Housekeeping methods of a 58-year-old single-person household: Know-how to eliminate towel odors and bacteria using vinegar and EM

The 58-year-old protagonist of a single-person household living in Banwol-dong, Ansan, manages her household based on her own systematic organization philosophy in a 25-pyeong apartment. According to the 'National Housekeeping Showcase' video from Jeongni Market, the protagonist does not stop at simply tidying up items but practices specific methods to maintain the freshness of food ingredients and manage the hygiene of living spaces. Under the belief that "being clean brings health," the protagonist applies storage and management methods suited to the characteristics of each space, from the kitchen to the bathroom and the dressing room.

Hygiene management and towel odor removal using vinegar and EM

The most notable aspect of the protagonist's housekeeping know-how is the natural sterilization and deodorization methods using vinegar and EM (Effective Microorganisms). In the kitchen, she manages the hygiene of dishcloths using regular brewing vinegar. After washing the dishcloth, spraying vinegar and microwaving it for about 1 minute provides a sterilization effect and allows the dishcloth to dry completely, making it effective for odor removal.

Additionally, she makes and uses a natural cleanser by mixing lemon, vinegar, and water, then adding a small amount of EM and aging it in the refrigerator for 3 days. According to the explanation in the video, she uses one or two EM caps and one lemon to age the solution. This solution is used to manage bacteria by spraying it on areas where food or handprints frequently touch, and it is also used for cleaning the bathroom.

In the laundry room, she uses water mixed with vinegar and EM during washing. To catch the unpleasant odors coming from towels, she adds about 1–2 or 3–4 vinegar caps depending on the amount of laundry, which effectively removes the smell. The protagonist explains that this method definitely catches the towel odors.

Storage that increases space efficiency and wooden cutting board management

The kitchen space is full of ideas to maximize storage efficiency. The protagonist uses cork-material labels to distinguish food ingredients (carrots, cabbage, Cheongyang chili peppers, etc.) inside the refrigerator. These labels are easy to use for food management because the writing does not erase even when washed with water and they do not peel off easily. Furthermore, she uses sticks purchased from DAISO to fill empty spaces in the kitchen or uses sliding-type containers to store large containers efficiently. In particular, she installed adjustable-length storage tools made of wood in the lower cabinets to increase space utilization.

Preferring wooden materials, the protagonist frequently uses an olive wood cutting board. This cutting board is very sturdy and is used for supporting hot pots during cooking or for placing pot lids on. In particular, to prevent the cutting board from being stained by red pepper powder or fruit juice, she also uses it as a separate stand. The protagonist expressed great satisfaction with this cutting board, which she purchased for the 70,000 to 80,000 won range at the Goesan Red Pepper Festival, mentioning it was a more economical choice than brand-name products.

To extend the lifespan of the wooden cutting board, she performs a coating process with oil-containing products once every 2 to 3 months. A precaution at this time is that it must be dried in the shade, not in direct sunlight. Avoiding direct exposure to sunlight is necessary.

Dry management of the bathroom and space utilization ideas for the master bedroom

The bathroom maintains cleanliness through a 'floating' storage method. By storing bathroom supplies in the air rather than placing them on the floor, she prevents water stains and contamination. After showering, she immediately removes moisture from the walls and floor using a squeegee and a sponge. The protagonist cuts a used towel in half and hangs it in the bathroom to use for wiping off moisture immediately after showering, keeping the bathroom always in a fresh state.

In the master bedroom and dressing room, she uses furniture and accessories wittily. She uses picture frames lying down as storage space or organizes belts and bags through hangers installed on the wall. Additionally, she places large-capacity dehumidifiers or baking soda-based deodorizers inside the closet to keep blankets and clothing fresh. In particular, the protagonist cited this dehumidifying management as the secret to keeping her cherished blanket, which she has used for over 10 years, clean.

In the exercise room, she lays down a carpet to prevent inter-floor noise and increases cleaning convenience by attaching a wet mop underneath the carpet. It also has the advantage of not making noise when pushing the carpet along. In the room used for guests, she practices customized management for each space, such as placing large-capacity dehumidifiers to keep the blankets fresh.