Scandi lifestyle expert shares guide on how to clean and refresh your home the natural way this August bank holiday.
With the last bank holiday of the summer approaching, and back to school season almost here, it is time to get our homes in order for the busy months ahead.
Catharina Björkman, Scandi lifestyle expert at Contura, is sharing her guide to deep cleaning the natural way to give your home the refresh and reset it needs. “Cleaning can have a deeply cathartic effect, rejuvenating and uplifting not just the physical spaces we occupy but also our mental headspace too,” says Catharina.
“In Scandi countries we prefer to use natural ingredients for cleaning where possible. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also tend to contain less allergens and are gentler on sensitive skin – ideal if you have babies or young kids in the household. Natural cleaning products also tend to be multi-use, meaning you can cut costs by removing the need to purchase additional products.
“Mindset is important when embarking on a deep clean too. Don’t feel overwhelmed and that you have to tackle everything at once and then be left with a huge number of half-done chores. Instead divide tasks up into categories and approach them one by one and watch your home transform into a sparkling oasis.”
Read on for Catharina’s guide to deep cleaning the natural way…
Spotless sinks
There’s nothing worse than a greasy, grimy sink!
A classic natural cleaning ingredient that can be utilised in lots of ways around the home is baking soda. For your sinks sprinkle the baking soda over the surface and then add dish soap on top. Leave it to sit for about ten minutes before scrubbing away to reveal a shining basin.
This combo can also remove any limescale buildup which is ideal for using around taps to make them sparkle again.
This multi-use ingredient will also clear your drains and remove any unpleasant odours. Pour some baking soda down the drain and leave it for a few minutes before then rinsing away with boiling water, perfect for cleaning the spaces you can’t reach by hand.
Orderly oven
When deep cleaning areas that frequently come into contact with food it is even more crucial to avoid harsh chemicals.
First things first, make sure your oven is completely cool. Then remove any food debris that may be left on the racks or scattered at the bottom of the oven. Next, coat the bottom of the oven and racks with baking soda and then pour a small amount of vinegar on top until a satisfying foam forms, which will break down any greasy build up. Leave for twenty minutes and then simply wipe away to reveal a glimmering, clean oven, ready for cooking up an array of tasty autumnal dishes.
Awesome appliances
Did you know that up to 74 species of bacteria can be found in a dirty dishwasher?! Just one of the reasons it’s so important not to forget to clean the appliances you rely on to clean everyday items in the home, as these are often neglected for months or even years at a time.
To clean your dishwasher, start by removing the rubber seal and scrub off any build up, which will otherwise be circulating with your dishes whilst they are being cleaned – a classic culprit behind streaky glasses. Then remove the filter and clean with dish soap and a sponge. Finally run the whole machine on a full cycle with a dishwasher tablet inside to freshen it further.
Similarly make sure you regularly clean the seals of your washing machine, as the wet environment can lead to residue forming which will transfer to your clothes if not removed. Take out the detergent drawer and make sure you scrub it thoroughly to get rid of any final remnants of gunk.
A popular natural cleaning method for washing machines is to pour two cups of vinegar into the detergent drawer and then run on a hot cycle. The naturally occurring acidity in the vinegar will kill any bacteria and break down any grime inside the machine. Finish off by pouring half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and then run a hot cycle. Just make sure to check the instructions on your machine’s user guide before trying this DIY cleaner.
Shining surfaces
The best way to give your house a facelift and feel the effects of a deep clean is to remove the dust and grime that builds up on all surfaces.
Pull out couches, chests of drawers and side tables, and roll up any rugs, to give you access to the floor and hoover up any dust and dirt for the perfect clean canvas. If you have skirting boards use a cleaning spray – you can make your own by mixing water, white vinegar, lemon juice and a few drops of an essential oil – to thoroughly remove any dust there which will instantly make the room look ten times cleaner.
Use your homemade spray on mirrors and surfaces to make them glisten with the added benefit of making your home smell great too.
Fresh fabrics
Soft furnishings can harbour bacteria, germs, dust, allergens and odours so it’s important to clean them regularly.
Take curtains off their hooks and put in them in the washing machine if safe to do so. Then take advantage of a sunny day and hang them out to dry in the fresh air. Spritz with a natural fabric spray to keep them smelling great for longer – simply mix 1tbsp of baking soda, 500ml of distilled water and 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil in a spray bottle.
Baking soda can be used as a natural odour remover for all manner of soft furnishings, including rugs, sofas and mattresses. Simply sprinkle on to the fabric, leave for ten minutes before hoovering it all up. Then take a cloth soaked in warm water mixed with detergent, squeeze out the excess liquid and methodically rub it over the fabric surface to remove any hidden dirt. Don’t be surprised if your sofa or rug is restored to its original, lighter hue!
Well-kept woodburning stove
One of the best parts of a woodburning stove is seeing those beautiful flames flicker, so it’s crucial to keep the stove glass clean.
Stay well away from harsh chemical cleaning products – to keep the glass clean all you need is a little kitchen roll or newspaper, water and leftover ash from inside the stove.
Make sure your stove is completely cool before attempting to clean it to avoid burns. Then, using a soft brush, remove any loose bits of debris from the glass door and surrounding area.
Moisten a piece of scrunched up newspaper or kitchen roll with water, dip it in leftover ashes from inside the stove or in your ash bucket, and gently rub the glass in a circular motion to easily and quickly remove any grime or soot stains. You’ll be left with crystal clear glass and unencumbered view of the flames.
Keep it clean
Now that you’ve deep cleaned your home, and everything is sparkling try to put a few simple Scandi house rules in place to maintain the order for as long as possible.
It is common in many Scandi homes for people entering the house to remove their shoes to keep the home as clean as possible, so make sure all family members and guests know this. It’s worth keeping a supply of indoor slippers by the front door for all to change into upon arrival.
Scandinavians are also great at curating the minimalist look, so make sure to do regular decluttering sessions to keep surfaces clear and ordered, and give dust less space to settle on. Designate set areas for bags, keys and books so that everyone has an assigned space for their things, and nothing is dumped in an unattractive pile in the corner.
A well maintained home is a great way to create calm, so all that’s left to do is sit back and enjoy your sparkling clean home.
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
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About Contura:
Contura is Europe’s leading manufacturer of wood burning stoves, offering an extensive range of classic and contemporary wood burners; from traditional insert stoves suitable for existing fireplaces, to freestanding statement models made with innovative materials such as soapstone.
Starting at £1,495, Contura stoves are premium yet affordable. Award winning, timeless Swedish design means the products complement or enhance any style of home, whilst also offering outstanding performance, maximum efficiency, practicality and ease of use.
Designed and assembled at the factory located in Markaryd, Sweden, and manufactured to the highest standards, Contura stoves are highly energy efficient, offering powerful convection, superior combustion technology and clean burning systems. All Contura stoves are DEFRA Clean Air Act exempt and thus approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
Contura stoves can be purchased through a network of 165 independent retailers nationwide.
Contura is part of the NIBE group, a Swedish manufacturing company producing world class solutions in sustainable energy across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Contura is a founding member of the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) in the UK.
For more information please visit www.contura.eu
