In the UK we’re now almost a week into what could be a VERY long period of isolation. A very boring and stressful time for many. However, its not all doom and gloom. Try to see the positives in every situation. You’ve been given the gift of time! Time to spend with your family (or whoever you have been isolated with). Time to do some jobs around the house. You know, the ones you’ve been putting off for months/years. While you’re self isolating is the time to get them all sorted! Get your ducks in a row while you have the time. Then, when everything goes back to normal, you can concentrate on the more important things again. In the know your home is good to go.
Here are some ideas to get you started. Some of the little things you can finally do around the house while self-isolating…
Go to town deep cleaning the bathroom
A bit of bleach down the toilet and running wipes along the sink might help keep up appearances in your bathroom. Especially when you feel too busy to clean it thoroughly. The truth is, you can have your bathroom looking incredible and all you need are these three things…
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- A toothbrush you won’t use anymore
The combination of the baking soda and vinegar can be used to make a paste. You then apply this around the grouting on the tiles, the shower doors and fittings. Leave it on for about an hour, and it will create a reaction. Giving you time to attack that grime in a way a toothbrush will only be able to scrub off.
Now if you have shower curtains and hate that the bottom and edges are looking a bit dirty, take them down and throw them in the washing machine along with your towels. The towels will rub against the curtains and get more dirt off than if you throw them in solo.
Get your radiators sorted
If you’re going to be spending all day in the house, no doubt the heating is going to come on more. You don’t want it blasting away if the radiator in the spare room you’ve avoided for years still doesn’t work, that’s just a waste of your hard earned money. Now is the time to get a radiator key (or pliers) and start checking your radiators.
With many shops closing, you don’t even need to worry about buying a new radiator either. Sites like Trade Radiators have Spring deals on (this isn’t usually a time of year people buy radiators, so it’s cheap) where orders get shipped for free to your front door.
Know where things in your house are
As you (most likely) sit on the sofa reading this, can you say yes to questions like this…
- Where your stop tap is?
- Where your fuse box is?
- Do you know what amp those fuses are and how to change them?
- How to program your central heating?
- Do you know how your smoke alarms work, and if they’re all working right now?
- Do you know if the number on your fridge dial makes it hotter or colder if you turn it up?
Make it your mission in this period of being stuck at home to know where everything is and how it works. You might never have changed a fuse in your life, but reading up on it and watching a few YouTube videos could see you become the electric expert in the house.
The same goes for your water and heating systems. Many people just take them for granted because we flick a switch or turn a tap. Learn how these elements of your home all work, and you’ll soon see yourself never have to worry about getting someone in for a quick job.
What’s behind there?
This isn’t a suggestion to go and find hidden treasure behind the sofa. Now, while you have the time, move the heavier items in your home and clean behind them – the sofa, TV, fridge…etc. The whole family is going to be stuck indoors for the most part, so get everyone involved and shimmy those heavy items out of the way and give them a good clean, dusting down and a hoover. You’ll be surprised seeing what the original colour of your carpet or floor is supposed to be.
Your dump should still be open, so get dumping
While we’re in the middle of tidying things up, you should take notice of the items around the house that you always say you’ll get around to using on a rainy day, and still haven’t now that there’s no excuse.
Check that your local refuse/recycling centre is open and get a good clear out on the go; especially if you can get rid of those items you’re now sick and tired of having to see every day.
Got the DIY bug now you’re in lockdown? If your home isn’t looking like the epitome of cleanliness when this is all over, you’ve not done it right! Check out all the interior design posts from the blog here for more inspiration.
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