Winter brings a cozy atmosphere to our homes, but it also comes with challenges such as increased indoor time, poor indoor air quality, flu season and wet weather. Keeping your home clean and healthy in winter can be easier than you think.
Ensure you’re practising frequent handwashing to prevent the spread of germs. Keep hand sanitizers and antibacterial soap in easily accessible locations around your home such as near sinks, basins and entryways.
As part of your home cleaning routine, wipe down frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and remote controls with disinfectant wipes or a solution of water and vinegar. Do this regularly to reduce the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness.
Place doormats at the front and back entrances of your home and encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes before entering. This helps reduce the amount of dirt, debris and germs brought into your home.
We tend to keep our doors and windows closed when it’s cold, however opening them for 5 to 10 minutes each day can make a significant impact to the indoor air quality in your home. You can also use an air purifier to reduce allergens and pollutants. Ensure you change HVAC filters regularly and consider adding houseplants to help purify the air. Learn more about the Benefits of Indoor Plants and the top 5 recommended plants for greatest health benefits.
Dust furniture, shelves and any other surface that collects dust regularly using a microfiber cloth. Pay special attention to areas that tend to accumulate dust, such as ceiling fans, window sills and skirting boards. Dust can exacerbate respiratory and allergic reactions and usually contains a mixture of tiny particles, including dead skin cells, pet hair, pollen, dust mites and other allergens. When inhaled, these particles can irritate the respiratory tract, trigger allergies and lead to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. Prolonged exposure to dust can also contribute to chronic respiratory issues and other health problems so keep your home dust-free as much as possible.
Winter weather can bring mud and moisture to your carpeted floors. Vacuum your carpets and rugs frequently to remove any debris and dirt and consider having them steam cleaned every 6 to 12 months to remove deep-seated dirt and allergens. You may like to read A Guide to Maintaining Carpets to enhance the longevity of your carpets.
Maintaining balanced humidity levels can help prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which thrive in damp conditions and can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions. Balanced humidity also helps keep the skin hydrated and reduces the risk of respiratory infections and skin irritations, which are common in dry winter air. To maintain optimal humidity levels ensure your home is well ventilated or you can use a humidifier to enhance humidity levels.
Wash sheets, pillowcases and frequently used blankets at least once a week in hot water to kill germs and dust mites. We recommend using hypoallergenic laundry detergent to reduce skin irritations. Also, ensure the bedding is completely dry before placing them back on your bed or storing them in cupboards to prevent any growth of mould and mildew.
Wet and dirty clothes can pile up quickly in winter. When damp or wet clothes are in your washing basket for prolonged periods of time it can lead to mould and mildew growth. After washing, ensure the clothes are thoroughly dry before storing them.
Remember to clean and disinfect your cleaning tools to maintain optimal hygiene and cleanliness throughout your home. This includes disinfecting items such as sponges, dusters, cleaning cloths, mops and vacuum filters, to prevent spreading germs within your home. A good way to naturally disinfect cleaning tools is to use warm/hot soapy water with a mild detergent or a natural disinfectant such as white vinegar or essential oils (eucalyptus or tea tree oil). For more information you may like to read Green Cleaning: How it Benefits Your Health & Home.
By incorporating these tips into your cleaning routine, you can maintain a clean and healthy home environment throughout the winter season, ensuring comfort and well-being for you and your family. If you are finding that your time is limited and you would like to arrange a quote for a regular home cleaning service or a once-off (spring) clean, enquire here. The Bliss Home Care Services team are dedicated to keeping your home clean and healthy in winter with our certified green cleaning products.
Kitchens are often the heart of the home. It’s where we come together with friends and family to enjoy food preparation, cooking, baking and socialising. It can get messy but that’s part of the fun! In this blog, we share 10 natural kitchen cleaning hacks to ensure your kitchen is always looking its best and ready for the next meal.
As you may know, we are incredibly passionate about green cleaning – it’s been one of our ethos since we started our home cleaning business. You may like to learn more about Green Cleaning and How it Benefits Your Health and Home. Making small changes to the cleaning products you use in your home can create longer and healthier life choices for you, your family, your pets, the environment and our future generations.
These natural kitchen cleaning hacks use common household items and simple techniques to tackle kitchen cleaning tasks effectively. Incorporate these hacks into your kitchen cleaning routine to save time and effort while achieving excellent results.
Cut a lemon in half and dip it in salt. Use the lemon as a scrubber to clean stainless steel sinks and tapware. The acidity of the lemon helps dissolve grease and stains, while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive for stubborn spots. Rinse thoroughly and wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth for sparkly results.
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon or a tablespoon of vinegar. Microwave the bowl on high for 2-3 minutes until the steam loosens food splatters and stains inside the microwave. Simply wipe the interior with a damp cloth for a clean, hygienic and fresh-smelling microwave.
Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain. Let the mixture fizz for a few minutes to break down grease and odours. Turn on the tap to flush the drain with warm water. This will clear away any debris and keep your kitchen sink drain flowing smoothly.
Place used coffee grounds in a bowl and leave them on your countertop, in the fridge or freezer to absorb any lingering odours. Coffee grounds are natural deodorisers that can help neutralise strong smells and keep your kitchen and fridge smelling fresh.
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle to create a homemade grease-cutting cleaner. Use this grease-cutting solution to wipe down a greasy stove, rangehood, backsplashes and cabinet doors for a sparkling clean kitchen.
Fill a heatproof dish with water and place it on the bottom rack of a cold oven. Heat the oven to 120°C and let the steam soften baked-on spills and grease for 20-30 minutes. Once the oven has cooled down, wipe away loosened debris with a damp cloth or sponge.
Place a cup of vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher, and sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle for an effective and hygienic dishwasher. The vinegar disinfects while the baking soda freshens. Our tip is to take a before and after photo to notice the difference.
Microfibre cloths are one of our favourite cleaning items. You can use a microfiber cloth dampened with water to clean and polish stainless steel appliances, glass surfaces, and countertops without streaks or lint. Microfiber cloths are highly effective at trapping dirt and grime for a spotless finish. Best of all, you can put them in the wash and use them over and over.
Your rubbish bin can get a bit smelly so give it a good wash every few days to keep it fresh and clean. You can also sprinkle baking soda in the bottom to neutralise any odours and add your favourite essential oils such as peppermint, lavender or citrus for a fresh scent.
After cleaning your kitchen, sweep the floor to remove any loose crumbs and debris. Mop the floor with a solution of warm water and a small amount of vinegar to disinfect your floors and leave them sparking and smelling fresh.
While cleaning may not be your favourite chore, it’s something we must all do to keep our home fresh and clean. While there are hundreds of toxic cleaning products on supermarket shelves the ones that work most effectively, and more importantly are not harmful to your health or the environment, are those you have in your pantry or cupboards at home. For more natural cleaning hacks, click here.
Have you noticed mould growing in your bathroom, bedroom or living area? If you have, it’s incredibly important to treat the mould immediately as it can be damaging to your and your family’s health.
If you suspect mould growth in your home, it's crucial to address the issue promptly.
In this article, we look at the signs of mould, the health implications of mould, treating mould naturally and 3 easy steps to prevent mould.
Mould can spread quickly and cause damage to your property and potentially impact your health. Here are 3 common signs that suggest you may have mould:
Mould produces allergens, irritants and potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins. When mould spores are present in the air and when inhaled they can trigger various health problems, especially for individuals with existing respiratory conditions. Additionally, mould can trigger:
The severity of health effects is dependent on the type of mould, individual sensitivity and extent of exposure. To protect yourself and your family from any potential health implications, eliminate the mould and prevent it from reoccurring.
Most of the mould cleaners you buy from supermarkets and cleaning supply stores are laden with toxic chemicals. Essentially, you are treating toxicity while exposing yourself to more toxicity from chemicals. We highly recommend taking a natural approach, which is just as effective.
All cleaning products used by Bliss Home Care have bio-bacterial and enzyme technology which keeps on working even after you have finished cleaning. These natural cleaning products are made up of “good” living bacteria to break down and liquefy soils such as fat, proteins, carbohydrates and grease while eliminating odours. These products keep on working even after you have finished cleaning.
In particular, for bathrooms, we use Shower BlitzTM. This product can be used all over your walls, shower, tiles, sink and toilet. It contains cultured bacteria that eat away and decompose hard to remove soap scum and prevent the growth of mould. The bacteria bio-degrades matter rather than mask or bleach the problem.
For more information on safe and natural cleaning products you may like to read our article, An Insight to Natural Cleaning Products which breaks down the facts on these Australian made natural cleaning products. The range has been certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA), an independent body that assesses the products to ensure they meet environmental, human health, and ethical impact criteria.
Preventing mould growth in your home involves keeping moisture levels under control and creating an environment where mould cannot grow and thrive. Here are the 3 most important steps to prevent mould growth in your home:
By taking these preventive measures you can significantly reduce the likelihood of mould growth in your home. This will result in a healthier living environment for you and your family. Our approach is all about being eco-friendly, local, and thoroughly professional. For you, that means house cleaning that is better value, more reliable and healthier for your family and your community. Click here to enquire about regular house cleaning, vacate cleaning or one-off/spring cleaning.
The benefits of using natural cleaning products essentially come down to health. The health of our own human health, our pets and our precious earth. In this article we shed some light on the common household cleaners which are harmful, their side effects and why you should choose natural cleaning products.
What many people don’t realise is the detrimental impact of choosing chemical based products over natural cleaning products. The hidden dangers are normally masked with fragrances and promises of clean sparkly homes.
The use of these chemicals in your home contributes to indoor air pollution. These chemicals are often poisonous and can cause harm through ingestion, inhalation and absorption through skin. In fact, according to an international report, cleaning products are the most toxic products found in homes.
Some chemicals can cause acute and immediate hazards such as sneezing, skin or respiratory irritation, chemical burns, watery eyes. Other chemicals can be associated with chronic and long-term effects such as diseases and illnesses.
Some of the common items in your home which have harmful chemicals include:
Some of the side effects of using chemical products include:
When there is prolonged use of chemical based products, it can also contribute to several types of cancers, as well as lung and heart damage.
The next time you’re out buying your cleaning products, be sure to read the fine print. You may be surprised by what’s in the ingredient list and the warnings issued on the labels.
So what can you do to protect your home, your family, pets and our environment?
Choose Natural Cleaning Products
Natural cleaning products are derived from natural sources. These products are non-toxic to human health, pet health and our environment. They are normally more cost effective and do the job as well as chemical alternatives.
You can choose to make your own natural cleaning products from items you may already have in your pantry or cupboards. These common items include:
The ingredients listed above have a number of uses and benefits. As you can see there are no chemicals and they are all completely natural. To access natural cleaning tips for your home using the list of ingredients above, visit our Instagram page where we share a variety of tips for all areas of your home.
Ultimately natural cleaning products are extremely safe to use in your home, around your family and pets, and do not negatively impact our environment.
Bliss Home Care Services Green Cleaning Products
The cleaning products used by Bliss Home Care Services are certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA). GECA’s ecolabel on products provides an independent assessment and approval that products are better for the environment and reduce their impact on human health. GECA’s standards are rigorous, scientific and relevant to key Australian industries.
You can rest assured when Bliss Home Care Services cleans your home, the products used are GECA certified. They also:
Alternatively, you can purchase eco-friendly green cleaning products that incorporate innovative technology and are safe for health and environment. These are referred to as Bio Bacterial Technology solutions. To read more about these safe and natural solutions, click here.
Let’s face it, cleaning is not most people’s favourite chore, however it’s something we must do to keep our sanctuary of home fresh and clean. While there are hundreds of toxic cleaning products on supermarket shelves you could buy to do the job, the reality is the ones that work most effectively (and are not harmful to you or your family’s health) are those that you will find in your pantry and cupboards at home.
We are incredibly passionate about health and hygiene and looking after the environment for our future generations. With this in mind we’d like to share with you the 10 most effective natural home cleaning hacks for you that will have your home sparkly clean in no time at all.
While you’re brushing your teeth simply use a little extra toothpaste and rub it over your bathroom taps. Let it work while you clean your pearly whites. With an old toothbrush that you no longer use, simply brush over the taps and surrounds. Rinse with warm water and not only will your teeth be sparkly clean but your bathroom tapware too!
Half fill a small bag with undiluted white vinegar and tie to the end of your showerhead with a twist tie or something similar. Vinegar is a cheap and natural cleaning product that is effective on bacteria and mildew. Ensure that the showerhead is submerged in the vinegar and leave it overnight. In the morning remove it carefully and dispose of the vinegar before taking a shower.
Vinegar is also an effective cleaner for the toilet bowl. Pour 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar in the toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. In the morning simply sprinkle the bowl with baking soda or borax and use the toilet brush to scrub away any stains and bacteria. You can also use undiluted vinegar to wipe down the toilet seat to eliminate urine stains and odour.
Chopping boards can harbour odours, stains and bacteria without you even realizing. These can easily be scrubbed away with a little salt and half a lemon. Simply sprinkle your chopping board with 2 tablespoons of salt. Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the salt in circular motions over the chopping board. Rinse with warm water and you’ll have a naturally clean and deliciously zesty smelling chopping board. Ensure you allow it to completely dry before storing away.
Now a refrigerator that stores your food should be the last place you use toxic chemicals. The chemicals can penetrate your food and cause harmful side effects. Instead, clean your refrigerator (inside and outside) with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. You can use a spray bottle for the mixture and simply wipe with a damp cloth.
Easily clean microwave stains and spills by mixing half a cup of vinegar and half a cup of water in a glass bowl. Simply microwave for 2-3 minutes or until it boils and with a soft cloth wipe away any built up stains with ease. Be sure to use caution when removing the bowl of boiling water.
Rangehoods often accumulate grease and grime over time. They feel sticky and grimy to touch and seem impossible to clean, but there is a simple and effective way to bring them back to life. Firstly remove the mesh part of the rangehood and take it to your laundry trough. Sprinkle it with baking soda and submerge it in warm/hot water with the baking soda for 2 hours. If it’s too large to fit in completely do half and then repeat on the other side. Rinse well and take outside to dry completely. While these parts are soaking and drying sprinkle a clean sponge with baking soda gently clean the rest of the rangehood. Ensure to wipe it completely clean so there are no streaks, it will look brand new again.
If you have children or pets you’ll probably notice they spend lots of time on the floor playing all sorts of fun activities. While vacuuming will enable you to pick up any dust, dirt and crumbs left behind, you may also like to naturally deodorize and freshen the carpets and rugs. Don’t subject those you love most to harmful toxic chemicals. Instead create a mix of baking soda and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Place these in an empty jar, give it a good shake, make holes in the top and sprinkle over the carpets and rugs. Wait for 30 minutes and then vacuum away.
Simply mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle for an effective glass cleaner. This is one mix that you can use for multiple purposes around the home, so be sure to keep one on hand. Spray your windows, glass doors, glass table tops or any other glass surface with the solution and clean with a lint free cloth for a streak free clean. Just be sure not to walk through the glass door next time you use it!
Why use chemical laden fabric softeners in your laundry when you can use a simple and effective household product? Simply add a cup of white vinegar to the final wash or rinse water. It acts as a fabric softener – it softens clothes and removes the static. Vinegar is not only effective but is much cheaper and less harmful that fabric softeners.
Steer clear of the harmful toxic cleaning products on the supermarket shelves that promise everything but in reality deliver harmful effects to your family, your pets and the environment. Make a conscious effort to protect your sanctuary and those you love most by adopting natural home cleaning habits. As you can see it doesn’t take a lot of money or effort to change your ways.
