How to get rid of mice (once and for all!)

The biggest problem with mice is that they don't contribute to the mortgage.

How to get rid of mice (once and for all!)

Let’s preface this article about how to get rid of mice by saying we don’t want to kill or hurt the little guys. They are, after all, merely trying to survive like the rest of us. Take it as a compliment that their thought your home was nice enough to call their own!

That being said, we understand that you probably don’t want them scurrying around your house. A single random mouse might seem cute, but one can quickly turn into an entire horde due to their spirited breeding habits. Once mice start nesting, it can become a lot harder to get them to leave.

Living with mice is also a health hazard as they use their urine as a communication method due to the lack of tiny smartphones being available on the market presently. Finally, mice love to gnaw on wires, which means no TV, and we all love TV. So read on for some friendly methods for how to get rid of mice from your home without hurting or killing them.

How to get rid of mice in your house

Method #1: Mouse-proofing 

Prevention is always the best option as it is way easier not to deal with a rodent infestation than to deal with one. The cold winter months are the most popular times of the year for furry visitors as they seek shelter and warmth to nest, eat, and breed in. 

Follow this checklist to rodent-proof your house so that come winter, the only mouse in your home is on the Disney channel:

  • Trim down the branches of any nearby trees that might act as bridges into your house. Mice enter through openings in your roof to get inside your walls.
  • Find any holes and gaps around the exterior of your home and seal them with something durable like sheet metal. The average mouse can fit through an opening slightly bigger than 1/4 of an inch.
  • Seal window frames and doors with stripping, door snakes, etc.
  • Keep your garbage bins as far away as possible from your home.
  • Soft things make for great nesting materials; this can include old storage boxes of clothes and your walls’ interior, so clean out the vulnerable areas.
  • If a small-to-medium-sized wooden horse rocks up at your front door one day, ignore it. Mice are well-versed in the strategies of the Trojans.

Method #2: Mouse repellent

Much like humans, there are some smells that mice absolutely hate – weirdly enough, they are some of the ones we love to cook with! Garlic, peppermint and spicy scents like cayenne pepper drive mice crazy, and they have a very sharp sense of smell.

For example, you could put some peppermint oil in cotton balls strategically where you suspect mouse activity as a natural repellent that is safe for household pets and children and helps your home smell good. It is important to note that mice are clever, and they will catch on to your plan and find a way to circumvent it, so couple this tactic with some of the others in this list.

Mouse in a basket
Source: Kong Jun

Method #3: Keep a clean home 

While you should probably be doing this regardless of mice, rodents truly thrive in unsanitary conditions. Always clear the clutter around your house as it makes for a great mouse home, especially in the garage and never leave out any food scraps. 

Where possible, keep food in airtight containers and switch to metal containers for your garbage. The average adult mouse only needs a few grams of food each day to survive, so generations of mice can happily thrive around your bin areas forever. The cleaner, the better, not only for keeping away mice but also for you and your family’s health.

Method #4: Non-lethal mouse traps

A slightly more aggressive but still humane alternative to get rid of mice naturally from your home is the use of non-lethal traps. These traps can catch mice without causing any harm. They are bait-based, luring the mouse into an enclosure that they cannot climb back out of. Anything sweet is a great piece of bait, so you can use cookie crumbs, some chocolate, or even peanut butter.

Place the traps wherever the mice frequent, and when you catch the mouse, release it a fair distance from your house to avoid it coming straight back in. This approach may take more effort, but it is much kinder, and you don’t have to deal with the horror of emptying a traditional trap that snaps the mouse’s neck.

Method #5: Aluminium Foil

While you don’t need to wear it as a hat and start studying government conspiracy theories, aluminium foil around the home is another effective deterrent for mice. They steer clear of it for some reason that we will possibly never know. 

Lay the foil in the places with the highest concentration of mouse activity and wrap whichever foods you leave out to keep the little critters away from them. If you have some mouse entry points that are a little hard to patch, stuffing them with the foil acts as a double-whammy of prevention.

Knowing who you are up against

In’ The Art of War’, Sun Tzu said, “Know the enemy and know yourself,” and we can help you with the first part with some handy mouse facts!

Mice are very clever little creatures, and they have an acute sense of smell and excellent hearing. The trade-off is the fact that they have terrible eyesight. They are nocturnal, so most active at night and they love company which is why they have moved into your house. The fact that you haven’t invited them onto the couch for movie night profoundly offends them.

A female mouse can give birth to litters of up to 15 at a time, after only two months of pregnancy, and they can get pregnant after this again just 48 hours later. Mice can climb, swim, and even jump, and they like to eat around 25 meals a day to maintain their athletic abilities!

Mouse in the house
Source: Ricky Kharawala

Frequently asked questions

Will mice go away on their own?

Mainly due to the fact that you are such a good host, mice will not leave on their own. If a family of mice have settled in your abode, you’ll need to take action to get rid of them, or the issue will likely amplify to ridiculous levels. 

The sooner you catch the issue and can start implementing some strategies to get rid of the unwanted house guests, the better. One mouse is much easier to remove than fifty. Mice can breed at an alarming rate, so even the hint that you may have a mouse in the house (often due to droppings around the place) means it’s time to spring into action and help them to find somewhere else to live.

How does an exterminator get rid of mice?

A professional exterminator will usually survey your home to figure out all of the possible entry points for a mouse. They will start outside checking for holes and cracks, seal off these points then use a chemical-based poison to clear the mice that already exist in the home.

Some exterminators may offer less harmful methods, but generally, they work as quickly as possible, so you do not have to spend too much time away from your home while they work. Their methods may also be dictated by how severe your infestation problem is.

What’s the fastest way to get rid of mice?

A non-lethal catch-and-release trap is a very effective way to get rid of a mouse quickly. As these traps are bait-based, you can use anything sweet like cookie crumbs, some chocolate, or even peanut butter to lure the mouse in.

Place the traps wherever the mice frequent, and once caught, release the mouse a fair distance from your house to avoid it coming back. This is a quick and kind way to solve your mouse problem at home. Once dealt with, keep a clean home and seal off any exterior entry points to avoid having to rid your home of mice again.

Now you know how to get rid of mice, start your clean-up!

Begin your mouse-prevention techniques the second you finish this article! Check your home for entry points and do a spring clean regardless of what season it is. Remember, prevention is your best bet when it comes to mice in the home, and a clean, sealed house is the way to do it.

If it’s too late for that and you already have a rampant mouse problem, and if the steps above really aren’t your cup of tea, there is help available. Search the range of pest control expert Taskers that can pop on over and handle the issue on your behalf. You can even specify the type of solution you want in your task, i.e. no chemical use, etc.

However, once they have dealt with the issue, refer back to the beginning of this section and keep that home clean. You can even find a range of very skilled taskers that can help with that if need be as well!

How to (safely) get rid of pesky ants inside and outside home

These little guys sure can cause some problems...

How to (safely) get rid of pesky ants inside and outside home

Ants are extremely common around the world, and while they are a vital part of your garden’s ecosystem, they are not so fun at parties. Especially the kind that takes place inside your home. For this reason, you’ll want to know how to get rid of ants, so these houseguests don’t take control of your pad!

When considering how to get rid of ants, you have both natural and not-so-natural options.  The top five most common types of ants in countries like Australia are:

  1. Carpenter ants
  2. Fire ants
  3. Bull ants
  4. Sugar ants 
  5. Black Ants

Defence over offence

Firstly, it’s far easier to avoid and ant problem the deal with one. If you do not want to attract ants don’t leave a buffet of food out for them. Much like your return trips to your favourite restaurant, ants will keep on coming if you are supplying the yums.

Keep your home clean and free of crumbs or food scraps to cut down the number of ants inside and avoid the issue entirely if possible. Also be aware of spots that may get missed during your clean, such as under the fridge or the oven.

How to get rid of ants naturally

A natural way to get rid of ants in one go is to find the nest and make a hole in its centre with a spade. Pour boiling water into the hole, until no more ants surface from the nest. Brutal, we know, but effective.

It is important to note that doing this, understandably, will anger the ants, so gardening gloves and closed-toed shoes are recommended.

Locating the source in the first instance can be hard, so create an ant trap with a mix of peanut butter, sugar, Borax and water. A teaspoon of each should do the trick, simply place the mixture near the ants, and they will ingest the bait, taking it back to the nest which will kill off the entire colony. 

If you want to just target the areas of your home that seem to keep collecting ants, you can use a range of essential oils to repel and kill them. The best five options for this are: 

  1. Patchouli
  2. Peppermint
  3. Orange
  4. Cedarwood
  5. Vetiver

Simply dilute a couple of drops of the oil in water and vodka then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray on the affected areas and allow them to dry. For an effective treatment, repeat every few months to ensure the ants do not return.

How to get rid of ants in a nicer way

If all of the above sounds incredibly cruel (it is), you may want to try a method that takes a little bit more time but is far nicer to our tiny ant friends.

You can remove ants from your home by hiding their tracks by using apple cider vinegar to wipe down any area where you have seen the ants go. This will deter the ants from coming back!

To really drill it home, you can set out food that will repel the ants such as bay leaf, pepper and cinnamon (or any other strong-smelling herb). 

While doing these things won’t get rid of the ants immediately, they will eventually find a new food source and move on and you will have avoided the use of any harsh chemicals around the home. 

black ants on bread
Source: Shutterstock

How to get rid of ants with chemicals

The most effective way to get rid of ants comes with some warnings, especially if you have pets or small children around the house. Ant killer insecticide granules will kill ants and create a strong barrier to keep them out, but must not be ingested by humans or other animals.

Another pesticide for use inside the home is Ant-Rid, which works in a similar way to the natural mixture mentioned above, but much faster. There is also a range of ant smells surface sprays that will combat ant issues as well as cockroaches, spiders, and other insects.

How to get rid of ants outside

If you are finding that the ant problem is bigger outside of your home, you may want to apply an anthill treatment, especially if you have multiple ant hills in your yard.

It is important that you are cautious when applying this treatment as it is very chemical-heavy. You can find anthill treatments in solid or liquid forms, and it is vital that you read the accompanying instructions to use the treatment correctly. Choose a day with good weather, so the ants are out and about. If using a solid treatment, you will need to activate it with water.

Another option is to apply insecticide to your entire yard. This is a time-consuming method; however very effective in completely eliminating your problem. If you opt for this process, be sure to mow your yard first as it makes it easier for the insecticide to get into the soil. Cut the grass and apply the insecticide via a spray option. You’ll need to reapply the insecticide at least once a month to ensure full protection.

green ant on dewy green leaf
Source: Shutterstock

How to get rid of green ants

The green ant can be extremely dangerous as they have a poisonous sting, which can cause a strong allergic reaction and anaphylactic shock. If you are unlucky enough to find yourself with a green ant infestation, you’ll want to sort the problem out sooner rather than later.

Similar to the above process, you should begin by targeting the nests if you are able to find them. Use a granular ant bait that the ants will share with the rest of their colony. This type of bait is a poison, and the ants will do the job of taking it to the spots you can’t reach.

You’ll know this has taken effect if the activity of the nest lowers. This is a sign that the ants have consumed the bait and died. From here, use a soil spray that is specific to the green ant to ensure they do not come back. Apply the spray to the nest areas or anywhere else where you may have seen groups of ants.

An important thing to keep in mind here is that if your home or garden has been invaded, your neighbours probably have been as well. If you are the only one dealing with the problem, your unwelcome visitors will likely return. Ant families transfer quickly from other properties, so let your neighbours know about the issue.

For a full and thorough treatment, opt for granular insecticides or a non-repellent spray with repeated applications to ensure a long-lasting solution and a safe home.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I have ants in my house?

Ants are often always in search of food or a place two nest. It’s basically their two favourite hobbies. This means that even small amounts of food can attract hordes of ants.

The good news is, ants are nature’s cleaning crew so you can cross vacuuming off your to-do list, however, the creepy feeling of loads of ants in your home may not be worth it. Ants more commonly appear indoors in summer when they are more active and are usually in search of water.

In winter, heavy rains can flood the ant’s nest outside, forcing them to relocate somewhere dryer, like your house.

How do I get rid of ants overnight?

The most effective all-natural solution to get rid of ants fast is Borax, which is commonly found in a lot of ant-control products anyway. 

The easiest solution to make at home requires the following:

  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 2 tablespoons of Borax
  • 1/2 cup of sugar

Mix the above ingredients together let some cotton balls soak it up. Leave this near the ant trails overnight, and your creepy crawly problems should be solved.

How long does it take to get rid of ants?

Lengths of time can vary based on how in-depth your ant problem is and which removal method you choose. For a fast and aggressive method, you can use a range of chemical ant-rid products. These should not be used if you have small children or pets around the home, however.

There are more natural solutions like a mixture of Borax and sugar, which are very effective and will often solve your ant problem overnight.

You’re all set for no more surprises inside

Follow the steps above, and that shock of a row or group of ants indoors should be no more! If you need a bit of help, or if your pest issues are bigger than just some ants, find a Tasker who specialises in pest control easily

You can also extend your cleanup skills by learning about how to manage pests in the garden, or to get rid of cockroaches (arguably a little more fright-worthy than ants). You can also help with prevention by learning how to keep your oven clean, as it’s one of the main spots where food can build-up to attract bugs. Read all of these, and you’ll likely have the most immaculate house on your street!

Meet Sydney’s Best Cleaners

It’s almost a universal truth that no one wants to spend their free time cleaning the house.

Meet Sydney’s Best Cleaners

It’s almost a universal truth that no one wants to spend their precious free time cleaning the house. Even though Marie Kondo got us all in a state of decluttering frenzy and folding our clothes in thirds was fun for about 5 minutes, she didn’t have any drastic solutions for jobs like scrubbing grimy showers, vacuuming the carpet, dusting difficult to reach surfaces or window cleaning. If we’re being completely honest, it’s probably best we leave all of that to the professionals because they’re just better at it! With a plethora of cleaning of options out there, we’ve shortlisted the 10 best cleaners in Sydney for you.

Here are our Top 10 Best Cleaners in Sydney

1. Carina M. Sydney

Carina is a super-star cleaner and won first place as Airtasker of the year in the home services category.

Carina has 15 years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning and delivers exceptional service to a high standard. On top of general home cleaning and spring cleans, Carina and her team specialise in:

  • Post construction cleaning
  • Builders cleaning
  • Renovation cleaning
  • Pre-sale / post-sale cleaning
  • End of lease cleaning
  • Professional upholstery and carpet steam cleaning
  • Deceased estate cleaning

For end of lease cleans, Carina and her team offer a bond back guarantee. The team is well known for their professionalism and quality of work as well as their attention to detail in all aspects of cleaning.

Carina has 5 stars from 255 reviews on Airtasker and this is what one satisfied person on Airtasker had to say about her:

“Just excellent! Carina was open and honest about her booking process through Airtasker, encouraging me to provide thorough details of the job, so she could provide a complete quote. This professional approach and her great reviews made me feel confident booking her for the task. She was warm and friendly throughout her work, and has left my house sparkling! Thanks so much Carina!!” – MG

2. Catalina R. Mosman

Catalina and her team have extensive experience in home cleaning and pride themselves on their superior service, excellent attitude and attention to detail.

Catalina attends to end of lease cleaning, post renovation cleaning, commercial cleaning and general cleaning. They even guarantee to return to your premises without cost if you’re unsatisfied with any part of their cleaning.

Catalina is extremely easy to communicate with and very hardworking. Catalina and her team’s attention detail is second to none. Catalina has 4.8 stars on Airtasker and this is one of her reviews:

Catalina’s team did a fantastic job! Very professional and left my place sparkling and ready for the real estate agent to do their final inspection. Very happy with the service they provided! Highly recommended.” – Chrissy Y

3. Tara S. Newtown

Tara is a super cleaner based in the inner west. Tara’s philosophy in life is all around minimalism and zero waste and she aligns these values to all her cleaning jobs. She specialises in general cleaning or deep cleans. She also provides cleaning services for commercial kitchens and restaurants, offices,

Tara only uses non-toxic, eco-friendly and cruelty free / vegan products suitable for asthmatics, children and anyone who wants to avoid using harmful chemicals around the house. In addition to cleaning, Tara can also provide zero waste consultation for your home or business. She can do a trash audit and action plans to reduce your waste and will try to close the loop by repairing, repurposing, rehoming and disposing of items thoughtfully to keep both costs and waste low.

On top of cleaning, Tara is also an organising specialist and is very experienced with the Konmari method of decluttering. Tara has organised both homes and businesses and has transformed these places into efficient, beautiful spaces. Tara uses systems and methods that are easy to maintain and she uses whatever you have on hand to organise your things. Here is one of the many top reviews of Tara’s work:

“Tara had great communication as soon as the task had been assigned to her and made me feel comfortable straight away. She was very friendly and non judgmental of the task that had to be done. As soon as Tara arrived she got straight into the job that needed to be achieved.We will definitely be assigning Tara to more tasks within our house that come up. Thanks again and see you soon. :)” – Janice C

4. Bruce R. Sydney

Bruce is a qualified and trained professional carpet cleaner and also offers upholstery, leather and fabric lounge cleaning. As one of a handful of qualified carpet cleaners, Bruce is certified by Von Schrader USA and is a member of the National Academy of Von Schrader Associates (N.A.V.S.A).

Bruce is extremely dedicated to his work and believes that the best way to clean carpet is by using the LMX (Low Moisture Soil Extraction) method. This is where a cylindrical brush is used with dry foam (instead of water) and cleans deep down to the base of the carpet. When the soil becomes emulsified in foam, sand and grit are brought to the surface and a powerful suction then lifts out the dirt in seconds. As dry foam is used instead of water, the carpet is not wet, and therefore no risk of shrinkage or rot.

Here’s what some Airtaskers have said about Bruce’s carpet cleaning service:

“An absolutely awesome, A+++ Airtasker! ? Efficient & exceptionally effective cleaning of my chaise sofa & ottoman to almost look like new – and it’s over 10 years old so that’s saying something about his skills, and the top-notch product he uses (foam not steam). I’m even able to sell it instead of throwing it out now! Communication A++, arrived on time & was courteous & pleasant throughout. Also gave detailed advice on how to care for it afterward, to extend the life of the clean. Highly recommended Airtasker.” – Sharlene H

5. Diana M. Bondi

Dee has over 10 years of experience in professional cleaning and specialises in general cleaning, Airbnb change-over cleaning and domestic cleaning around the Eastern suburbs of Sydney.

Dee does not have a team and prefers to work alone so that she is fully accountable for her work. Dee tries to be a minimalist when it comes to cleaning and tries to use sprays as little as possible to avoid the toxic fumes. She prefers using dishwashing liquid and vinegar to clean both to look after the environment as well as saving costs for the Poster.

Dee believes her best attributes are her attention to detail, her honesty and the relationships she has built with the people she has cleaned for. Dee also has a Diploma in Business management and a Diploma in Business Administration. Here’s one of Dee’s reviews:

“Dee was fantastic. The house was spotless, she is so thorough (and so friendly!) and we don’t have any doubt we will be contacting Dee again soon. Highly Recommend Dee’s cleaning!” – Owen L

6. Kijo J. Ryde

Kijo performs all types of domestic cleaning from window cleaning to professional carpet cleaning. He also does upholstery cleaning for chairs, sofas and lounges as well as mattress cleaning. Kijo also has extensive experience in end of lease cleaning, general cleaning and Airbnb cleaning in between guests.

Kijo’s work ethic, his efficient ways of cleaning and how the cleanliness of people’s carpets are what people love about his work. He prides himself as one of the best cleaners in Sydney and has 4.9 stars from 1,030 reviews. This is one of his reviews:

“Kijo turned up on time, had all of the equipment and completed the task (steam clean carpet in 2 bedrooms). We would recommend him to others who need some cleaning done and need someone reliable” – Ronan H

7. Anthony K. Surry Hills

Anthony and his team offer general home cleaning and and end of lease cleans as well as home and wardrobe organisation. As well as this, Anthony also provides gardening services including weed removal and general garden maintenance.

In addition to cleaning, Anthony also has 20 years of professional ironing experience where he provides both at home and pick-up service.

Anthony and his team have a high level of professionalism, reliability  and prompt communication throughout the entire process. Anthony has 4.9 stars from 104 reviews with 100% completion rate and here’s what one person had to say about Anthony:

“Anthony did a fantastic job. The place was left spotless and his attention to detail in cleaning little things like marks on the wall and light switches was impressive. Would highly recommend him if you’re after a cleaner.” Justin L

8. Pei Ean Y. Newtown

Pei is not only an experienced cleaner but also has a degree in hospitality and tourism management. She understands the level of service required to ensure people are 100% satisfied with her cleaning work.

Pei either works alone or with her husband and impresses people with her amazing bathroom cleans, her punctuality and her attention to detail. People generally found that Pei exceeded their expectations when it came to home cleaning.

Pei is fluent in three languages – English, Chinese and Japanese, is based in Newtown but also services the entire Sydney region with her cleaning services. Pei has 5 stars on Airtasker and this is one of her reviews.

“My bathroom was left absolutely spotless. Pei did such a great job and was quick and efficient! Thank you – will definitely be asking for you to come back.” – Henna K.

9. Carly B. Potts Point

Carly and her team have over 12 years of professional cleaning experience and performs the following types of cleans:

  • private homes
  • commercial spaces
  • offices and warehouses
  • boarding houses
  • childcare centres

Carly also does professional end of lease cleaning and has previously worked for Belle Property Bondi Junction and City Living Agency in Walsh Bay with 100% satisfaction rate.

Carly and her team have a fantastic reputation and have professionally cleaned houses used for sets on a number of Australian TV shows including Packed to the Rafters, Wonderland and Finding Milat.

The team will come with all their own cleaning equipment and supplies and will service the whole Sydney region. Carly has a 4.8 stars on Airtasker and this was one of her reviews:

“Carly was an excellent choice or my challenging cleaning task. A recently vacated tenant left my otherwise meticulously clean apartment in a state of absolute filth. Luckily, Carly came to the rescue and within just a few short hours she had whipped it back into sparkling shape. Thanks, Carly. A+”

10. Huicheol L. Glebe

Huicheol has a small two-person team of cleaners and has over 10 years of experience in home cleaning.

The team performs all types of domestic cleaning but specialises in initial house cleans, end of lease cleans as well as  professional steam carpet cleaning.

Huicheol and his team are known for their attention to detail when cleaning, easy communication and their excellent carpet cleaning service. The team services the entire Sydney region. Huicheol has 4.7 stars on Airtasker and this is one his reviews:

“Wow! Did the most wonderful clean with attention to every detail. Please feel safe to use their services. I highly recommend.” – Natalie C

6 Awesome fridge tips and tricks

Is cleaning and organising the fridge your least favourite chore? We have scoured the internet for the best tips and "6 Awesome fridge tips and tricks"

6 Awesome fridge tips and tricks

Is cleaning and organising the fridge your least favourite chore? We have scoured the internet for the best tips and tricks to help you stay on top of your fridge situation; here are six of our favourites.

1.   Clean your fridge religiously

Exactly what you didn’t want to hear, right? To keep your refrigerator in tip-top condition, you need to keep it clean so it can function properly. And the more often you do it, the less effort is involved. If you only clean it out once or twice a year, you might find it has to work harder to keep things cool. Having a shelf full of expired products that you’ll never be able to use is a waste of space and energy. Do a basic clean just once a month, and you’ll find your fridge functions better, and looks much more inviting!

Tip: Using a food-safe solution to wipe your fridge out regularly is a good idea. Try a commercial product like Vanilla Fresh (or mix up your own DIY solution); it’ll tidy up surfaces and deodorise things nicely.

DIY vanilla fridge wipe
Source: CHUBBY HUBBY

2.   Sort your fridge with baskets

Using small baskets to sort different products on shelves and in doors (and even in the freezer) is an awesome way to get some organisation going in your refrigerator.  Not only will using baskets help you sort the contents of your fridge, but the base of the basket also acts as a protectant layer to capture any spills or food mess; instead of having to clean a whole shelf when the milk leaks, you can just clean the basket. You could even have a basket for nutritious snacks to help keep you on track with a healthy eating plan.

fridge basket
Source: HAPPY go lucky

3.   Label everything

Using labels on baskets, shelves, doors, and drawers is an excellent way to achieve fridge utopia! Labelling by product category, meal type or by ‘use by’ date are popular fridge organisation ideas. You can do this in your refrigerator, freezer and pantry!

fridge labels
Source: Better Homes and Gardens

4.   Put things in the right spot

You can actually optimise the shelf life of your refrigerator contents by storing products in the best spot possible. Squawkfox has a fantastic guide on what to store where in your refrigerator. For example, don’t store milk in the fridge door because the temperature fluctuates too much. Instead, store it on a middle shelf.

fridge organisation
Source: Squawkfox

5.   Keep a list of the contents on the door

What smarter way to shop than having a full view of what you do and don’t have? Make use of the space on your outer fridge door by keeping an inventory of what you’ve got and what you need. Some popular ideas include using magnetic shopping lists, whiteboard markers, or even painting the door with blackboard paint.

fridge door lists
Source: The Kurtz Corner

6.  Use a Lazy Susan

What a brilliant idea; a spinning mini shelf in your refrigerator! By using a Lazy Susan to organise your condiments and canned and jarred items, you can easily see and reach what you’ve got available to top your gourmet sandwich with.

Airtasker has a great network of experienced domestic cleaners with some awesome fridge tips and tricks up their sleeve! Let them do your fridge cleaning and organisation for you.

How to prepare your home for selling and moving

If you’re putting your home on the market, there are a number of things other than paperwork that you’ll need "How to prepare your home for selling and moving"

If you’re putting your home on the market, there are a number of things other than paperwork that you’ll need to do in preparation for selling and moving.

selling and moving home staging
Source: The Everygirl

Focus areas

The front door

Great first impressions matter. Make sure the entrance to your home is clean, tidy and looks nice. Gurnie the driveway, weed the front garden, and give the front door has a fresh lick of paint.

selling and moving front door
Source: Pinterest

Key rooms

The homemaker will want to focus on the kitchen, bathroom, toilet and laundry, so make sure repairs and cleaning for these rooms are on point. The other rooms of the house can usually be sorted out with a coat paint.

Repairs

Generally, you don’t need to fully renovate your home prior to selling and moving, but it should be in good, working condition. Little issues like mouldy shower grouting can put off people off. Small expenses and a little effort will go a long way in making your property more attractive to prospective buyers.

Do you need to?…

  • Re-grout bathrooms
  • Fix the fence
  • Fix leaking taps
  • Replace fixtures, e.g. chipped door knobs, rusty towel rails
  • Replace blown light bulbs

selling and moving repairs
Source: Getty via Popular Mechanics

Any investment you make in more expensive improvements prior to selling and moving, should be driven by where you’ll get the best return.

If you’re thinking of renovating prior to putting your home on the market, check out some Top renovations mistakes to avoid.

Rules and regulations

When selling and moving, there will be a number of rules and regulations that you’ll need to comply with, e.g. a pool safety certificate needs to obtained by the seller or purchaser in Queensland (Department of Housing and Public Works, 2015). It’ll make your property more attractive to a prospective buyer to have these things taken care of prior to sale.

Walls and painting

Check walls for marks, scratches and stains that might require plastering and a fresh coat of paint. Paint walls and ceilings in neutral colours; your property will appeal to a larger market (not everyone loves a bedroom in each colour of the rainbow).

selling and moving neutral paint
Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Declutter and depersonalise

The sale of your property is a great excuse to clean out your belongings!  Declutter to maximise space for the open house and inspections. Depersonalise so buyers can imagine their own belongings in the space.

selling and moving decluttering and depersonalising
Source: Homey Oh My!

Cleaning

It’s important to give the impression that your property has been kept in good condition all the time (not just for the sale), so attention to detail is a must!  For the best results, you should do an ‘end of lease’ style clean.

Inside

Here’s a list to start you off:

  • All surfaces, benchtops and cupboards
  • Walls, skirting boards, power points
  • Windows, window sills, doors, screen doors, fly screens
  • Floors, carpets, tiles, timber
  • All built in appliances, e.g. dishwasher, oven, stove, range hood, etc.
  • Sinks, basins, taps (descaling)
  • Baths, showers, shower screens
  • Mirrors and wardrobes
  • Fans, air conditioners
  • etc.!

If the thought of scrubbing the oven makes you die a little bit inside, get some help from Airtasker’s reliable and flexible residential home cleaners.

selling and moving cleaning
Source: Pinterest

Outdoors

Outdoor areas should not be forgotten.  Make sure the:

  • Gardens and garage are tidy
  • Lawn is mowed
  • Garden beds are weeded
  • Gutters are cleaned
  • Pools are cleaned
  • Patios and driveways are clean
  • Cobwebs are removed

For open houses and inspections, you should also remove all rubbish, empty and wash bins, and make sure pet poo and pet bedding is removed.

selling and moving garden maintenance
Source: funky junk interiors

Odours

Sometimes if you’re living in it, you don’t notice it… Invite an honest friend with a keen nose over and get them to check for smells.  Odours in the home are usually from pets, mould and mildew. Find the source and address the problem, rather than trying to ‘mask’ it.

Staging your home for display

Put your best foot forward when presenting your home to prospective buyers.

selling and moving staging
Source: Home Adore

Furniture and décor

If your furniture is a worn, mismatched, or a little ‘dated’, consider hiring a home stylist to furnish your home during the sale period. It might be necessary to put your furniture in to storage temporarily.

If you need some assistance with heavy lifting and getting things in to storage, consider hiring a local furniture removalist to help you out.

Greenery

Create a calm and inviting atmosphere by adding some healthy, green plants to your home’s indoor and outdoor areas.  Little potted herbs perched on the window sill can freshen up the aesthetic of the kitchen.  Hire larger plants if you don’t want to purchase them.

selling and moving staging greenery
Source: BLOGLOVIN’

Good smells

Make your home smell inviting by roasting some coffee beans or baking fresh bread on the day of the open house.

Selling and moving

You’re on the home stretch when you’ve sold your property and the time comes to sort out furniture removal and storage. If you’re lucky, you’ve got access to a ute or small truck and the manpower to do the moving yourself. If not, seeking a professional furniture removalist will be on your list.

selling and moving furniture removals
Source: Moving Company Brisbane

If you’re in the market for a trusted, reliable removalist, check out the removalists for hire via Airtasker. They’re located across Australia and covered by insurance.

Let us know if you have any other great tips, and best of luck with selling and moving your home!

Revealed: 8 Interior Turnoffs That Scare Off Your Date

According to new stats from relationship site eHarmony.com.au, a messy or tackily decorated home is a deal breaker for many "Revealed: 8 Interior Turnoffs That Scare Off Your Date"

Revealed: 8 Interior Turnoffs That Scare Off Your Date

According to new stats from relationship site eHarmony.com.au, a messy or tackily decorated home is a deal breaker for many singles.

“If you invite a love interest into your outdated and dirty home, they will undoubtedly question your taste and hygiene – or more specifically, lack thereof,” explains homewares retailer TheHome.com.au’s interior stylist Emma Blomfield.

“Your home says a lot about you, so you should make sure it’s sending your love interest all the right messages,” she adds.

Next time you invite a date over, make sure you’re not committing any of these decorating sins!

Dirty habits

A dirty home will make your question your hygiene and your lack of effort, so do the right thing and clean if you’re expecting guests. Pay extra attention to the kitchen and bathroom – that means empty loo rolls go in the bin.

Too lazy? Get an affordable home cleaning service from Airtasker and get the dirty work done for you!

Empty booze bottles

There’s nothing attractive about empty booze bottles scattered around the home, and it might even make your love interest question if you’ve got a drinking problem. If you insist on displaying your booze collection, a cabinet dedicated to this is perfect, or place a tray under a small grouping of the bottles.

Old photos

Photos of exes are the quickest way to kill the vibe in the bedroom. Get rid of them, there’s no point hanging onto these photos because as long as they will be present in your everyday life, you will struggle to move on. If you’re still pining over your ex, pop the photos in a drawer well away!

Bedlam bed

An unmade bed with dirty sheets is uninviting and a no-no if you’re hoping to take your relationship to the next level. Freshly washed sheets with all pillows and sheets accounted for are much more inviting.

MessyRoom
Source: classicrock961.com

Makeshift furniture

If you are using a makeshift table in place of purchasing real furniture, it’s time to go shopping. Splashing out on a new dining table doesn’t need to cost the earth but propping up shipping crates to create a dining effect is frowned upon by romantic interests.

Extreme hobbies

It’s fine to have your hobbies, just make sure you don’t go overboard displaying your trophies, fishing gear and framed jerseys on every surface of your home – you’re no longer a proud ten-year-old soccer player, so hinting at your hobbies with tasteful elements is much more sophisticated.

Stuffed toys or dolls

It’s time to grow up and accept that no one finds adults displaying their love of soft toys endearing.

Overflowing dirty laundry

There’s no need to air your dirty laundry on a date – both figuratively and literally speaking. Ain’t nobody got time for dirty slobs. You know where the laundry is, get cleaning!

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Cleaning the house from the ceiling to floor can seem like an overwhelming task however if you’re organised and prepared "Spring Cleaning Checklist"

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Cleaning the house from the ceiling to floor can seem like an overwhelming task however if you’re organised and prepared with all your equipment and products the home cleaning will be over before you know it.

To help you get started, we’ve created this simple spring cleaning checklist.

1. Hallway/General area cleaning checklist
– Dust lighting fixtures
– Wash walls and windows
– Clean door knobs, light switches etc
– Clean floors
– Clean windows and window sills
– Dust ceiling fans

airtasker dusting house cleaning

2. Bedroom cleaning checklist
– Dust furniture
– Dust ceiling fans
– Move bed, clean underneath
– Remove clothes from draws, wash draws
– Air out mattress

Make cleaning even easier with spring cleaning hacks.

Bathroom
– Empty and clean vanity units
– Clean drains, mirrors, bathtub, faucets, grout
– Wash shower curtains
– Clean air vents

spring cleaning hacks shower curtain

3. Kitchen cleaning checklist
– Clean pantry/ throw out old food
– Remove fridge shelving and clean
– Remove cookware and glasses, wash out cupboards
– Wash chopping boards
– Sharpen knives
– Wash outside of cupboards (including on top)
– Clean crumbs out of toaster
– Descale kettle
– Clean under fridge and coils at the back
– Clean dishwasher
– Wash down stove and inside oven

4. Living room cleaning checklist
– Vacum sofas
– Wash sofa cases
– Dust/ clean bookshelves, cd/ dvd racks
– Dust electrical products e.g. gaming consoles, amps etc (warning: make sure they are unplugged and be careful)
– Wash kids toys

5. Laundry cleaning checklist
– Clean washing machine. dryer lint build up traps
– Wash sink, faucets etc

6. Garden cleaning checklist
– Sweep front porch and verandah
– Wash doors
– Remove spider webs
– Prune plants

Hedge trimming

Moving house? Use this End of Lease Cleaning Guide.

Non-Toxic Home Cleaning: How To

Home cleaning is something that must be done and the benefits of a clean home can’t be argued with. However "Non-Toxic Home Cleaning: How To"

Non-Toxic Home Cleaning: How To

Home cleaning is something that must be done and the benefits of a clean home can’t be argued with. However chemicals such as bleach are often debated in terms of the effects on the health and safety of yourself and your family.

One of the main benefits is that non-toxic cleaners are safe around children in terms of storage and also it’s safe for kids to be around while you’re cleaning. Your kids could even pick up a sponge and help you out.

non-toxic-cleaning-airtasker-2

The air quality will be much higher as it will be clean and free of harsh fumes that you would otherwise breathe in. This will benefit your long-term health.

A couple of other benefits are the low cost because many of the alternatives are items you would use in the kitchen, and also non-toxic cleaners are a lot better for the environment.

non-toxic-cleaning-airtasker-1

So how do you make the switch?

Whether you start gradually shifting or all in one go, here are a couple of essential ingredients and recipes that you should consider.

1. Must-have ingredients

  • Baking soda – cleans, deodorises, scours
  • Citrus – effective against bacteria
  • White vinegar – removes grease, stains and mildew
  • Borax – laundry booster, deodorises, stronger than baking soda
  • Tea tree oil – disinfect with a nice scent
  • Salt – gentle abrasive
  • Coconut oil – polish and shine

non-toxic-cleaning-airtasker-coconutoil

2. Non-toxic cleaning product recipes

All-purpose cleaner

  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 2L water

Mix together, store and keep to clean the bathroom.

Carpet stains
Mix equal vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray onto stain. Leave for a few minutes and clean with a brush or sponge with warm water.

Disinfectant

  • 2 teaspoons borax
  • 4 tablespoons vinegar
  • 3 cups hot water

Mix together and place in bottle. To clean, use with a damp cloth on surface areas.

5 Foods To Clean Your Home

It’s hard to believe that cleaning products we’ve come to depend on for home cleaning such as Napisan and Spray "5 Foods To Clean Your Home"

5 Foods To Clean Your Home

It’s hard to believe that cleaning products we’ve come to depend on for home cleaning such as Napisan and Spray n’ Wipe didn’t always exist. These modern products are made up of complex chemical combinations however did you know that some foods can produce similar chemicals reactions.

It mainly has to do with acidity levels but also texture found in foods such as salt, and reactions between products for example baking soda and vinegar.

Lemon, baking soda and vinegar are excellent for cleaning however we’ve discovered that onions, herbs, tea, grapefruit and salt can also be used to leave the house looking spick ‘n span.

Below is a list of Foods to Help you Clean your Home:

1. Onion

onion home cleaning airtasker

At a bbq there is always one poor person left to chop up the onions however it can also be used around the home. Here are a few ways:

– Polish metal: On taps and other metal fixtures use a mixture of chopped up raw onion and equal parts water with a damp cloth and rub. Rinse off afterwards.
– Rust: jab the knife into a whole onion and leave for a few moments
– Paint smells: Slice onions and place in a bowl with some water to absorb the smells. Ideally leave overnight if possible.
– Clean bbq: Scrub the onion with a brush to remove the worst of it. Then using a chopped in half onion turn bbq off and run the onion over the grill

2. Herbs

Herbs not only great to add a punch of flavor to your cooking but they can also be added to your home cleaning regime. More than just creating lovely essential oils with rosemary, thyme and mint; herbs such as lemongrass and peppermint have great uses.

herbs home cleaning airtasker

Lemongrass can be used to clean glass with it placed in a spritz bottle with vinegar. Simply spray on mirrors or glass and wipe clean. You can also leave the lemongrass mixture in the bottom of vases to clean.

Peppermint is a great natural pest control. Using it around the home will ward you of any ants and mosquitos.

3. Tea

Tea with its tannic acid is great at cleaning wood, aluminium and musty smells.

tea

Floor cleaner
The harsh chemicals found in many floor cleaners can damage your hardwood floor however black tea is a perfect substitute. Providing it’s natural ability to protect and shine, it will extend the life of your flooring.

To mop the floor using a cloth/pad mop you will need to do the following:
1. Make a pot of tea and place in bucket
2. Put in mop and ring out extra liquid (wear gloves if using your hands to protect yourself)

Deodorise outdoor furniture
With wooden or wicker furniture the tea will replace the tannins that are taken out by the harsh sun, this means it will bring it’s lovely brown wooden look back to its full potential.

To clean make a strong pot of tea and pour into bucket half filled with hot water, dip in a broom into the mixture and lightly brush over the furniture. There’s no need to rinse.

4. Grapefruit

grapefruit home cleaning airtasker

An alternative to the fruity smell of an orange, a grapefruit is a perfect substitute and perhaps its best use is as a bath scrub when combined with salt. All you need to do is cut the grapefruit in half and sprinkle with loads of salt and get that elbow grease working.

5. Salt

salt-pile

With it’s grainy texture and ability to be heated to a higher temperature it can be used in a variety of ways but here are a few useful ones we found.

Freshen up sponges: After use, soak sponges in a salt and water solution making them clean and rid of odours.

Carpet stains: Using a paste of ¼ cup of salt and 2 tablespoons vinegar, rub into carpet, leave to dry and then vacuum.

Have you got any other tips? Let us know in the comments below