Household and Furniture Tips and Tricks to Revive Your Home

So you just went to a flea market – you rummaged through antiques, sorted through baskets of accent pieces, and scoured piles of dilapidated furniture. You love the new antique table you discovered, but you’re not quite sure how to restore it to look as it did in its glory days.

We’ve all been in your spot. And now we are here to help. We’ve compiled all the tips and tricks you need to revive your furniture as well as some ways to refresh your home, too.

The Bedroom


How Often Should You Flip Your Mattress?

Many modern mattresses don’t require flipping because they are one-sided. For the two-sided mattresses, though, a flip every couple of months will greatly improve your sleep quality.

When should you replace your mattress?

According to the mattress industry, every 10 years.  But don’t worry, you don’t have to stick to that number!

Consider replacing your precious bed anywhere from 8 -15 years after it’s purchase date. This might be when you feel that your mattress has been overcome by dustmites and has lost its shape, or, when you feel like you’re not getting the same quality of sleep as you once did.

Another cost saving option is to spring for a new mattress topper! With inches of foam and fluff, you’ll forget about any pains you once endured.

How do you clean a mattress/pillows?

For mattresses:  Mix equal parts baking soda with lavender oil. Spread the mixture over the mattress, wait for an hour, then vaccuum surface. Voila! Plus, the oil will make it smell nice.
For pillows: Mix equal parts laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, bleach, borax, and very hot water and throw it in the wash with your pillows. Say bye bye to yellow stains!

Living Room

How do you clean carpet stains?

First, scoop up the liquid, and sprinkle baking soda on the stained area for 10 minutes. Vacuum the area, and put a mixture of 1 tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 2 cups of warm water on the spot. Use this mixture to blot the stain with a cloth – repeat until all liquid is absorbed. Use a sponge and cold water to clean the area, then blot dry.

How do you remove furniture indents?

Put ice cubs on indented areas in the carpet/rug – the fibers will spring back to life!

How to remove scratches on leather?

Put olive oil on a soft cloth and rub scratched areas. Continue to rub in circles until the scratches become less visible. Use a paper towel to collect any residue from the oil.

What is the easiest way to move heavy furniture, like a couch?

Try Forearm Forklift Moving Straps! They reduce back strain associated with moving, and are good for moving items up to 700 lbs (per each person using straps).

What’s the best way to prevent rugs from slipping on a wood floor?

Go to your local flooring store and get some yardage of mesh lining  – one side should be mesh (allowing it to latch onto your rug) and the other should be a rubbery non-slip material. The latter should be face down on the floor. Make sure to ask a professional about the liner you choose because some may harm the condition of your hardwood!

Bathroom

How should I clean my tub?

Make a mix of equal parts water, vinegar and lemon juice. Scrub a dub dub your tub with a rag and voila! Scum should be gone, just like that. For cleaning other surfaces, try this Tuff-Stuff cleaner that can be used on just about any surface.