PRE CHALLENGE TASK 2

CREATE A CLEANING KIT

Over the years I have tried many different cleaning products. However, I have converted over to the simple vinegar and bicarb solution, together it is effective, non-toxic and budget friendly. I put all my cleaning supplies together in a caddy which makes it easy to carry my cleaning kit around to each room in the house. Saving time not having to run back and forth for different cleaning products.

Supplies for the cleaning kit:

[wlchecklist name=’CleaningKitChecklist’]

Household Cleaning Bucket

I found this caddy recently at Bunnings, very reasonably priced $6.10.

Bicarbonate soda/baking soda

Together bicarb soda and vinegar are a great combination for cleaning the shower, around the basin taps, the oven, really almost everywhere.  I keep my bicarb in a powdered sugar shaker, which I purchased from spotlight.  Shake out required amount onto surface then spray on vinegar; allow to sit for a few minutes before wiping away.

Vinegar

I purchase a big bottle of white vinegar (the same variety as you get in the cooking isle) add equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle.  Spray bottles can be found at all supermarkets and discount shops.  Remember to label your bottles.  Vinegar is such a versatile product. Don’t be put off by the odour I promise you it will disappear in a few minutes.   I use splash a of vinegar and hot water to clean my floors. Read further for more 20 uses for vinegar around the home.

Sugar soap and sock

Use sugar soap diluted in spray bottle (1/2 sugar soap and 1/2 water) and a spare white sock to clean the walls.  Spray sugar soap onto walls with one hand and wipe over with a sock on the other hand.  Quickly and easily picking up all dirt on the walls.

Gumption

Gumption is used for hard water stains around the bathroom sink and tub, stubborn marks on the walls, cleaning the ceramic stovetop, pots and pans.  Wipe gumption onto toothbrush or cloth to remove dirt and stains.

Gumption is a smooth paste cleanser that features a special soap formulation with exfoliating beads that break down and lift off tough surface stains. for use on stone bench tops, laminates, baths, basins, tiles, stove tops, ovens and stainless steel sinks.

Unfortunately, gumption may not be available in other countries outside of Australia, however look through your cleaning isle at the grocery store for an alternative smooth paste cleaner. Jif is an alternative product.

Toilet discs

After cleaning the toilet I like to put the discs in the bowl as it continually gives it a fresh smell.

Antibacterial surface cleaning wipes

I use surface cleaning wipes to clean the toilet lid, seat and top of bowl, the antibacterial wipes will kill germs.  I also use my reusable homemade antibacterial wipes in the kitchen to clean up spills, read further here.

Microfiber cloth

Use a micro fibre cloth to wipe away dust.  I don’t like to use a duster as I prefer to pick up the dust and shake it off outside or washing it down the sink.  Dusters just spread the dust.

Toothbrush

Use a toothbrush to clean window tracks, bathroom sink, and shower, almost anywhere.

Absorbent cloth

Use with all purpose cleaner to clean wipe to clean the bathroom sink.

All Purpose cleaner

Use an all purpose cleaner along with the absorbent cloth to clean and disinfect as you wipe. View my recipe for homemade all purpose cleaner here.

I also carry a plastic shopping bag with my cleaning kit, to pop in rubbish and wipes as I have finished using them.

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CREATE A SHOWER CLEANING KIT

It’s handy to have a shower cleaning kit separate to your household cleaning kit. Fill a little basket with cleaning items you would only use in the shower. It’s much easier to carry all the products in a caddy, and can be stored easily, out of the reach of children.

Supplies for the shower cleaning kit:

[wlchecklist name=’CREATEA’]

I typically use vinegar and bicarb soda to clean my shower. To remove soap scum I squirt some detergent onto the area (which I keep in a little squeeze toiletry bottle from Ikea), spray on vinegar, let sit for a minute then scrub with the bathroom cloth. (sorry have realised I forgot to add the bicarb soda into the picture, I use the same one from my cleaning kit).

I keep mould and soap scum remover in my shower caddy for the really stubborn areas.  View this post here to create a shower caddy using commercial cleaning products and this post with details about a great Bathroom Cloth from Chux.

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ITEMS NEEDED FOR CLEANING FLOORS

Vacuum

You will need the all-important vacuum cleaner.  We will be using the brush attachment on the vacuum throughout the month, but if you don’t have one a cloth with a rubber band over the end would be fine.

Broom or Stickvac

I don’t use a broom, instead I use a little handheld vacuum to pick up crumbs, dirt and dust between my weekly cleans.

Mop and Bucket

I have tried many mops over the year, but I have to admit that the Vileda Ultra Max Mop is my favourite. With the soft mop head it glides easily over my tiles making mopping a fast process. The mop heads can be hand washed or put in the washing machine to be reused next time. If you use this mop you do need to use the Vileda mop bucket as they team together for wringing out the mop.

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DOWNLOAD

Print the cleaning checklist so you have an easy reference to use to stock up your cleaning caddy, then use the shopping list to write the items you need to pick up when you’re next at the grocery store.

• KAT’S CLEANING KIT – file behind ‘Checklist’ divider – click to download.
• BLANK CLEANING KIT – file behind ‘Checklist’ divider – click to download.
• SHOPPING LIST – file behind ‘Other’ divider – click to download.

Please share your progress in the comments below