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Rule #1: Clean Top-to-Bottom, Left-to-Right
Most people clean wrongly. They sweep the floor, then dust the fan.
Why this fails:
Gravity exists. When you dust the fan after sweeping, the dust falls on your clean floor.
The Professional Order:
1. Cobwebs/Ceiling Fans: Use a long broom.
2. Windows/Shelves: Wipe dust onto the floor.
3. Furniture: Wipe tables and chairs.
4. Floor: Sweep and mop last. This catches everything that fell down.
Why this fails:
Gravity exists. When you dust the fan after sweeping, the dust falls on your clean floor.
The Professional Order:
1. Cobwebs/Ceiling Fans: Use a long broom.
2. Windows/Shelves: Wipe dust onto the floor.
3. Furniture: Wipe tables and chairs.
4. Floor: Sweep and mop last. This catches everything that fell down.
Kitchen Rescue: Palm Oil & Burnt Pots
Nigerian cooking is delicious but messy.
Palm Oil Stains on Counters:
Do not use just water; it spreads the oil. Sprinkle Baking Soda on the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the oil, then scrub with dish soap.
Burnt Pots:
Did you burn the Jollof? Don't stress.
- Fill the pot with water and add a cup of Vinegar.
- Boil it for 10 minutes.
- Add baking soda (it will fizz!).
- Scrub. The burnt part will peel off easily.
Palm Oil Stains on Counters:
Do not use just water; it spreads the oil. Sprinkle Baking Soda on the stain, let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the oil, then scrub with dish soap.
Burnt Pots:
Did you burn the Jollof? Don't stress.
- Fill the pot with water and add a cup of Vinegar.
- Boil it for 10 minutes.
- Add baking soda (it will fizz!).
- Scrub. The burnt part will peel off easily.
Bathroom Bliss: Tiles, Grout & Hard Water
Brown lines between tiles (grout) make a bathroom look dirty even when it's clean.
The Grout Cleaner:
Mix a paste of Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide (from the pharmacy). Apply to lines with an old toothbrush. Wait 10 mins. Scrub. It will be white again.
Hard Water Stains (White marks on taps):
Soak a cloth in Vinegar and wrap it around the tap. Leave for 30 minutes. Wipe. The acid dissolves the calcium buildup.
The Grout Cleaner:
Mix a paste of Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide (from the pharmacy). Apply to lines with an old toothbrush. Wait 10 mins. Scrub. It will be white again.
Hard Water Stains (White marks on taps):
Soak a cloth in Vinegar and wrap it around the tap. Leave for 30 minutes. Wipe. The acid dissolves the calcium buildup.
Winning the War Against Harmattan Dust
In Nigeria, dust is inevitable, especially during Harmattan.
Microfiber Cloths:
Stop using old t-shirts. They just move dust around. Buy Microfiber Cloths (cheap in the market). They have a static charge that grabs dust.
Doormats:
Place a mat outside and inside the front door. 80% of dust comes in on shoes.
Microfiber Cloths:
Stop using old t-shirts. They just move dust around. Buy Microfiber Cloths (cheap in the market). They have a static charge that grabs dust.
Doormats:
Place a mat outside and inside the front door. 80% of dust comes in on shoes.
DIY Magic: Vinegar, Lemon & Baking Soda
Cleaning products are expensive. Make your own.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 50% Water + 50% White Vinegar in a spray bottle. Add lemon peel for scent. (Note: Don't use on marble/granite).
2. Fridge Deodorizer: Keep an open box of Baking Soda in the fridge. It absorbs the smell of Ogiri and Fish.
3. Microwave Cleaner: Bowl of water + Lemon slices. Microwave for 3 mins. The steam softens the food splashes. Just wipe.
1. All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 50% Water + 50% White Vinegar in a spray bottle. Add lemon peel for scent. (Note: Don't use on marble/granite).
2. Fridge Deodorizer: Keep an open box of Baking Soda in the fridge. It absorbs the smell of Ogiri and Fish.
3. Microwave Cleaner: Bowl of water + Lemon slices. Microwave for 3 mins. The steam softens the food splashes. Just wipe.
Chioma "The Scrub" Obi
Professional Cleaning Consultant
4
Chioma started her cleaning agency with one bucket and a mop. Today, she trains hotel staff on hygiene standards. She swears by the power of Vinegar and Baking Soda.
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