Barbara Costello, the internet sensation known for her viral housekeeping tip videos on Brunch with Babs, has become a household name. Her expertise in deep cleaning washing machines and measuring sticky ingredients has garnered widespread attention. We recently had the opportunity to speak with her during the launch of her new book, Every Day with Babs, where she shared some valuable housekeeping wisdom. Here are a few key cleaning tips straight from Barbara herself.
1. Start Spring Cleaning with Closets
Barbara emphasizes the importance of spring cleaning as a fresh start. She suggests breaking down the task into manageable segments, starting with closets. Her closet-cleaning steps include removing all items, dusting, vacuuming, wiping surfaces, rotating seasonal clothes, and donating unwanted items. Reflect on unworn winter pieces and freshen up your closet for the upcoming season.
2. Remember to Clean Filters
Barbara stresses the significance of cleaning filters in household appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, vacuums, and furnaces. Regular filter maintenance can save money and prevent issues. Check appliance manuals for filter locations and upkeep instructions.
3. DIY Cleaning Products
Barbara advocates for making your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and distilled water. She believes that most commercial cleaning products are overrated and that homemade cleaners are effective and budget-friendly. Baking soda is her go-to for tough stains, but she recommends using specialized products for challenging tasks like oven cleaning.
4. Keep Your Toilet Brush Visible
To make bathroom cleaning more convenient, Barbara suggests keeping a toilet brush visibly near the toilet. This approach helps maintain cleanliness between thorough cleanings. Investing in a stylish brush set that complements your decor can elevate the look of your bathroom while serving a practical purpose.
5. Implement Family Meetings
Barbara views housekeeping as a team effort and recommends regular family meetings to discuss household chores and expectations. By involving all family members in cleaning tasks and establishing clear responsibilities, maintaining a tidy home becomes a collective effort.
Barbara’s practical tips and insightful advice can transform your cleaning routine and make household chores more manageable. Whether you’re tackling spring cleaning or daily maintenance, incorporating her expert suggestions can lead to a more organized and efficient living space.
“Assign chores to ensure everyone feels like they are part of the team,” she advises. “Create a chore chart displayed on the refrigerator and allocate tasks to each member, rotating them weekly if desired. Encouraging everyone to participate fosters a collective ‘all hands on deck’ mindset.”
To involve children in laundry duties, consider utilizing the Babs Laundry Loop method. Here’s how it works:
1. Provide a basket for each child to deposit dirty laundry.
2. Children take their soiled clothes to the laundry room.
3. Parents wash and fold the clothes, then return them to the respective baskets.
4. Children retrieve their baskets and put away the clean clothes in their rooms.
If kids neglect to put away their clean laundry, the process cannot continue. Consistency is key.
For adults in the household, designate specific areas of responsibility. “I delegate all tasks in the garage to Mr. Babs,” Costello remarks. “He manages the detailed work there. After all, marriage is a partnership.”
For more insights, refer to the original article on The Spruce.
