Removing limescale, grime, and dirt is necessary for making items sparkly clean, as is finishing off the job with a buffing agent you might not have considered. A fan of using natural ingredients, Roisin Smith—a professional cleaner at cleaning service provider Wecasa—revealed what she uses to make items shine.
But first, before any cleaning takes place, a great spring clean first needs decluttering. “To kick off your spring clean, start with the rooms that experience the most daily activity – typically the kitchen, living room, hallway and bathrooms.” Once you have decluttered a room, you can focus on cleaning “high-touch surfaces”, like door knobs, which tend to accumulate the most dirt and germs.
“There are some natural powerhouses that can provide an effective, gentle and fresh clean that won’t break the bank,” promised Roisin.
A classic for a reason, white vinegar is in Roisin’s cleaning arsenal as a “powerful disinfectant” that is “ideal for removing limescale”.
She instructed: “Add equal amounts of vinegar and water into a spray bottle and add a little essential oil to mask the vinegar smell – use this as your main cleaner.”
Another natural remedy in Roisin’s tool kit is baking soda, a gentle abrasive cleaner to remove tough stains.
“Mix baking soda with water or vinegar to create a powerful paste that will get rid of grime and grease,” said Roisin.
Lemon is also part of Roisin’s cleaning arsenal, leaving behind a “fresh, citrusy scent”.
A simple lemon can also be combined with white vinegar and baking soda for a refreshing but powerful cleaning solution.
Natural essential oils can also play a part in making the home smell beautiful.
“For a fragrant, germ-fighting boost, add a few drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender oil to your cleaning solutions,” Roisin advised.
As for making appliances shine once all the cleaning is done, Roisin’s suggestion might surprise you.
“Tomato purée,” said Roisin; she explained: “The acid in the tomato paste helps break down dirt and grime, making it an effective cleaner.
“It’s perfect for restoring sheen. Rub it on stainless steel to restore the shine of the affected areas.”