Cleaning the Kitchen and Bathroom

Kitchen

1. Put baking soda in the refrigerator to neutralize all the smells circulating there.
2. Wear an apron when you cook so you don’t have to change clothes every time something splashes on your sweater.
3. Clog the sink. If you are making a big meal or are baking and will use a lot of dishes, it will make it easier to clean the dishes and utensils if you let them soak in a sink half-full of water so the remaining food on the dishes will not harden. Remember, however, Noble Truth no. 1: Clean as you go! Try not to let the day pass without making sure those dishes that piled up are cleaned and put away.
4. Respect the earth and your host country’s recycling rules. Separate garbage as instructed.

Bathroom

1. Have separate sponges for the sink, the toilet and the tub.
2. Use after shower spray to prevent mildew in the shower.

Getting Rid of Household Smells

1. Open the window or turn on exhaust fan while you cook so the food smell is not trapped in your apartment
2. Use Fabreze Freshener – Great for removing smells! If you have pets, keep them away from the bottle or the sprayed area. The freshener contains strong chemicals.
3. Light incense or scented candles
4. Sprinkling baking soda on smelly area and vacuum after a period of time
5. Simmer vanilla or lemon extract in water over low heat. Don’t forget to turn off the burner before you leave!