^{Cleaning, laundry care and food hygiene}

For most of us it's one of the more boring pastimes associated with life away from home but none the less it is extremely important. Maybe you're washing your clothes for yourself for the first time. If so, this section's for you.

Cleaning the flat / house

• Before you start, read and follow the labels and safety precautions on your cleaning products.


• Wash cooking utensils in hot, soapy water.
• Wear rubber gloves if you're cleaning up body fluids such as blood or vomit. First clean the surface thoroughly with water and a liquid cleaner. If you need to use a disinfectant (if it's vomit then you really should and it will stop the smell from lasting for weeks!), apply it to the area and let it stand for a few minutes (or longer, depending on product recommendations) so it has time to kill the most germs. Wipe the surface with paper towels that can be thrown away or cloth towels that can be washed afterwards.
  
• Clean your bathroom every week. It doesn't take long and if you always do it on the same day you'll not forget! Squirt some bleach down the toilet and use a toilet brush to give it a scrub. Use disposable wipes to clean the flush handle / button, then the top and underneath the seat and lid. Now wash your hands! Give the shower and sink a spray with cleaner, and use a wet cloth to wash around them, then rinse clean. Empty the bin and wash your hands.
• Remember, even if you use gloves, wash your hands after cleaning or disinfecting surfaces.
  

Respect for the environment

• Don't want to use chemicals to keep the house clean? Try some environmentally sound alternatives to expensive shop bought cleaners.
  

Laundry Care

• Check the labels on your clothing and see the care label symbols for instructions on how to clean them.

Food Hygiene

• It is vital that you take care when dealing with food - from the moment you purchase it, through storage, whilst cooking, serving and during cleaning up as it can go bad quickly. Get some food hygiene advice.

See how it's done

• More tips and video clips on cleaning your room, toilet, sink, bath, clothes, floor and dishes, as well as making your bed.