Before you begin with the actual cleaning, make sure you declutter first. Make space for decorations and remove all things that might be unsightly and unsuitable for the holiday spirit.

• Start in the kitchen and remove any appliances and tools that will not be used during the holiday season. There will be a lot of food so make sure you have space for it.
• Move to the living/dining room and put away toys, books, and other items. Make sure you have enough space for pretty decorations that will contribute to the fun.
• Empty your laundry basket and clear out your bathroom surfaces (especially in the guest bathroom). If you have family staying over, make sure there is space for their personal belongings so that they feel comfortable.
• Declutter and clean your entryway. Dust and wipe doorknobs, remove your many coats from the hangers, and make space for your guests’ items. Decorate with festive items, lights, and trinkets.
• Launder bedding for overnight guests and prepare fresh sheets in the guest bedrooms.

Cleaning tasks in the Dining/Living room

This area of your house sees a lot of trafficking in your everyday life, especially around the holidays. A lot of drinks, snacks, appetisers, and meals will be prepared which can cause a general mess. It is best to start on a clean slate and be prepared with a lot of cleaning supplies in case of emergencies.

• Clean the baseboards and sweep and mop the hard surface flooring.
• Vacuum the carpet and rugs, then use an extension tool to reach under furniture and into corners.
• Any stains on the carpets or upholstered furniture should be treated.
• To eliminate dust and debris, dust surfaces such as shelves, windows, and door frames, then wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Clean your windows inside and out, including the window tracks, after removing and cleaning the screens.
• Remove any worn-out cushions or pillows and fluff them to remove dust.
• Before reinstalling the cushions and pillows, vacuum the sofas and chairs.
• Use a moist microfiber cloth to clean decorations and trinkets.
• Give your plants a thorough washing to revitalise them.
• Remove any pet hairs and odours.

Extra tip: As the party goes on, ask your guests to bring their own dishes and glassware to the kitchen/load them in the dishwasher once they are done.

Cleaning tasks for your Kitchen

Extra tip: Clean as you go to keep your kitchen clean during the festivities. Wipe away any spills and have paper towels around so your guests can do that too.

Cleaning tasks for your Bathroom

If your guests are staying overnight, they will probably need to use your bathroom. Make sure it is clean and welcoming.

More tips for preparing your house for the holidays:

• Decorations and lighting can really set the mood for festivities. Make sure you decorate the areas where your guests will be celebrating. Sparkling lights over curtains or window frames can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Hang reflective ornaments around to open up the space and create more depth.
• Make sure your house smells festive as well. If you are already baking biscuits or anything else that smells nice, your house will be filled with cosy scents. You can bake apple/pumpkin pies, cupcakes, or fruits. Light scented candles, or place aromatic oils and fresh herbs around the house.

Most athletic fabric shoes, sneakers, house shoes or slippers are washable. You can easily wash shoes made of cotton, nylon, canvas and polyester. Make sure not to put leather, suede or high heel shoes in the washing machine. Same goes for shoes with sequins or embroidery. Keep reading to learn how to properly clean shoes, as well as learn some tips on shoe care.

For tennis shoes or sneakers

1. Check the care label
Some manufacturers recommend hand-washing. However, if you don’t feel like washing them by hand, read the instructions and follow them. Always use cold water since hot one can cause damage to the shoes.

2. Remove laces and insoles
Shoe laces will prevent your shoes from fully opening and getting properly cleaned. They may also get tangled in the machine. Remove the insole but keep in mind that some shoes have insoles that are not removable. If it doesn’t come out easily, don’t force it. You can wash both things in warm water with a bit of detergent.

3. Treat stains
Use an old toothbrush to remove stains and dirt from the soles of your shoes. You can use baking soda or a non-gel toothpaste. Rub it on the dirty area, wait 5-10 minutes and wipe it away with a damp microfiber cloth.

4. Ways to wash shoes
Whether you choose to wash shoes in the machine or by hand, always use cold water. Always use liquid laundry detergent and not powdered. Do not use bleach or vinegar. they may damage the soles of your shoes. Never use fabric softener since it will leave residue that will attract more dirt.
• In the machine – You can put both shoes in a mesh bag or a pillowcase. Put a couple of towels to balance the wash and muffle the banging sounds that your shoes will produce. Use a gentle cycle with no spin at the end. Remove your shoes as soon as the cycle is done. Air dry and never put in the dryer.
• Wash by hand – Fill a bucket with cold water and add a bit of liquid detergent. You can sprinkle a few drops of tea tree essential oil to help deodorise your shoes. Soak your shoes for a few minutes, then use an old toothbrush to scrub the inside and outside. Remove your shoes from the soapy water, fill the bucket with clear cold water and rinse them until there is no soap left.

5. Blot and dry
Do not ever put your shoes in the dryer since its hot cycle may damage your shoes or cause them to shrink. Stuff your shoes with dry rags and gently squeeze them to absorb any excess moisture and speed up the drying process. Air dry your shoes but keep them away from sunlight and direct heat sources. Shoes will take 1-2 days to dry so don’t try to speed up this process. Extra heat may damage or warp your shoes.

How often should you wash your shoes?

Do not wash your shoes more than once a month. If you struggle with smelly shoes, use a homemade deodoriser on a daily basis

For leather shoes

Use a dampened cloth to wipe them, then mix white distilled vinegar and water together. WIpe them with this solution, then immediately buff with a dry cloth. Use a leather polisher to repel dust and dirt.

Tips to keep shoes clean

• If muddy, scrape off the big chunks and leave the rest to dry. Then knock the soles of your shoes against a wall outside. Most of the mud will easily fall off. To completely remove it, sprinkle them with water in order to soften the mud, then use a toothbrush to remove it.
• For a quick spot treatment, use lukewarm soapy solution and an old toothbrush to rub them as soon as they occur. Wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.
• Use a damp toothbrush dipped in baking soda in order to get rid of scuffs. Gently rub, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth. A magic eraser would work great too.

Make sure you regularly clean your shoes. You will not only have them clean and fresh, but also prolong their life. The lack of bacteria and moisture will also help you have healthier feet. We hope you enjoy this article and it was helpful to you.

• Glass-coated screens – These are not as delicate as non-glass-coated ones. Newer iMacs and Macbooks have such monitors. They are similar to big CRT monitors or vintage television sets.
• Non-glass coated screens – Those can be found on most Windows computers, touchscreen monitors, and matte displays. All of those can be easily damaged if not cleaned properly.
If you are not sure about the type of screen you have, it is best to use the least aggressive cleaning method in order to prevent damage.

How often do computer screens need to be cleaned?

This depends on how frequently you use and touch your screen, as well as the overall environmental factors of the place you use it. If the area is particularly dusty, you constantly touch the screen, or you eat and drink around your computer regularly, you may need to clean it more often. For most screens, weekly maintenance is enough.

Before you begin – Since damage may occur if you are careless, we have a list of things you should keep in mind before attempting any cleaning of your computer monitor.
• Never spray any cleaning spray or plain water directly on the screen.
• Do not use napkins or paper towels to clean the monitor. They may scratch the surface and leave lint behind.
• Use distilled water only when cleaning computer screens. That is, especially if the water in your area is particularly hard. The minerals in the water may scratch the surface of your screen.
• Always turn off the monitor or laptop before cleaning. That way you will prevent shocks, as well as damage to the screen.
• Be careful so that no moisture drips into ports or buttons.
• Do not scrub and wipe in circles. That will put uneven pressure on the screen and may cause damage.
• Never use harsh or abrasive cleaners such as ammonia, bleach, or scouring powder.

Cleaning glass-coated monitors

1. Turn it off – Always turn off, or best unplug your computer screen or laptop. Let it cool down before cleaning. A black screen will make it easier to see fingerprints and smudges.
2. Wipe – Use a clean microfiber cloth (an eyeglass towel will also work) to wipe down the screen. Start at the top of the monitor and move from side to side. Make sure you capture all the dust and move to a clean area of the cloth as you go.
3. Stubborn dirt – If there are any hard-to-remove smudges or stuck-on grime, dampen the cloth with distilled water or rubbing alcohol. Only use a tiny amount.
4. Dry the screen – Use a dry area of the cloth or a new, clean, and dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the screen. Make sure you thoroughly dry all areas of the monitor to avoid streaks and smudges.
5. Disinfect housing – Use a disinfectant wipe or a microfiber cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe down and disinfect the outside of your screen. Do not use disinfectant wipes on the actual screen.

Cleaning non-glass-coated screens

1. Turn off – Always turn the monitor or laptop off before attempting to clean. Let it cool down before you start cleaning.
2. Get rid of dust – Use a dry clean microfiber cloth. Start at the top of the screen and work your way down toward the bottom.
3. A non-glass glass-coated screen requires a light touch. If there are any stubborn smudges that don’t come off with a single wipe, grab some distilled water and slightly dampen the cloth. Make sure it is not wet or dripping. Very gently rub only the area of the smudge/stain. Immediately use a dry clean cloth to dry the screen and avoid any streaks. Avoid pressing hard – this may cause permanent damage.
4. Disinfect controls and housing – Use a disinfectant wipe to clean and disinfect the housing of the monitor. Let it air dry, then turn the screen on.

How to keep your monitor clean for longer:

• Dust your screen weekly. Use a dry microfiber cloth and wipe down to remove dust.
• Do not eat or drink around the computer. If you just had a snack, make sure you wash your hands before using your computer.
• Use an air purifier in your place of work to reduce the amount of dust and grime in the air.

Yes, protein shakers and smoothie bottles are extremely practical. They are leak-free and they allow you to bring your proteins and energy boosters anywhere you go. They often have useful handles, and allow you to pretty much have your needed vitamins everywhere you want. However, if you are dedicated to your sports and exercise, as well as nutrition, you should be as dedicated to keeping your tools and bottles clean as well.

In this article, we would like to show you how to get rid of the smell once you forget to clean them and end up with a stinky bottle. Keep reading to find out what the most efficient ways of getting rid of the stink are.

Cleaning your smelly smoothie bottles

The best, most efficient way of cleaning up your stinky bottle is to almost fill it all the way up with warm water and add a few teaspoons of bleach. Mix those two, shake the bottle up well in order to mix the bleach and water together, let it sit overnight, then rinse well with hot water and use again the next day. However, if that method does not work for you, or you simply want to take on a safer, more eco-friendly cleaning method, try one of the following:
• Fill the bottle with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and allow it to sit overnight.
• Sprinkle a piece of newspaper or paper towels with water, place several drops of vanilla extract on a couple of them, and put them inside the bottle. Close the cap and let them sit for 24 hours.
• Place damp coffee grounds at the bottom of the bottle, seal it, and allow it to sit overnight.

Cleaning smelly water bottles

Depending on what type of material your water bottle is made of, it may be easier or harder to clean. Nevertheless, it is important that you regularly maintain their cleanliness. When not cleaned, water bottles collect mould and mildew bacteria, mineral buildup, and other grime that causes them to smell bad. When not cleaned properly, the more you use them-the worse they smell. Here is how to properly take care of your reusable water bottles, and enjoy your liquid in a clean, fresh, and pure form:
• Soap and lukewarm water – If you are cleaning your bottle every day, good old soap and water will do the trick. This regular cleaning will be able to prevent bad odours and bacteria from accumulating and staying for good. Wash your water bottle every 1-2 days. Use hot water and regular dish soap, and scrub it with a brush. Make sure you reach all crevices since bacteria are prone to growing on small corners, as well as the bottom of your bottle.
• Soak in boiling water – If you forgot to wash your bottle for more than a day, soaking it in boiling water will do the trick. Boil some water, submerge the whole bottle in it and let it sit overnight. Wash it with soap and water the next day and do a sniff test to see if the smell is gone. If the bad odour remains, try the next method.
• Soak in baking soda solution – Baking soda is a great deodorant. Scoop 2 teaspoons of baking soda into your water bottle and fill it with hot water. Let it sit for a few hours (best overnight), then rinse it with warm water. Baking soda will kill and eliminate any bacteria causing foul smells.
• Soak in white vinegar – Vinegar is extremely good when it comes to eliminating odours. It is perfect for killing mould and mildew bacteria, as well as dissolving mineral buildup. Fill your bottle with a solution of warm white vinegar and water (you can use just vinegar if your bottle is very smelly). Let it soak overnight, then rinse with hot water.

Sanitise surfaces that are being regularly touched – Flu viruses can, in fact, live on hard surfaces for 2-8 hours. Many people can get infected by touching door knobs, light switches, or pretty much anything that is exposed to the public (public transport, shopping malls, etc.). At home, it is important to disinfect surfaces, such as light switches, door handles, remote controls, and faucet handles. The easiest way to do that is by using disinfectant or antibacterial wipes. If you don’t have any wipes at home, you can spray those areas with rubbing alcohol and wipe them away with a paper towel.

Wipe your feet – Viruses and germs can be found in mud, dirt, and debris. When you are walking outside, those will get stuck to the soles of your shoes and eventually end up inside your house. Keep a clean doormat at your front door and wipe your shoes thoroughly before entering your house. Take them off as soon as you walk in and if you want to go the extra mile, wash your shoe soles once a week using hot water and soap.

Cleaning your phone – Phones are hidden hotbeds for germs and microbes. When used on a regular basis, especially outside in public places, your phones collect a lot of germs and microbes. Your hands collect all those from your surroundings, then your phone screen picks them all up. In order to prevent the spreading of those, frequently clean your phone with antibacterial wipes or sprays. During flu season, try to give it a quick wipe every time you use it in public spaces.

Detox your desk – Everyday surfaces such as desks, countertops, and tables easily collect a lot of germs and viruses. Even if you work from home, your desk will still be covered in bacteria. It is best to clean all those surfaces, especially your desk, on a regular basis and disinfect them with rubbing alcohol, disinfectant wipes, or sprays. To prevent those nasty germs from spreading to your hands, give your desk a quick wipe once a day. Make sure you also wipe your keyboard, pens, mouse, and everything else you constantly touch. Avoid serving food at your working desk.

Disinfect the kitchen – Stovetops, countertops, kitchen sink, fridge, and pretty much all areas of your kitchen are breeding grounds for germs. The warm, moist conditions attract more of them and cause them to multiply even faster. Wipe down all your kitchen surfaces daily, and run all your cutting boards and sponges through a sanitising cycle on the dishwasher to prevent further contamination. Replace your kitchen towels and cloths regularly as well.

Stop dragging germs around – Even if you are regularly cleaning your whole place, doing it with cleaning supplies that have not been cleaned will only make the matter worse. If you don’t wash and disinfect your mops, microfiber cloths, and cleaning sponges, there is no point in cleaning. Make sure you regularly take care of the sanitation of your tools. That way you will prevent germs that are already there to be dragged and spread around. After use, wash all supplies with hot water and soap. You can add a drop or two of bleach for some extra disinfection. If you want to be extra safe, switch to disposable cleaning cloths during flu season.

Wash your linens – Your washing machine and dryer can be quite efficient against germs and bacteria. Wash all your towels, sheets, and rugs regularly. When shopping for a laundry detergent, try to get one that has sanitising properties. Use the hottest temperature cycle suitable for the particular fabrics you are washing.

Air filtration – Germs and microbes are easily spread in the air. Once a week, make sure you clean and wipe down your air vents. Especially if you are regularly using your AC or heating system. Clean or change air filters regularly as well. You will reduce the number of viruses that will be released back into your home.

Consider copper – If you are looking for a kitchen sink that will not collect a lot of germs and bacteria, consider getting a copper one. Copper is a warm-colored metal that gives ambiance and a beautiful look to any home. But did you know it also kills bacteria? Copper and copper alloys, including brass and bronze, are proven bacteria busters and can be effective against viruses as well.