When it comes to taking care of our homes, we all devote varying amounts of time and effort to preserving and keeping them presentable. We also have very different opinions on what constitutes acceptable tidiness. Some of us will aim to be as organised as a show home. Others are unconcerned with a few toys and bits and pieces hanging about. When it comes to hygiene and cleaning, though, we should all be on the same page. After all, the terms “clean” and “tidy” have different connotations. So, let’s take a moment to look at the difference between clean and tidy.
What is the difference between clean and tidy?
When we talk about being tidy, we are generally talking about everything being organised and in its place. Everything has its allocated space, where once it has been used it is put back. The complete opposite of being tidy is when things are just left out in the place that they have been used – toys left on the floor, cups left on the coffee table when they are empty, clothes left in piles everywhere.
Ideally, we should be aiming to tidy up as we go along. When something has been finished, put it back where it belongs. However, when it comes to tidying up around children, that is much easier said than done! Many parents decide to wait until children are in bed or at school to tidy up, although it never seems to last very long!
Cleaning is a whole different board game. It means making sure that your home is hygienic and a healthy place to spend time in. Your house can be untidy and still be clean, and vice versa. Cleaning involves activities such as vacuuming, dusting, wiping and so on. It is more intense than tidying up, but is more important and therefore needs to be done regularly.
Here, we look at some of the things that you can do to make sure your house is clean.
Cleaning hacks to make your home sparkle
- Swap out the bathroom tiles for shower panels
Bathroom tiles are notoriously difficult to keep clean and sparkly. The grouting in between the tiles becomes stained and discoloured over time, and even when clean, they can look grubby and grimy. You can, of course, use bleach and other cleaning chemicals to keep it clean, or go through the rather arduous task of regrouting every so often. However, you could make it even easier for yourself by swapping out the bathroom tiles for shower panels. Why use shower panels instead of tiles? Well, they are much easier to clean and look great. And let’s face it, that is a double whammy!
- Use white vinegar
There are all sorts of cleaning sprays and products on the market for cleaning all sorts of things, and while they are all effective, the last thing any one wants or needs is cupboards of products where in many cases, a bottle of white vinegar is all you need. Contrary to popular belief, it does not leave a lasting smell. Pop a capful in your washing machine rather than sing fabric conditioner – it will leave things feeling soft and clean, and can bring out the smell of your laundry detergent even more. It is also a great way of removing limescale from taps and showerheads and kettles.
- Use cola in your toilet
No, seriously! If you have that rather unattractive staining in the bottom of your toilet, pour in a bottle or a couple of cans of cola. Leave it to sit overnight and give it a quick scrub with the toilet brush and flush. It wil be sparkly and clean in no time!
- Use a squeegee to clean the carpet
Even with a fantastic vacuum cleaner, it can be very difficult to get all of the pet hair – and even human hair – up. This is where the humble window squeegee comes into play. Mositen the squeegee and then drag it across the carpet, as you would on a window and watch all the hair and other bits of dust and debris that the vacuum has missed come up! It can be both gross and satisfying!
- Using shaving foam to remove stains on carpets and sofas
If your kids have dropped drinks and food or got a pen and other dirt on your carpets or sofas, try using some shaving foam. The cheap stuff works just as well, so no need for expensive stuff. Just squirt some on, and then gently rub in with a clean cloth or sponge.
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