In this post, we share smart tips for both outdoor and indoor cleaning in preparation for autumn and winter! 

In the outdoor section, we focus on preparing the garden for winter by tidying away summer items and cleaning garden tools with Soapa and warm water to keep algae and mould away! In the indoor section, we focus on clearing space in the hallway for winter shoes and clothes and using moth repellent to protect seasonal clothing. To improve the indoor environment, we offer tips on dusting thoroughly and switching to environmentally friendly light sources. We also provide advice on cleaning the oven and tidying behind the cooker before preparing Christmas food, using eco-friendly cleaning products and considering natural alternatives instead of harsh chemicals to protect the environment and health.

 

It’s high time for autumn cleaning!

Smart autumn cleaning, outdoors:

• Tidy away all of summer’s items. Feel free to scrub garden furniture, pots and garden tools with Soapa and warm water. The superfat Soapa keeps algae, mould and bacteria at bay. It is also much more enjoyable to bring out clean items in spring. A scrub brush, eco-fibre cloth, solid or liquid Soapa, and warm water in a bucket work well. Rinse with the garden hose. Allow everything to dry and put it away.

• Make sure to clear the garden and flower beds of anything “edible”. Apples and other leftover garden materials can easily become a feast for rats, which dig tunnels under the snow. If you have had problems with rats during previous winters, you can place juniper branches where you suspect rats may get in—by basement windows, vents in the foundations and so on. This is no guarantee that you will avoid them, but rats really dislike juniper branches.

• Clean the windows before winter. You will thank yourself when it is time to hang up the Advent stars! If temperatures are already below freezing, solve the problem by adding a little methylated spirit to the water to prevent it from freezing. At the same time, check that your window frames and seals are intact and in good condition. If not, it is a good idea to replace them now. This can make a significant difference to electricity consumption during winter. 

• Finally, put out a sturdy doormat and place or hang an old-fashioned  rice-straw broom outside the front door. This helps prevent dirt from outdoor shoes and snow from being dragged into the home. The rice-straw broom can be hung outdoors under cover. It is highly effective against both dirt and snow.

   

 Smart autumn cleaning, indoors:

• Clear out the hallway and make room for winter shoes and clothing. Keep in mind that winter clothing takes up more space than summer clothing, so be thorough when decluttering. Remember to use moth repellent when storing seasonal clothing. Natural red cedar moth repellent is preferable because it is completely non-toxic.

• When you bring out your winter clothes, is there anything you no longer need? You may have bought a new winter jacket, or perhaps the children’s snowsuits have become too small? Please consider those in need. There is always an organisation collecting warm clothing to help people who need it during the cold winter.

• Empty all recycling containers. Newspapers, batteries and plastic tend to pile up and accumulate more during autumn and winter.

• Take the opportunity to beat rugs and air out bed linen while there is no snow. It is always extra work to shovel out railings and rug-beating frames for this.

• The air often becomes much drier during winter, which causes dust to swirl around our homes. Take the opportunity to dust, wipe away dust and vacuum thoroughly, including behind heavy furniture, to keep the indoor air cleaner. Dust bookshelves and ceiling mouldings effectively with a genuine ostrich-feather duster.

  – Another tip for a better indoor environment is to replace all candles with genuine stearin candles, candle holders or soy-wax candles that are not petroleum-based, which is not good for the indoor environment.

• Clean the oven and tidy behind the cooker. It will soon be time for Christmas food and baking. For this, we recommend an eco-fibre cloth and solid Soapa. A rich Soapa dissolves cooking grease very effectively. Read more about how to use solid Soapa in the following blog post: How to use solid and liquid Soapa?

• We also recommend phasing out harsh cleaning products in favour of natural ones.

   

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Questions and answers

 

- Why is it important to clean garden tools and furniture before winter?

Cleaning garden tools and furniture with Soapa and warm water helps keep algae, mould and bacteria away during winter, while also preparing everything for a fresh start in spring.

 

- What can you do to prevent rats from getting into the garden during winter?

To prevent rats, clear the garden of leftover materials and place juniper branches in areas where rats may get in, such as by basement windows and the foundations.

 

- Why is it good to use environmentally friendly light sources instead of ordinary lamps?

Environmentally friendly light sources, such as genuine stearin candles or soy-wax candles, are better for the indoor environment because they are not petroleum-based and do not release harmful substances.

 

- What is the advantage of cleaning the oven with an eco-fibre cloth and solid Soapa?

An eco-fibre cloth and solid Soapa are effective at dissolving cooking grease and are environmentally friendly alternatives to harsh chemicals, which is particularly important when preparing Christmas food and baking.

 

- Why do we recommend replacing harsh cleaning products with natural alternatives?

By using natural cleaning products instead of harsh chemicals, you reduce the risk of harmful fumes and environmental impact while maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment.

 

Order natural cleaning products here: Soapa