Hinch Yourself Happy

Wouldn't it be wonderful to wake up every morning in a home that feels like a sanctuary rather than a source of stress?

1. Start with a Plan: The Power of To-Do Lists

Cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you approach it with a clear plan. Mrs. Hinch suggests conducting a visual tour of your home to identify which areas require the most attention. By doing this, you can be intentional about what you need to tackle, whether it’s a daily, weekly, or monthly task.

Keeping a to-do list can also transform cleaning into a manageable and motivating process. Breaking down chores into smaller tasks makes the work feel less daunting, and you get to experience the satisfaction of crossing things off as you go. This method also allows you to clean as your schedule permits, whether you have five minutes to spare or an entire afternoon.

Most importantly, a to-do list brings flexibility to your cleaning routine. Instead of feeling obligated to clean everything at once, you can focus on one task at a time and build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

Examples

• Spotting overlooked areas during a home inspection, like behind furniture.
• Using a daily to-do list for quick tasks like wiping the stove and sink.
• Gaining motivation by crossing off tasks and visually tracking progress.

2. A Spa for Your Bathroom: Cleaning in Sequence

When cleaning the bathroom, order matters. Mrs. Hinch recommends starting with the bathtub, as it takes up the most space and often has built-up grime. Spritz cleaning products onto surfaces and use antibacterial scrub pads for an effective clean.

After the tub is done, move to the toilet, which deserves a daily quick wipe-down and a thorough weekly scrub with bleach and disinfectants. By cleaning this often-used fixture regularly, you’ll ensure a fresh and inviting bathroom space.

Approaching bathroom chores step by step not only keeps the space shining but also makes the cleaning process much easier to keep up with.

Examples

• Clearing shelves of soap and toiletries for a complete bathtub scrub.
• Using bleach for weekly deep cleans to disinfect the toilet.
• Spritzing bathroom fixtures like showerheads for a sparkling finish.

3. Kitchen Reset: Loving Your Fridge Again

Your kitchen’s heart is the fridge, so giving it some TLC ensures cleanliness and freshness. Start by emptying it completely and discarding expired items. Remove shelves and drawers, soaking them in warm soapy water for an easy scrub.

Once the inside of the fridge is empty, scrub every nook and cranny with detergent to tackle spills and stains. After it dries, neatly return the food and enjoy your sparkling, organized space.

Mrs. Hinch also advises putting attention into under-sink cleaning supplies. With baskets and hooks, you can turn this often-overlooked area into a well-organized space that makes cleaning smoother.

Examples

• Sorting and removing old food from an overcrowded fridge.
• Soaking fridge drawers to easily remove sticky residue.
• Using hooks under the sink to organize cleaning cloths.

4. Drain Magic: Keeping Clogs at Bay

Many people forget about their drains until there's a problem, but keeping them clean is simple. Mrs. Hinch suggests a monthly routine using baking soda, white vinegar, and disinfectant. Pouring these down the drain reduces odors and clears grime before blockages develop.

The process is quick and satisfying—when vinegar and baking soda mix, they fizz, dissolving stubborn debris. Following up with boiling water ensures the pipes stay clear and fresh.

This method is not just preventative; it’s also fun. The simple act of fizzing drains becomes less of a chore and more of a little chemistry experiment.

Examples

• Seeing the foamy chemical reaction while cleaning a blocked drain.
• Regularly pouring warm water down the sink to prevent clogs.
• Adding fragrant disinfectant for a fresh-smelling boost.

5. Sweet Dreams: Clean Sleep Starts with Your Mattress

For better sleep, focus on your bed, starting with the mattress. Begin by vacuuming it to remove dust particles and dead skin cells. Then sprinkle baking soda across the surface to eliminate odors, letting it sit for a few hours before vacuuming again.

This mattress-refresh routine helps improve your sleeping environment, making your bed feel like new. Pair this with freshly laundered sheets, and you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed than ever.

Incorporate light tasks like dusting or folding blankets into your nightly wind-down to ensure your home smells and feels wonderful when you start a new day.

Examples

• Using baking soda to neutralize mattress odors like pet accidents.
• Vacuuming mattresses regularly to reduce allergens.
• Folding fluffy blankets on the sofa to make mornings feel organized.

6. Care for Your Couch: A Mainstay of Comfort

Your couch experiences daily wear and tear, from spills to pet hair. Mrs. Hinch advises starting its cleaning process by vacuuming every crevice, followed by a spot test with cleaning solutions to determine safety.

With gloves on, scrub with a mixture of warm water, detergent, and fabric softener to clean the surface thoroughly. Add cozy extras like throw pillows and blankets within easy reach to make the couch feel warm and welcoming.

Spending time to clean and arrange your couch can transform it into the perfect relaxation spot in your home.

Examples

• Vacuuming hard-to-reach crevices to remove crumbs.
• Testing cleaning products to ensure no fabric damage occurs.
• Using lint rollers to remove pet hair efficiently.

7. Rugs That Shine: Easy Cleaning for Carpets

A clean rug transforms a room. Mrs. Hinch’s formula—scrubbing rugs with detergent and water—brings this often-neglected item back to life. Scrubbing section by section ensures thorough cleaning without overwhelming effort.

After you're done, running a brush over the fibers of the rug helps fluff them back up. Letting the rug air dry leaves it looking as good as new.

Accompanying this activity with upbeat music makes rug-cleaning energetic and fun.

Examples

• Intensively scrubbing rug corners where dirt accumulates most.
• Using brushes to revive fibers flattened by foot traffic.
• Adding fragrance to the cleaning mixture for a fresh scent.

8. Finishing Touches: Lanterns and Lighting

Adding clean lanterns with candles brings a warm ambiance to any room. The author recommends scraping wax off old lanterns and using cleaners for the surface and interior. Dryer sheets make it easy to eliminate dust from tight spaces.

Once cleaned, lanterns brighten up tables or windows, adding beauty without much effort. A touch of organization or decoration like this can turn any area into a cozy space.

Examples

• Removing old candle wax using household tools like credit cards.
• Cleaning lantern glass with multi-surface cleaners.
• Combining decorations like clean lanterns with fresh flowers to refresh rooms.

9. The Magic of Stain Removal

Stains no longer have to ruin your day. From wine spills to pollen stains, Mrs. Hinch shares targeted advice—use salt for soaking up fresh spills or baking soda to eliminate odors and deep stains.

Using Febreze or baking soda neutralizes smells trapped in materials, so you’re not just masking them. Pairing these tricks with household staples turns every tough stain into an easy fix.

These methods allow you to give life back to clothing, rugs, and furniture that might otherwise seem ruined.

Examples

• Applying salt to fresh wine spills before adding stain remover.
• Neutralizing pet odors in furniture using baking soda powders.
• Restoring garments by pre-treating stubborn fabric stains.

Takeaways

1. Create and use a to-do list to stay organized with cleaning tasks, crossing items off as you achieve them for motivation.
2. Dedicate specific times to areas like drains, mattresses, and refrigerators to maintain cleanliness before problems arise.
3. Enjoy cleaning by turning chores into mindful, rhythmic activities with music or by sharing progress and photos for motivation.