Any tips on keeping my home smelling clean and fresh?

I own dogs and clean all the time and also burn candles but maybe someone has some other ideas instead of candles and air freshner.

- Potpourri in a crock pot.
- Febreeze.
- Carpet powder.
- Drop some vanilla extract in a pot of water & boil it.
- Sprinkle Coffee grounds onto the carpet and vacuum it up. Coffee grounds are a good, natural deodorizer, often used to help with gasoline spills.
- Oreck Air purifier with a scented insert.

Can anyone give me some cleaning tips?

My home is tidy but i find it hard to keep clean. Theres always dust and feel like its a constant battle. Also any cool tips with natural ingredients much appreciated

Well, I find if you vacuum frequently you won’t have as much dust/dirt floating around.. Also, using a humidifer helps by keeping the air moist.. I like to use a spray bottle filled with 50/50 vinegar/water and use that to clean/disenfect my countertops… Especially, in the kitchen.. Although, I like to use antibacterial wipes as well..

I usually have “routine” that I follow every morning/evening to keep my house looking and smelling good.. .I wipe down the bathroom every morning with antibacterial wipes AND I clean the mirror… Usually once a week I will remove and wash ALL the towels and scrub the tub/tile surround… I will also sweep/mop the floor… If I keep up with keeping the house “tidy” all week it only takes me 1/2 hour to “deep” clean the bathrooms.

I then move on to the kitchen.. While my children are in their high chairs I unload/load the dishwasher and wipe down the counters,sinks and appliances with either vinegar solution OR wipes… I clean out any OLD/EXP. food in fridge and when the children are done I wipe down the highchairs…

I vacuum my livingroom/diningroom and bedrooms everyday and I dust with a microfiber cloth every other day.. I also “hunt” down cobwebs once a week with my vacuum attachment.. *Also, change your furnace filter once a month that will keep dust/dirt at bay….

I vacuum my furniture once a week AND I launder ALL the bedding… I like to keep everyone’s bedding in an underbed storage box to keep my linen cabinet tidy…

I dust the bedrooms about once a week with a microfiber dusting cloth they are GREAT and reusable… I use a rag w/ polish once a week as well….

Once a month I use baking soda and sprinkle it on the carpets I leave it on overnight… You’d be surprised at how much dirt you’ll pick up.. The BS will be gray ! YUCK ! I also use BS in my laundry wash.. I use 1/2 the detergent and my clothes come out clean and fresh smelling…

I hope these simple tips helped a little….

good luck

cleaning computer screen , any tips with home made solutions not store brought supplies?

flat screen 24 inch

Best thing to do is get a damp cloth, Put a drop of lemon juice or orange juice onto it, And wipe it down smoothly

Jack

I love my home to be nice and clean, does anyone have good tips for achieving this without too much effort?

I guess I am looking for some good speed cleaning tips if anyone has any.

- turn on a good tv show and clean real fast during each commercial

- do the 15/15… speed clean for 15 minutes each morning and 15 each night.

Any tips for reducing the chemicals within the home?

I am trying to avoid using harsh chemicals within the home – both for cleaning and personal use ie – bathing, shampoo etc.

What kind of things do you do within your home to avoid using chemicals? What substitutes can you use when cleaning?

Any tips or practises that you find work well?

Here are some recipes that can get you started.

-Blue Window Cleaner-
3 tablespoons ammonia
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 drops blue food coloring
Put into a clean spray bottle.

-All Purpose Liquid Cleaner-
2 teaspoon borax
2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
1/2 teaspoon vegetable-based detergent
2 cups very hot water
Measure all into a plastic spray bottle, shake gently to mix.

-Firming Facial Mask-
Whisk together:
1 T honey
1 egg white
1 tsp glycerin
and just enough flour to make a paste
Smooth over cleansed skin and allow to sit on skin for at least ten minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

-Basic Deodorant Powder-
Combine the following in a jar,
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
a few drops essential oils such as lavender (Cedar or Sage -for men). To use: apply with dry washcloth & dust on or use a sprinkle top on your jar and apply.

-Dandruff Treatment-
2 tsp. dried rosemary
2tsp. dried thyme
2/3 cup boiling water
2/3 cup cider vinegar
Pour boiling water over herbs, cover & steep 20 minutes. Strain into a bottle, add vinegar & shake well. Shampoo & rinse hair as usual, massage aprox. 2 T into scalp. Let set 3-5 minutes, rinse.

-Protein Conditioner-
1 egg white
5 Tbs plain yogurt
4 drops essential oil (any scent)
Beat egg white until foamy and the add yogurt and essential oil. Apply to hair in small sections at a time. Leave in for 15 minutes then rinse well.

Also, to mop your floor use 1 cup vinegar to 4 cups hot water. There are a lot more recipes for household supplies at http://www.budget101.com/household1.htm
Good luck!