9 filthy things we’re all guilty of not cleaning correctly – and the effective and quick solutions
<p>There are some items in the home that are a breeding ground for grime – and surprisingly most of us are not cleaning these things correctly. To keep these things clean isn’t that hard, it’s just knowing how to do it effectively – here we have some sneaky short cuts for you.</p>
<p><strong>Mattress</strong></p>
<p>When you think about the dead skin cells festering on your mattress, let alone the dust and mould – it’s enough to make your skin crawl. Turning your mattress a few times a year isn’t enough to keep it clean. Instead, strip the bed and sprinkle the mattress with bicarb soda. Allow that to sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum the mattress to remove it. It will look and smell much fresher.</p>
<p><strong>Cutting board</strong></p>
<p>It doesn’t take long for a wooden chopping board to be home to bits of food and odours (especially onion or garlic). Simply wiping it down won’t cut it. Instead, rinse under warm water and sprinkle liberally with bicarb soda. Then squeeze the juice of a lemon over the top and use the cut side of the lemon to scrub the board. Wipe it all down with a clean cloth and then apply some food-safe wood oil to seal it.</p>
<p><strong>Baking trays and baking dishes</strong></p>
<p>Regular washing up won’t remove baked on food from your trays. Instead, make a paste from bicarb soda and hydrogen peroxide. Rub the paste onto the tray, leave it overnight, and then rinse off the next day under some warm water.</p>
<p><strong>Cheese grater</strong></p>
<p>It’s hard to get rid of crusty bits of cheese from your grater without ruining your kitchen sponge. Instead, set aside a toothbrush in your cleaning arsenal for this very purpose.</p>
<p><strong>Paintings</strong></p>
<p>Keep your works of art free from dust and grime with this unusual tip. Remove the painting from the wall and dust with a soft brush. Pat the painting gently with some fluffy bread, brush again, and re-hang.</p>
<p><strong>Blender</strong></p>
<p>Instead of taking apart the blender after each use, try this. Rinse the jug, then add a cupful of hot water and a few drops of washing up liquid. Blend, rinse and allow to dry.</p>
<p><strong>Coffee maker</strong></p>
<p>If your coffee maker is slow or making a funky tasting brew, it’s time for a spring clean. Fill the water container with half water, half white vinegar. Run the machine through a cycle, and then run it again with just water.</p>
<p><strong>Microwave</strong></p>
<p>It doesn’t take long for bits of food and grime to build up on the inside of your microwave. Make it easier to remove by adding half a cup of white vinegar to a cup of water in a glass bowl or jug. Set to heat for five minutes and then wipe clean.</p>
<p><strong>Toys</strong></p>
<p>Once the grandkids have left, you can remove any germs from plastic toys by popping them on the top shelf of the dishwasher. The toys will come out super clean and sanitised.</p>
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