Whatever your plans for Christmas and the New Year they're bound to involve some extra cleaning. Green cleaning is often quicker and easier than using traditional methods so, before you resign yourself to hours of hard work, take a few tips from green cleaning experts on how to tackle some of those cleaning jobs that are especially important at Christmas:
Oven cleaning. Chemical oven cleaners not only have to be used with extreme caution, but the lingering smell they leave can be worse than that of the burnt-on food they've removed! Make your own non-toxic cleaner by mixing bicarbonate of soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. Spread evenly on the oven floor, leave for at least an hour, scrape out and finish by wiping with a damp cloth. You can then use your oven straight away for baking all those delicious Christmas treats.
Lights. On dark winter days you might need to have the lights on most of the time but bulbs will appear dim if they are coated with dust. Cleaning ceiling lights is easy and safe if you use a long-handled microfibre duster that attracts and holds the dust without spreading it about.
Dining table. Forsnowy white table linen use slightly less than your normal amount of eco-friendly washing powder mixed with half a cup of borax.
A few drops of vinegar or lemon juice in the final rinsing water will add a real sparkle to drinking glasses.
Food and drink spills. You'll be very lucky if you get through the whole festive season without a spilled drink or a dropped mince pie, but dealing with any mishaps quickly will minimize marks and stains.
To prevent spills staining carpets or upholstered furniture use a dustpan and brush to remove anysolids and mop up liquids with paper towels. Dab any remaining marks with a clean cloth dipped in cold water. Don't rub, scrub or use hot water as this will spread a stain and make it more difficult to remove. Don't use strong detergents. They might leave a faded patch on your carpet or upholstery.
A clean cloth and a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water is all you need to clean sticky or greasy marks from hard surfaces.
The main problem with cleaning your home in preparation for Christmas is fitting it in with all the other demands on your time during this busy season. Why not give yourself an early Christmas present by asking a green cleaning professional to do the job for you? Your home will be beautifully and hygienically clean from top to bottom leaving you relaxed and ready to welcome your guests.