Clever Cleaning Tips
Housecleaning isn't what most of us call fun, but it doesn't have to be drudgery either. Here are a few ways to make cleaning easier using common household items you may already have on hand.
1. To Vacuum Hard to Reach Areas: Don't throw away the cardboard tube from wrapping paper! Tape the tube to the end of a vacuum cleaner wand to reach cobwebs in ceiling corners or dust on fans. Reach all the way under beds and furniture, or flatten the roll to vacuum narrow crevices. Make it a permanent dusting wand by wrapping it with duct tape, and it'll stand up to years of use.
2. To Clean Glass and Mirrors: Use coffee filters, not paper towels. They leave no streaks or lint—and they are cheap.
3. To Shine your Bathroom Tiles: Try using lemon oil. It also helps prevent mold and mildew.
4. To Clean a Musty Bathroom: Vinegar and water is a great deodorizer. Put about 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a spray bottle and fill with water. Spray your shower down as you're getting out. This really absorbs the odors, and the smell of vinegar goes away in about an hour.
5. To Clean Crevices: An electric toothbrush easily scrubs crevices. Now that discount and dollar stores carry cheap electric toothbrushes ($1 to $5), you can add a modern twist to routine cleaning of hard to clean surfaces, such as around your taps on your sinks. Rapid vibration will quickly scrub out stubborn dirt without all the elbow grease, while the long handle can get to hard-to-reach places.
6. To Clean Brass: Coat the items with sugar and then drop on enough lemon juice to saturate the sugar. You can leave it to soak for a while if you like, then wash off with warm water and gently polish the surface. Your brass décor will shine like new.
7. To Remove Gum or Goo from Fabric or Furniture: Harden gum with an ice cube, then peel it off. To remove oily residue, use a spot remover.
8. To Remove Annoying Odors: In a refrigerator, spread baking soda in a shallow pan and let stand uncovered for a few days to absorb odors. Odors in a wastebasket can be removed by putting a fabric softener sheet in the bottom.
9. To Clean the Bathroom Mirror after a Shower: Once the mirror steams up, wipe it off with a bath towel to quickly remove smudges and streaks, as well as the steam! Save money on cleaner and paper towels.
10. To Clean the Dishwasher: Wipe the exterior with a clean, damp sponge and then dry with a soft towel. To clean the interior, run the dishwasher while empty with a couple of cups of vinegar. This also gets rid of hard-water deposits on dishes and glasses if you run the dishwasher with vinegar and stained dish ware in it.
By Arlene Bascom