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As a recent graduate who's now working, my biggest headache after coming home each day is tidying up the house. Seeing the mess in the house instantly drains my energy. Let me tell you, I'm somewhat of a neat freak, and seeing a messy and dirty home really makes me uncomfortable. However, after three years of trial and error and research, I've finally found a cleaning method that's both effortless and super effective, which I'll share with you today.

Tool Selection

When it comes to cleaning tools, I've really stepped into quite a few pitfalls. I remember when I first moved out, I was cleaning with a big water bucket, wandering around the house like an old man. Not only was it exhausting, but I often spilled water everywhere, leaving the floor soaking wet. Later, while browsing online shops, I discovered the spray bottle, which opened up a whole new world.

The spray bottle is truly amazing - one can last for two years, and crucially, it saves a lot of cleaning solution. Previously, using a bucket and cloth, cleaning solution would get everywhere, but now with the spray bottle, usage has decreased by more than half. I now keep three spray bottles at home, filled with different ratios of cleaning solution, disinfectant, and white vinegar solution. Cleaning now feels like playing a game - just "puff puff puff" with the spray bottle, and the job gets done easily.

Oh, about spray bottles, I should emphasize the dilution ratios. Generally, it's 1:5 for cleaning solution to water, 1:10 for disinfectant, and 1:3 for white vinegar. These ratios are what I've figured out through countless trials, ensuring both cleaning effectiveness without waste. Plus, these solutions won't damage furniture or floors.

Daily Supplies

There's a real science to maintaining supplies. At first, I would only remember to buy things after running out, resulting in rushed trips to the supermarket. Once, the toilet clogged in the middle of the night, and I discovered the drain cleaner was empty - that frustrating feeling remains fresh in my memory. Since then, I've set up a dedicated storage space in my storage room, in the most visible spot, specifically for cleaning supplies.

Let me detail my supply list. First, multi-purpose cleaner - must keep two bottles, one in use and one backup. One bottle each of disinfectant and white vinegar is enough since they're used less frequently. I usually store 500g of baking soda - it's a real treasure box, excellent for both deodorizing and cleaning.

For cloths, I keep 10, in different colors for different areas, so I won't use the bathroom cloth in the kitchen. For sponges, I now buy the activated charcoal type - though more expensive, they clean much better. Must stock two rolls of garbage bags - they're used quickly and often tear.

I start restocking these items when they're down to 1/3, never waiting until they're empty. I also keep a checklist on my phone and check inventory at the beginning of each month, so I never run into emergency shortages again.

Kitchen Battleground

The kitchen is truly the most challenging area - it's a disaster after every cooking session. However, I've now developed a complete cleaning process and no longer fear greasiness.

First, let me share my microwave cleaning secret. I used to wipe it with a damp cloth, exhausting my hand without guaranteed cleanliness. Later, I discovered a super simple method: place a large bowl in the microwave, add appropriate water, throw in two fresh lemon slices, and heat on high for three minutes. After heating, the microwave fills with steam. Wait for the steam to dissipate after opening the door, then wipe gently with a cloth - even the most stubborn grease comes off easily.

Plus, the lemon slices eliminate odors, leaving a fresh citrus scent. I now do this weekly and no longer worry about a dirty microwave. If fresh lemons aren't available, lemon-infused water works similarly.

The range hood is the most headache-inducing to clean, as it encounters oil smoke daily. I've suffered plenty here before, trying various methods - dish soap, baking soda, professional cleaners - none worked well. Finally, I found a reliable method: first spray professional grease cleaner thoroughly, especially on particularly greasy areas, spraying several times. Then wait 15 minutes for the cleaner to work fully. Use this time to do something else, like tidying the table.

After time's up, rinse with about 40-degree warm water. Temperature must be moderate - too cold doesn't clean well, too hot might damage the hood's coating. Finally, dry with a clean cloth - a hood cleaned this way stays clean for at least a month.

Stove cleaning also has its tricks. Clean right after cooking while the stove is still warm - grease hasn't solidified yet and is easier to clean. If there's no time, at least spray some cleaner on it, making later cleaning less difficult.

I have a special secret for kitchen floor cleaning: first vacuum up debris, then mop with warm water. After the first round, add appropriate cleaner to the water and mop again. Finally, go over with clean water. This method leaves floors clean without cleaner residue.

Cabinet organization is also important. I arrange items by frequency of use - frequently used items in easily accessible places, less used items higher up. I also regularly check cabinet contents, removing expired or unused items to prevent clutter.

The sink is an easily overlooked area, but without proper cleaning, it can breed bacteria. I've developed a habit of daily disinfectant spraying followed by clean water rinsing. On weekends, I do a thorough cleaning with baking soda, keeping it clean and preventing clogs.

[Due to length limitations, I'll send the complete content in parts. This is the first part, would you like to continue with the next part?]