How to restore the volume and shape of a flattened pillow with three simple methods

Even after daily cleaning of the house, the floor often does not show the shine people desire. Sometimes footprints remain, or sometimes the floor feels sticky even after mopping. Additionally, an unpleasant odor can persist in the room despite cleaning. In such situations, people often buy expensive floor cleaners, but the floor still remains dirty.

If you are also facing this problem, it is important to know that there is no need to buy expensive cleaners from the market every time. Since not every problem requires a solution purchased from the market, dirty floors can be polished using some items available at home. These ingredients can be mixed into the mopping water to make floor cleaning easier.

Sometimes the floor does not look clean even after mopping daily. One reason for this could be the repeated use of dirty water. When the mopping water becomes filled with dust and dirt and is used to clean the entire house, the dirt can spread from one place to another.

Furthermore, oil and spice splatters in the kitchen, dirt from shoes, and moisture accumulated on the floor can also cause stickiness and bad odors. In such cases, just mopping is not enough; it is also necessary to prepare the correct solution for cleaning and keep the mop clean.

Some household items can be added to the mopping water for home cleaning.

1. White Vinegar: White vinegar is used in household cleaning and can help remove various types of dirt and grease. However, it is important to note that vinegar is not suitable for all types of floors, especially it should not be used on stones like marble, granite, and travertine, as it can affect their shine.
2. Liquid Dish Soap: Liquid dish soap is used to remove grease. A small amount of it can be added to the cleaning solution. However, adding too much can leave a layer of soap or stickiness on the floor, so it should be added in limited amounts to water and the correct cleaner should be chosen according to the floor.
3. Essential Oil: If you want a light fragrance in the house after cleaning, a few drops of essential oil can be used. This eliminates bad odors and gives a feeling of freshness to the floor. However, this is not mandatory and cleaning can be done without mixing it.

Not much material is required to make this liquid.

Ingredients:

First, take lukewarm water in a bucket. Now, add white vinegar and liquid dish soap to it and mix well. If you want a fragrance, you can also add a few drops of essential oil.

After that, dip a clean mop in this solution, wring it out well, and clean the floor. Ensure that excessive water does not spill on the floor. After mopping, windows should be opened or a fan should be run so that the floor dries quickly and moisture can be reduced.

In India, people begin a thorough cleaning of their homes before the Diwali festival. While cabinets, fans, windows, and floors are usually cleaned, dust accumulated under sofas, beds, and heavy furniture often remains. Moving such furniture can be laborious, and there is a risk of damaging the flooring. Because of this, many postpone cleaning these areas, leaving them dirty.

However, there are ways to clean the space under and behind furniture without moving a sofa, bed, or large wardrobe. This does not require expensive cleaning agents or special machines; ordinary household items can be used to reach these difficult spots. Below are simple methods for cleaning dust and dirt accumulated under and behind furniture before Diwali.

How to Assess the Space Under Furniture

Before starting the cleaning, you should use your mobile phone's flashlight to carefully inspect the space under the sofa, bed, and wardrobe. This will help you understand the volume of accumulated dust and the available area for cleaning. You need to check the free space between the furniture and the floor, ensuring there are no wires, wooden planks, or furniture legs. If the space is limited, you can use a narrow brush or a cloth attached to a long handle. First, you must remove all toys, paper, and other items lying on the floor.

It is important to remember: if the sofa is electric or equipped with a motor, be sure to unplug it before starting work. Avoid putting hands or sticks into the moving parts of the device.

Creating a Long Brush from Old Socks or Cloth

If you do not have a professional long broom bought from a store, you can create one from an old sock or cotton fabric. Take any long, thin stick or pole you have at home and firmly attach a piece of cotton fabric or an old sock to one end. Ensure the fabric is securely fastened so it does not fall off during cleaning. Then, slowly rotate this pole under the sofa and bed, cleaning in small sections instead of scrubbing the same spot repeatedly. When dust starts to accumulate on the fabric, it should be shaken out or washed. This way, hidden dust under the furniture can be removed with minimal effort.

Dusting Behind Sofas and Wardrobes

Dust, cobwebs, and small debris often accumulate between the wall and the sofa or wardrobe, making them hard to reach by hand. For this purpose, a long brush or a thin stick can be used. First, gently remove cobwebs from the corners of the wall and behind the furniture. After that, sweep from top to bottom with the long brush. It is also recommended to wipe the baseboard along the wall with a dry cloth to remove stuck dust. Finally, the collected dust and debris should be swept up and disposed of.

Note: If there are electrical panels or wires behind the furniture, do not use a wet cloth or metal rods near them. When cleaning, avoid pulling or displacing electrical cables.

Cleaning with a Broom If No Vacuum Cleaner is Available

Even though not every home has a vacuum cleaner, this does not mean it is impossible to clean under furniture. In such cases, you can use a narrow broom. Slowly guide the broom under the sofa or bed and direct the dust in one direction. It is important not to spin the broom too fast, otherwise, the dust may scatter throughout the room. The collected dust should be removed immediately. If the broom is too thick and cannot fit under the furniture, you can tie a piece of thin cotton material to its front part to facilitate the process.

Final Wipe with a Damp Cloth

Even after removing dry dust, some dirt may remain on the floor. To eliminate it, use a slightly damp cotton cloth. Before use, the cloth must be moistened with water and thoroughly wrung out so that it does not drip. Then, using a long pole, gain access under the furniture and gently wipe the surface according to the type of floor. If you have wood or laminate flooring, try not to use too much water. After cleaning, allow the area to dry completely.

It should be noted that the same cleaning agent is not suitable for all types of floors. Especially before applying vinegar, strong chemicals, or steam on wooden floors, you must read the care instructions for them.

Precautions When Cleaning for Diwali

Do not attempt to move heavy wardrobes or furniture attached to the wall yourself, and never remove their safety fastenings. During cleaning, do not use excessive amounts of water. If you notice signs of dampness or leaks under the furniture, do not ignore them. If you find mold, do not blow it away with a broom, but address the cause of the increased humidity.