The sofa—it's the heart of the living room, the place where we unwind after a long day, and the spot where we gather with loved ones for movie nights and catch-ups.

But it's also a magnet for dirt, grime, and the occasional food spill.

Cleaning it can be a daunting task, especially when you're expecting guests for the holidays.


But fear not, professional organiser Anita Birges has a quirky, cost-effective cleaning trick that will transform your dirty sofa into a spotless piece of furniture.

The secret to this unconventional cleaning strategy lies in your kitchen cupboard.


All you need is some detergent, bicarb soda, water, a microfibre cloth, a saucepan lid, and an elastic band.

According to Birges, you just need to mix the detergent and bicarb soda with water, then wrap the cloth around the saucepan lid and secure it with the elastic band.

Now you're ready to tackle that grubby sofa.


Simply rub the cloth-covered lid back and forth over the upholstery.

'Just always remember to rinse your cloth in between and keep going,' she said.

This cleaning method has been making waves on social media, but Birges' version is unique as it uses detergent and bicarb soda, making it a gentler solution than others that suggest using a dishwasher tablet.

Some dishwasher tablets contain harsh chemicals that may irritate the skin or damage the fabric of your sofa.


But Birges' cleaning wisdom doesn't stop at the living room.

She also has a go-to strategy for deep cleaning the kitchen in time for the festive season.

Her secret weapon? Tricleanium.

This cult cleaning product is so popular it often flies off the shelves at Bunnings.

To use Tricleanium, fill your sink with hot water and add half a cup of the product.

'Next, you're going to grab your stovetop grates, burners and nobs and put them in the sink as well. Leave them to soak for 10 to 30 minutes—it really depends on how dirty they are.'

For the oven door and racks, remove them from the appliance and soak them in a large bucket of hot water and Tricleanium outside.

After soaking, it's time to scrub.

You can watch Birges' full video below:



Birges recommended a scrubbing brush for the oven doors, a non-scratch scourer for inside the oven, and a toothbrush for the crevices around the stovetop.


With summer in full swing, your ceiling fan is likely working overtime.

Birges suggested using a pillowcase to easily clean off the dust that has accumulated on the blades during winter.

She also recommended giving some attention to the exterior of your home before guests arrive for Christmas.

Porch lights and outside windows often get overlooked in regular cleaning routines, but a quick wipe-down can make a world of difference.
Have you tried any of these cleaning tips? Do you have any of your own to share? Let us know in the comments below.

You may also check our Cleaning & Home Improvement forum for more useful cleaning tips!