An upcoming new year brings excitement for new opportunities, both big and small. The ability to reset your space by cleaning, reorganizing and decorating is one exciting venture renters can join. As you embark on the journey of refreshing your living space for the new year, don’t overlook the small yet impactful task of cleaning your baseboards— a simple step that can contribute to the overall cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of your home.
Cleaning baseboards is a simple task that not only enhances the visual appeal of your living space but also promotes a healthier indoor environment by eliminating dust and grime. We’ll help you kick off your new year on the cleanest note with this ultimate cleaning baseboards guide.
Materials needed
For those baseboards to sparkle, gather these materials. We recommend utilizing gloves as well, to protect your hands from any cleaning products.
Microfiber cloth
Sponge
All-purpose cleaner or Bucket of soapy water and white vinegar mixture (1:1 mixture)
Broom
Vacuum cleaner
Dryer sheets
Old toothbrush (optional)
Magic Eraser (optional)
How to clean baseboards: Step-by-step guide
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to tackle those baseboards. Depending on your cleaning style, this guide is a little more meticulous; however, the satisfaction of seeing your baseboards restored will make for a worthwhile effort.
1. Remove any loose dirt
Take your broom and go over the baseboards to remove any accumulated dust or crumbs. You’ll go in for a deeper clean in the next steps, this is just to remove the loose layer of dust to get to the deeper grime. Once you’ve gone over your baseboards a few times with your broom, vacuum the surrounding floor area to clean the loosened grime.
2. Select your cleaning solution
You have a few options for this step, your selection boils down to what you have on hand. Depending on what room the baseboards you’re cleaning are in (some are dirtier than others), you may need extra strength cleaning solutions to fully remove dirt and grime, we recommend all-purpose cleaner for dirtier baseboards while soapy water and vinegar work better for standard dirt and grime.
If you have an all-purpose cleaner or cleaning wipes of any sort, you can utilize those for this step. If you’re using a spray cleaner, dilute it with a little water and utilize either a microfiber cloth or sponge for application. Wipe over the baseboards, scrubbing in circles over dirtier or grimier spots.
If you don’t have any all-purpose cleaner on hand, don’t worry. You can create a 1:1 solution of soapy water and white vinegar to work as your baseboard cleaner. Use a sponge to wipe over the baseboards, paying extra attention to any stained spots or caked-on dirt.
3. Fight tough spots with a Magic Eraser (optional)
Once you’ve done a base level of cleaning, with your cleaning method of choice, there may be spots that remain. These spots need a tougher agent to break through the dirt and grime. Use a Magic Eraser according to user instructions to scrub through these tough stains. Typically, dirtier baseboards are those that are in stain-prone rooms like entryways and kitchens.
If you don’t have this product on hand, you can utilize an old toothbrush or cotton swabs, dipped in your cleaning solution of choice, to scrub extra tough spots.
4. Dry your boards
When the boards are cleaned to your liking, take your microfiber cloth and swipe over your baseboards. This is an important step as it prevents any water damage from your baseboards.
5. Regularly maintain
Maintain clean baseboards by using a dryer sheet over them. Rubbing a dryer sheet across your baseboards prevents static which attracts dry dust. Utilizing dryer sheets is a simple way to ensure your hard work lasts.
Leave grimy baseboards behind
Source: The Moulding Company
Cleaning your baseboards is a chore that not only helps your home appear tidy but creates a better living environment by eliminating cumulated dust. A person’s surrounding environment is shown to impact their mental health and well-being, so a deep clean can ensure one heads into the new year with a refreshed and revitalized living space, setting the stage for a positive and organized start.
Looking for a new, clean start for the new year? Take a look at available apartments and houses for rent here.
Featured image source: Martha Stewart
Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.
Do you want to become a bookkeeper and earn money from home? If so, you may be interested in learning about the most popular bookkeeping course out there – Bookkeeper Launch. In this Bookkeeper Launch Review, I will help you learn everything that you can about this course so that you can decide if you…
Do you want to become a bookkeeper and earn money from home? If so, you may be interested in learning about the most popular bookkeeping course out there – Bookkeeper Launch.
In this Bookkeeper Launch Review, I will help you learn everything that you can about this course so that you can decide if you should take it or not.
Bookkeeper Launch is a popular course that teaches people how to do bookkeeping and start their own virtual bookkeeping businesses. It’s made for people with various levels of experience (even if you’re a beginner!) and covers what you need to start a successful bookkeeping business.
In this article, we’ll explore what Bookkeeper Launch teaches, how it’s organized, and what people who have purchased it think, to help you decide if it’s a good use of your time and money.
Please click here if you want to sign up for Bookkeeper Launch.
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
Key Takeaways
Bookkeeping jobs are great because you can learn the skills you need from the comfort of your home, and then you can also work the job at home while creating your own schedule.
Bookkeeper Launch is a complete program that teaches bookkeeping skills and guides students in starting their own businesses.
The course is around 60 hours long and over 10,000 people have taken this course!
The course teaches a lot, starting from the basics of accounting to ways to get clients through marketing.
You do not need to have previous experience in accounting or bookkeeping to get started.
There is a free workshop that helps you get started with becoming an online bookkeeper.
The cost for Bookkeeper Launch is $249 a month for 12 months, or $2,499 up front.
Bookkeeper Launch Review
What is a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper is a person who keeps track of money-related activities for businesses and individuals. They make sure that all the financial records are correct, current, and well-organized. If you become a bookkeeper, you’ll do things like putting in numbers, making sure bank records match, and creating financial reports.
Bookkeeping tasks may include:
Recording financial transactions
Categorizing and organizing financial information, such as filing receipts
Producing financial statements
Bank statement reconciliation
Creating financial reports
Processing invoices
Cash flow management
Running payroll
People with virtual bookkeeping jobs work remotely from home, and they do not physically need to go into the office. Bookkeeping is a great option for remote work because all of a bookkeeper’s work can be done online or with computer software.
If you are a freelance bookkeeper, you may have several clients or just one. It simply depends on what type of bookkeeping business you want to run.
Recommended reading: How To Become a Bookkeeper and Make $40,000 Per Year
How much do virtual bookkeepers make?
The amount that a virtual bookkeeper can make will vary.
This is because it depends on how many hours you put toward it each week (do you want to work part-time or full-time, for example), what you’re doing to grow your business, and more.
As an online bookkeeper, you may be able to earn around $40,000 or more each year. This is around 12 to 16 clients each month. Per-hour pay may range anywhere from $60 to $100 an hour.
It’s not uncommon for a bookkeeper to make approximately $300 a month for one client, and that’s working around 4 to 5 hours a month total.
Recommended reading: Online Bookkeeping Jobs: Learn How To Get Started Today
What is Bookkeeper Launch?
Bookkeeper Launch (formally called Bookkeeper Business Launch) is an online course that teaches you how to begin and grow your own bookkeeping business.
It’s sold by Bookkeepers.com and created by Ben Robinson, who has more than 15 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant, and he used to own a CPA firm until he sold it.
The course covers important areas like basic bookkeeping, starting your business, ways to promote it, and finding customers. When you join Bookkeeper Launch, you’ll learn what you need to start a virtual bookkeeping business and work from your home or any place you like.
Who is Bookkeeper Launch for?
Bookkeeper Launch was created for people who want to either start their own bookkeeping business or improve their current bookkeeping skills. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or already have some experience, the course has useful tools and direction tailored to what you require.
It’s a good fit for people who want a flexible work schedule, like dealing with numbers, and are careful about details. If you’re prepared to establish a thriving bookkeeping business, Bookkeeper Launch could be just the right choice for you.
This course is made for people who are thinking about changing their careers and for those who are already experienced. It helps you learn all the details of bookkeeping and also how to start and expand your own business.
What’s in Bookkeeper Launch?
Below I will be talking about what is in the Bookkeeper Launch course.
What’s included in the Bookkeeper Launch course?
The Bookkeeper Launch course teaches you everything you need to know to start a 100% virtual bookkeeping business from scratch.
There is a lot included in this course from lessons, practice exams, checklists, and more.
Bookkeeper Launch is made up of 3 main categories plus the “Power Units,” each focusing on the 3 key areas of learning about bookkeeping.
Category #1 – 21st Century Bookkeeping Skills is all about becoming a high-quality bookkeeper. You will learn exactly what a bookkeeper does, all about the most important financial statements that you will be creating (Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Statements of Cash Flow), how to create financial reports, and more. You will even learn how to clean up a business owner’s books and organize the worst financial mess.
Category #2 – Clients is where you’ll get your first handful of clients to get your business off the ground. This module is all about how to get clients and find bookkeeping jobs. You’ll learn how to find clients, how to price your services, how to send proposals, and more. There’s even a lesson on “How to Yakkity-Yak” which is how to promote your bookkeeping services without being spammy or annoying.
Category #3 – Business Systems is where you’ll develop the systems you’ll need to succeed (and run your business day-to-day). This module will teach you how to be as efficient as possible with your bookkeeping services so that you can get things done quickly but also correctly. You will learn how to set up and manage your business, how to save money with your business, how to save time running your business, and more.
Power Units are for when you’re ready to grow your business. They will teach you how to follow up with possible new clients, how to get referrals, and more. There is a helpful email template that you can use as well as a follow-up system for email outreach.
You also get to use the Bookkeeper Launch Resource Libraries. This includes guides, templates, worksheets, and more so that you can start a successful bookkeeping business.
When you’ve finished the course and the exams, you will receive the Bookkeeper Launch Certificate of Completion as well as a badge to show on your website or social media accounts.
Bookkeeper Launch also provides a 7-day plan to launch your business. This is a step-by-step plan to get your business started in just one week. You will learn how to set up your business legally, how to onboard a client, and more.
You can see the full syllabus here.
Support and community
A great thing about the Bookkeeper Launch program is that it has strong support and a community. You can get lots of help and tips from experienced bookkeepers in online groups and live sessions when you purchase the course.
There is a support group community for everyone who has taken this course that is hosted on Facebook. There are over 8,000 people in this private group! You can ask questions whenever you like, and learn tips from others in the group.
Once you join the course, you can get help whenever you need it from their team. There is unlimited email support which is great for whenever you have questions. There are also 2 weekly live question-and-answer sessions that they host in their group.
They even have a “Legal Lunch” in their group so that you can get help from a lawyer. Each month, Bookkeeper Launch invites a lawyer into their group consultation call. You can ask any questions on the live call about setting up your business.
How much does Bookkeeper Launch cost?
The Bookkeeper Launch course teaches you everything you need to know to be a successful bookkeeper. It’s split into different sections that cover important topics. There is Bookkeeper Launch Pro, Bookkeeper Launch Premier, and Bookkeeper Launch Team.
You can sign up by making one payment or by paying monthly, which makes it affordable for different budgets.
Free training: They also have free training that you can take. If you are interested in finding online bookkeeping jobs, I recommend signing up for this free workshop that’s all about finding a virtual bookkeeping job. Here, you will learn how to start a freelance bookkeeping business. You can sign up for free here.
Below, I will be talking about each of the Bookkeeper Launch options:
Bookkeeper Launch Pro
With this option, you get the full course (the Bookkeeper Launch System) and access to the private Facebook group of virtual bookkeepers as well as resource library access.
You get the bookkeeping course plus bonus materials such as Hacks & Facts and Profit Maximizers. This comes with unlimited access and updates.
Bookkeeper Launch Pro costs $249 monthly for 12 months, or $2,499 up front.
Bookkeeper Launch Premier
This is your fastest path to becoming a bookkeeper, and you get access to everything in Bookkeeper Launch Pro plus more. You get the full course and the private community plus weekly group coaching to guide you through building your business.
This level comes with 8 group coaching sessions, unlimited open mic sessions, accountability, and more.
Bookkeeper Launch Premier costs $299 monthly for 12 months, or $2,999 up front.
Bookkeeper Launch Team
With Bookkeeper Launch Team, you get everything in Bookkeeper Launch Pro and Bookkeeper Launch Premier, as well as:
The Marketing Machine
Outstanding Processes & People (OPP)
Exclusive “Elite” Community of Bookkeeping Entrepreneurs
Licensed access for 2 of your team members to the 21st Century Bookkeeping Skills section of Bookkeeper Launch (these are called Knowledge Licenses)
Bookkeeper Launch Team costs $4,999 up front.
Bookkeeper Launch refund policy
This course has a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you are not 100% happy with the course, you can get a refund.
Pros and cons of Bookkeeper Launch
As someone who is considering the Bookkeeper Launch course, it’s important to think about the pros and cons before making your decision. Below is a list of some key things to consider in order to help you make the best choice.
Pros:
Good income potential – Many Bookkeeper Launch graduates have reported earning $50,000 or more per year as bookkeeping professionals.
Quality content – According to reviews, the course has comprehensive, easy-to-understand lessons that set you up for success as a bookkeeper.
Expert guidance – Ben Robinson, a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience, teaches the course. His credibility in the field contributes to the course’s value.
Strong track record – Thousands of people have gone through the Bookkeeper Launch program and started successful bookkeeping businesses, attracting high-paying clients in the process.
Cons:
Price – One of the main drawbacks is the cost of the course. Some potential students may find it difficult to justify the expense, especially if they are just starting out in the bookkeeping profession and may have financial constraints.
Time – The course takes around 90 days to complete, as it teaches you everything that you need to know.
Bookkeeper Launch reviews and ratings
No review is complete without looking for feedback from actual course students. The Bookkeeper Launch course has received many positive reviews from numerous students.
People who finished the course really liked what they learned and how supportive it was. A lot of them have started their own bookkeeping businesses, which shows that the course really works. These good reviews make the Bookkeeper Launch course seem even more trustworthy and show that it’s a great start for a bookkeeping career.
You can read Bookkeeper Launch success stories here.
Bookkeeper Launch course review BBB
Bookkeeper Launch has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. With over 40 reviews, they have managed to maintain an average of 5 stars. This high ranking from the BBB shows that the course has a good reputation and provides excellent value to its students.
Bookkeeper Launch course review Reddit
I browsed Reddit for firsthand reviews of the course and found many positive reviews for Bookkeeper Launch.
One review I found said:
“I highly recommend BL over the DIY/free method. I was a bit skeptical at first, but purchasing BBL (as it was called back then) was one of the best decisions I’ve made. You will learn about much more than just the bookkeeping, and will forever have access to a HUGE network of bookkeeping professionals.” – BookToTheFutureLLC
Frequently Asked Questions About Bookkeeper Launch Course
Below are answers to common questions about the Bookkeeper Launch course.
Is it hard to become a virtual bookkeeper?
Becoming a virtual bookkeeper may seem hard at first, but with the right training and resources, you can develop the skills and knowledge to succeed. It’s important to be dedicated, focused, and open to learning new things as you go through your training.
Does Bookkeeper Launch teach bookkeeping?
Yes, Bookkeeper Launch is a course designed to teach you everything you need to know about bookkeeping, along with marketing and business-building strategies to help you launch your own virtual bookkeeping business.
How effective is the Bookkeeper Launch course?
Bookkeeper Launch has a proven track record, with thousands of people who have successfully started their own bookkeeping businesses and attracted high-paying clients. The course holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has received numerous positive reviews from its students.
What is the cost of the Bookkeeper Launch?
Bookkeeper Launch Pro costs $249 monthly for 12 months, or $2,499 up front.
Are there any prerequisites for this course? Do I need to be an accountant beforehand?
No, this course is great for beginners with no prior knowledge of bookkeeping. It starts with basic concepts and gradually progresses to harder topics.
Who is the founder of Bookkeeper Launch?
Bookkeeper Launch was founded by Ben Robinson, a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has dedicated himself to helping aspiring bookkeepers start successful businesses.
Is there a certification provided upon completion?
There is not a certification, but you do get a certificate. When you’ve finished the course and the exams, you will receive the Bookkeeper Launch Certificate of Completion as well as a badge to show on your website or social media accounts.
Is Bookkeeper Launch accredited?
Bookkeeper Launch is not accredited by any educational institution. However, it has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and over 10,000 students have taken the course.
Is Bookkeeper Launch self-paced? How long is the Bookkeeper Launch program?
Yes, Bookkeeper Launch is a self-paced, online course, which means you can go through the lessons and complete the training at your own pace. This flexibility makes it a great option if you have other commitments or are looking for a course that fits your schedule.
Is Bookkeeper Launch free?
Bookkeeper Launch is not free. But, they do have a free training workshop that you can sign up for. Their free workshop is all about how to find a virtual bookkeeping job. Here, you will learn how to start a freelance bookkeeping business. You can sign up for free here.
Are there any discounts or promo codes available?
Discounts and promo codes for Bookkeeper Launch may be available from time to time. It’s best to check the Bookkeeper Launch website or sign up for their newsletter to receive updates on any current promotions or discounts. If you sign up for their free workshop, you’ll be informed of any sales. Also, there is a 30% military discount for active duty or retired service members as well as their spouses.
Is Bookkeeper Launch legitimate and worth it?
If you want to be a successful independent bookkeeper, turning what you know into a real business can be scary. It’s not always easy to figure out how to make it work. That’s why this course for beginning bookkeepers can really help.
A good bookkeeper course covers more than just the basics. It also teaches important things that are sometimes forgotten but really important for starting a bookkeeping business. This includes how to get clients and handle money.
Bookkeeper Launch Review
I hope you enjoyed this Bookkeeper Launch Review.
Bookkeeper Launch is a great course to take if you are looking to start a virtual bookkeeping business. Over 12,000 people have taken this course, and there are many, many positive reviews for it.
Bookkeeper Launch teaches you how to start your own online bookkeeping business right from the very beginning, even with no experience.
This course will teach you how to learn real bookkeeping skills (such as how to prepare financial statements and other tasks you may be doing for businesses as a bookkeeper) and actually find clients so that you can make money and work from home.
The course is self-paced too, which means that you can take the course as quickly or as slowly as you would like.
I have heard great reviews about this bookkeeping course from many of my readers, and I know of many people who have found bookkeeping jobs because of what they have learned through this training.
Do you want to become an online bookkeeper? What did you think of the Bookkeeper Launch course?
It can be a little overwhelming to choose the right Diwali decorations for your home, especially if you are on a budget. Finding the right decor items for your home that will beautify your space and be affordable can be difficult to find. However, online shopping platforms like Amazon offer a wide range of home decor items at affordable prices.
Here are some decor items to consider buying for your home this Diwali which will cost under ₹500.
Scented candles
Scented candles are an absolute delight to have at home, especially around Diwali. Scented candles create a calm aura and enhance the atmosphere around them. They will also light up your home during Diwali with their subtle and soft warm light. Their price starts from as low as ₹150.
Cage Lanterns
If you are into aesthetics and that is something you love to decorate your room with, cage lanterns are a great decor item to have this Diwali. You can get these metal cage lanterns and decorate them with fairy lights, bulbs and even artificial vines and flowers. Their price starts from ₹250.
Don’t Miss: Diwali Shopping: Your Go-To Checklist For Festive Home Decoration
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Jute Carpet
If you are looking for something to spruce up the floors of your living room for a low cost, jute carpet (How To Clean Carpet) will work great for you. These are easy to clean and maintain and look boho. These will enhance the look of your living room area giving it a classy look. You can get these from Amazon for as low as ₹300.
Wind Chime
There was a time when wind chimes used to be in fashion. These beautiful decor pieces are hung on the door frame and windows. Whenever the wind blows or someone passes through, these chimes make soothing sounds. You can buy a variety of wind chimes from online shopping platforms for as low as ₹100.
Don’t Miss: Diwali: Here Are 5 Markets In Delhi NCR To Buy Aesthetic Decor Items
Wall Hanging
Wall hangings are very much in fashion these days. You can buy different kinds of wall hangings to decorate your bland and simple walls to enhance their beauty. These wall hangings come in the forms of paintings, scrolls and even mirrors. Their price range begins from ₹200 and you can buy them from any e-commerce platform.
Even with a small apartment, cleaning is daunting, especially if you’re not a Type-A personality. If only we could all have a cleaning company.
From deep cleaning to everyday chores, this apartment cleaning guide will show you what to clean, how to clean it and those quick hacks that will make your life easier.
Everyday apartment cleaning checklist
Leaving all the cleaning to one day of the month won’t help you stay on top of things. It would help if you started building cleaning habits that you put into action every day. Here are a few cleaning tips that will help you do a little every single day.
Clean as you go to keep the apartment tidy
The key to this is to ‘put it away when you’re done with it.’ If you’re walking by your living room, fold up the blankets, take any clothes to your laundry hamper and quickly puff up your throw pillows.
If you go to the bedroom to get something, grab the laundry hamper and start a load of laundry or bring your laptop or books, you left in the kitchen with you.
When you’re in the bathroom, check the trash can, open the shower curtain to let it air out and keep a box of disinfecting wipes on top of the toilet so you can quickly clean the sink as you’re standing there. Any spills that sit overnight will be harder to clean later. It all takes a few minutes and will shave off time spent on cleaning every weekend.
Concentrate on one room
While you’re in the kitchen cooking dinner, start cleaning all countertops as you wait for the water to begin boiling or empty the dishwasher so you can start to load it as soon as dinner is ready. Make a note to check the trash every night and take it out if it’s full.
If it’s the weekend and you have time, go ahead and work your way from top to bottom in the kitchen or bathroom. Start by clearing out any debris from countertops, backsplash, reorganizing and then clean the floors.
Keep a cleaning tote and garbage bag with you
A quick hack is to have cleaning wipes nearby for the kitchen and bathroom so you can quickly do the task at hand. If you have to think about it, you’ll procrastinate. But another similar hack is to have a cleaning tote.
As you move from room to room, you can take the tote with you — include rags, cleaning sprays, sponges, dusters and anything else you use to deep clean. Also, bring a garbage bag along with you so you can throw out any excess trash lying around and maybe even declutter a few items as you go.
How to deep clean your apartment
Sometimes, despite cleaning a little every day, those tough stains stick around, and you have to call in reinforcements. You can get rid of weird smells and avoid deep scrubbing with a few household items — some of them are pantry items, too!
Clean your dishwasher monthly
Dishwashers need to be cleaned too! You’re putting dirty plates, grease and so much more every time you run a cycle and mildew, or food residue will build up over time. Luckily it’s easy to do — no scrubbing need it. First, run a wash cycle with a small dish of white vinegar placed on the dishwasher’s top shelf to sanitize the interior.
Once that’s done, sprinkle baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher to deodorize the inside and run another wash cycle.
Deodorize your garbage disposal
A foul-smelling garbage disposal can indeed linger in the air and make your clean apartment smell terrible. A quick hack using lemons and white vinegar can help you get rid of it. Use an ice cube tray, fill each one with white vinegar and tiny lemon chunks, and then wait for it to freeze.
When needed, drop one of the frozen cubes in and run warm water for a minute or so while the disposal is on.
No bending required to clean that oven
After that frozen pizza you made, your oven looks extra greasy dirty. But who wants to spend a few hours bent down to scrub off grease and gunk in the range? You can clean your oven while you do other kitchen tasks. If you know your oven model, check the internet for cleaning instructions or follow these instructions.
Preheat your oven to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, set a medium-sized pot of water to boil on the stovetop. Once the oven preheats, turn it off. If you have a gas stove, make sure the pilot light extinguishes as soon as you have finished preheating the oven.
Once your oven is preheated, and the water is boiling, pour one cup of ammonia (use gloves!) into a shallow baking dish and place it on the top rack of your oven. Place the pot of boiling water on the bottom shelf.
Leave it in there for a minimum of three hours
Once the ammonia has had enough time to loosen any messes inside the oven, remove the ammonia and water. Add a small amount of dish soap to the ammonia, and use the soapy ammonia mixture and a sponge to wipe away any grease or grime. It should be relatively easy since the ammonia loosened the stains.
Don’t forget about your other appliances when cleaning your apartment
While the stove is always top of mind for cleaning, don’t forget about your other appliances. It’s still good to empty the refrigerator, check expiration dates and give the shelves a good scrub with a little dish soap and a sponge. Or grab a disinfecting spray and clean the inside of the microwave — those greasy stains can go everywhere.
If you have a coffee machine, fill the reservoir with half white vinegar and half water and run the brew cycle to get rid of any mildew that may be building up in there.
Other things to deep clean
As you wait for things to soak, here are a few things you can quickly do as you move from room to room.
Walk around with your disinfecting spray and clean all the doorknobs, trash cans, light switches, handles and faucets to eliminate any lingering bacteria.
Throw your shower curtain in the shower with some OxiClean or half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of laundry detergent to get rid of any mold.
Clean the toilet seat and the bowl. Add a cleaning pod to the toilet tank to get any remaining things off in the next few flushes. Keep a little cleaning station next to the toilet to make the task easier.
Change your bedsheets and drop the other ones in the washer along with the rest of your laundry.
Walk around with the duster and clean all picture frames, surfaces, windowsills, coffee tables and even around the TV.
Don’t forget to vacuum under the couch and bed and move furniture around to get every corner of your rug clean.
If you have a fan, don’t skip the ceiling fan blades. Grab a damp dust cloth, start from the center and wipe out to catch everything in your fabric.
If you have a work station, grab a disinfecting wipe and clean your keyboard, mouse and other desk surfaces. Use a keyboard cleaner to remove any crumbs or dust.
An apartment cleaning schedule will become your best friend
It’s OK if you don’t dust your shelves and scrub your countertops daily. Many of us don’t have the time to stay on top of these cleaning tasks. But building a routine through a schedule can help!
Here’s a sample schedule that covers some weekly basics, and then you can leave deep cleaning and dirty work for Saturdays.
Monday: Sweep and mop hard surfaces
Tuesday: Scrub the toilet and shower
Wednesday: Wipe down the refrigerator and oven
Thursday: Wash the bedroom linens
Friday: Dust furniture and clean windows
Apartment cleaning doesn’t have to be awful
Building your ultimate apartment cleaning habits may take a few tries, but once you get to know your apartment and know precisely what demands your attention every day, cleaning will get a little easier. From building a daily schedule to picking up as you go, these cleaning tips will help you get your apartment sparkling clean and not just for spring.
Muriel Vega is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about technology and its intersection with arts and culture. She’s worked on content for startups like Mailchimp, Patreon, Punchlist, Skillshare, Rent. and others. Muriel has also contributed to The Washington Post, Eater, DWELL, Outside Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, AIGA Eye on Design, Bitter Southerner and more.
If you spend countless hours scrubbing away at stubborn countertop stains, grappling with hidden dirt in hard-to-reach corners and struggling with how to clean your microwave, it’s time to take a step back and discover some time-saving, cost-effective solutions that will simplify your cleaning routine. We’ve gathered 10 expert kitchen-cleaning hacks that are often underestimated, yet hold the potential to revolutionize your kitchen cleanliness.
10 need-to-know cleaning hacks
Say goodbye to wasted time and money, and say hello to a pristine kitchen with these game-changing tips.
1. Cut the grease with dish soap
It’s never recommended to pour grease directly down the sink drain. However, even when disposing of grease properly, it’s tricky to fully prevent any grease from going down the drain. A simple solution is squirting dish soap down the drain and pouring hot water down the drain immediately after to cut through the grease. By doing this weekly, you’ll prevent odor and buildup.
2. Shine stainless steel with olive oil
Olive oil is something most at-home chefs always have on hand. Bring back the brilliance of stainless steel appliances and kitchen utensils by applying a few drops of olive oil to a microfiber cloth to buff them. This natural hack will leave your pots and pans looking brand new.
3. DIY all-purpose cleaner
There’s really no need to spend money on cleaning products from the store when you can craft your own. Creating a mixture of water, vinegar and a few drops of essential oil serves as a safe and effective all-purpose cleaner, that is non-toxic, smells great and leaves your kitchen sparkling.
4. Revive wooden utensils
Wood utensils are aesthetically pleasing in kitchens and are popular due to their fit in the modern farmhouse kitchen decor style. These wooden utensils, while sleek looking, are tricky to clean. To sanitize these cooking tools, scrub them with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to bring them back to life.
5. Zap microwave stains with lemon zest
Unleash the power of lemon to clean your microwave by placing a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon inside and microwave it on high for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any dirt, making it easy to wipe away.
Pro tip: Once you’re done with the lemon, put it down your drain and run the garbage disposal to fill the kitchen with a fresh, lemon scent while eliminating any potential odor build-up materials.
6. Clean dish rags without water
While this may sound weird, wetting a sponge or dish rag and zapping it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes will kill bacteria and germs. However, if your rag or sponge is caked with food and dirt, we recommend just replacing it.
7. Cutting corners to clean counters
Those older sponges come in handy for this hack. By cutting a small section off one corner of the sponge, you create a flat edge that can fit into narrow spaces and reach those challenging corners that a regular sponge might struggle to clean.
8. Utilize the power of baking soda
Baking soda is another natural and versatile cleaning product.
Sink cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda in your sink, then rub it with a soft cloth soaked in vinegar. After you rinse with water, you’ll be left with a sparkling clean sink.
Stained plastic containers: Certain food leftovers can cause plastic containers to change colors and stain. To revive your Tupperware, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the stained plastic and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing to remove discoloration.
Refrigerator refresh: Keep an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb unwanted smells.
9. Clean the germs off your cutting board
While serving as essential cooking tools, cutting boards also double as fantastic and personalized decoration pieces. To clean these boards, spray hydrogen peroxide on your cutting board and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing to disinfect it.
10. Keep a bowl of soapy water by the sink
The longer a soiled fork remains unwashed, the more challenging it becomes to clean due to the hardening and stubbornness of food residues. However, you can make the cleaning process swift and effortless by soaking your dirty utensils.
Pro tip: Avoid soaking wooden spoons or knives with wooden handles to prevent damage.
When in doubt, clean it out
By incorporating these 10 expert kitchen-cleaning hacks into your routine, you can bid farewell to unnecessary headaches. Using natural remedies and adopting smarter solutions make for a practical and cost-effective approach to achieving a spotless culinary corner. Find your dream apartment kitchen today!
When you think of everything in your life that needs to be cleaned regularly, your credit card is probably not near the top of the list. But the truth is, during the course of a day, your card can pass through many hands and see plenty of action in credit card readers and ATMs. These exchanges increase the odds of your card picking up dirt, debris, and germs.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can keep your credit card clean without worrying about damaging the plastic, chip, or magnetic strip. Even better, most cleaning methods take less than 30 seconds.
Let’s take a look at some different ways you can practice good credit card hygiene.
Why Clean Your Credit Card?
It’s common knowledge that most paper money and coins carry germs, but credit and debit cards aren’t any cleaner. In fact, microbes, bacteria, and viruses typically stay active longer on hard surfaces like plastic and metal, sometimes for days or even weeks.
If you touch your bacteria- or virus-laden card and then touch your mouth, eyes, or nose, you could be introducing unwanted germs into your body. Washing your hands after handling your card can prevent the spread of germs. So can washing your credit card.
Besides wiping away bacteria, microbes, and viruses, scrubbing your card can also remove dust, dirt particles, and grime. These elements can make your card’s surface feel greasy, gritty, and sticky, and they can accumulate on or around the raised credit card numbers or letters.
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Recommended: Cash vs Credit Card: Key Differences to Know
How to Clean Credit Cards
There is no one way to clean your credit cards. The method you use depends on personal choice and the cleaning materials you have on hand. If you’re worried about getting your card wet, rest assured plastic and metal credit cards are meant to be waterproof.
Whatever your cleaning method, there are a couple rules of thumb to keep in mind. The first is to be gentle. Too much elbow grease or force may cause the card to wear down prematurely and could wipe away the ink. The second rule is to dry the card completely before you put it back in your wallet or use it.
Here are some effective ways to clean your credit cards:
Soap and Water
You can wash your credit card as you would your hands — with good old soap and water. Simply suds up your card with hand or dish soap and warm water, and gently clean for 20 seconds before rinsing it off completely. Wipe dry with a paper towel, soft rag, or lint-free microfiber cloth.
Rubbing and Isopropyl Alcohol
Both types of alcohol can be used to clean your cards. Simply wet a cotton ball, tissue, paper towel, or soft cloth with the alcohol and wipe the card. To remove stubborn gunk trapped around the raised letters or digits of your card, try using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Antibacterial or Sanitizing Wipes
The same wipes you use to clean surfaces at home can also be used on your credit cards. These products work to rid your card of any bacteria and viruses hanging out on your credit or debit card.
Multi-surface household cleaner
An all-purpose cleaner will also do the trick of cleaning your card. It’s better to spray the solution onto a cotton ball, paper towel, or clean rag instead of directly onto your card. Vinegar, which also works as a household cleaner, is another option.
UV Light Sanitizer
These devices use ultraviolet light to kill any viruses and bacteria found on nonporous surfaces. Often used to kill germs on cell phones, many of these machines sanitize credit cards as well.
One caveat: If you have a credit card made of metal or a metal composite, you may need to follow a different cleaning regimen. Apple, for example, warns against applying certain products or methods when cleaning the titanium Apple Card. On the list are household or window cleaners, compressed air, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners. If you have a metal card and aren’t sure what material it’s made of, check with your credit card issuer before cleaning it.
How to Clean the Chip and Magnetic Strip on a Credit Card
There may be times when you insert a credit card into a chip reader or swipe it at the card reader machine, but can’t complete the transaction. This could be because your credit card’s chip or magnetic strip needs to be cleaned.
You might think getting the chip or strip wet would damage the card, but in reality, the chip reader and magnetic strip can be cleaned with the methods mentioned above. However, you don’t want to soak your card in any liquid — even soapy water — or scrub the chip or strip too hard. Doing so can damage it over time.
There are also ways to de-gunk a chip or strip that don’t involve cleaning products. For instance, after gently wiping off your card, you can use a rubber eraser to lift any remaining strip residue. Another option is to place a piece of clear tape over a dirty strip or chip and then peel it off.
5 Things to Avoid Doing When Cleaning a Credit Card
Not all cleaning methods are created equal. In fact, some could damage your card. Here are five to avoid.
1. Scrubbing with a rough sponge
You don’t need to apply too much pressure or scour your card with an abrasive sponge. Both could damage the card, especially the chip and magnetic strip.
2. Your washing machine
You might think throwing your card into the wash with your clothes is harmless. But the harsh chemicals found in most laundry detergents could do more harm than good. For one thing, they can cause the card’s protective coating to peel off.
3. Hand sanitizer
While hand sanitizer can work in a pinch, it isn’t the best product to use when cleaning off your card. The moisturizing ingredients in the gel or liquid can leave behind a residue.
4. Soaking in rubbing alcohol
While you can wipe down your card with rubbing alcohol, experts warn against submerging your card in it because it can be corrosive.
5. Using heat
Heat and hot water can kill off germs, but using very high temperatures to clean or sterilize your credit card can actually damage it. Using a blow dryer, a clothes dryer, or boiling water to blast off any germs can cause the card’s plastic to soften or warp.
Cleaning vs Disinfecting a Credit Card
Both cleaning and disinfecting your credit card are effective, but they aren’t synonymous, and one step should precede the other.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should clean first and then disinfect. Why? Washing a surface before you do anything else removes impurities like dirt, whose presence may make it harder for the chemicals in sanitizers and disinfectants to reach and kill germs.
How Often Should Credit Cards Be Cleaned?
How often you should clean your card largely depends on how often you use it. Ideally, you should clean your credit cards after every use, though that can be difficult if you’re out and about and using your card at different places. Generally, aim to clean your card once a day if you use it regularly, or once a week if you don’t.
Recommended: 7 Tips to Help You Use Your Credit Cards Wisely
Other Credit Card Maintenance Tips
Your wallet can get pretty dirty, making it harder to keep your credit card clean. Try storing it in a plastic photo holder or a card protector sleeve. Your credit card company may have issued your card in one, or you can make your own by wrapping a credit card-sized piece of paper around the card and taping the ends together. Another option is to purchase a separate credit card holder.
You may also want to use contactless credit card payments, which allow you to avoid swiping or inserting your card into a reader. One way to do that is with a contactless credit card. These cards feature an icon that resembles the wi-fi symbol and let you “tap and pay” at a payment machine.
You may also decide to store your credit card in a mobile wallet, which is a virtual wallet that lives on your cell phone, smartwatch, or other mobile device.
Recommended: 11 Tips for Cleaning Up Your Finances
The Takeaway
Any time your credit card changes hands or is inserted into card readers and ATMs, it can pick up dirt and germs that can live on the surface for days or even weeks. Cleaning your credit cards regularly can help protect you from bacteria, viruses, and other germs. Using soap and water, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial wipes, or multi-surface household cleaners may all help you keep your card in tip top shape. Using a contactless credit card or mobile wallet are other ways to cut down on your card’s exposure to germs.
If you’re looking for a new credit card, consider a rewards card that makes your money work for you. With the SoFi Credit Card, you earn cash-back rewards on all eligible purchases. You can then use those rewards for travel or to invest, save, or pay down eligible SoFi debt. The SoFi Credit Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. There are no spending categories or reward caps to worry about.1
Take advantage of this offer by applying for a SoFi credit card today.
FAQ
Can credit cards survive being washed?
They can, as long as you use gentle methods and surface-friendly products. Things to avoid: using an abrasive sponge and scrubbing too hard; submerging your card in potentially corrosive liquids like rubbing alcohol; and running the card through the washing machine.
Why do people clean their credit cards?
Credit cards can accumulate dirt and germs whenever they change hands or are inserted into a card reader or ATM. Cleaning your credit cards gets rid of bacteria and viruses that can stay on your cards for a period of time. But it can also remove stubborn grime that can scrape or otherwise damage your chip or magnetic strip.
Can you clean a magnetic strip on a credit card?
You can clean a magnetic strip with soap and water, an antibacterial wipe, rubbing alcohol, a safe household cleaner, or a UV light sanitizer. You can even use a pencil eraser or a piece of clear tape to remove dirt from a magnetic strip.
Photo credit: iStock/Khosrork
1Members earn 2 rewards points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. If you elect to redeem points for cash deposited into your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, or fractional shares in your SoFi Active Invest account, or as a payment to your SoFi Personal, Private Student, or Student Loan Refinance, your points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point. If you elect to redeem points as a statement credit to your SoFi Credit Card account, your points will redeem at a rate of 0.5 cents per every point. For more details please visit SoFi.com/card/rewards. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. SoFi Securities LLC is an affiliate of SoFi Bank, N.A. The SoFi Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri (TBOM) (“Issuer”) pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. SoFi cardholders earn 2% unlimited cash back rewards when redeemed to save, invest, or pay down eligible SoFi debt. Cardholders earn 1% cash back rewards when redeemed for a statement credit.1 Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners. SOCC0423010
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