Clutter can weigh us down mentally. Start your summer cleaning journey by decluttering your living spaces. Remove unnecessary items, organise belongings, and create designated storage areas. The act of decluttering brings a sense of clarity and promotes a more peaceful state of mind.
2. Embrace Serenity with a Clean Bedroom:
Create a serene and inviting atmosphere in your bedroom. Freshen up your bedding, dust surfaces, and organize your nightstand and closet. A clean and peaceful sleeping environment promotes restful sleep, reduces stress, and rejuvenates your mind and body.
3. Spark Joy in the Kitchen:
A clean kitchen not only enhances hygiene but also inspires healthier eating habits. Clean countertops, appliances, and pantry shelves. Rid your fridge of expired items and organize it for easy access to fresh, nutritious foods. Cooking in a clean and organized kitchen can elevate the joy of preparing meals.
4. Revitalise with Natural Scents:
Incorporate the power of aromatherapy into your cleaning routine. Use natural cleaning products with invigorating scents like citrus or eucalyptus. The fresh aroma uplifts your mood and revitalizes your senses, creating a more enjoyable cleaning experience.
5. Make Cleaning a Mindful Practice:
Approach cleaning as a mindful practice. Be fully present and engage your senses in the process. Focus on each task, whether it's sweeping, dusting, or wiping surfaces. Mindful cleaning allows you to cultivate a sense of calm, reduce stress, and promote a feeling of accomplishment.
Section 6: Outdoor Oasis: Clean and Connect with Nature:
Extend your cleaning efforts to outdoor spaces and create a well-maintained oasis. Discover tips for tidying up your patio, deck, or garden area, including sweeping away debris, cleaning outdoor furniture, and creating a tranquil space to connect with nature. Spending time in this rejuvenating environment fosters relaxation and boosts overall well-being.
Summer cleaning goes beyond just a pristine home; it encompasses revitalizing your mind and body. A clean and organized living space promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, and cultivates a sense of tranquility.
By implementing these holistic cleaning tips, you can create a healthier, happier lifestyle as you embrace the summer season.
Let the joy of cleaning and organizing revitalize your space and uplift your spirits.
]]>I don't tend to redecorate often and take a long time to choose pieces that I love and know I won't get bored of. I believe that contrary to what social media would have you believe it all takes time and patience and I think it's best not to rush these things as they are often big and expensive decisions.
What was the last thing you bought for your home and can’t get enough of?
I do love bedlinen and it's one of the ways I feel you can ring a seasonal change without spending a fortune. I found some gorgeous scallop pillowcases recently with different coloured trims that were quite inexpensive.
SHOP THE LOOK : If you love a scalloped edge pillow too why not have a look at this beautiful bedlinen from Sara. K.
What is your favourite room in your house and why?
The kitchen is where we spend most of our time together as a family although I am not a great cook at all! We had such a struggle completing our kitchen due to a fraudulent tradesperson, that I am so grateful to have it finally completed as it was an eyesore for so long and no one would touch it! It's not perfect due to what happened but it is still a lovely space overlooking the garden.
You always curate such lovely settings on instagram around your kitchen and your kitchen sink, do you have any top tips for styling your sink area?
I love a handcream and hand wash duo (tho' I have to watch like a hawk that it doesn't get used for the dishes by the husband! And I like using little woodier scrubbing brushes in a favourite shell bowl too.
Shop the look:
What has been your more successful post on instagram recently?
A video of my kitchen has been seen by more that two and half million people and it has been lovely to get messages from all over the world. But it also attracts the kind of comments you wouldn't usually get from my own followers so I have to take a deep breath before I read them sometimes!
As a long time Colt & Willow customer we wanted to ask do you have a favourite product?
I absolutely love the Rhubarb Washing Up liquid and the fact that you can refill it makes it so much easier. It is always by my sink!
What's most important to you when choosing cleaning products? No judgement, look, eco friendly, smell or all 3 :)
That's a hard one as I am very fussy about cleaning products and like to try a range off different ones for different spaces. Cleaning without streaks is probably top of my list followed by smell.
And finally where can our customers go to find you and get some great inspiration for their homes?
My instagram is @summerhousestyle and I would love to see your customers there!
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We had the pleasure of chatting to her recently about all things interior design!
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It’s not the nicest thought, but your gym water bottle is likely a lot dirtier than you realise. If you’ve been under the impression that you don’t need to clean it thoroughly because it’s only ever filled with water, you’re definitely not alone—but it’s time to start giving it the scrub it deserves. For a quick and easy fix, fill your bottle with white vinegar and warm water in equal parts, and then set it aside to soak overnight. Make sure you scrub it well the next morning, and voila: a painless way to clean your water bottle.
How to clean your workout equipment
Having a few workout items at home is an easy way to get your exercise in without going to the gym. It also means you’re responsible for keeping it nice and clean yourself. To avoid bacteria gathering, you’ll want to wipe down your dumbbells, yoga mat, exercise bands and any other bits and pieces on a regular basis.
Our top tip? Make your own mild cleaning solution by combining a natural All-purpose Cleaner with some water in a spray bottle, diluting it so it won’t wear down your equipment. Spritz your equipment and wipe clean with an eco-friendly cleaning cloth (we particularly like cloths made from bamboo.) Make sure everything’s fully dry before you put it away, and add cleaning your workout gear to your regular chore list to ensure everything stays in tip-top shape.
Looking for delicious-smelling all-natural cleaning products? Colt and Willow has you covered. Explore our selection here.
There’s nothing like a good sweaty workout to give us a boost of endorphins. The less fun part, however, is cleaning your gym kit afterwards. Workout clothes and equipment are expensive, but the better you take care of them, the longer they’ll last—so it’s worth investing a little bit of time to ensure you’re giving those leggings and water bottle the TLC they deserve.
In this article, we’ll share our top tips for cleaning your gym kit, so it’s always fresh and ready for you.
Know any budding chefs? If you’re present shopping for the next Gordon Ramsay, you can’t go wrong with a recipe book holder. We all know the struggle of wrestling to keep the recipe book open while your hands are covered in flour or oil. A recipe book holder doesn’t take up much space, and can be used to display particularly beautiful cookbooks the rest of the time. We particularly love this Oliver Bonas model made of wood and marble.
#2 Sphere ice cube moulds
Summer may be a distant memory at this point, but it’s always nice to add some ice to a festive drink. For ice cubes with a difference, try a spherical ice cube mould. They last longer than typical ice cubes thanks to their shape, and they look great in a negroni, too. Mix it up by adding a little something to your ice cubes, whether they’re going in a cocktail or a glass of water. Our favourite flavoured ice cubes to try include:
- Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries
- Chopped mint, basil or thyme
- Sliced orange and lemon
- Edible flowers
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not try the viral frozen ‘immunity bomb’? Chop up some orange, lemon, ginger and turmeric, and pop it in a blender. Freeze the blended mix, and next time you feel a cold coming on, add one to a glass of orange juice or a mug of hot water for a fiery fix.
#3 An egg shaper
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but the morning rush usually means we don’t get to fully enjoy it. An egg shaper is just what you need to brighten your first meal. Funny Side Up has everything from dog shapes to robots, and if bento box art is more your style, these bear and bunny hard boiled egg moulds are adorable. You might just convince the pickiest kid to dig in.
#4 Cute sponges
Okay, okay, sponges might not be on the top of your wishlist, but there’s no denying the cuteness of Scrub DaddyNamed America’s favourite sponge for a reason (yes, that’s a thing), Scrub Daddy sponges come in a range of shapes and sizes. Promising to make you “smile while you scrub”, these sponges can be found in the hippest concept stores, and even feature seasonal editions like this Halloween series. A perfect stocking filler or a cute gift-to-self, Scrub Daddy sponges are quickly acquiring cult status.
#5 A stylish storage caddy
Liewood May’s understated pastel caddies: they’re beautiful and stylish, and ultra handy. Best of all, they’re easy to wash, making them perfect for storing your sponges and washing up liquid.
#6 Delicious natural cleaning products
While we’re on the subject of washing up liquid, beautifully-designed cleaning products can also make a great gift this Christmas. Our products were designed to look good on your shelf—no hiding under the kitchen sink. Colt and Willow’s The Essentials pack makes a great gift, with products naturally scented using geranium, rosemary, juniper and rhubarb. For friends and family with little ones, our Fig and Cassis Potty Spray is a good option, and budding Great British Bake Off contestants will be delighted by The Kitchen Combo.
The kitchen is one of the best rooms in the house: it’s often where we gather to recap the day, grab a snack, and spend time cooking delicious meals—so what better than giving someone a fun and handy kitchen accessory in 2023?
Read on for 6 of our favourite kitchen items, whether you’re shopping for loved ones or yourself…
Out with the old, in with the new, as the saying goes… or in this case, just out with the old. Decluttering is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Our environment directly affects how we feel, and when we’re too busy to clean on a regular basis, clutter can pile up, making us feel even more stressed. The vicious cycle continues until you can’t bear it any longer and have to grab the duster. Don’t let it get to that point—kick off the new year by decluttering the most visible surfaces in your home. Group items by type (chargers, tools, stationery) and make sure everything has a ‘home’, so you won’t be tempted to leave it lying on the kitchen counter going forward. If need be, head to IKEA and invest in some smart storage solutions: don’t underestimate the power of a handful of plastic sorting boxes… If this feels like too much to tackle at once, start by decluttering one room (or even just one surface) at a time. You’ll soon have room to breathe again.
Sort out your wardrobe
In a similar vein, January is the perfect time to get the family involved with cleaning out their wardrobes. This goes for toys as well as clothes if you’ve got kids: chances are there are old toys, books and games lying around that would be better off passed down to younger cousins, or donated to a charity or hospital if they’re in good enough condition. Bonus: as well as clearing out space in your home, you’ll get a dose of feel-good chemicals too. Go through your wardrobe and give it the Marie Kondo treatment, or if that feels too harsh (let’s face it, not every T-shirt in your drawer needs to spark joy…), try asking yourself this question: did I wear this in 2022? If the answer’s a ‘no’, it might be worth donating or selling it. You’ll be surprised at how much money you’re able to make reselling good quality clothes on platforms like Depop and Vinted.
Create a cleaning routine
Struggle keeping your home clean on a regular basis? You’re not alone. We all know what it’s like, once everyone’s at work and school, and once the evening comes around, you’re just a bit too tired to get out the hoover. Your best bet is to create a very simple, low-effort cleaning routine that ensures your home is always at its best, no matter how busy you are. We love dividing tasks by the amount of time they take, and assigning them to different household members on different days of the week. Someone’s got 15 minutes to spare? Great! They can grab a sponge and some natural all-purpose cleaner, and give the bathroom a quick scrub down.
Refresh your cleaning products
If you can think of 100 things you’d rather do than clean your home, investing in some high-quality new cleaning products may inspire you to start enjoying the process. Good sponges are a must, and can be used in almost every room in the house. If you don’t have a quality mop or hoover, consider making the most of the January sales to upgrade your appliances. And if you’re in need of cleaning products, ditch the chemicals and opt for all-natural solutions instead.
Refresh your soft furnishings
Finally, if you want to brighten up your home without the budget for a full renovation, consider refreshing your soft furnishings. It’s amazing how a new lamp, blanket or vase can transform the room. Trawl second hand stores and car boot sales for unique, well-priced finds, and if you’re feeling crafty, you could consider up-cycling something yourself. Enjoy knitting? Have a go at making a handmade blanket! If you’ve got cushions that could do with some TLC, why not stitch a pattern or some sequins onto cushion covers you’ve already got? We’ve still got a few months of cold, dark winter ahead of us, so it’s the perfect time to get creative indoors.
Looking for more tips and tricks on making your home feel like home—all year round? Visit our Knowledge Base, where you’ll find everything from how to clean your washing machine (spoiler: yes, it does need cleaning from time to time) to how to embrace ‘hygge’ during the colder months.
There’s nothing like the waft of cinnamon to get you in the Christmas spirit. We’re big fans of natural ways of scenting your home, and our favourite method involves making a seasonal simmer pot. It's as simple as it sounds: all you need to do is simmer a pan of water on the hob, filled with some well-chosen ingredients. For Christmas, we love the Real Food Dieticians’ tips: “We like to use orange slices, cranberries, rosemary, pine branches, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, whole cloves, and nutmeg for a wonderful holiday fragrance. This combination of ingredients, when kept on a low simmer in a large pot, gives off the most beautiful aroma for all of your holiday and winter gatherings.”
Tip #3: Get cosy
The weather outside is frightful, which means Christmas is the perfect time to embrace getting cosy inside. We’re big fans of hygge, the Danish tradition of “creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the little simple things in life,” and while hygge makes the autumn and winter seasons more palatable in general, it’s particularly well-suited to Christmas. At its core, hygge involves turning our homes into comforting sanctuaries filled with blankets and candles, and cosying up with loved ones for some quality time. So follow the example of our northern neighbours in Denmark (who are Europe’s biggest consumers of candles!), and pop some tea lights around the room. Put a classic Christmas movie on the TV—you can’t go wrong with Love Actually—and you’re all set.
Tip #4: Bake a Christmas recipe
Make the most of the ingredients you found for your seasonal simmer pot by trying your hand at a Christmas recipe. Go for the classic cinnamon cookies, or attempt Delia Smith’s squidgy chocolate log if you’re feeling brave. Dried fruit lovers can push the boat out with some DIY mince pies, and if you’ve got your act together early enough, you might want to try your own Christmas pudding or Christmas cake. If you haven’t got much to hand, even a seasonal hot chocolate can get you in the spirit: just don’t forget the whipped cream, marshmallows and a dash of nutmeg.
Tip #5: Host a pot-luck get-together
Amongst all the stress of the Christmas period, it’s easy to forget what the season is really about: spending quality time with friends and family. Make the most of the bank holidays around Christmas and host a pot-luck get-together. Invite all guests to bring a dish, so that the responsibility doesn’t fall on you as host to provide food and drinks for everyone attending. Make sure your home is clean and inviting: give the bathroom that guests will use a good scrub, and clear away clutter from the kitchen and common areas, especially if people will be moving throughout the rooms in your home. Accidents inevitably happen when you’ve got a bunch of people together, so keep some natural cleaning products to hand. Whether someone spills their mulled wine on the carpet, or drops their Christmas pudding on the sofa, you’ll be able to clean up and get back to enjoying yourself in no time.
Looking for more tips and tricks on making your home feel like home—all year round? Visit our Knowledge Base, where you’ll find everything from how to clean your washing machine (spoiler: yes, it does need cleaning from time to time) to how to embrace ‘hygge’ during the colder months.
Summer turned into Autumn very quickly, and it’s already time to add an extra jumper or scarf when we leave the house in the mornings. At Colt & Willow, we love talking about all things cleaning (you’ll find all you need to know in our Knowledge Base), but we’re also passionate about helping you make your house a home.
If you’re feeling a little apprehensive about the approaching winter, don’t despair: with a few tweaks, you can turn your home into a cosy hygge haven you’ll love spending time in.
Bring out the cosy home decor
Let’s start with the most well-known hygge associations: cosy home decor. October is the perfect time to bring out your warm slippers, your hot water bottles, and the blankets you’ve kept stored away in the cupboard since last winter. We want to embrace cosiness here, so consider treating yourself to some new cushions or a warm dressing gown to make those freezing mornings a little more comfortable. And we can’t forget the hygge must-have: plenty of candles. Denmark is proud of its candle consumption—according to The Economist, “the Danes are Europe's biggest consumers of candles, burning through about 6 kilogrammes (13 pounds) per person every year.” Buy them in bulk, and burn them throughout the day to calm you down and help you feel grounded. Just don’t leave a flame burning unattended, and make sure candles are out of reach of adventurous pets or young children.
Consider every room in your home
The living room and the bedroom are the obvious points of focus when bringing hygge to your home, but how can you ensure the other rooms get the attention they deserve, too? As hygge is about enjoying the small things at its core, think about small touches you could add to your bathroom to create a calming space. Consider an essential oil diffuser, or hang some eucalyptus under your shower to give you that at-home spa feeling. Add some dried flowers to your dining room table, and light a nice candle in your kitchen while you’re cooking.
Keep your home clean and calm
As we spend more time inside, it’s particularly important to keep your home clean. A calm space is as decluttered as possible, so if you don’t have time for a full-on clear out, buy some storage boxes (IKEA’s are perfect—they don’t have to be fancy) and keep everything out of sight. That way, you’ll be able to style surfaces in a way that reflects your interests and makes you feel good. You don’t need to spend hours scrubbing, but schedule in 15 minutes here and there to keep things tidy. Make your bed every morning, and ensure dirty dishes don’t pile up. If you really don’t have much time on your hands, check out our list of 5 minute cleaning hacks: from vacuuming one room to dusting the book shelves, you’ll make your home feel much cleaner without having to spend all day.
Embrace cosy autumnal activities
Think: reading on the couch, watching a film under a blanket, or baking some cookies to share with the neighbours. These simple (and mostly free!) activities can keep the winter blues at bay, and help you make the most of the colder seasons ahead. It’s always sad to say goodbye to summer, but it helps when you’ve got a lot to look forward to in the autumn. Learn about seasonal ingredients, and cook a pumpkin risotto or forage for mushrooms.
It’s not just about candles
Hygge isn’t all about candles: it’s more of a feeling than a ‘thing’. Hygge is about slowing down and enjoying the small things in life, so where possible, eliminate stress, finish work on time, and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Getting out in nature is a hallmark of Scandinavian hygge, and if they can handle the frosty temperatures, so can we… Bundle up and go for a walk in the countryside, before returning home for a cosy night in. Consider hosting tea or dinner in your newly hygge space, or inviting friends over for a game night. You don’t need to cook a fancy meal: it’s about spending that time together and enjoying each other’s company.
Looking for delicious-smelling all-natural cleaning products? Colt and Willow has you covered. Explore our selection here.
What to clean every day
To a certain extent, this depends on your definition of ‘clean’. If you’re one of those people who can’t relax until every last spoon is clean and returned to the drawer, and every last bit of clutter out of sight, you might have a couple of extra items on your daily to-do list. If you prefer to do more, less often, you can get away with performing most of these tasks every few days. It’s all a matter of personal preference.
In general, on a daily basis, we suggest:
Make the bed. It’s a simple one, but it’s said to make you more productive…
Wash the dishes. This can depend on what you’re up to and how much time you spend in the house (if you’re lucky, you’ll only have a few plates and cups to wash), but if you’re tight for time, remember that washing your dishes can actually be meditative.
Wipe down the bathroom surfaces. This is something you can do before or after brushing your teeth, and only takes a minute or two. Keep a sponge and some natural bathroom cleaner to hand, and give the sink and shower or bath a quick wipe. No need to scrub hard: that’s for your weekly tasks!
Wash the dishes. This can depend on what you’re up to and how much time you spend in the house (if you’re lucky, you’ll only have a few plates and cups to wash), but if you’re tight for time, remember that washing your dishes can actually be meditative.
Give kitchen appliances a quick wipe. This doesn’t have to happen every day, but it means that when you get round to doing a kitchen deep-clean, the job will be as easy as possible.
Do a quick sweep of items that may need to go in the laundry basket.
What to clean every week
When it comes to weekly cleaning, the goal is to be consistent, so that your home never gets that dirty. Carve out an hour or two at the weekend, or break your tasks into 15 minute chunks and spread them out over the week, so it feels less intensive. If you live with other people, make sure tasks are distributed equally, so everyone can contribute towards keeping your home clean.
Here’s what we recommend:
Hoover. This is actually important for your health: vacuuming gets rid of allergens from your home, like dust and mites. If you’ve got pets, it’s especially important to get rid of that shedded hair.
Dust surfaces. It’s something we don’t tend to think about, but when you’ve just dusted your shelves and bookcases, you’ll really see a difference. This is a good ‘quick win’ to make your space feel cleaner when you don’t have much time. And just like with vacuuming, dusting can ensure harmful bacteria doesn’t have a place to hide.
Mop the floors. This is a physical task, but it gives your floors that extra shine, and you’ll feel great once it’s done.
Change the beds. There’s nothing comfier than hopping into bed and luxuriating in your clean bedsheets.
Do the laundry. This one is worth spreading out throughout the week, so you never run out of clothes, towels or bedding.
What to clean every month
If you can bear it, we recommend planning in a deep-cleaning session once a month. As well as all the tasks listed above, it’s a good idea to clean your home appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher, to keep them in tip-top condition. This will save you money in the long run: well-mainted appliances don’t need to be replaced as regularly. We’ve written about this in our Knowledge Hub: click here for our run-down of cleaning your dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer.
Beyond that, we also suggest:
Emptying the vacuum cleaner. It’s one of those tasks we often forget, but will ensure it’s in perfect dust-sucking form.
Cleaning the furniture. If you’ve got children or pets, this one is particularly key. Deal with any small stains, and vacuum away hair and crumbs.
Dusting the lights. This one speaks for itself—and ensures your home stays cosy and bright during the darker months.
What to clean every 3-6 months
Don’t worry: the following tasks only come up once a quarter, or twice a year.
Every 3-6 months, you’ll want to:
Clean the oven. Luckily, we’ve written all about this sexy, enjoyable task in this article. (Okay, sorry for the sarcasm. It’s not that bad. You’ll get through it.)
Deep-clean your bed. That means the mattress, pillows and duvet. Another of those forgotten tasks, cleaning your bed will ensure bedbugs and mites stay far away.
Clean the fridge and freezer. Again, if we want our appliances to stay in good shape, we need to show them some TLC every once in a while.
Scrub every inch of the bathroom. Including the tiles and shower curtain (or shower glass). Find our best tips here.
What to clean every year
And for the really big tasks? Luckily, you’ll only have to do these once a year.
Clean the fireplace (if you have one).
Clean the windows—or get a professional in if you’re not able to do them yourself.
Deep-clean the carpet. You’ll be surprised at the grime and crumbs that gather, especially if you’ve got a shaggy carpet or don’t enforce a ‘shoes off’ policy in your home.
Pressure-clean outdoor places. This includes gutters, the outside of your home if necessary, and paths in your garden.
As will all aspects of cleaning your home, a lot depends on your personal preferences. Your home is your sacred space, somewhere to relax after a long and stressful day, so it’s worth learning to enjoy the cleaning process if you can.
If you’re looking for more information on cleaning your home, visit our Knowledge Base here and don't forget to get your FREE checklist here.
]]>The good news is this: with a little forward planning, you can decide what to clean on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis, so you can split up the tasks in the way that best suits you and your household.
The more organised we are, the less overwhelmed we feel, so it’s definitely worth sitting down with your diary and figuring out a system that works for you.
You might have seen articles or videos online that share a quick hack for cleaning your dishwasher: run an empty cycle using vinegar and baking soda. That’s definitely a great quick fix, but if you’re looking to go deep with your cleaning, there are a few more steps involved. We’ve broken them down for you here.
1. Start from the bottom, and have a look around your dishwasher’s drain. No matter how well you rinse dishes before popping them in the dishwasher, your appliance will naturally collect a lot of food debris, which over time can affect how well it functions. Have a look to see if there’s anything major that’s clogging the drain, from pieces of food to shards of glass.
2. Wash the dishwasher filter. You can usually remove it—take a look at your dishwasher manual if you need to refresh your memory. Top tip: if you think you’ve thrown away the manual, you can usually find it online if you search for your dishwasher’s brand and serial number.
3. Run an empty wash with vinegar and baking soda (like we said, it’s a great solution if you’re short on time!).
4. Now, examine the inside of your dishwasher for any stains or areas which haven’t been fully cleaned by your empty wash. Use a scrub brush and some Wonder Scrub to magic away the greasy patch. Bonus: it smells like grapefruit, so your dishwasher will be left smelling deliciously fresh.
5. Finally, don’t forget the exterior! Your dishwasher is usually situated in the kitchen next to the sink, so it’s easy to drip soap or food down the front from time to time. Finish the job by using some natural all-purpose cleaner and a sustainable cloth to keep your dishwasher exterior looking its best.
How to deep-clean your washing machine
Ever find your clothes aren’t coming out of the washing machine smelling quite as fresh as they used to? It might be time for a deep clean. Just like your dishwasher, your washing machine has lots of different fiddly parts that work in union to clean your clothes. Think about it: you’re throwing in piles of laundry every week, along with blankets covered in dog hair and muddy post-match football kits. It’s no wonder your poor machine needs some TLC. And more isn’t necessarily better, either, so don’t add double doses of laundry detergent and fabric softener hoping it’ll freshen up your clothes: you’ll likely just end up adding to the gunk that’s collecting in your washing machine.
Here’s how to deep-clean your washing machine.
1. Start with the basics: spritz some all-purpose cleaner on a cloth and run it around the inside of your washing machine. This will pick up any larger blockers, like hairballs from both human and animal members of the family. It’s an icky task, but we promise it’s worth it in the end.
2. Now for the seals. To keep your washing machine watertight, you’ll usually have rubber seals and door gaskets. Fair warning: these can create the perfect environment for mould and mildew to form, so if you aren't motivated to clean your washing machine yet, this just might do the trick.
3. Run a cycle. If you’re lucky, your washing machine will actually have a ‘cleaning’ cycle: all you have to do is add a splash of vinegar and turn it on! If it doesn’t specifically tell you there’s a cleaning cycle, don’t worry. Simply run a normal cycle on the hottest temperature available on your machine—this will help kill any bacteria and freshen things up.
4. Dry it out. Your washing machine is obviously wet a lot of the time, which can allow mildew and nasty smells to build up. Where possible, leave your washing machine open to dry once you’ve done a wash—and particularly when you’re in deep-cleaning mode. If that isn’t practical, run a tea towel around your washing machine to absorb as much excess liquid as possible, particularly around the rubber door gaskets.
How to deep-clean your tumble dryer
Finally, let’s take a look at how to deep-clean your tumble dryer. How do you know when it’s time to give this appliance some extra attention? According to Ideal Home, two tell-tale signs are your tumble dryer emitting a weird odour, and your clothes or sheets not being dry at the end of the cycle. Sound familiar? It’s time to get cleaning!
1. Cleaning the drum of your tumble dryer is very similar to cleaning your washing machine. Essentially, you’ll want to repeat step 1 from the list above, wiping inside the drum and door of your appliance to give it an initial clean.
2. Now, move onto the trickiest part: cleaning the lint filter. If you’ve run the dryer recently, make sure it’s fully cooled down before getting to work. You might need to check the manual to find the filter, especially if it’s the first time doing a deep-clean (shh, we won’t tell!). It’s usually behind a little panel, or behind the door of your machine. Use a fabric conditioner sheet (used is fine!) to pick up any stray lint, and for extra thorough cleaning, go over it with a vacuum cleaner.
3. Finally, give the outside of your tumble dryer a wipe with some natural all-purpose cleaner, and make sure to make a note in your calendar to clean your lint filter regularly. It’s not the most enjoyable of household tasks, but it really does make a difference for your clothes.
Well done! Your tasks are done—now make sure to reward yourself for all your hard work. And if you’re looking to stock up on new, beautifully scented washing up liquids and all-purpose cleaners, Colt & Willow has you covered. Take a look at our selection of natural cleaning products here.
Unfortunately, to keep things in tip top condition, we also need to clean our appliances from time to time. In this article, we break down the easy steps you need to follow to clean your dishwasher, your washing machine and your tumble dryer.
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We all love summer, but all good things come to an end, and it’s time to embrace the arrival of the cooler months. Go through your home and switch out any home furnishings and items that are more suited to the heat, like thin duvets, fans, and barbeque equipment. If you’ve got storage space under the beds or in the attic, for example, consider packing away your summer shorts and dresses, and bring your cosy jumpers to the front of your wardrobe. This will psychologically help you welcome in the autumn, knowing your summer clothes will be stored away and ready for you next year.
Declutter your surfaces
Granted, this is something you should be doing on a regular basis, but we always find that the arrival of autumn gives us that extra push to make our spaces cosy and welcoming. In summer, it’s lovely spending so much time outside, but once we start cocooning come September, it’s important that our homes are warm, clean and inviting. Set aside a few hours to go through the clutter in your hall, by your desk, or in the kitchen, and actually deal with it—don’t just put it in a cupboard! You’ll find it’s much more relaxing sitting reading a book when you’re not distracted by all the spare wires / used notebooks / loose change on your shelf.
Don't forget the exterior!
If you’ve got a home with a garden or terrace, September is the perfect moment to prepare for the colder months. If you’ve got furniture or a barbecue outside, for example, consider moving them somewhere where they won’t be damaged by rain and frost. If your gutters need some TLC, consider hiring a professional to help you make sure everything’s in tip-top shape.
Deep-clean your kitchen
The rush of back-to-school and back-to-work leaves us little time for deep-cleaning, but once the dust has settled (literally or not!), consider a deep-clean of your kitchen. We’re talking the fridge, the cupboard, and yes, the oven. While you’re at it, don’t forget about cleaning the sponges themselves. Luckily, we put together this handy article with some tips and tricks (and if it’s really that gross, why not replace it with a new and sustainable option?).
For your fridge and cupboards, the task is as simple as removing all food and putting it somewhere safe while you clean. Next, grab an eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner, and get to work with a sponge. If there are any gnarly stains to get rid of, give our Eco Friendly Grapefruit Wonder Scrub a go—formulated with bicarb and free from nasty phosphates, parabens and SLS. And if you’re ready to roll your sleeves up and tackle the oven, this article tells you everything you need to know.
Give the forgotten areas some TLC
We know how hard it is to keep up a cleaning schedule when you’re busy. If you find yourself with some extra time on your hands now the little ones are back at school and you’ve caught up with post-holiday work, it’s time to pay some attention to those areas of our homes we tend to forget. When’s the last time you deep-cleaned your duvets and pillows? What about your cushion cases? If you’ve got guests passing through your home on a regular basis, it’s important to remove your cushions from their covers, and give them a good wash. Some are washing machine friendly (always double check!), while others can be rinsed by hand with some diluted natural washing-up liquid. Similarly, dust your lamps and radiators, and call in a handyman if needed to sort out those odd jobs that have featured on your to-do list for longer than you’d like to remember.
While it’s never easy saying goodbye to warm and sunny weather, there’s lots to look forward to during September and beyond. A tidy home will provide you with a cosy haven when it’s raining outside, and you’ll be more motivated than ever to keep your space spick and span.
To help you on your way, why not indulge in some new natural cleaning products? Take a look at what Colt & Willow has to offer: our products are all UK-made, beautifully scented, and most importantly, they actually work. Discover our range here.
]]>1. What does a typical day look like for you?
When I work with a family, I endeavour to be family centred, and I also try to live by this by this as well. I am a mum of 2 under 2 (Mary 22 months and Hugh 9 months). I try to work around my family, rather than my family fit in around my work. I get up early to work before they wake.
My days are with them – ideally outside as much as possible when the weather allows. I then work to support other families at nap times, evenings and weekends.
Evening work includes 1:1 consultations to support families with sleep or potty training. I also train people to become Baby Massage Instructors, Baby Yoga Instructors and Family Centred Infant Sleep Consultants so I also support students and mark work during this time.
I do aim to have at least 2 evenings off a week, and 1 clear day at the weekend.
2. Where’s your dream escape destination?
I have never been but I would love to go to Australia to visit my sister and little nephew. However, waiting until the kids are a little older before attempting such a long flight.
3. What’s your vice?
Probably should not admit this as a Sleep Consultant but I love coffee and chocolate.
4. How long have you been a potty training consultant
I have been a Potty Consultant for 3 years, but have always worked with children and families.
5. Is there a perfect age to potty train?
The average age for Potty Training varies widely and is influenced by factors such as where and when you live in the world. I prefer a Child Orientated Approach, were we look at the individual needs and development of a child and support them at ang age which is right for them, in line with their social, physical and emotional development.
6. If you had to give 3 top tips about potty training what would they be?
1. Do not limit fluid intake. It is a myth that restricting liquids will make potty training easier. The bladder needs fluid to remain healthy and avoid UTI’s. The bowel needs fluid to avoid constipation which can make pooing unpleasant and delay progress. More liquids allow for more practice, prevent UTI’s and constipation
2. Never punish, scold or embarrass a child for accidents.They are normal and to be expected. Children learn best when they are supported and encouraged
3. Call a poo ‘a poo’ as opposed to ‘a stinky’. Research suggests that negative terminology can delay potty progress.
7. What would you recommend for potty training on the go?
For Potty Training on the go I recommend:-
- Staying at home for the first few days.
- When you first go out invest in a good travel potty (Potette is my favourite)
- Bring a reusable nappy wet-bag in your changing bag. These are great for putting wet clothes if your little one has an accident. Not only are they more environmentally friendly than using a plastic bag, but you can put the whole bag into the wash, so you do not need to retouch the wet clothes.
- Bringing a pack of post-its. They are great if you visit public toilets with an automatic flush. Should the flush go off mid-wee it can frighten little ones. Placing a post-it over the sensory ensures it won’t go off when they are mid flow.
- Place a reusable seat liner in your buggy. If they do have an accident all you need to do is place this liner in the wash – far easier than cleaning urine off a pushchair. Close Parenting do a range of these liners.
8. And lastly do you have a favourite Colt & Willow product?
The Potty Spray smells amazing. I love that it is toxin free – which is especially important for little ones. And it helps makes the mundane task of Potty Training a little more glamourous.
But the beautiful Rhubarb Dishwashing liquid is a very close second.
If you would like to find out more about everything that Susan does you can find more on her website Settled Petals
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Day 2: Categorise your clutter
It’s time to start categorising your clutter. It’s a good idea to have three different labels: keep, move, and throw away/donate. There are hundreds of decluttering experts out there who have their own way of approaching the problem at hand, and one of the most well known is Marie Kondo.
Her “does this spark joy?” question provides us with a simple-as-123 way of knowing whether or not to keep something. It’s also wise to think about how often you use something. A toothbrush, for example, is (hopefully!) used multiple times a day, so you won’t want it tucked in the back of a drawer. A stapler or hole puncher, on the other hand, aren’t typically needed on a daily basis, so they’re worth stashing away somewhere out of sight.
Day 3: Tackle your clutter room by room
Now, the hard work begins.
Work through your house room by room, cabinet by cabinet and surface by surface (example: in the bathroom you might want to declutter cabinet one, cabinet two and the sink).
It might help you to make a list of each area to tackle, and cross it off once you’re done. If you’re short on time, you don’t have to do everything at once. Take a look at your list, and assign different rooms to different days. You’ll get the job done without even noticing it. If you find that you’re really in the zone, it also feels great to blast through your decluttering all in one go.
Don’t forget those forgotten areas of the house like the coat cupboard (how many broken umbrellas have you got stashed away?) and under the kitchen sink.
Day 4: Come up with smart storage solutions
Here’s one of the golden rules of cluttering: come up with sustainable storage solutions.
Make sure that when you’re tackling a clutter-prone cupboard or surface, you’re not just moving the mess elsewhere. It can be tempting to chase a quick win by moving clutter from a surface to a drawer, but in the long run, you’re just causing more mess for yourself.
Consider collecting similar items in one place: clear a section of your office or living room cupboard for pens, extra notebooks and highlighters. Whenever you find office supply-style clutter lying around in future, you’ll know just where to put it.
It’s also worth having one miscellaneous box or drawer for those bits and pieces that really don’t fit anywhere else.
To ensure your home stays decluttered, keep storage boxes to hand, in different shapes and sizes. A small storage box by the bathroom sink, for example, can collect hair ties and clips, lip balms and hairbrushes.
Day 5: Clean your newly visible surfaces
Congratulations!
The toughest part is over. Now that your surfaces are decluttered, it’s time to give them the polish they deserve. Start by running a duster over cabinets and anywhere else that might have gathered dust amongst the mess. Now, spritz some all-purpose cleaner lightly, and give everything a good scrub, making sure to remove any sticky residue. Once they’re dry, decorate with a vase full of seasonal flowers or a candle, and admire your hard work!
Colt & Willow’s decluttering dos and don’ts
Let’s round off with some of our best dos and don’ts for approaching decluttering your home.
Don’t overthink it: there’s no need to decide on the spot whether or not you want to keep something. If in doubt, put it in a drawer and come back to it later.
Do have fun: you’ll feel extremely satisfied once the job is done, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the process, too! Put on some music, and maybe even crack out a dance move or two as you sort through the clutter.
Don’t let overwhelm get to you: dealing with clutter is an ongoing process, because no matter how thorough a job you do, something will always reappear the next day.
Do get the whole family involved: every part of the house can get cluttered, from bathroom cabinets to your kid’s bedroom. Teach them young, and give your children age-appropriate decluttering challenges, like picking toys they no longer use that they could donate to a charity.
Don’t forget to reuse/recycle your clutter: depending on the item, you might be able to donate it or give it a second chance at life in a different form.
Do reward yourself: decluttering is an intense job, so treat yourself to a relaxing night in your newly serene space afterwards.
Happy decluttering :)
]]>It’s easy for clutter to pile up: we’re all busy, and when you get home from work, it’s tempting to throw your keys, work papers and assorted stationary on that table in the hall, rather than returning everything to its spot.
If you feel like clutter has got the better of you, it’s time for some action. We’ve divided this ultimate decluttering plan into 5 days, so you can tackle the sometimes-overwhelming problem in small chunks. Don’t forget to plan a nice reward for yourself once the hard work is done!
]]>Luckily, with a little forward planning, you can keep your kitchen squeaky clean and free of crawly visitors. Start by adding your kitchen cabinets to your cleaning routine. The nature of your kitchen means the cabinets are often opened with sticky hands, so it’s easy for grime to build up over time. Spritz a few sprays of all-purpose cleaner over your cabinets, and wipe with a clean cloth. Leave them open as they dry: the warm air will speed up the job.
Make sure that inside the cupboards, you haven’t got opened packets of food lying around. Instead, invest in some good-quality sealed boxes, and keep opened packets inside. Similarly, make sure you wipe up any spills as soon as they happen, and put food in the fridge rather than leaving it out on the counter. That way, you’ll avoid unwelcome visitors from bugs, and reduce your risk of bacteria contaminating your food.
Prep the paddling pool
If you’ve got children or pets in the house, a paddling pool is a great way for them to cool down in the warmer months. That being said, they’re a parent’s nightmare when it comes to cleaning them. Between grass, dirt and mud and that all-important sun cream, paddling pools can get grimy quick.
Keep things clean by making up a DIY non-toxic cleaning solution. All you’ll need is white vinegar, water, and a spray bottle. Add one part white vinegar to two parts water, and spritz over the paddling pool. Make sure you’re opting for a soft cloth—the material is delicate, and you don’t want to risk causing a hole.
Top tip: we love this advice from In The Wash on avoiding oily paddling pools: pop a tennis ball or two in the water! They’ll soak up the oil from the surface of the water, leaving your paddling pool ready for a refreshing dip. Once you’ve finished with the water, re-use it by watering your plants.
Keep the oven party-ready
If you’ve got a garden or terrace, chances are your home is the place to be this summer. Hosting friends and family for an outdoor meal is one the highlights of warmer weather, but the cleaning job that’s required afterwards isn’t the most pleasant. If you’ve been cooking roast veg and meat in the oven, you’ll need to keep your oven in tip-top shape.
• Gather your supplies before you get going: you’ll need an eco-friendly-but-tough product like our Wonder Scrub, some cleaning brushes made from natural materials, some vinegar and a spray bottle (you might have these in from when you cleaned the paddling pool!).
• Remove any racks and trays from inside your oven, and cover them with Wonder Scrub. Place them to one side—we recommend in the bath or shower, or on newspaper next to your oven (keep children and pets away!).
• Apply our Wonder Scrub or Washing Up Liquid to the inside of the oven, and allow to soak overnight. If you’re in a rush, half an hour works fine too!
• Using a mixture of vinegar and water, spray both sides of the oven door and wipe clean.
• The next day, remove the washing up liquid or Wonder Scrub with a cloth. Rinse your racks and trays, and once dry, put them back in your oven. Voila! Your job is done.
• If you’re looking for party-specific cleaning tips, take a look at this article in our Knowledge Base.
Leave clothes and towels to dry outside
Warm weather means it’s easier for mould to grow in your bathroom. Avoid any risks to your health—and musty smells— by leaving your wet clothes, towels and sheets to dry outside, instead of in your bathroom. Don’t have any outdoor space? Try hanging them over your doors instead. They’ll dry quickly in the warm weather, so don’t worry: they won’t be an eyesore for long! Similarly, when you’re finished having a shower, make sure you leave the door open, allowing moisture to escape. A fan works well, but it’s even better if you keep the door open too.
Cleaning during the summer months doesn’t have to leave you hot and bothered (sorry!).
Try doing your housework first thing in the morning or late at night on very hot days, and break down your tasks into small chunks. There’s no need for a 4 hour deep clean every Saturday: working through each room in your home during the week should do the trick, leaving you to spend your weekends relaxing in the sun!
]]>The good news is that with a few small tweaks, you’ll find you’re able to spend less time cleaning, and more time relaxing on that new sunlounger in the garden. Read on for our top tips on cleaning your home in warm weather
]]>How to pack your wheelie case so that it will stay upright!
It’s all about weight distribution.
Instead of balancing things evenly in the bag, you know shoes at either side etc do this. You need to give your bag a low centre of gravity. Put the heavy items such as wash-bags, books and heavy shoes at the wheel end of your case. Lighter items like clothes can take up the rest of the space.
If you distribute the weight like this I promise you a dreamy ride cruising through the terminal like a pro.
Another top tip is to take some totes or reusable bags for shoes and hairbrushes anything that’s usually loose really. It makes everything cleaner when you get home and you feel so organised. It’s like unwrapping presents when you get there.
Finally if you are travelling to a wedding and really don’t want to crease your outfit, grab some acid free tissue paper, I save mine up from online shopping deliveries.
As you fold your clothes add a layer of tissue paper covering the item, especially where the folds are. I promise this staves off the worst of the creases!
I hope this is helpful. No more wheelie bag blues for you.
Enjoy your holidays, you deserve them!
]]>The airports are busy, it’s hot & the travelling to & fro can be quite stressful.
No matter how much time you leave you always find yourself waiting at bag drop for that huge line to go down then sweating trotting through terminals trying to get to your gate on time.
The children are getting tired & your wheelie bag keeps dropping to the floor making a loud crash ...Urgh.
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f you’ll be up against stubborn gunk, it’s a good idea to stock up on our Wonder Scrub, which earned its name for a reason… Perfect for those pesky tea stains courtesy of guests who ignored your “please use a coaster!” requests, and for scrubbing the oven post-roast.
You’ll also need a good supply of bin bags and sponges, plus a mop and hoover.
Tip: if possible, make sure you’ve restocked your cleaning supplies before your party takes place. Add them to your last-minute supermarket run so that once your guests have left you in peace, you can get to work.
Step 2: Compartmentalise the mess
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to do a first sweep of your home. Make sure everything’s where it should be: bring all plates and glasses to the kitchen ready to scrub, and go around with a bin bag getting rid of any old napkins, banners and paper cups.
If you’ve had guests in your living room, push furniture to the corners of the room to allow you to access the floor for a good old mop and hoover. It’s worth the extra hassle: you’ll feel great relaxing in your sparkling clean space a couple of hours later.
If you’ve got a team of helpers, delegate jobs based on ability and age. Small children can also lend a hand, even if they start by just picking up their own toys. It’s a great example to set for when they’re a little older.
Step 3: Tackle room by room
You’re ready for the worst bit: the heavy-duty cleaning. There are two ways of approaching this part of the process. Some of us like to ‘eat the frog’ and dive into the trickiest task first, which usually involves cleaning the kitchen and doing the washing up. Others prefer starting small and leaving the worst til last — whatever floats your boat. Just make sure you’ve got a nice treat lined up for yourself post-clean. Tackle your home room by room, and pay particular attention to the doors and door handles.
Step 4: Make your surfaces shine again
Throwing a summer party can be great fun, but there’s something very satisfying about scrubbing every inch of your home after hosting so many people in your personal space. Now’s the time to stop putting off that deep clean: why not tackle every surface in your home? Grab your all-purpose cleaner and a microfibre cloth, and get to work. This doesn’t take long, but it makes a massive difference to how clean your home feels. Clear surfaces of unidentifiable crumbs and grubby fingerprints, and sort out any clutter.
Step 5: Scrub your floors
If you’re lucky, your guests will take their shoes off, but if you have a garden, it’s not always practical. Add little children running in and out, and it’s a recipe for a muddy disaster. You’ll want to leave the floors until last, and when you do get around to cleaning them, you can follow this simple process:
Start by going over the (hard) floor with a dustpan and brush to collect anything that might clog up your hoover.
Next, vacuum the room, paying particular attention to areas where guests may have been eating (like next to the table), and the corners of the room. Move furniture around as you hoover to ensure you haven’t missed anywhere.
Now it’s time to tackle those mysterious sticky patches. If someone’s spilled some summer punch on the floor, start by sprinkling some baking soda over the affected area, and leave it to soak for an hour or so. In the meantime, you can focus on cleaning another room. Grab a dollop of our wonder scrub, and let it work its magic.
Finally, it’s your mop’s moment to shine. Add some natural cleaning solution to a bucket of water, and mop the floor. Bonus points for a naturally-scented cleaner: it really works wonders to rid your space of that post-party smell, leaving you with a glistening and fragrant home.
Step 6: Don’t forget the finishing touches
You’ve made it — well done! Now for the final touches. Start by airing out your home, and letting the fresh summer breeze freshen things up. Throw your hand towels in the wash, and replace anything guests might have used up, like soap and toilet paper. Light a beeswax candle or pop some fresh flowers in a vase, and voila! You’re ready to relax.
Want more tips and tricks that will help you enjoy cleaning your home? (Yes, really). Head to our Knowledge Base for our favourite hacks.
The only downside to hosting a gathering is the cleaning up you’ve got to get through afterwards. Don’t despair: with a few small tips and tricks, you’ll find yourself zooming through the clean-up and ready to head back out to the garden with a glass of Pimms.
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Clean windows
Opening and closing your windows to air the room is a great idea, but it can also make it easier for your windows to pick up grime. Sunlight streaming through your windows can also draw attention to any streaks and dirt, so now is the perfect time to make sure your windows are sparkling clean.
You might want to hire a professional to get the job done, but the good news is that it’s also relatively easy to DIY.
•Start by rinsing the windows with a sponge to get the initial grime off. Watch out: you’ll probably have to go over a few times to get them really clean.
•Next, add a few sprays of all- purpose cleaner to a bucket of warm water. If you want to make your own solution, vinegar is a great alternative.
•Grab a microfibre cloth, and go over another couple of times until clean.
Top tip: the direct sun can cause streaks as your windows dry, so wait for a cloudy day to get cleaning.
Clean the freezer
When’s the last time you cleaned your freezer? Unlike the fridge, which requires regular scrubs as it falls victim to spilled juice, leaky leftovers and sticky patches, we tend to leave our freezers alone. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually need to defrost your freezer in order to give it a good clean.
Instead, follow these simple steps:
• First things first, transfer the items in your freezer into a cooling bag for the duration of the cleaning process.
• Set aside the removable parts of the freezer, like the plastic drawers. You’ll need these to be at room temperature before you start scrubbing them, or else the drastic change in temperature means you run the risk of damaging your freezer parts.
• Unplug your freezer (this isn’t a problem for the short amount of time it will take to clean) and spray the inside with a vinegar and warm water solution. Vinegar is a surprisingly useful cleaning agent if you don’t have any other cleaning products on hand! If there are chunks of thicker ice in your freezer where liquid has spilled, for example, try covering it with a hot towel to melt the ice.
• Wipe the cleaning solution off with a microfibre cloth, and go over once again with a clean cloth to make sure everything’s dry again.
• Place the now room-temperature freezer accessories in the sink with some washing up liquid (bonus points if it smells delicious) and scrub them as you would your dishes.
• When everything’s clean and dry, put the accessories and drawers back in the freezer, and move your frozen food from the cooler.
Sort out your outdoor space
If you’re lucky enough to have some outdoor space — whether that’s a balcony, a terrace, or a spacious garden — now’s the time to make sure it’s in tip-top condition and ready for those balmy summer barbecues.
• Gather any outdoor furniture you might have, and make a cleaning solution from all-purpose cleaner or washing-up liquid mixed with warm water.
•Spot-clean any particular marks from bird poo, food or animals, and then go over your furniture with a cloth soaked in the cleaning solution.
•Leave it to soak in for half an hour, and then spray off with a garden hose.
• Finally, leave your garden furniture to air-dry, ready to welcome your next guests.
There’s nothing better than filling your outdoor space with some freshly planted herbs and flowers, so plan a trip to your local garden centre to stock up on supplies!
Pay extra attention to (bad) smells
Humidity levels tend to be higher during the summer months, meaning you might notice some less-than-fragrant smells around the house.
It’s much easier for mould to grow when the weather’s warm, so keep windows open when there’s a breeze in the air — especially in rooms like the bathroom where steam and damp can cling to the walls.
You might want to take the rubbish out more frequently in summer, or use smaller, sealable bin bags so that food waste isn’t sitting in the bin for extended periods of time. Don’t forget to wash the bin itself regularly, too. It’s easiest to sprinkle some baking soda in the bin, and then rinse it out in the shower. Using scented natural cleaning products will help, too, as will investing in a diffuser or creating some homemade fragrances using ingredients like lavender and citrus fruit.
Looking for natural, UK-made cleaning products that actually work? You’re in the right place. Colt & Willow’s award-winning collection is made to clean the stickiest of messes — no chemicals involved. Find out more here.
While the internet is full of great advice when it comes to cleaning your home, try to focus on reputable sources to ensure you’re keeping safe. In this article, we take a look at some of the biggest cleaning myths out there.
#1 Natural cleaning products don’t get the job done
It’s easy to see where this one comes from: advertising from detergent companies means we’re so used to the idea that unless your cleaning product is full of harsh chemicals, it just won’t work as well.
Luckily, this is a total myth: natural cleaning products absolutely can be as effective as their man-made counterparts. It all comes down to proper use. You also want to make sure you’re buying products from a company that has done their research into the best natural ingredients for cleaning products. At Colt & Willow, our products incorporate ingredients found in nature, specifically chosen for the cleaning properties — and we’re the very proud recipients of awards recognising our brand. Our all-purpose cleaner makes use of geranium leaf, for example, while our wonder scrub has pink grapefruit to thank. Not convinced of the power of Mother Nature’s ingredients? Take a look at our customers’ reviews by scrolling down on the product page…
#2 Children shouldn't get involved in cleaning
Absolutely not! While we definitely don’t want young children doing anything dangerous involving chemicals or sharp objects, they’re never too young to help keep the house clean. It’s a great skill to instil from a young age, and will ensure your home is always neat and tidy (well, most of the time anyway).
Children can start by putting away their toys before bed, dusting low cabinets and tables, and folding their clean clothes once they’re dry. If your little ones need a little encouragement, try turning cleaning into a game. It’s not about slogging through chores — it’s about ensuring your family home is a comfortable space where everyone can feel relaxed and happy, without worrying about stepping on an errant piece of LEGO in the hall.
For more tips about involving children in cleaning, take a look at this article in our Knowledge Base.
#3 Cleaning your home properly takes hours
Cleaning your home can feel overwhelming at times — how often have you tidied from top to bottom, only to find every surface cluttered again in the morning?
The good news is that with a little planning, you can clean your home room by room in as little as 15 minutes a day. Start by listing everything you want to get done, including all the smaller tasks that sometimes get left by the wayside. Don’t forget cleaning the inside of the fridge every once in a while, scrubbing the bathroom grout, and hoovering behind large items of furniture. Now, group tasks by type to make your life a little easier. If you’ve got other members of the household on hand to help, put your list somewhere everyone can see it, like in the kitchen or by the front door. Every time you’ve got 15 minutes to spare, pick one task from the list and get to work. It won’t feel overwhelming, but over the course of a few days, you’ll feel a remarkable difference in the cleanliness of your home.
For inspiration, take a look at this article, which lists tasks by the amount of time you’ll need to complete them.
#4 Air freshener cleans the air in your home
This is a common myth that many people believe: again, smart advertising has something to do with it. Spritz the room with a floral air freshener, and you’d be forgiven for thinking the room is much cleaner as a result. In reality, all air freshener does is mask any bad odours in the room, meaning you're less able to smell them — but they’re still there.
At Colt & Willow, we love swapping chemical cleaning products for natural solutions, and we’ve even written a whole article about how to scent your home naturally. The best advice of all? It’s as simple as opening the windows for half an hour, and letting fresh air do the trick — no chemicals required.
If you’d like to learn more about keeping your home clean, head to our Knowledge Base here. To order some deliciously scented natural products of your own, you can take a look at all of our products here.
]]>Take social media, for example. A current much-hyped trend involves product overloads’, best summarised as adding as many different cleaning products together as possible, often in a toilet or sink.
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You’d be forgiven for thinking your washing machine gets cleaned alongside your clothes, and that there’s no need to rinse it separately. As it happens, you’ll need to give your washing machine a little extra TLC to keep it in tip-top shape. This TikTok by user @carolina.mccauley advises running a wash cycle on the hottest cycle possible, with vinegar in the detergent dispenser. You can then also create a cleaning mixture from baking soda and a little more vinegar, and then gently scrub the inside of your machine. McCauley’s other cleaning-related videos include ‘how to remove pilling from your couch’, and hacks for making your bed, hotel-style.
The easiest way to clean your mirror
“Show me the cleaning hack that everyone needs to know because their lives will be better after knowing it,” says TikTok user @maizimmy at the beginning of her video which has been ‘liked’ over 350,000 times (!). In the clip, the user shares her own genius way of cleaning mirrors, which involves attaching a polishing cloth to a flat mop, and then scrubbing the mirror as a professional window cleaner would. It’s a smart move — say goodbye to awkward jumps in front of the mirror, trying to reach the far corners with a sponge!
How to clean your oven
Believe it or not, the kids of today are going crazy over this particularly unsexy trend: how to deep-clean your oven. Search ‘oven cleaning’ on the app, and you’ll find thousands of videos sharing their best hacks, including creating a home-made cleaning paste and allowing it to sit overnight. User @healthylittlepeach has a particularly innovative idea: she recommends leaving the oven trays and racks in a bathtub full of cleaning products, and allowing it to soak for 2 hours before scrubbing. Top tip: opt for natural cleaning products where possible. Chemical-filled detergents and cleaners are harmful for the environment and for our health, and are especially dangerous if you’ve got young children or pets in the house.
How to prevent dust on top of your cupboards
We’ve all experienced the horror of cleaning on top of your kitchen cabinets — and it’s not pleasant. Most of us leave this for the really deep cleans: the annual spring clean, or when you’re moving out of your home. This #CleanTok is here to save the day, and best of all, it doesn’t require any specialist products or equipment. User @mamasknowbest’s video has been ‘liked’ over 58,000 times, in part because it’s just so simple. All you need to do is lay paper towels on top of your kitchen cabinets. As she explains in the video, this means the paper towels collect grease and dust, leaving the cabinets themselves nice and clean. All you’ll need to do is swap out the paper towels every so often to keep everything sparkling. To drive home the tip, she shares a comparison shot of a clean, new paper towel, and one that’s been sitting on top of a kitchen cabinet. Let’s just say you’ll want to start using this hack today.
If you’re in the mood to learn more quick hacks that will make it much easier to keep your home clean, head over to TikTok and search for the #CleanTok hashtag. You can also visit Colt & Willow’s Knowledge Base for expert advice on everything from cleaning your bed, to how to prep your home before guests arrive.
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It seems to be working: #CleanTok videos have collectively received billions of views (yes, with a ‘b’!). It makes sense — despite the pandemic winding down, we’re still spending a lot of time at home, and everyone enjoys working and relaxing in a clean space.
]]>For example:
In 10 mins the kitchen
Do the dishes, spray surfaces with a natural cleaning product, and give everything a good wipe. Put away extra cutlery and crockery, and dust the top shelves in your cupboards.
10 min in the bathroom
Remove used products from your shower, empty the bin, wipe down sinks and shower screens and make sure the mirror’s sparkling clean.
Other areas you might be able to squeeze in are:
• Changing the bed
• Folding or ironing the laundry
• Putting kids’ toys away
• Dusting the window sills
When you are really short on time and you have only 10 mins, you can never underestimate the power of a speed hoover, a quick cushion plump and a surface wipe down.
And a little bonus tip, if you think your house could do with a smell refresh - try this quick tip so that it will smell amazing in no time:
1. Open the windows, nothing will make your home smell better than getting rid of the stale air.
2 . Boil a pan of water and add some slices of lemons and oranges, the gorgeous scent of lemon and orange will soon fill your house.
3 If your bin is really bringing down the smell in your home, why not try this quick tip: Take a cotton wool ball and add a few drops of your favourite essential oil, and place it at the bottom of your bin.
You might also like our blog on 4 ways to make your home smell incredible
What do you think? Would the Pomodoro method help you with getting your cleaning done?
Each interval is known as a pomodoro, funnily enough coming from the Italian word for tomato, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo used as a university student.
The idea is to break down a large intimidating task into smaller steps, making it more manageable and seeing achievement along the way.
We are so passionate about this technique that we even spoke to the Sun newspaper about it - read the full article here
]]>1. Your mobile phone carries 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat
If you’re reading this article on your phone, sorry! It’s not the most pleasant of facts, but you’ll hopefully be inspired to give your mobile a wipe-down a little more frequently. Think about it — how many times a day do you use your phone? It goes from your pocket to your desk to the bottom of your bag — and once it rings, you’re holding it right up to your face! According to recent studies, your phone holds as many as 17,000 bacterial gene copies, 10 times more than you’d usually find on a toilet seat.
How to clean your mobile phone
It’s worth noting that not all bacteria are harmful. Even so, the best thing to do to keep yourself safe from any nasties is to clean your phone on a regular basis — experts suggest a couple of times a month. Start by turning off your phone, and then give it a rub down with a microfibre cloth that’s been spritzed with antibacterial spray. Never spray cleaning products directly onto your phone — you could end up damaging it!
2. Germs from flushing the toilet can travel up to 2 metres
It might not be immediately obvious, but when you flush the toilet, you could be spreading germs up to 6 feet away. When you hit ‘flush’, an almost imperceptible mist is sprayed into the room — and this can be even worse in public toilets, where automatic hand dries can spread germs and bacteria even further. Luckily, this one’s a simple fix: just shut the toilet lid before you flush, and make sure you’re regularly cleaning the toilet as part of your wider bathroom deep-cleaning sessions.
How to clean your toilet
Begin by soaking the bowl with a bathroom cleaning product, and allow it to sit for a few minutes. While you wait, you can spray the exterior of the toilet and scrub lightly with a sponge. Next, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly. Don’t forget to clean the brush itself by following our top tips in this article.
3. Sponges are often the dirtiest part of the kitchen
It’s ironic, isn’t it? The very item we use to clean our kitchens is home to high levels of bacteria. Sponges provide perfect conditions in which bacteria can thrive: they’re often left soaking, covered in left-over food, and in moist, warm environments. The same goes for tea towels — they’re often used for a number of different tasks, from drying hands to drying pans. Kitchen sponges are the worst culprits, however, and according to some studies hold the most bacteria out of any spot in our home.
How to clean your sponge
It’s important to replace your sponge once you’ve used it for an extended period of time, but in the interests of conscious consumerism, consider using other, more hygienic methods of cleaning dishes. Dish brushes are a good option — and they’re much easier to clean, meaning they last longer and are better for the environment. In the meantime, clean your sponges by soaking them in a mixture of (boiling) hot water and washing up liquid. Make sure you squeeze them thoroughly (mind the hot water!) before leaving them to dry in a well-ventilated spot like a drying rack.
4. Your mattress contains up to 10 billion dust mites (!)
We think of our beds as cosy sanctuaries to rest in after a long day of work — somewhere we enjoy relaxing in, watching Netflix under a pile of blankets. You probably won’t love hearing that your mattress could contain up to 10 billion dust mites (yes, that’s billion with a ‘b’!). According to ehso.com, “House dust mites are microscopic bugs that primarily live on dead skin cells regularly shed from humans and their animal pets.” The dust mites aren’t harmful in and of themselves, but they can make allergies, eczema and asthma worse for sufferers. This is especially the case in colder months, when we keep our windows shut and air isn’t freely circulating through our homes.
How to clean your mattress
Luckily, this is a topic we’ve covered extensively, like in this article on how to deep-clean your bed. Hint: baking soda is your new best friend. Sprinkling this everyday household ingredient on your mattress will help absorb any odours or moisture in your mattress, ensuring it’s clean through-and-through. If you can, leave the baking soda to work its magic for 24 hours. You can also regularly vacuum your mattress to help get rid of any excess dust.
The good news is this: with the right products on hand, cleaning your home can actually be an enjoyable experience — one that’s proven to help reduce stress and improve mindfulness.
Don’t believe us? Grab some of our UK-made, beautifully scented cleaning products, and see how you feel once you’ve given your home a good scrubbing. Discover our range here.
]]>We know we need to keep our bathrooms and kitchens spick and span, but when was the last time you cleaned your phone? What about your rings, or your earphones? These are items you’re using all day, every day, and yet cleaning them rarely crosses our mind.
Read on for 4 shudder-inducing facts about hygiene — we just don’t recommend whipping them out at your next dinner party…
Let’s start with the basics. If you feel like your home is smelling a little, well, off, it might be time to do some deep cleaning. No judgement - we’re here to help!
In the colder months, musty smells can build up, because we’ve often got the heating on and the windows closed. Add in hot steamy showers, lots of cooking, and dogs that love muddy walks more than baths, and it’s not hard to see how things get a little *smelly*.
Start by doing a deep clean of your kitchen and bathrooms on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be arduous - and we’ve got loads of tips in our Knowledge Base to help you clean your home in hassle-free ways. This article on preparing for your spring clean, or this article on those spots we forget to clean are great places to start. Cover the basics by making sure you’ve cleaned your bin (not just taken the rubbish out!), and identified the sources of any specific bad odours. It’s also a good idea to keep the windows open as much as you can, to allow fresh air to circulate. Do as the Germans do, and treat airing out your home as an art.
Use naturally scented cleaning products
On the subject of cleaning, the products you use make a real difference to the scent of your home. No one wants their space to reek of chemicals when they’re done - there’s nothing relaxing about that!
Ditch the harsh cleaning products and replace your stash with naturally scented products instead. It’s safer for your children and pets, and healthier for you, too - breathing in chemicals from cleaning products can have negative impacts on our bodies. In fact, we’ve written a guide to natural cleaning products covering everything from the benefits of using them, to how to get started with low-tox living.
Invest in a diffuser
For a quick and easy option, pick up a diffuser and some essential oils at your local natural shop. You can experiment with combinations based on your mood: if you want to feel energised, lemon and basil make a great team. For relaxation, you can’t go wrong with lavender. If it’s focus you’re after, grapefruit will do the trick. Your diffuser doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive - simple, ceramic oil diffusers can be found at most home and garden shops. They work using a candle that causes scented water to evaporate into your room, gently fragrancing your space.
Take a DIY approach
If you’re looking to get crafty this spring, consider a DIY approach to scenting your home. Our golden tip? Simmer a saucepan on the stove, and add some natural ingredients based on your personal preferences. Experiment with herbs like mint and lavender, cloves, or slices of lemons and oranges. The scented steam will waft through your home, creating a natural diffuser effect. For a spa-like experience in the mornings, we also love grabbing some eucalyptus from the local florist’s and tying it in your bathroom. The trend has recently blown up on TikTok, and for good reason - it takes about 5 minutes to uplevel your bathroom experience. Simply grab a small bunch of eucalyptus leaves (either fresh or dried works), and hang it next to your shower head. The steam activates the oil within the eucalyptus leaves which you then breathe in, aiding your stress reduction and respiratory health. And as an added bonus? It smells great, too.
Give these four methods a try, and make sure to let us know how you get on!
If you’re looking to upgrade your natural cleaning products, take a look at what Colt & Willow has to offer. Our products are all UK-made, beautifully scented, and most importantly, they actually work. Discover our range here.
]]>We also know that life is busy, and when you’ve got children, pets, or less-than-tidy adults running around the house, things aren’t always as fragrant as they could be.
Read on for our top (cheap!) tips on making your home smell incredible - expensive candles optional.
]]>2. Door handles
According to research from the University of Colorado, “the average person’s hand carries more than 3,000 bacteria from at least 100 species”. It's therefore surprising that many of us avoid wiping down our door handles on a regular basis - if at all. The thing is, we use door handles countless times a day, whenever we enter or leave a room, so they tend not to get a second thought. Keep your family as healthy as possible by regularly spritzing door handles with all-purpose spray. Steer clear of harsh chemicals, though, and opt for something natural. Your best bet when it comes to cleaning door handles is to wipe them down with a microfibre cleaning cloth a few times a week - and more frequently if you’ve got guests in the house.
3. The back of the toilet
Cleaning the toilet isn’t most people’s idea of a relaxing Sunday afternoon. It’s one of those tasks we want to get over with as quickly as possible, cleaning the bowl, seat and lid before moving onto a slightly more enjoyable chore. While you’re at it, you might as well complete the job by cleaning the back and base of the toilet. They can easily accumulate dirt and dust, and if you’ve got pets or children in the house, this is definitely an area you want to keep as clean as possible. Use a bathroom cleaner and a recycled paper towel to clean. It’s not the most pleasant of tasks, but it will help keep your bathroom extra spick and span.
4. Bins
A smelly bin can quickly take over the whole room, so it’s important to make sure you take the rubbish out on time. But what happens if you’ve taken the bin bag out and it still smells? It’s probably the bin itself that’s the problem. If you’ve got a plastic bin, you’re particularly susceptible, since plastic rubbish bins tend to absorb smells so it’s really only a matter of time before they start to stink. If you’ve got outdoor space, take your bin outside and rinse using a hose and some natural washing up liquid. Leave to soak, and then scrub gently with a large cloth. If you live in a flat or don’t have a hose to hand, the shower works well too. Leave it to dry naturally. Top tip: to stop smells from building up, try sprinkling baking soda at the bottom.
5. Shower curtains
If not cleaned on a regular basis, shower curtains can host all sorts of nasty things, from soap scum build up, to limescale and mould. Avoid starting a bacteria jungle in your bathroom by cleaning your shower curtain ideally once a month. If that’s not possible for you, a few times a year works as well. All you’ll need is some baking soda and a microfibre cloth - mix the baking soda with some water to create a scrub-like substance, and wipe down. Depending on the type of shower curtain you have, you might be able to put it in the washing machine. Again, not the most glamorous of tasks, but your bathroom should be your sanctuary, and it’s worth putting in the effort to ensure it’s a clean, calm environment.
6. Kettle
If you’re a tea lover (who isn’t?), you’ll probably have noticed chalky deposits at the bottom of your kettle. Limescale is a byproduct of boiling water from the sink, so if you’re always popping the kettle on for a cup of tea, it’s really important to clean the kettle every few weeks. The best way to do this is to fill it with a mix of water and vinegar, and leave it to soak for a few hours. Next, boil the kettle and leave it to sit for another thirty minutes, before emptying it out. Rinse thoroughly after descaling to make sure you get rid of any lingering vinegar flavour, and get ready to enjoy your next cup of English Breakfast, limescale-free.
And there you have it - your house is cleaner than ever! If you’re looking for plant powered eco-friendly cleaning products that actually work, check out Colt & Willow’s selection here.
Make a plan
Remember: you don’t have to do your whole spring clean at once. There’s no rule book here - what’s important is finding a method that works for you and your household. If you’re short on time, plan to break down your spring clean into bite-sized chunks, and tick off your list over the course of a week.
If you’re hosting a big family party at home in April, for example, there’s no point scrubbing every inch of your house if you’ll have to do it all over again once the party’s done. Think ahead and make a plan that works for you. Pop your starting date in your calendar well in advance, and work out what needs to happen before your spring cleaning can take place. Do you need to hire any specialist equipment like a carpet cleaner? If you’ve got outdoor space, is there any garden-specific spring cleaning you want to do? Work out your logistics in advance, and you’ll feel far better prepared once the spring cleaning gets underway.
Stock up on supplies
In order to properly clean your home from tip to toe, you’ll need to have the right supplies to hand. At Colt & Willow, we’re (unsurprisingly) fans of all-natural cleaning products that do the trick and happen to look great on the shelf. Here’s what we’d recommend you stock up on:
All-purpose cleaner
First up, you’re going to need an all-purpose cleaner. It does what it says on the tin, and is a handy ally whether you’re facing sticky kitchen surfaces, door handles, highchairs or stoves. Top tip: opt for cleaning products containing essential oils like geranium, to leave your home smelling as good as it looks.
Bathroom cleaner
Bathrooms contain a wide range of different surfaces, from your tiles to your shower screen, and your plug to your toilet. Make sure you’re well stocked up with a cleaner that can tackle all of these different surfaces - steering away from harsh chemicals that risk damaging your home.
Washing-up liquid
Is it just us, or are there always more dishes to be washed every time you step foot in the kitchen? Sadly, this isn’t a once-a-year spring cleaning job, but something you’ll likely have to do more or less every day. Make doing the dishes a little more enjoyable by treating yourself to a scented, all-natural washing up liquid. We’re not biased or anything, but we really love our Rhubarb-scented product that leaves your dishes so clean, you’ll want to eat off them…
Sponges, dusters, and all those fun bits and bobs
There’s nothing like getting in the mood to scrub your house down, only to find out you’re out of sponges. Make sure you’re prepared by taking stock of what you’re missing well in advance. Grab enough dusters, washable eco-friendly cloths and scourers, and check that your dustpan and brush, hoover and mop are ready to go.
Declutter
Well done - the planning’s nearly over, and you’re almost ready to get down to business. One of the final steps before grabbing the sponges and cleaning sprays is to declutter your home. There’s no point spending hours cleaning drawers and shelves that will be filled with random bits and pieces a day later. Put the work in now, and donate or bin everything that you don’t need. Be harsh here - do you really need 14 promotional mugs/ scrunchies/ pens? If you’ve got children, encourage them to get in on the action by choosing which of their toys they’d like to donate to charity. It’s worth the upfront effort: once you’ve finished your spring cleaning, you’ll notice how much more orderly your space feels. Decluttering is good for your mental health, helps you keep your home tidy going forwards, and if you’ve got good quality items to give away, other people will benefit, too. Win, win!
Make it fun
Spring cleaning your home shouldn’t be too painful - after all, you’ll end up with a beautifully clean space that you love spending time in. If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed at the mammoth task in front of you, remember how great you’ll feel when you’re finished. There are lots of ways to make it fun, too. Don’t believe us? Okay, spring cleaning isn’t going to be as luxurious as a day at the spa, but pop on a podcast, get your family involved, or bribe yourself with little treats throughout the day, and you’ll find it isn’t quite that bad after all.
Looking for more tips and tricks to help with your spring clean? Check out our Knowledge Base here, where we share our best hacks for keeping your home clean, safe and inviting.
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The children can wash theirs down with a nice fresh sparkling apple juice while you help yourselves to a beautiful glass of Cidre de Normandie.
Bon Appetite as they say in France!
Ingredients:
Method:
1. Put the flour into a mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt. Stir together. Spoon 2 tbsp butter into a separate bowl and pour over 200ml hot water from the kettle. Stir. Pour the melted butter into the flour, then add the milk and break in the egg. Whisk till smooth. Put in the fridge until you are ready to go.
2. When you're ready to make the galettes, take the batter out of the fridge. Transfer the batter to a jug, to make it easier to pour into the frying pan.
3. Prepare your fillings – see suggestions below.
4. Get a large frying pan hot. Brush it with a little oil to lightly coat the base. Pour the batter into the center of the pan till it’s about tea-saucer-sized. Swirl the pan to distribute the batter thinly, then cook over high heat till golden underneath.
5. Flip the pancake and spoon your fillings into the centre. Cook for 1-2 more mins till the underside is cooked, then fold the sides in, leaving a little opening for the filling to peep out.
Filling suggestions:
While the fillings for galettes are traditionally savoury, you can buck the trend and go sweet, too.
Sweet
Your choice of chocolate & sliced bananas Agave syrup or honey & lemon juice
Savoury
Cooked ham, sliced tomatoes and thin slices of white onion topped with grated cheddar & an egg.
Ready to leave the house a little earlier than expected? Got 5 minutes to spare? Great! Make the most of it by picking one tiny corner of the house (the bathroom sink and the area just inside your front door work well for this). Set a 5 minute timer on your phone, and challenge yourself to make that area - and just that area - as tidy as you can. Put shoes back in the cupboard, put the lid back on the toothpaste, and pass a sponge over the taps (make sure you’re using a spritz of a natural cleaning product,too). You might only see a tiny difference, but make this 5 minute cleaning session a daily occurrence, and soon you’ll notice a major change - without having to put much effort in.
If you’ve got 15 minutes
Five minutes is a great start, but a quarter of an hour is even better. Not long enough to wear you out, but just long enough to make a big difference!
If you’ve got 15 minutes available, consider:
• Changing the bedFor bonus points, get the rest of your household involved too, before something you’re all doing together - like sitting down for a weekend breakfast, or watching a film on a rainy afternoon. If you’ve got kids, turn it into a friendly competition, and raise the stakes by allowing the winner to choose the film…
If you’ve got 30 minutes
When you’ve got half an hour to hand, pick two 15 minute tasks from the list above. Consider what would make the biggest difference for you: if you’ve got a separate kitchen, maybe the dishes are less of a priority for you. If you’ve got animals who shed fur everywhere, you might find vacuuming the living room makes you feel great.
If you’d rather get stuck into a chunkier cleaning task, spend your half hour powering through one room like the bathroom or kitchen. Put away extra cutlery and crockery in the kitchen, and dust the top shelves in your cupboards. In the bathroom, remove used products from your shower, empty the bin, and make sure the mirror’s sparkling clean. In both the kitchen and bathroom, spray surfaces with a natural cleaning product (check that the product is material-appropriate!), and give everything a good wipe. A regular half-hour cleaning session will help you keep on top of things without feeling like you’ve got to regularly give up an evening to keep your home spick and span, so it’s worth squeezing in when you can.
If you’ve got 90 minutes
Make sure you’re well stocked up on cleaning products, so that when you do have the time (and motivation!) for a proper deep-clean, you’re ready to get cracking. We recommend keeping reusable cleaning cloths on hand, as well as a combination of natural cleaning products suitable for different surfaces. The last thing you want to do is damage your tiles or kitchen counter with some well-intentioned scrubbing, so make sure you’re prepared in advance. Work through your home one room at a time, clearing away clutter, wiping down surfaces, and hoovering those hard-to-reach corners. A deep-clean is the perfect time to focus on the aspects of cleaning that don’t get as much attention: door handles and window sills, for example, can store grime, but we don’t tend to clean them on a regular basis.
Top tip: Keep a list on your fridge of tasks that take 5/15/30/90 minutes. You don’t have to stick to cleaning tasks: add in life admin like meal prepping and writing grocery lists, replying to texts and emails, and anything else on your life to-do list. Whenever you’ve got a few minutes to spare, instead of mindlessly scrolling on your phone, pick a task or two off your list. You’ll feel much better afterwards!
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If you’ve already got a mucky grout problem on your hands, you can freshen things up by rubbing a paste of bicarb soda and water with a 2:1 ratio onto the dirty grout using a toothbrush. Next, spray vinegar over the bicarb mix, scrub away with the toothbrush, and rinse. We would also recommend the Wonder Scrub for jobs like cleaning grout.
How to clean tiles
It’s not just about the grout: you should also be cleaning your bathroom tiles regularly. Here are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to cleaning tiles.
You can use the same bicarb soda and vinegar combination or bathroom cleaners on your tiles as well - just make sure that you scrub and wipe gently. If in doubt, test your cleaning solution on a small area of tile, just to double-check you’re not risking damaging your bathroom.
How to clean your sink
All kinds of gunk can build up around your sink. It’s one of the most used spots in your bathroom, and it sees a wide range of products throughout the day, from toothpaste and mouthwash, to makeup remover and shaving foam. Visible dirt builds up quickly, and pipes can quickly become clogged if you’re not careful.
Start by clearing the space of any clutter (think: hair bobbles, stray beauty products, an old bar of soap). Make sure you've put your toothbrush somewhere safe so that it won't come into contact with any cleaning products. Cleaning the sink basin and tap is pretty straightforward: you can keep your sink clean by regularly wiping it down using a cleaning wipe or damp cloth. To tackle deeper stains and get rid of bacteria in and around the sink, apply a bathroom cleaner (or a trusty all-purpose cleaner) and scrub away with a sponge.
When it comes to keeping your drains in tip-top condition, it might be tempting to use harsh chemicals to get the job done - but there’s no need. Keep your home chemical-free by slowly pouring boiling water down the drain until you hear a gurgling sound.
How to clean your toilet
One of the most dreaded bathroom chores is undoubtedly cleaning the toilet. It requires a bit of work but the more often you do it, the less icky the job.
To start with, make sure you have a good toilet brush. Use the brush in combination with a toilet cleaner to scrub away any stains inside the toilet bowl. Follow this by flushing the toilet with the lid down. As for the seat and exterior of the toilet, the easiest way to get started is to wipe everything down with a cleaning wipe or an all-purpose spray and a sponge. If there are any parts that are hard to reach, you can use an old toothbrush to make sure you clean those areas as well. Finally, don’t forget to disinfect the toilet brush and the brush holder. Spray the brush and brush holder and let it sit, before rinsing it off with hot water in your shower.
And that’s it! Your bathroom is clean again.
Looking for plant powered eco-friendly cleaning products that actually work? Check out our selection here.
I have learnt to compensate for the gap in my skills by keeping things simple. I go for easy to care for house plants that have amazing superpowers. House plants are incredibly efficient at purifying the air around us at home and you know that at Colt & Willow we are all about eliminating toxins in the home. That’s why we ensure that our products use only natural ingredients that are not irritating to us or our pets. We stay away from strong chemicals.
You will be blown away by the properties these very normal, very simple plants have. So here are the top 5 plants to keep the air in your home free from toxins. I promise these are all in my home and if I can keep them alive so can you.
Spider plant.
These cuties are so easy to keep alive & are so chic at the moment with their variegated leaves spilling over and hanging down from macramé pot slings. They reproduce little tiny baby spider plants that you can give to your friends and they are so easy to care for. Just water them two or three times a week. The good thing is they soak up toxins whilst being non-toxic themselves. They are perfect if you have small children or a young puppy in the house that wants to chew everything in sight.
Rubber plants or Ficus elastica
These amazing plants actually remove formaldehyde from the atmosphere, you’d be surprised how many household products contain this creepy ingredient. From glues and paper products to fabric softner the chemical is often used as a preservative. So get the rubber plant in to do its thing - It’s big enough to be a bit of a statement in a room and it is easy to grow in low-light conditions. Don’t let the puppy chew this one though its toxic to consume.
Fern
This plant is one of my all-time favourites inside and outside the house. Im the queen of overwatering and the fern just loves the water. Inside the Kimberly Queen fern is a gorgeous mass of pretty fronds that looks stunning in a minimal space. This one is also good at removing that pesky formaldehyde from your home. Even cooler it is also known as a natural humidifier, it has a high transpiration rate.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera plants are just stunning with their chunky spikes, giving a very structural form that looks great at home. They also have incredible healing properties the gel inside the leaves can be applied to the skin to help with burns, and rashes. All this and they get rid of benzene and formaldehyde in the air. This is great benzene is frequently found in the home and exposure to too much of it is not good for us.
‘The benzene in indoor air comes from products that contain benzene such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents.’ Source CDC US GOV
Just give it plenty of drainage and sunshine it will thrive.
The Snake plant
Or as my Mum called it, mother-in-law’s tongue. This is one funky plant I always have one in every place I’ve lived in. Its inexpensive to buy and makes a big impact. This is a busy one clearing several toxins from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. A long list but Trichloroethylene can be found in drinking water. Xylene and toluene appear in many other household items like cigarette smoke, solvents and thinners. So especially good if you have a garage in the house. Never managed to kill this plant, I think because it copes so well in low light, I can put it anywhere and not get it wrong.
Something about plants is good for the soul, the fact that they are so good for the air and some of them are fairly idiot-proof means they are in my home to stay. Just don’t tell my friends about the idiot-proof bit, I have a reputation to keep.
]]>Making the switch to natural cleaning products is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. This guide explains why you should switch, what to look for in natural cleaning products, and provides some of the best natural cleaning product options available - whether you’re a total newbie or bona fide fan of low-tox living we have all the info you need.
Unlock the secrets to healthier cleaning products. Simply sign up below to receive your free guide.
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• ½ a cup of Vinegar
• 1 cup of Baking Soda
• Old newspaper
• Wonder Scrub
• Cloths
• Stainless steel wire sponge
• Aluminium foil
• Dishwasher tablet
• Warm water
• Dishwashing liquid.
Follow these simple tips:
1. Put newspaper on the floor under the oven.
2. Remove all racks and trays.
3. Wrap the racks in tin foil and leave overnight submerged in the bath with a dishwashing tablet. You will be amazed at the results, once you unwrap them in the morning any dirt and grease will slide off very easily, no scrubbing required - squeaky clean and very little effort. Wipe them dry.
We would recommend using our Wonder Scrub or alternatively make a paste with baking soda, water and a splash of Washing Up Liquid and apply it to the sides and base of the oven. If you have time, leave overnight. If not leave for 15-30 mins. Spray the oven with a solution of vinegar and warm water then take a damp cloth and wipe away. You may need to take out the wire sponge and put in a bit of elbow grease, and add a bit of warm water if needed.
*Note: Make sure the oven is still slightly warm if you only have 15-30 mins - (not hot but still warm to touch) it is easier to clean off dirt when the oven is like this.
4. Next it is time to tackle the door. You may find that you have a door you can take apart that would allow you to clean the inside of the glass, but make sure to check the manufacturer’s guide for this.
5. Put a thin layer of Wonder Scrub or again the vinegar and baking soda paste. Leave for a few mins, then wipe clean with warm water.
Don’t forget to give the front of the door a good clean with soapy water and a microfibre cloth.
6. Put the oven back together and step back and admire your work.
***Top tip for making the clean last longer - when cooking take out the trays you aren’t using, this will stop them getting splashed with any grease.
Products we would recommend to help your oven clean:
Wonder Scrub:
Washing up liquid:
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If you’ve got friends or family staying this Christmas, make sure everyone shares responsibility for keeping communal areas clean. Guests can show their appreciation for your wonderful hospitality by taking over dish-washing duties, and older children can take the ‘fun’ tasks like dusting off your hands. Younger children shouldn’t be excluded either - they could play the role of Christmas elves taking care of recycling the wrapper paper, and they'll want to keep their rooms tidy if they're expecting a visit from Father Christmas. Cleaning doesn’t have to get in the way of the festive spirit: crank up the Christmas tunes and reward everyone with a chocolate off the tree once you’re done.
Clean as you go
Any job is easier when broken down, and this is especially true for keeping your home clean at Christmas. There’s no need to set aside hours for scrubbing the house down. That’s the last thing you want to do when there’s so much festive fun to be had. Instead, try to clean as you go. Encourage everyone to clean up after themselves, so an afternoon of snacking in front of classic Christmas movies doesn’t lead to a mountain of dishes that need washing up. If you walk past a shelf covered in clutter, try to sort it out right away, so the mess doesn’t build up. Even better, ask someone else to give you a hand as well, to halve the time it’ll take! And you don’t need to clean the whole bathroom, for example - a quick wipe of the sink with a sponge and some cleaning spray will work wonders if you’ve only got 5 minutes to spare. The same goes for the living room: if you don't have time to dust and hoover and de-clutter the coffee table and clean the couch, pick one of these things. Over time, you’ll find it’s much easier to keep your home looking neat and tidy - without having to dedicate precious hours to cleaning during the Christmas period.
Stock up on cleaning products
We all know how busy it gets over the Christmas period, and with shops on limited opening hours, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re stocked up on cleaning products far in advance.
That way, when you’re in the mood to spritz the kitchen or scrub the tub, you’ll have what you need. No one wants to have to pop out for emergency cleaning purchases, when your family’s favourite Christmas programme is due to start within the hour.
We recommend having on hand:
• Eco-friendly reusable cleaning cloths that you can pop in the washing machine when they need freshening up. Bamboo fibre gets our vote!
• Extra washing up liquid. With all the festive cooking going on, you can never have too much washing up liquid in the house. Try Colt & Willow’s rhubarb scented Washing Up Liquid, formulated to take on even the greasiest of pans.
• Potty spray. Got younger guests staying with you this Christmas? Make sure you’re ready to clean up with kid-safe products after they’ve done their business.
• A great all-purpose cleaner. Your go-to for any mess, an All-purpose Cleaner will help you out no matter how sticky the situation. Go for one that’s beautiful enough to sit on your countertop, so it’s ready and waiting when those mulled wine-induced accidents happen - and why is it always the mulled wine that spills
Go easy on yourself
Take it easy and put your feet up over Christmas, rather than feeling that everything has to be back to spick and span every minute of the day. We all know that there’s nothing more refreshing - or rewarding - than a spring clean, so pick a date in early January to deep clean your home. That way, you’ll feel better knowing that the festive mess isn’t here to stay and you can allow yourself to relax more during the festive season. With all the new presents and stuff in the house, a spring clean is the perfect chance to take down the Christmas decorations, deep clean everything, and sort out which clutter you’d like to donate to a new home or to charity. Just plan it in your diary and then put it out of your mind.
Christmas only comes once a year, and the last thing you want to do is spend the season worrying about the little elves’ sticky fingerprints on your couch.
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