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Home Survival Skills: Cleaning Essentials That Make Life Easier

December 30, 2014

By: Kayla Kitts and Jessica Yonker

I think we can all agree that when it comes to cleaning, we're always looking for efficient alternatives to make the process easier. Try these cleaning tips and tricks to keep your home sparkling year-round.

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We spend a lot of time in our beds, 3000 hours a year actually- that’s the equivalent of 4 months! So keeping it super clean is important. Vacuum the mattress, then sprinkle a mixture of baking soda mixed with a few drops of an essential oil (lavender promotes relaxation) onto the freshly vacuumed mattress. Let this sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum the baking soda mixture away

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Things You're Forgetting to Clean

Whether it's deep cleaning or just tidying up, there are a few ways to go the extra mile and keep your home sparkling. From the back of the TV to the garbage disposal, there are some items around your home that may need some TLC from the sponge or vacuum. Did You Know These Items Were That Dirty?

White and Green Shelving and Desk With Storage Containers

Photo: Holly Mathis

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Spring-Clean Your Paper Clutter

Preparing your tax return can be chaotic, but it doesn't have to be. Keeping important papers organized year-round can help you spend less time scouring your file cabinet and more time planning your Tax Day shopping spree. 11 Ways to Clear Paper Clutter

Clothes on Hanging Rod Over Washer and Dryer in Small Laundry Room

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Clean Out Your Dryer Lint

One way you can speed up the laundry process is by not only cleaning the lint from your dryer, but actually cleaning your lint screen. Plus, 18 Surprising Things You Can Clean in Your Washing Machine

Baking soda paired with warm water and bleach will knock out stubborn grout stains on tile floors and walls. If you need a heavy-duty cleaning, amp up the bleach but wear gloves to protect that manicure.

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Clean Your Home After Illness

Keeping your home spic and span is one of the most important ways to ward away disease, and a thorough cleaning once you're feeling better can prevent illness from spreading to your loved ones. Easy Tips for Making Your Home Healthier

Window treatments like drapes can cost a pretty penny so protect your investment. A thorough vacuum with a soft brush attachment can help remove any dust and lint that may have built up over time. Your drapes may require professional cleaning, so check the fabric care label. Some types of fabrics can be washed at home, just be sure to test for color-fastness before you toss them in the washer. At the very least give them a good steam or ironing so they look like new.

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions

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Use Attachments the Right Way

With so many brands, options, filter types and other factors, choosing the right vacuum can be a daunting task. Plus, they come with so many attachments! Uncover your vacuum's full potential with these tips. Get a Full Vacuum Attachment Tutorial

HGTV Spring House 2016 Ceiling Fan Hanging From Exposed-Beam Ceiling

Photo: Flynnside Out Productions. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Flip Your Ceiling Fan Rotation

If your home feels fine during the day but you find yourself reaching for an extra blanket at night, it may be time to reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades. Plus, Discover 12 More Seasonal DIY Projects to Tackle

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Clean Out Your Closet

Start the cold seasons off on the right foot with a few tips for making the closet swap less painful. Space-Saving Organization Ideas for Tiny Closets

Before you go the chemical route to clear a slow drain, try baking soda and vinegar! Shake a cup of baking soda into the drain, then heat up a cup of vinegar and pour it into the drain. After several minutes, flush with lots of hot water. Repeat as needed. *do not use on a clogged drain

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Utilize Vinegar

One of the best things about keeping vinegar in your home is that it's so cheap. Plus, it's edible — no harsh toxins, no lingering chemical smell — making it the perfect cleaning solution if you have children or pets. 8 Vinegar Tricks You've Never Tried

This relaxing lavender fragrance is good to have close at bedtime for a calming scent as you fall asleep. Mix dried lavender with one drop of vanilla oil and one drop of bergamot. Add some orris root or oak moss to make sure the fragrance lasts.

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Make Homemade Scents

If you've ever tried to make your own fragrance, you know it can be difficult to get the combination just right. That's why we followed our noses to find easy mixes for springtime scents that you can make at home. How to Make Potpourri Pillows

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Creative Uses for Beer

As it turns out, your favorite brew may have more uses than just cooling you off after a long day, like polishing garden pots and keeping wasps away. Handy Uses for Beer Beyond Drinking

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Clean Your Gutters

Taking measures early — like checking your gutters for leaks and cleaning out built-up debris — will ensure you spend less time outside scooping up piles of wet leaves and more time inside with family. Learn How to Clean and Maintain Your Gutters

Admit it… you have lawn envy. Everyone craves their own little patch of grassy paradise – whether it’s to boost their home’s curb appeal or to transform a boring backyard into a family friendly oasis. Check out this spring to-do list for maintaining a lush, healthy lawn year round.

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Spring-Clean Your Outdoor Space

Have you been neglecting your yard? Get your outdoor space ready for the spring and summer months with our tidy-up tips. 15 Easy Curb Appeal Boosters

Home Survival Skills: Cleaning Essentials That Make Life Easier

Things You're Forgetting to Clean

Spring-Clean Your Paper Clutter

Clean Out Your Dryer Lint

Clean Your Home After Illness

Use Attachments the Right Way

Flip Your Ceiling Fan Rotation

Clean Out Your Closet

Utilize Vinegar

Make Homemade Scents

Creative Uses for Beer

Clean Your Gutters

Spring-Clean Your Outdoor Space

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