When it comes to cleaning floors, just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there! Find out the most common areas we miss when cleaning the floors.

Under the refrigerator

Even if we keep our fridge clean on the outside and inside, there’s a chance we forget about the space underneath. Cleaning the floors under the fridge is often tedious, as it’s only a small space – making it hard to glide a broom or vacuum cleaner under. But it is important to clean under the fridge at least once a year to prolong the fridge lifespan and remove any dirt and dust buildup. When dust builds-up on the floor, it causes a sticky gummy residue under the fridge which can lead to staining and built-in gunk. The easiest way to clean under the fridge is by moving it. To do this, remove any frozen goods or products that can spoil and pack them in an icebox. Turn off the fridge and use cardboard on the surrounding floor to prevent scuffing as you move the unit. Use bio-home Floor Cleaner mixed with hot water and scrub the affected surface.

Under the couch

It’s always astonishing how much dust – and food! – accumulates underneath sofas. It’s an area often overlooked when cleaning. But it’s an important space to clean, particularly if your family is like many others who eat, drink, and spend a lot of time in the living room. Bulky furniture is often a good cover for cobwebs which can lead to spiders or other creepy crawlies hiding at this area. Moving your sofas and giving the floors a sweep and mop is a small price to pay for keeping your home clean.

Along skirting boards

Most homes feature skirting boards covering the lowest part of the interior walls. Often, the joint between the board and the floor can be a trap for dirt and dust. While it may seem like a minor area hardly worth the effort to clean, it makes a huge difference to the appearance of your floors. Not only that, dust and cobwebs tend to gather in these areas along with any foodstuffs that may have been pushed into the joint from previous cleans. A simple way to clean the floors along skirting boards is by using a microfiber cloth to pick up loose dust and then getting rid of any grime by gently rubbing with a mop or cloth soaked in surface cleaner.

Behind doors and cupboards

Another commonly missed area when cleaning floors is the space behind doors and cupboards. When cleaning, make sure you open doors to clean the space in front, and then close the door to cover the areas missed. Pay particular attention to walk-in pantries or floor to ceiling cupboards, where food can get stuck between the small space and floor. Usually, a quick dusting will do the trick. For any dirt, grime, or sticky residue, using the bio-home Multi-Surface Cleaner to spot clean will get those floors spick and span again.

High traffic areas

Areas within the house that attracts a lot of foot traffic tend to be the most mess prone. These areas include the kitchen, living room, dining room, and front entranceway. Think about the space under the dining room table where food bits remain unnoticed. At entrance ways, clean the space underneath your welcome mats when cleaning the floor. This is also an overlooked area yet it is one spot that holds a lot of dirt from people walking into the house after a whole day outdoors. Large pieces of furniture such as standalone mirrors, beds and bedside tables also provide a great cover for dirt, dust and mould. These pieces of furniture are rarely moved once placed in the house, yet are breeding grounds for dust balls, cobwebs, and missing toys or remotes!

Keep floor surfaces clean effectively

Keeping floors clean and dirt-free helps to maintain a polished and healthy home. Even if the rest of the house is clean, when the floors are dirty it makes the entire house appear dirty, too! A fast and easy way to clean the floor is by using bio-home Natural Floor Cleaner. The 100% plant-based active ingredients provide a deep & thorough clean, without being harsh on surfaces or skin. This makes cleaning the house fuss-free and eco-friendly. A better choice for you and your family.

The post Areas You May Miss When Cleaning the Floor appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.

The exercise of cleaning floors not only keeps your home fresh but also keeps the health of your children in check. You want your kids to move around on surfaces that are clean and toxic-free.

With that in mind, here are some helpful tips to tackling sticky, smelly or grubby messes left on floors by children. With the right tools and products, you can have your surfaces looking clean again in no time.

Stop dirt from entering the house

Most of the dirt, mud, and grass that ends up in your house usually comes from shoes being walked inside. One of the easiest ways to stop this dirt entering the house is by getting your kids to take off their shoes before entering.

Another easy hack to keeping dirt from being walked-in is by placing a doormat at the main entrance. That way, kids and visitors can give their shoes a wipe on the mat before entering, minimizing dirty floors. Doormats are also a good way to minimize slip hazards.

Limit food to certain areas

If you’re tired of picking up half-eaten snacks or stuck-in foods from the floor, try limiting snacking to designated zones. Kids are known to walk around the house while snacking, leaving a trail of crumbs behind. To stop food crumbs, drink spills, and sticky messes from spreading, have kids consume food and drinks at the dining table. For special treats or snacks throughout the day, encourage them to eat outside.

Clean high-traffic areas

If you’re time-poor and can’t do a clean of all the surfaces in your home, then stick to cleaning floors in high-traffic areas. Places like the kitchen, dining room and living room tend to accumulate the most floor mess. Sticking to these areas during your daily clean keeps these surface areas safe and mess-free and can give the appearance of an overall clean home. You can then do a deep clean of the rest of your surfaces once or twice a week.

Spot clean daily

After meal times, do a quick sweep of the dining area for any messes that need cleaning. Spot cleaning daily means you don’t have to deep clean as often. It’s also a great way to take care of messes before they end up staining surfaces and require extra scrubbing. One swift scan of the room can save that rogue blueberry from getting squashed into carpets or muddy shoes creating stains on hardwood floors. Whenever these messes do occur, act on it immediately by wiping clean with bio-home Floor Cleaner.

Sweep and mop floors

Sweeping hard floors and mopping surfaces will prevent any dirt from causing scratches and will keep your floors lasting longer. Kids can be notorious for accidental spills. This can lead to unwanted and unpleasant smells. If you have a baby, mopping up under their high chair after every meal can collect any dropped food or liquids that may have gone unnoticed. For mopping of high traffic areas, it’s best to do it when the kids are at school or when they are sleeping. Wet surfaces can be a slip hazard, especially for little ones but bio-home Floor Cleaner has a quick-dry benefit. Made from 100% plant-based active ingredients, bio-home Floor Cleaner will give you a peace of mind when your kids crawl and play on the floor.

Teach your toddler to help

Another great way to enlist extra help and spend more bonding time with the kids is to have them help you clean! Teaching your toddler to clean up after themselves or having them join you in sweeping or mopping floors can be a fun exercise in responsibility. Little prompts such as teaching your child to put away toys after play can keep your floors tidy and hazard-free.

Keep your floors clean, naturally

Keeping your floors clean when you have kids is essential for their wellbeing. Not only does a clean floor keep your house looking fresh but it also makes it a safe area for your kids to play in. Using a non-toxic floor cleaner like bio-home Floor Cleaner effectively cleans your floors while being baby-safe. The 100% plant-based active ingredients won’t irritate skin and can be used on all floor surfaces for a happy and healthy home.

The post How To Keep Floors Looking Clean When You Have Kids appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.

Source

To keep your clothes in good condition longer, you’ll want to understand what those puzzling symbols on your tags mean. Use this complete guide to help you interpret washing symbols.

1. Washing symbols

Along with using the right type and amount of detergent, picking the right washing cycle on your machine is vital for avoiding damage, shrinkage, or discolouration when cleaning your apparel. Getting the temperature right is also important for great laundry results, as certain types of fabrics require different methods of care. 

Washing symbols are often depicted on the labels inside your clothes & apparel as a guide to help you choose the right wash setting and temperature. Some fabrics are very delicate and therefore need to be hand-washed in cold water. This will be depicted by the logo of a bucket with a hand as well as one dot which means 30ºC (cold water). 

• Normal – The bucket filled with water tells you it’s okay to use a normal wash cycle.
• Permanent press – The permanent press symbol is a full bucket with a line underneath. This tells you the fabric has been treated with chemicals to prevent wrinkles and protect the original shape. If you see this symbol, avoid ironing the item.
• Delicate/gentle – The delicate/gentle symbol has two lines running under a full bucket. If you have this symbol on your tag, it’s probably a wool, silk, or other type of delicate, so always use the delicate or gentle cycle on your machine.
• Hand wash – If there’s a hand insider or above a full bucket, always hand wash and never machine wash. Use a hand-wash-friendly detergent.
• Temperature – The dots inside the bucket for any of the above symbols give you information about the maximum temperature for the wash cycle. One dot represents 30 degrees Celsius, two dots means 40 degrees Celsius, and three dots 50 degrees Celsius. Four dots means you can wash at up to 60 degrees Celsius, five dots at 70 degrees Celsius, and six dots at 95 degrees Celsius. Some tags have a number inside the bucket instead of dots. This number is the maximum allowable temperature.
• Do not wash – If a full bucket is crossed out, never machine or hand wash the item. The item likely can only be dry cleaned.
• Do not wring – If there’s a crossed-out wring symbol, never hand wring the item to squeeze out water.

2. Bleaching symbols

The bleach symbol is a triangle. If this appears on the garment’s fabric care label, you can use bleach as needed to make your whites even whiter. However, if you see a triangle with diagonal lines inside it, this means it can only be bleached with non-chloride bleach. A triangle with a cross through it means the garment cannot be bleached, and doing so may damage or discolour the fabric. 

Bleaching can be used to keep sheets and linen white & bright and to brighten white clothing or fabric to lift stains or soil. There are three main types of bleach; chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, and hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine bleach is the most common bleach for laundry use, although some fabrics require non-chlorine bleach. Pay attention to the garment care label to see if you need to add bleach to your detergent or to soak in a bucket with hot water. 

• Non-chlorine bleach only – If there’s a bleach symbol with two diagonal lines inside, this means you should use only non-chlorine bleach, as needed.
• Do not bleach – A filled-in triangle that’s crossed out means you should never use bleach on that clothing item.

3. Drying symbols

An empty square represents the drying symbol. Different variations of this will tell you the best way to dry your clothing item. As some fabrics such as lace, wool, and silk get damaged in a dryer, it’s important to read the garment care label before putting your load of washing through the tumble dryer. 

To prevent your garment from shrinking, scalding, or becoming misshapen, follow the drying symbols that instruct you on the best way to dry your garment. Knowing the common drying symbols such as the square with a circle in it (meaning tumble drying is allowed) will prevent you from fetching clothing out of the dryer that has shrunk three sizes too small. 

• Normal tumble dry – A circle inside the square means it’s okay to use the normal tumble dry cycle.
• Permanent press dry – A normal tumble dry symbol with a line underneath it means you should use the permanent press dry cycle.
• Delicate/gentle dry – If there are two lines under the circle inside a square, you should use the delicate/gentle dry cycle.
• Heat setting – You might have dots inside the circle for the above symbols. No dots means any heat setting is fine, while a coloured in (black) dots means you should only use the No Heat or Air Dry setting. One dot means to use the low heat setting, while two dots recommends the medium heat setting. Three dots means it’s okay to use the high heat setting.
• Line dry – A square with a curved line at the top means you should hang it to dry or line dry it.
• Drip dry – The square with three vertical lines inside it means the item should drip dry.
• Dry flat – If the square has a horizontal line inside, it means the item should be laid flat for drying.
• In the shade – If the square has two diagonal lines in the upper-left corner, it should be dried in the shade, whether line, drip or flat drying is recommended.
• Do not dry – The crossed-out square usually comes with the Do Not Wash symbol and it means you shouldn’t dry the item.
• Do not tumble dry – The crossed-out Normal Tumble Dry symbol means you should never tumble dry the item.

4. Ironing symbols

The iron symbol tells you it’s fine to iron the item, whether it’s dry or steam ironing. Some fabrics benefit from ironing while others, such as delicate fabrics like silk, can be damaged. There are even fabrics that need certain settings when being ironed while others are fine to be ironed at any temperature setting. If the iron symbol on the tag doesn’t have any dots in it, that means you can iron your fabric at any temperature setting. If an item requires steam rather than being dry ironed, this will be depicted by two or more dots as these require higher temperature settings. 

• High temperature – Three dots inside the iron symbol means it’s okay to iron the item at a heat setting of up to 200 degree Celsius.
• Medium heat – Two dots inside the iron means it’s fine to iron your clothing item at temperatures up to 150 degrees Celsius.
• Low heat – One dot inside the iron means it’s okay to iron at up to 110 degrees Celsius.
• No steam – A crossed-out iron with steam coming out under it means you should avoid using the steam setting while ironing.
• Do not iron – A crossed-out iron symbol means you shouldn’t iron the item.

5. Dry cleaning symbols

If there’s a circle on your clothing or fabric care label, this means dry cleaning is recommended for the item. If you wish to get your garment professionally dry cleaned, take a look at the label first as it may not be suitable. If your garment isn’t suitable for dry cleaning then you will see a circle with a cross through it. If dry cleaning is permitted, then the label will also provide instructions on which solvent should be used. Knowing your garment’s dry cleaning symbols will make it easier for your dry-cleaner to achieve the best clean without damaging your clothes. 

• Any solvent – An A inside the circle means you can have the item dry cleaned on a normal cycle using any solvent.
• No Trichloroethylene – A P inside the circle means dry cleaning on a normal cycle with any solvent except for Trichloroethylene.
• Petroleum solvent only – An F inside the circle means normal-cycle dry cleaning with petroleum solvents only.
• Short cycle – A circle with a line in the bottom-left corner means to dry clean on a short cycle.
• Reduced moisture – If the line is in the top-left corner, dry clean on a reduced-moisture cycle.
• Low heat – A line in the bottom-right corner means dry clean on a low-heat cycle.
• No steam finishing – A line in the top-right corner means no steam finishing should be used.
• No dry clean – The crossed-out circle means you should not have the item dry cleaned.

Clothing tags often come with a range of confusing care symbols, but if you get these top four types of symbols right, you can decipher what the most common symbols mean and likely avoid damaging your clothes. By using the right cleaning products as well as the recommended wash and drying methods, you can keep your apparel in excellent condition for a longer period of time.

Achieve the best wash with 100% plant-based laundry products

bio-home is a leading brand of eco-friendly, 100% plant-based laundry products that allow you to achieve a great clean while protecting your family from harmful chemicals. Find out more about our natural laundry detergent, or contact us today for more information.

Now you’ll never ruin your laundry again, especially if you’re kept fully informed by our Complete Guide to Laundry here.

The post Washing Symbols Explained appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.

Discover the multiple uses of the dishwashing liquid, which can lend so much more help around the house than you think.

Clean outdoor furniture

A dishwashing liquid functions well on countertops, window sills and other types of surfaces like glass and plastic. Add a small bit of the liquid to a spray bottle filled with warm water, to cleanse away the dirt and grime. Next, wipe over the soapy surface with a well-wrung cloth and allow the surface to dry naturally.

This concoction works very well on outdoor furniture or patio furniture that has been exposed to outdoor dirt and dust. The dishwashing liquid will effectively de-grime any built-in dirt or sticky buildup.

Degreasing kitchen appliances

Appliances in the kitchen require regular cleaning, as they are subject to the build-up of sticky grease and stains from cooking. Appliances such as ovens, toasters, blenders, refrigerators and griddles will benefit from the mild and friendly cleansing power of the dishwashing liquid.

Stainless steel cleaners can be very expensive (and harsh if it comes into contact with skin) so using a gentle dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water will polish off stains, fingerprints, and marks leaving your stainless steel appliances sparkling.

An effective stain buster

Oil-based stains are the hardest to remove, often leaving behind a dark stain or cause discolouration even after soaking. However, dishwashing liquid that is specifically catered to remove grease may work even better than conventional laundry detergents. In fact, dishwashing liquid is especially effective at removing food-based oils, making it a great spot treatment for stained table cloths or couch fabrics.

Dishwashing liquid also tends to be gentle enough on delicate fabrics like silk and wool, which could be easily damaged by laundry detergent due to its more potent chemical composition. The method to go about this is to dissolve around 1 tablespoon of the dishwashing liquid into 2-3 cups of lukewarm water, and carefully dab on the stain with a clean cloth dipped into the mixture. Repeat this until the stain starts to disappear.

Cleaning hairbrushes and combs

Combat residue from hair grooming products like hair wax and mousse with a light solution of a few drops of dishwashing liquid combined with warm water. You can also use dishwashing liquid as a shampoo. For those dealing with greasy tresses, simply apply a coin-sized amount of dishwashing liquid to your hair, lather, then finish by washing with your regular shampoo.

Polishing jewellery back to its original shine

Our jewellery collects dirt with frequent wearing, resulting in dull or cloudy looking accessories. For an easy at-home way to polish jewellery and get it back to its original shine, mix a tiny portion of dishwashing liquid with water and soak the jewellery for 5-10 minutes. If necessary, use a toothbrush to scrub out any stubborn stains.

Get rid of fruit flies

Fruit flies are attracted to fresh fruit, making them frequent pests in the kitchen. To cut these pesky flies from their food source and protect your family’s food and health, add 3 drops of dishwashing liquid to a bowl of vinegar and place out on the kitchen counter. Fruit flies will become trapped and drown in this solution, preventing any more flies from breeding and attacking your fruit.

Prevent glasses from fogging

Cleaning foggy glasses or sunglasses can be a challenge. Using dishwashing liquid can help to remove any fingerprints, film and vapour leaving your glasses clear to see through.

Rub a drop of dishwashing liquid on the lenses then wipe with a soft cloth without rinsing. The film from the liquid will prevent fog from appearing.

Clean your wheels

Brake dust and caked-in dirt can be a real challenge to remove from car wheels. However, a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid can be applied to remove this dirt easily. Simply scrub away with a scour brush.

Make a flexible gel ice pack

A flexible gel ice pack should be in everyone’s freezer to treat aches and sprains when needed. To make your own flexible gel ice pack, mix a cup of dishwashing liquid with 30ml of rubbing alcohol. Pour the mixture into a ziplock bag and freeze.

Silence squeaky doors

Squeaky doors can be a nuisance. Before you reach for that grease, try using dishwashing liquid to lubricate door hinges.

Clean air conditioner filters

Filters can trap a lot of dust, potentially filling your home with pollutants when you turn your air conditioning unit on. To clean air conditioning filters, soak them in warm water mixed with dishwashing liquid and gently scrub with a toothbrush before rinsing dry.

Use an eco-friendly dishwashing liquid

There always seems to be a need for specialty cleaning products, but most jobs can be tackled with just one simple product. Try bio-home Dishwash Liquid – it is 5 times stronger than the average dishwashing liquid, successfully removing tough stains and yet, is gentle on our skin and the environment. Let’s do this the economical and eco-friendly way!

The post The many uses of dishwashing liquid appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.

Besides the red envelopes and parades, the house-cleaning ritual, known as dà sǎo chú is one of the biggest Chinese New Year traditions. It starts on the days preceding Chinese New Year celebrations, between the 23rd and 29th of the lunar month.

Whether you’re entertaining the family at home or visiting family elsewhere, preparing the home to be clean come the New Year is hugely important. In Chinese New Year tradition it’s bad luck to enter the New Year with dirt in the house.

There’s a saying in Cantonese that means “wash away the dirt on Ninyabaat.” (Ninyabaat is the 28th day of the 12th month.) It’s believed that thoroughly cleaning your home rids it of the bad luck of the past year and gets it ready to fill with the good luck sure to follow in the new one. Every nook and cranny should be scrubbed down and any broken furnishings, crockery or appliances discarded.

Getting ready for Chinese New Year? Start with a clean.

Hacks for cleaning your home in time for New Year

To stay organised in the lead up to Chinese New Year, make a list of what needs doing. This will ensure you don’t miss anything – tradition states that everything must be cleaned. Making a list is especially helpful if you are entertaining the family this New Year, as you’ll have a million and one other things to think about too.

Rooms should be swept from the entrance to the centre, with rubbish going out the back door. (The front door is where the good luck comes in).

When cleaning your home, consider eco-conscious cleaning products that won’t harm the environment or your family. The bio-home cleaning and washing range is 100% plant-based and strong enough to ensure cleanliness around the home.

Also try to repurpose things in your home to make the job of cleaning simpler and more effective. The easier the job is the more you can concentrate on the fun parts of Chinese New Year like enjoying a reunion dinner, giving and receiving Ang Baos, and visiting relatives and friends’ homes.

Try these 7 DIY hacks for…

Dust bunnies: DIY a cleaning wand using a stocking wrapped around a broomstick or hanger. Nylon attracts dust particles with static and this simple-to-make device will help you reach the toughest nooks and crannies as well as the ceiling.

Lacquered surfaces: To restore luster to wooden, marble and lacquered surfaces, try using bio-home Multi-Surface Cleaner, which is suitable for all hard surfaces, including cabinets, tiles, furniture, window frames and appliances. Cleaning doesn’t get much simpler than a quick spray and wipe.

Floors: For floor surfaces, including marble and parquet, use our bio-home Floor Cleaner. It’s 100% plant-based and free of harsh chemicals it will have your floors looking clean and smelling lovely.

Microwave: Orange peel is an amazing natural tool for cutting through grease and food odours and after a year of usage, your microwave could do with a blast of orange oils. Peel a couple of oranges, pop the rinds in the microwave with some water, and heat for 60 seconds. Remove the rinds and wipe down with a clean cloth.

For the outside of your microwave and other kitchen areas, use our non-toxic, biodegradable Kitchen Cleaner, which will bring home the fragrance of nature.

Stubborn grease stains: If you’ve got a grease stain you simply can’t get rid of through scrubbing, heat it with a hairdryer. Give the stain a really good blast of our Multi-Surface Cleaner and then cover the stain in cling wrap. Blow dry on high for two minutes and the heat will oxidise and break down the stain. Remove the plastic, give it a wipe and viola!

Washing machine: A washing machine’s main duty is to clean but that’s not to say that it doesn’t get dirty. Now is the perfect time to give your washing machine a good clean with a small amount of white, distilled vinegar. Run the cycle for 10-20 minutes to get rid of mold and germs.

Leather furniture: Add a small amount of olive oil to a cup. Dip a hand towel and wipe down your leather furniture. This can help add wonderful shine to the leather and helps to protect it. Wipe any excess oil away with some paper towel.

Keeping in the good luck

All the hard work done before Chinese New Year! No more cleaning on Dà nián chū yī (1st day of CNY) and keep the good fortunes coming in!

Cleaning might be a big part of getting ready for Chinese New Year but it’s not to be performed in the days that follow. Chinese tradition suggests you should refrain from sweeping again for a few days after New Year, so as not to sweep away the good luck.

So get busy now, knowing you can relax soon enough. Happy New Year!

Before you get ready for your big clean, visit our website and learn everything you need for a sweet-smelling, fresh, clean and environmentally-safe home.

The post 7 Cleaning Hacks to Prepare Your Home for Chinese New Year appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.

The dirty secret about dishwashing liquids

Most dishwashing liquids available on supermarket shelves contain several toxic chemicals, some of which can have serious impacts on our health and environment. Many dishwashing liquids contain phosphate, a naturally-occurring mineral salt. Phosphate works by binding dirt with grease and suspending them in water. This allows other cleaning agents in the liquid to perform their functions optimally. While phosphate is great at removing dirt and eliminating film on dishes, it also reduces oxygen levels marine life needs. This is because when chemical-laden dishwashing liquid enters water streams, it can lead to a severe form of algae that creates a coating on the surface of the water, blocking sunlight and killing marine life through lack of oxygen. In fact, many ‘name brand’ dishwashing liquids carry a message that states “harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects”.

Chemicals you should look out for

Read the dishwashing liquid labels carefully when selecting a dishwashing liquid. Avoid these chemicals when choosing your dishwashing liquid.

Phosphates: As mentioned in this article, phosphates are a danger to marine life.

Ammonium sulphate: This ingredient creates that nice foam, but it also causes itching and skin irritation and may also be a neurotoxin.

Sodium lauryl sulphate: Can cause eye, lung and skin irritations.

Sulphuric acid: A strong chemical that can cause skin and tissue damage as well as breathing problems when inhaled.

Formaldehyde: This potent chemical has been identified as a serious carcinogen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Toxicology Program.

DEA, MEA and TEA diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine): additional foaming agents that have harmful effects when mixed with other ingredients causing skin irritations to forming of carcinogens.

It’s also advised to look out for any mention of “fragrance added” on the product label, as manufacturers aren’t required to list what goes into their product’s fragrances. This means you have no idea whether the fragrance is naturally or chemically-derived.

Care for your home, care for the environment

The great news is that there are much safer, environmentally-friendly alternatives available in the market right now, including our own bio-home Dishwashing Liquid. Our eco-friendly dishwashing liquid uses biodegradable, 100% plant-based active ingredients that is both dermatologically tested and pH balanced- means that it is safe for your skin and the environment too.

Using environmentally-friendly dishwashing liquids means you aren’t pouring any nasties down the drain and harming our marine life. It also translates to reduced packaging and transport-related emissions. You can even use less dishwashing liquid to wash your dishes since one pump of bio-home dishwashing liquid can wash up to 5 times more plates than ordinary dishwashing liquid. On top of that, it is produced with phthalate-free fragrances.

The true test of environmental friendliness is by checking the ingredients list. Chemical-laden dishwashing liquids can be toxic and harmful to humans, animals and the environment. Replacing with an eco-friendly dishwashing liquid like bio-home Dishwashing Liquid keeps your whole family and household safe. By using a non-toxic dishwashing liquid, you are also eliminating the potential of harming the environment and our important natural resources and wildlife. Small, thoughtful gestures like making this simple switch go a long way in minimizing your ecological footprint and in making this world a better place.

The post Buy Eco-Friendly Dishwashing Liquid: What’s Really Going Down Your Drain appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.

Ready to get started? Here are some secrets to save you time (and water) at the sink!

1. Use less water when washing dishes

A study into dishwashing found that on average, washing dishes by hand used about 103 litres of water. How you wash dishes can make all the difference in reducing water waste and cleaning efficiently. Instead of rinsing dishes, use a wooden spoon to scrape excess food waste from plates and bowls into a bin or compost. Save water by soaking a dirty dish in a small amount of soapy water to start getting cooked-in food stains out. Not only is this time-consuming but it leads to water waste. Using an eco-friendly dishwashing liquid with a concentrated formula means one pump can wash five times more than a normal dishwashing liquid. For really stubborn cooked-on food stains, sprinkle baking soda on the stain and lightly scrub the area before washing.

2. Use your dishcloths wisely

One way to get a more effective clean is by using a sponge. Sponges tend to hold in that soapy dishwater, meaning you can go through more dishes without having to reload the sink with more soap or water. Another eco-friendly and efficient hack to wash dishes includes turning your mesh produce bags into DIY scouring pads.

3. Leave a tub of soapy water next to the sink

This is a great idea if you are using a sponge to wash dishes. Fill an old ice-cream container or bowl with water and your non-toxic dishwashing liquid and dip the sponge into the solution then proceed to clean your dishes. You can save water this way since you’re not filling a whole sink up with water. You can also leave this bowl of soapy solution next to your sink during a dinner party or even for a few days and drop dirty utensils into it as a quick and eco-friendly pre-rinse hack.

4. Don’t wash dishes that only require a wipe-down

Just because you used something doesn’t mean it needs to be washed. For example, many of us use measuring cups or spoons to divide dry ingredients like flour or pecans when baking. Most of the time we rinse these cups off and proceed to wash them with the rest of our dirty dishes. But, if there isn’t any sticky residue, then you can just wipe them out using a paper towel instead.

5. Wash stove pots with this one-pot cleaning hack

We all know how cumbersome and time-consuming it is to clean pots and pans. Most of the time, we prepare another load of soapy water to tackle these dishes. Cut this washing time and your water use by putting your pot back on the stove with some water and baking soda or eco-friendly dish liquid, turn on the heat, and let your pot self-clean!

6. Use chopsticks to dry glasses

Free up room in your dish rack by drying glasses on chopsticks. Simply lay out a towel and line up some chopsticks so that they are parallel to each other and sit your glasses upside-down on top of them to drip dry. This is also an easy way to create more dish drying space so that you don’t have to wait for previous dishes to dry before starting another load.

Go green for a more efficient clean

Prolonged exposure to chemical-laden cleaning products such as dishwashing liquid can contribute to long-term health risks. These toxic products also negatively affect the environment. Think of all that chemical-filled water being flushed down the drain after every wash. This water ends up in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and oceans – potentially leading to a severe multiplication of algae. A non-toxic dishwashing liquid like bio-home Dishwashing Liquid is not only gentler on the skin, but on the earth too.

The environment needs our protection and care now more than ever. Many of us don’t realize that a seemingly harmless task like washing the dishes can be harmful to the environment. Say no to toxic cleaning products by switching to eco-friendly cleaning products such as bio-home Dishwashing Liquid.

The post Hand-Washing Dishes? Secrets to Save You Time (And Water) At The Sink appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.

Declutter

Clearing clutter around the house may seem like a no-brainer but it will make a big difference. Not only will it give you a chance to get rid of any junk or items that no longer serve you, but it will also make cleaning easier. Focus your attention on areas such as the bathroom cupboards or the kitchen pantry. Take a large garbage bag and clear out all expired products such as toiletries, food items and canned goods that have remained untouched for the last couple of years.

Use a DIY washing solution as a multi-purpose cleaner

How many of us keep a cupboard full of cleaning products that target different areas of the house? Cut back on your chemical cleaners and make cleaning the house easier by using an all-natural multi-surface cleaner that can be used on everything from cabinets, furniture, window frames and even wall tiles.

Deal with food waste

The holiday season can result in a lot of waste, in particular, food waste. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), food waste accounts for half of the total waste disposed of by households. Get on top of your food waste management by dealing with leftovers promptly. Use transparent containers so that you can quickly and easily identify their contents. The best way to ensure leftovers don’t go to waste is by labelling containers with the contents and date and to store those foods which need to be consumed earlier toward the front of the fridge. If you have leftovers from a family roast, you can use every part of the meat and vegetables to make a stock or nutritious broth.

Keep the kitchen clean

With all the cooking and food preparation the holidays bring, our kitchens can be at risk of becoming messy and unhygienic. Keep your kitchen looking and smelling fresh by using your kitchen cleaner to wipe out the fridge including the exterior. This will get rid of any grubby handprints and leftover food which may have accumulated after the holiday season. Once cleaned, leave an opened packet of baking soda in the fridge to clear out any smells.

Make taps and faucets shine

Have any lemons in the fruit basket? Use this versatile citrus fruit to help clean stainless steel fixtures, making them shine like new! Simply cut your lemon in half and rub directly on your taps, sinks, and steel appliances. You may also mix lemon juice with water in a bowl and use a cloth to wipe over these areas and then use a paper towel to dry.

Try this simple toilet hack to maintain pipes & plumbing

You most likely have a roll of aluminium foil in your kitchen cupboard. Aside from covering food, did you know you can also use it to clean the plumbing? Rusty pipes can be repaired and maintained by simply dipping a strip of aluminium foil in water and rubbing it on the affected spots or wherever you see rust. Use on your toilet, shower or sinks to remove rust and erosion with ease!

Deal with stubborn stove stains

Stubborn stove stains from food and liquid substances are unsightly and often a pain to get rid of. Save time and effort by gathering a stain-fighting kit of salt, baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and scrub with a soft brush before wiping off. Repeat with some salt. For stubborn oven stains use a homemade cleaning solution consisting of baking soda, salt and vinegar forming a paste to apply to the stain. Let sit before scraping with a wooden spoon.

Clean your home, naturally

Bio-home Multi-Surface Cleaner is a general all-purpose cleaning solution that’s perfect for all your daily cleaning needs. It covers all areas of the house – making it a versatile cleaning companion. For more specific cleaning tasks, our Kitchen Cleaner and Floor Cleaner can be added to your arsenal of cleaning products to make sure your home stays fresh and clean.

The post How to Clean Your House in a Day appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.

1. Don’t invite more people than you can handle

Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to invite the whole family! Keep things manageable by inviting immediate family or your closest friends. If you know of a family member or friend who will be alone during the holidays, invite them too – it is the holiday season, after all! The most important thing is to not feel obliged to invite every single person you know – the more isn’t always the merrier, especially when you’re playing host!

2. Ask guests to BYO dish or order takeaway

You’re not cheating your way out of a festive dinner if you ask someone to bring a side dish! Having guests bring their favourite dish or platter can be a fun way to try new meals and to bring everyone together. Alternatively, if you really don’t have time to cook an entire three-course meal, why not order in? Not only does it take time off your hands, it can also let you spend more time relaxing and catching up with family rather than stressing out in the kitchen!

3. Quickly clean before the party

Ideally, cleaning a few days before the party will give you plenty of time to get the house spick and span. If you haven’t got a lot of time or are faced with a dreaded last-minute clean, learn how to do it quickly! Focus your cleaning efforts on the immediate area where you’ll be hosting your guests. Vacuum and mop the kitchen and dining room floor, get rid of any grubby marks on cupboards or the fridge, throw a decorative tablecloth on the dining table and spritz some natural air freshener to make the room smell clean. And don’t forget the bathroom! Check out our Speed Cleaning Hacks that will help you to clean your home in no time!

4. Minimise waste by keeping decorations simple

While party decorations look impressive, it’s a lot of paper & plastic waste left-over for just one night of entertaining. Not to mention it takes time and methodical planning to decorate the home! Choose sustainable decorations that can be saved and used again. Paper plates and plastic utensils generate a ton of waste, but we know washing a house-full of dishes isn’t how you want to be spending the night either! Instead, opt for eco-friendly dinner sets that are compostable and renewable. Popular choices are plates and bowls made from sugarcane pulp or bamboo, and wooden cutlery or paper straws.

5. Managing mess during the party

Now that the guests are here and enjoying the party, the mess will begin to accumulate. Plates with half-eaten food left on countertops, an overflowing bin, utensils scattered haphazardly on the table, with the fun comes chaos! Keep the mess under control by keeping food to a designated area or where you want the people to be. This keeps the mess at least somewhat under control and leaves you room to gather your sanity without hovering guests! Empty trash cans when you notice them getting full, tidy up and dispose of plates when people have finished eating, check the toilet to monitor cleanliness and spray-and-wipe on the go with a natural, non-toxic multisurface cleaner.

6. Have an emergency spill-kit handy

Spills are almost guaranteed when you have a lot of guests over – especially when there are children and little ones getting involved in the festive cheer! Prepare for unexpected spills and mess by having your cleaning toolkit handy.

7. Start the cleanup early

While you’re most likely feeling worn out by the time guests leave, using this time to clean remaining mess means you’ll have one less chore to do the next day. After enjoying your meal start to stack any dirty dishes in the sink and throw out any disposable cups or dinner sets after they’ve been used. Before you wish them goodnight, send your guests home with leftovers in containers that have been cluttering up your closet – it’s a perfect way to reduce food waste and free up some space!

8. Enjoy yourself!

While playing host might mean you’re too busy to really sit back and relax, enjoy yourself! Soak in the festive atmosphere and rejoice in the knowledge that all the people you love and care about are under one roof enjoying the holiday season together!

Tackle leftover mess with ease

Your guests might have left the house, but those dirty and greasy kitchen utensils are staying after hosting a fun-filled party. Dishwashing can even be therapeutic when you have the reliably-efficient bio-home dishwashing liquid that comes in soothing scents of lavender and bergamot. This eco-friendly dishwashing liquid has 100% plant-based active ingredients in a concentrated, easy-rinse, low-foam formula that reduces your water usage. You can do dishwashing real quick, while you help save the planet at the same time.

The post How to Have a Hassle-Free Festive Family Meal at Home appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.

No matter how it’s caused, sweaty and smelly laundry is never a fun task to clean. It can also prove difficult to remove the trace of bad odour which is left lingering on the clothes after a busy day.

This article explains what causes sweaty clothes, why it’s important to get rid of the stink immediately, and how to do it effectively.

Which fabrics absorb more sweat?

Everybody sweats, it’s a normal human body function – especially when the heat and humidity rise. Despite this, it can prove to be annoying and often embarrassing when you’re left with sweat-stained clothing. Have you also noticed that you tend to sweat or smell more when wearing particular items of clothing?

This is because different fabrics can absorb sweat, causing moisture to pool and gather. On the other hand, there are also certain materials that repel sweat and moisture. Knowing which fabrics repel or trap sweat can help you to avoid these items of clothing or learn the best way to wash them after you find yourself with wet and smelly clothes by the end of the day. The following materials are moisture-attracting materials that are prone to making you smell and perspire more:

Polyester

While polyester is one of the most commonly used synthetic fabrics and often comes with a ‘water-resistant’ label – don’t let it fool you! Especially if you’re sweat-prone. This is because water-resistant fabrics, like polyester, don’t absorb moisture.

Instead, it repels moisture causing your sweat to accumulate and create a swampy smelly pool under your armpits. If you want to avoid a big sweaty mess, opt for breathable lightweight cotton that absorbs the moisture instead of repels it.

Rayon

Another synthetic material that repels water. While rayon is good for trapping heat due to it being lightweight, its synthetic fibres have a tendency to be too durable, which means zero absorption of perspiration. Instead, choose a lightweight linen that is super absorbent with a fast drying time.

Denim

Denim is a staple for most of us, but it isn’t a great Singapore’s hot humid weather. The heavy fabric has no breathability making it easier to overheat and sweat while wearing. Instead, choose a chambray material that has the look of denim but is far more breathable.

Cotton/spandex blend

Many cotton and synthetic blends such as cotton/spandex or cotton/lycra may be comfortable to wear, but it doesn’t do a great job keeping sweat at bay. The heavier weight cotton limits breathability, trapping heat and moisture. Cotton pants are a better alternative for both comfort and sweat protection.

How to get the sweat smell out

Sweat and body odour often go hand in hand. Odour in clothes is mostly caused by the buildup of sweat, sebum and skin cells from the body, yet how you wash and store your clothes can also influence the lingering smell. If you find yourself struggling to get that sweaty smell out of clothes, even after putting them through the laundry, the following tips may help you.

1. Turn clothes inside-out

Prior to washing, make sure you turn your clothing inside-out. Since sweat and odour from your body accumulate on the inside of the clothing, turning them inside-out will allow your Laundry Detergent to penetrate stains more effectively.

2. Wash clothes as soon as possible

If you’ve come straight home from the gym or work with sweaty clothes, make sure to take them off and put them in the wash straight away. Doing so will prevent further staining or odours and will allow your Laundry Detergent to do its magic.

3. Avoid fabric softener

Instead of making clothes cleaner, fabric softener and bleach products can create an artificial barrier that traps smell and bacteria in clothes. Instead, use natural laundry detergents like the ones made by bio-home. The PH-balanced formula of bio-home’s natural laundry detergents removes sweat and sebum gently and smells effectively.

4. Use the correct amount of Laundry Detergent

Using more detergent than required can make it harder for clothes to rinse clean. Too much laundry powder or detergent will build-up on the clothes leading to more odour and bacteria. Always use the required amount as stated on the detergent label, never more. Read our guide ‘How Much Washing Detergent Should You Be Using?’ to discover more.

The benefits of natural laundry products

Instead of creating a barrier like most traditional detergents and trapping smells in, natural laundry products penetrate material fibres to draw stains and odours out. Natural alternatives like baking soda are always effective at removing smells because it’s a known deodorizer that absorbs moisture and bacteria-causing odours. Lemons are also a natural alternative to fighting sweaty, smelly clothes.

The citric acid breaks down oils trapped in material, leaving them bacteria and smell-free. Natural laundry products are suitable for all types of fabrics, whether they’re made of synthetic water-resistant fibres or natural material.

There’s also no need for fabric softeners since the PH balancing ingredients found in products like Bio-Home’s Natural Laundry Detergent help to restore and support your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making clothes more comfortable against the skin.

Get rid of sweat stains and smells the natural way

Everybody sweats; that’s a part of an active lifestyle. And depending on what type of material you’re wearing you may find yourself sweating and smelling even more. There are a few ways to combat this including swapping water-resistant fabrics to natural, breathable materials like cotton as well as using natural laundry products to effectively draw sweat stains and odours out.

Take care of your health and your home by using natural products from Bio-Home. The Laundry Detergent Regular and Laundry Detergent Delicate from Bio-home do not contain any harsh chemicals and are 100% plant-based, providing a natural wash for your sweaty clothes.

The post How To Get Sweat Smell Out Of Your Clothes? appeared first on bio-home by Lam Soon.