5 Household Lifesavers Shared by Real Beijing Expat Parents

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Time is money. As well as effort. And while many of us have the privilege of hiring part-time, full-time, or even live-in ayis here in Beijing to help make our lives a little easier, there are still messes we have to pick up ourselves, and meals we cook for the family. That said, Beijing expat parents share some of their most beloved household appliances that help them save time, money and effort!

PS: We get no sales commission for recommending any of these products, and are by no means affiliated with the brands. We simply want to share these handy tools of the household keeping trade!

1

Wet dry vacuum

A vacuum that cleans up dry and wet messes that transforms into a handheld vacuum as well? Sign me up! This multi-function appliance is a lifesaver for mom and baker Angie Chan, better known as the Chiffon Lady. Whether she or her grade school kid spills eggs or flour in the kitchen, this little sucker will get it all. Equipped with a self-cleaning brush, all that you need to do is fill up clean water and discard the dirty water to maintain this useful household tool.

2

Blue light alcohol mist sanitizer

Even before Covid, editor Mina Yan was a self-professed germaphobe who carries her own sheets for overnight stays in hotels. This one is her latest find - a blue light alcohol sanitizing misting spray that works with one easy click of the button so you can stroll through the house and sanitize all surfaces quickly and easily. It's even safe to use on clothes, kuaidi packages and mobile phone screens (let's be honest, that's long overdue for a cleaning now!). Portable and chargeable, this nifty device probably deserves a place in all homes with young children!

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3

Air fryer

The first air fryers entered the kitchen market over a decade ago and the technology has only gotten better. You can find a long list to the benefits of air frying anywhere, but a few that might really resonate are - faster cooking time, reduced oil (which means fewer calories and less mess!) without compromising flavor, reduced exposure to carcinogens and versatility in function. Dr Jaclyn Laute says she's even abandoned her microwave in favor of reheating meals inside her trusty air fryer!

4

UV Humidifier

A regular humidifier adds moisture to a room by misting supply of water into the air. A UV air humidifier goes a step further by using ultraviolet (UV) light to sanitize the water before it is misted. So not only does a UV humidifier increase moisture levels in your home, it also rids the air you breathe of harmful pollutants.

If you've ever bothered to clean your humidifier, you'll know what a pain it can be with! Traditional humidifiers have a reputation as mold and germ breeding grounds if they’re not cleaned properly. A UV humidifier helps reduce that risk by stopping toxic growth before it starts. Of course, they still need to be regularly maintained, but it does ensure cleaner moisture thanks to the UV lamp that kills up to 99.99% of micro-organisms.

5

Sticky dust rollers

Save yourself the hassle of getting out the vacuum whenever you see dust, fluff or dirt gathering on the couch and carpet with these sticky dust rollers. Some of them are even more environmentally-friendly these days by being washable instead of using single-use sticky sheets. These rollers are a staple in BCIS PTA President and jingkids Parent Board member Qi Shu's home, which nary sees a stray strand of hair. Definitely a must-have for pet owners!

Images: Pexels, TaoBao

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