Moving into an older home often means facing challenges like a less-than-pristine bathroom. Rust, dampness, and stains can create an unpleasant atmosphere.

But don’t worry! There’s a simple, yet effective method to deep clean and deodorize various surfaces, including your toilet, sofa, mattress, and bathroom.

These easy and affordable techniques, using common household items, will surprise you with their effectiveness.

For a Clean and Fresh Toilet:Encountering a dirty toilet bowl with lingering odors can be frustrating. To tackle this, you’ll need a cup of white vinegar and an equal amount of baking soda. Start by scrubbing the bowl with vinegar using a toilet brush. Then, mix the baking soda with the vinegar in a pan, allowing it to fizz up. Apply this mixture to the toilet, close the lid, and wait for 5 minutes before flushing. Voila! A sparkling clean toilet.

When Standard Cleaning Isn’t Enough:For toilets that have been neglected for a long time, a stronger approach is needed. Prepare yourself with borax, a potent abrasive, along with baking soda. Remember to wear goggles and gloves for safety, especially around children. First, pour a cup of white vinegar into the bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes with the lid closed. Scrub with a brush, then add 4 tablespoons of borax and wait another 15 minutes. Finish by pouring a liter of hot water into the bowl and cleaning off the residue.

Cleaning a Dirty Vase:

To clean a stained vase, mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon each of vinegar, cooking alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide (volume 10). Apply this mixture to the vase and let it sit for a few minutes before adding water and wiping with a cloth. If stains persist, use a dampened pumice stone gently to avoid scratches.

Removing Odors from Sofas and Mattresses:

For odor removal, especially from pet accidents, apply 10 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide to the affected area and let it dry. For persistent smells, combine hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and apply to the area. Test this mixture on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t lighten the fabric.

These tips will help you tackle cleaning and deodorizing tasks effectively, leaving your old house feeling fresh and welcoming.