Household tips that aren't shit.

[EIsbethTascioni]

I've been getting hugely into decluttering and keeping tidy since the new year. I've been looking on websites and in magazines for tips advice and most of it is unmitigated tripe that makes life harder rather than easier.

So I'm turning to you vipers for your non-crap tips for keeping on top of shit.

I've got three to start us off.

Clean the shower while you're in it. Gamechanger. Saves masses of time.

Storing duvet sets inside their pillow case. I was sceptical about this one but with four beds in the house it has a)made my linen cupboard tidier and b)means no more rummaging.

Using the big IKEA bags as laundry bags. They are just the right size for a load of washing in a standard machine and you can fold them up and put them away tidily instead of having plastic baskets hanging around.

Aibu to think you lot will have loads more?

Fairly liquid gets rid of all stains on clothes. No need for expensive stain removers and presoaking. Just give the stain a good rub with fairy then throw in washing machine.

Athome

All the fluff/ dirt inbetween the parts of the radiator, blast it out with a hairdryer

GENIUS!!!

I love all of these and always pick up one or two gems. I did the multiple bin liner thing yesterday.

Mine is use your preferred spray in the bathroom for everything. I spray toilet and wipe with loo roll so I can flush. Sink and bath and wipe with sponge. Floor and loo roll again (4 boys and bad aim). Then you can flush or reuse. I then bleach loo right before bed.

SHINEY at the 1st week of the month I 'clean' the dishwasher, washing machine and oven (can't beat Lakeland's Ovenmate) with suitable specific products. Usually bought when on offer!

Those bleach wipes are kept by the loo, I'm demonic when flu/Niro virus enters the house. The loo handle, taps and door are swiped ++++++

Loving all these tips, especially the stocard app - had never heard of that. I've also used the bedding in the pillowcase one for years now.

The way I deal with the washing (family of 5) is that each person has their own coloured tub (flexi tub style). After drying, all the clothes are separated into the particular tubs, with a view to each person putting their own away. Even if I end up putting it away myself (usually) it means that the cries of 'where's my top mum' can be met with 'check your tub!'.

Ohh and also use a hairdryer to remove adhesive labels or stickers

I use WD40 to remove labels and sticky stuff.

Tip for people who make bread/have breadmakers:

Have a large plastic box & keep everything you need for bread (except butter) in it, so you don't need to go to different places for flour, sugar, salt, milk powder..

Also - measure out a whole load of dry ingredients in one go, to save getting the scales out everytime, and store in ziplock freezer bags.
We have pre-measured bags for white loaf/wholemeal loaf/ pizza dough etc then all you need to do is add water & oil/butter when you want to make a loaf...

I don't know if my tip is anything amazing, but DM looked impressed when she caught me ironing- and putting the clothes straight on to the hangers.

That way the clothes go straight upstairs and into the wardrobe - no need to risk re-creasing them by folding and then carrying prior to hanging.

M&S non-iron shirts

get a pyrolitic oven

Many charities, such as bikes for Africa will pick up your old bikes and do them up before sending off to Africa. Have got rid of two of mine this way.

What does AIBU mean please?

Please do not flush these sort of wipes down the loo. They have a plastic content and are not bio degradable so end up in the sea. Bin them.Same with nappy wipes and disinfectant wipes. If we have kids we need to leave them a better world than it is now if we can.

Am I being unreasonable?

Viakal is on offer in Waitrose at the moment-£4 for 2!

By vipers, I'm assuming that you meant straight talking, ballsey, don't take no shit from anyone mums?!! I'll throw trailblazer in the mix as well as it's good to set the tone!
The only tip I would give for household tips is if you don't love it, loose it. Anything else is personal preference. Hope that helps! 🙂

Thanks for that Ineke! Such a brilliant idea.

I clean the shower when I'm in it.
I squirt Cif all over it, use a small hand brush to clean tiles / door etc.
Then just hose it all down.

Slow cooker liners save on washing up time:
www.slowcookerliners.co.uk/

eBay - sell anything that you no longer have a use for or that you can't find a place for

I do a daily clean in the morning 1-2 hours across the house. Keeps everything check. I always cover the bathroom and kitchen - stops a build up and having to do a lengthily clean

Oven pride!

Don't allow yourself to become attached to too many sentimental items

Don't impulse buy

Everything must have its place

When baking stuffed peppers, put them in a muffin tin, so they don't collapse.

I wipe my fridge every week on shopping Day as I'm unpacking the shopping

The fridge is pretty empty and I bin anything that needs to then just wipe with kitchen spray and cloth

Takes seconds and I have never had to empty my fridge and clean it all out as it never gets dirty

Sometimes I will stick the door trays (for milk etc) in dishwasher before I go shopping as these tend to get the most grubby

Tips:
Try to reduce homecare insurance such as boiler service and plumbing and drains. I phoned my provider and I said I had too many costs and could they do something to lower the premium; so they said they could discuss reductions in premium.
Negotiate the cheapest phone/internet bills and energy rates.
Save if you can
I keep flour in the freezer to lengthen its use. Make few preserves jams at home because takes little time and taste good.
Review the fridge and larder contents regularly so no waste
Consider buying groceries online and try the products with savings. Above a certain ammount there is no cost of delivery so you save car petrol and time.

People always comment on how lovely and tidy/fresh my house is - and it is, despite me being rather lazy. Here's how I do it...

When I get up, I always throw back the quilt and open the window (even in January) to air the bedroom.

After showering, I always spritz with Mr Muscle Shower Clean. After I have cleansed my face I use the flannel to give the sink, taps and windowsill a quick wipe.

After using the loo I quickly use an acti-bac loo wipe, and squirt with bleach.

Back in the (now nicely aired) bedroom I make the bed properly. I hate to see unmade beds, just looks scruffy. I then get dressed - I hang my clothes in outfits - a tip I saw years ago, and it saves so much time

I have a cordless Hoover, and it's amazing, soooooooo easy to use. Very light and manoeuverable. I can Hoover the whole house with a cup of tea in one hand I mop the kitchen/utility/bathroom floors twice a week with Zoflora, so always sparkling clean and smells divine.

I have trained our DDs to empty/load the dishwasher, and to clear the table after breakfast/dinner. They also make their beds every morning, and put all dirty laundry in laundry basket.

Monday is my washing day, and I probably do 5-6 loads. I always use Calgon, and regularly use a washing machine cleaner, to keep it fresh. I wash bedding & bath mats once a week because if you don't bedrooms/bathrooms smell stale - ick. And I usually wash at 60 degrees...30/40 degrees doesn't really get stuff clean IMO.

I burn scented candles all the time, so house always smells lovely - and I keep reed diffusers in all the loos/bathrooms. My current favourites are Blanc by The White Company & Emma by Laura Ashley...but I always keep a couple of windows slightly ajar, even in Winter, to keep fresh air circulating.

I 'double-task' lots of things. So, while I'm waiting for the kettle to boil I'll often quickly wipe out the cutlery drawer/wipe working tops/wipe cupboard doors etc. It only takes moments because it's done regularly.

Before going to bed I always take a moment to straighten the sofas, re-fold throws, put dirty mugs in dishwasher...just a general fast tidy. It's so much nicer to come downstairs to in the morning

I have a Useful Drawer, which has sellotape, pens, safety pins, purse filled with £1 coins, scissors, stash of greetings cards, little packs of tissues, lip balms...just lots of handy stuff.

By the back door we have a long row of large pegs. Everyone has their own 2 pegs, and on those pegs hang their coats, jackets, scarves, PE bags, school bags etc.Underneath are built in shelves which neatly hold everyone's shoes, boots, trainers. Next to it is a nice basket holding gloves, hats, umbrellas etc. So it's never cluttered in our utility.

I love this thread. Never, ever let it end.

Yy to opening bedroom windows and airing rooms, making beds as soon as aired.

A dot of fragrant oil on the tops of wall mounted radiators smells lovely in any bathrooms with no windows, without being overpowering.

Put the fridge through the dishwasher every fortnight/week - shelves, removable bits etc.

Always throw the parmesan rind into your ragu.

Try a squeeze of lemon juice in a dish before adding any more salt or sugar. It helps to clarify and dial up flavours and seasoning beautifully.