly for water marks - apply a layer, wait a few hours, then wipe off. Walnuts are for small scratches - crack one open and gently rub the oils on the scratch to make it less noticeable.

Coffee table maintenance is also important. My glass coffee table always showed fingerprints and water marks. I now make a cleaning spray: white vinegar, alcohol, and water in a 1:1:2 ratio, which cleans perfectly and disinfects.

I have a special window cleaning technique. Using newspaper with cleaning solution not only leaves no lint but makes glass extra shiny. Finish with a clean newspaper wipe, and windows look newly installed.

Fabric Cleaning Section

Fabric cleaning requires skill, especially for cat owners like me - just dealing with cat hair is headache enough. But no worries, I've compiled many useful methods.

Sofas are the trickiest, needing both hair removal and stain treatment. My current method: first collect hair with rubber gloves, then sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and fragrance powder on the sofa, let it sit, then vacuum. This cleans and deodorizes.

Carpet cleaning has its tricks too. Weekly, I spray a mixture of warm water and white vinegar on the carpet, brush gently, then absorb with dry towels. This keeps carpets clean and colors vibrant.

I've figured out curtain care too. Monthly vacuum with a soft brush attachment to prevent dust buildup. For stains, I use a foam of warm water and laundry detergent, gently wiping without damaging the fabric.

Bedding needs special attention. I change sheets every two weeks and vacuum the mattress each time. For mattress stains, I use a cleaner mixed from white vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap.

Daily Maintenance Section

Honestly, developing good habits is most important to avoid frequent deep cleaning. I now do simple cleaning tasks daily after work.

Like wearing modified cleaning slippers when entering - they have microfiber cloth attached to the bottom, cleaning while walking. Looks funny but works great, especially on rainy days.

I use dryer sheets to wipe furniture surfaces. These amazing things not only attract dust but prevent static. I use them on electronics like TV and speakers.

In the kitchen, I clean as I cook. Weekly vinegar spray for the range hood, daily baking soda for the stove, and immediate drying for the sink. Maintaining this keeps the kitchen consistently clean.

For the bathroom, I have a trick - using the shower squeegee on walls after each shower to prevent water marks. I spray the toilet seat with alcohol daily for cleaning and disinfection.

Conclusion

Honestly, when I first lived alone, cleaning seemed very troublesome. But after discovering these methods, cleaning isn't so scary anymore. The key is finding suitable methods and making cleaning a habit and lifestyle.

These are experiences I've personally tested and summarized, hoping they help you. Keeping a clean home is self-care - returning to a clean, comfortable home really improves your mood.

Finally, don't view cleaning as a hassle. With the right methods, cleaning can be easy and fun. The important thing is developing good habits to maintain a consistently clean and comfortable home. If you have any good cleaning tips, feel free to share in the comments!