You’ve just settled down in a comfy chair with your favorite cup of java and get an alert on your phone. Unexpected guests are coming over and you have little time to prepare. It is the nightmare scenario we have all faced a time or two. If it has been an exceptionally busy day or week, you feel the stress settle in and are now noticing all of the spots around your house that are not ‘guest ready.’
If you have run low on any of your products and are pressed for time, we have solutions for you! Having a few useful cleaning tips utilizing items laying around your home can help make your process quick and easy. Of course, you always have the option to check into a service that will eliminate all of your need to worry as well…
Coca-Cola Removes Tough Stains
This classic soda is loaded with phosphoric and carbonic acid which makes it super effective in busting through rust and hard stains. One of the best locations to test this out is in your bathroom. Grab a can of Coke and pour it around the rim of your toilet allowing it to flow down into the bowl. Let this sit while you focus on other areas of the house. Upon returning, you can use your toilet wand to scrub off any stubborn stains that have not already dissolved. Flush and you’re done!
Grapefruit and Salt for a Sparkling Tub and Sink…with a Bonus!
You have probably read about the cleansing power of lemon and vinegar; it’s all true. Grapefruit, however, is just as effective and leaves behind a bright citrus scent in its wake. It is important to note that while it is a great cleaning agent for grime, it does not have antibacterial properties and should not be used as a substitute for areas where bacteria might abound. If you have tub rings or sink stains, simply slice your grapefruit in half, sprinkle salt on both the fruit and the surface you intend to clean, and scrub vigorously. The rind can be used against particularly stubborn areas. Rinse away the remaining salt and pulp with warm or hot water, and voila!
BONUS: Your used grapefruit halves can be boiled in water for a few minutes before tossing out to add diffused fragrance to the air (do not eat/drink!) or dropped down your kitchen garbage disposal to freshen/clean the piping and blades.
Coffee Filters for Clean Screens
Coffee filters are a perfect substitute for traditional feather dusters and can do an even better job at leaving behind a shiny surface. Because of their rippled surface and anti-static properties, you can use fresh filters on just about any screen in your home; television, tablet, phone, laptop, computer, and more. Run them across wooden surfaces – especially dark colors – to watch the dust lift off in an instant with a streak and lint free sparkle.
Eliminate Grease and Smudges with White Bread
Do not toss out stale bread or unwanted end-pieces! The sponge-like surface is loaded with gluten that can absorb grease, dirt, and stains. Notice fingerprints or grease on your kitchen walls? Gently dab and brush the surface with a piece of bread and watch those unwanted marks disappear. The perks do not end there! If you drop a glass object and it shatters, you can carefully press the slice down onto the tiny shards to help lift them for disposal.
Combat Dust with Dryer Sheets
Just like coffee filters, dryer sheets can bust through dust while making every room smell like fresh laundry! Take your sheets and run them along baseboards, blinds, chandeliers, light fixtures, and mirrors in order to lift and repel dust. Dryer sheets are so effective in preventing dust from resettling on your delicate surfaces, you will notice your need to swipe these spots will decrease overall.
If you’re looking for a way to clean a random stain or dirty furniture in the simplest way, you only need one thing… A magic sponge! Brand name or not, these can be used for numerous clean-ups. It can be hard to keep up with the dust and dander so keep clean with the must-have tool in your house.
Here is a list of some things to give you an idea about their magical powers!
- remove dried paint from door hinges
- remove tarnish from silver
- remove mold & mildew from anything plastic
- clean & polish gold jewelry
- remove soap scum in the tub and shower
- remove marks on walls
- clean splatters inside the microwave
- remove marks on vinyl siding
- remove adhesive residue after removing stickers
- remove waterline mark around the pool
- remove hair dye from countertops & floors
- clean light-colored suede
- remove black scuff marks from baseboards (where the vacuum cleaner hits)
- clean the outdoor side of window sills stained from leaves, dust and dirt
- clean plastic coolers inside and out
- remove rust spots & stains on countertop
- remove cooked-on stains in pots and pans
- remove soot off the walls near the fireplace
- clean within the grooves of lawn ornaments
- clean sticky/dusty range hood over the stove
- remove nail polish spills or stains
Now that this seemingly infinite list is over, here are a few more tidbits…
How To Get The Most Out Of Magic Sponges
To get more life out of your sponges, try these things out:
- Cut each sponge into 4 equal-sized pieces (across the shortest width of the eraser, rather than lengthwise). This way, you get 4 times the amount of cleaning out of one sponge!
- Lightly mist it with water (by misting or using the kitchen sink sprayer), rather than saturating it with water — which causes it to shrivel up more.
- Scrub lightly, then wipe the area with a wet towel to prevent smearing the dirt/grime and remove any residue.
- When it starts to get yucky (after cleaning a few different items), simply spray rinse it again to revive it a bit. Then squeeze the excess water out, and continue using it until it starts to shred.
Have you ever noticed your grout goes from white to grey? Yup, dirt builds up here and one day it’s not going to look so new anymore! It can be pretty expensive to hire a vendor who specializes in grout cleaning so if you are cost conscientious and are in for a chore that can double as a workout you can do it yourself. Now that’s self-gratification!
Steps for Grout Cleaning
Here are a few different ways you can get the job done:
Baking Soda & Water
Mix 3 parts of baking soda to 1 part water to make a thick paste. This cleaner is versatile and works with all colors of grout (this isn’t the best option for natural stones like marble or travertine).
- It’s easiest to use your fingers to apply the paste between the grout lines, that way you can reach every nook and cranny.
- Rubber gloves aren’t a necessity but can help prevent scratches protect your skin from irritation.
Vinegar & Water
Couple the paste from the baking soda with vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can spray the grout lines without getting hands-on.
- Pause for the bubbles! The combination of baking soda and vinegar causes the mixture to bubble and is a sign that the solution is working. Once it simmers down after a couple of minutes it’s time for you to wipe the surface clean.
- Use a nylon-bristled brush. If you use steel or wire bristled brushes they may damage the grout.
- Mop and rinse. The last step would mean to mop the floor with plain water to pick up any leftover residue and you’re done!
Oxygenated Bleach
- Let 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach dissolve into 2 cups of warm water. You’ll want to make sure that you are ready to use the mixture as soon as it’s made for the best results. Bleaching is gentle enough for different types of tile but this isn’t best for colored grout. Test it first! Use some of the solution on a small corner of the floor to make sure there is no discoloration by the bleach and then you’re clear to go!
- Clean one section at a time. This will ensure that the solution is used evenly and you’ll be less likely to have a totally wet floor! Pour just enough for each room so all grout lines are reached.
- AGAIN – Nylon bristled brushes! Don’t forget the corners!!
- For more stubborn stained grout lines, dip your brush in the solution itself before scrubbing for maximum potency.
- Lastly, rinse with plain water and let that floor shine!
Time for the big guns! Rent or buy a steam cleaner!
- Steam cleaners can effectively clean and sanitize all types of tiles and grouts and a big plus for many, without any chemicals. You can usually find them in a home improvement store. Just make sure that the steam cleaner you acquire has a steam hose and brush attachment regardless if you’re renting or buying the unit.
- Once you turn the steam cleaner on, you’ll want to move the brush back and forth over the grout. The most effective way to go about this is to start from the back of the floor to the front. Watch as the steam loosens up that dirt and reveal a floor that’s like-new! Another benefit of steam is killing any mildew that could be growing.
- No need to mop, just a simple wipe as the steam will have already blanketed the floor with moisture. And voila! Chemical-free cleanliness.
CAUTION: Grout sealant can be wiped away from steam cleaning so it’s best if the grout hasn’t been sealed already or if it’s something you’re going to replace in the near future.
Cleaning a fireplace is usually one of those items that is overlooked, even in a deep home cleaning. It is important to regularly clean the fireplace as the leftover build up from fires can become toxic and can potentially harm your family.
Cleaning the inside of a Fireplace
Wait at least 24 hours since the last time the fireplace has been used.
Supplies Needed:
- Plastic tarp
- Old Towels or Sheets
- Apron
- Handheld Broom and Dust Pan
- Vacuum
- Trash Bags
STEP 1: Prepare the Area
Lay a plastic tarp around and in front of the fireplace area. If you do not have a plastic tarp, old towels will do. Also, make sure to wear an apron and protective gloves. You may also want to wear old clothes as soot and dirt can be difficult to get off. If you have furniture close by it may also be a good idea to place sheets or towels over the surfaces to protect it.
STEP 2: Remove debris
First take out any metal grates that may be in the fireplace. Next, take any wood, tinder, or debris from the fireplace. We suggest wearing protective gloves to do this. Using a handheld broom sweep any dirt, debris or soot up and place it in a waste bin.
STEP 3: Get the small bits!
If necessary use a vacuum to pick up any remaining ash. Then throw away the debris into an outside bin.
Spot Clean the Brick on a Fireplace
Supplies Needed:
- Cream of Tartar
- Water
- Old Tooth Brush
- Rag
STEP 1: Make your mixture
Mix two tablespoons of cream of tartar with a little water to make a paste.
STEP 2: Apply
Spread the paste on the brick with an old toothbrush. Then wait for ten minutes to let the paste sit.
STEP 3: Wash
After ten minutes use warm water and a rag to wash off the paste. If necessary apply more past and repeat steps.
Detailed Cleaning of Larger Brick Areas
Supplies Needed:
- Baking Soda
- Dish Soap
- Tooth brush and/or larger scrub brush
- Dish Cloth
STEP 1: Make your paste
Make a thin paste that is easy to spread by mixing 3 tablespoons dish soap with a half cup of baking soda. You can add more dish soap if the paste is too thick.
STEP 2: Dip and Scrub
Dip the scrub brush into the paste you have just made. Make circular motions on the brick surfaces inside and/or outside of the fireplace. When all brick surfaces of the fireplace are covered, let sit for five minutes.
STEP 3: Rinse!
After the paste has sat for five minutes, rinse the paste off with a cloth and warm water.
STEP 4: Repeat
Repeat from step one as needed.
Cleaning Fireplace Glass
Supplies Needed:
- Stove Glass cleaner
- Soft Dish Clothes (3 or more)
- Water
STEP 1: Check before you start
Be sure the glass has already cooled and that the inside of the fireplace has been vacuumed and cleaned out.
STEP 2: Spray
Get one of the clothes damp with warm water. Spray some of the stove glass cleaner onto the damp cloth.
STEP 3
Next rub the cloth over the fireplace glass focusing on the stained areas. Once again, use circular motions as well as back and forth motions. You may need to apply some pressure to get hard stains to come off.
STEP 4
Continue to apply more cleaner to the cloth and continue circular and back to forth motions until all stains have been removed.
STEP 5
After all stains have been removed take a new damp cloth and wipe the surfaces clean.
STEP 6
Lastly, take your last clean cloth and dry the glass so that there are no streaks.
That’s it!
Cleaning ann oven usually involves harsh chemicals that create fumes and an unsafe environment for your family. We detailed a safe way to clean your oven with everyday products you likely have already in your home. All you need is a few items and a little elbow grease! I will list two options depending on the type of oven you have in your home.
How to Clean a Self-Cleaning Oven
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- Water
- Dish Soap
- Sponge
- Vinegar
- Small Brush and Dust Pan
- 2 or 3 Gentle Clothes
STEP 1
Choose a time when the kitchen is not being used. Open windows and possibly doors to ventilate the room so that fumes do not bother family members. Make sure you will be home for the length of the self-clean. (The average self-clean cycle can last 3 to 6 hours)
STEP 2
Remove the oven racks and any other objects you have inside the oven. Set them aside. Place oven racks in the sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap to soak. Vinegar and hot water can also be used as a soaking solution.
STEP 3
Turn on the oven’s self-cleaning mode. The oven door should then lock. If the oven door does not lock, place tape over the door or use another barrier to make sure that family members will not be able to open the door. During a cleaning cycle the oven will reach between 800 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The cycle will turn any food and grease into gray ash.
STEP 4
Wait at least two hours after the oven’s self-cleaning cycle has finished in order to let the oven cool down. Once it has cooled completely, sweep any ash out of the oven with a small brush and dustpan. Next use a damp cloth to wipe the oven clean. You can use a vinegar and water solution to dampen the cloth.
If the oven is extra dirty you may need to continue reading and scrub the oven with the solutions below under “Non-Self Cleaning Oven”. If the oven is now clean, continue.
STEP 5
After you have let the oven racks soak, scrub any extra food or grease off of each rack with a sponge. Rinse the racks and dry them with a clean towel. Then place them back inside the oven.
STEP 6
Clean the seals of the oven as well as the exterior oven door with a gentle cloth and hydrogen peroxide. This can also be done periodically to keep the door clean. And that’s it!
How to Clean a Non-Self-Cleaning Oven
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- Baking soda
- Rubber gloves
- Water
- Rubber gloves
- Damp dishcloth
- Plastic or silicone spatula
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
STEP 1
Remove the oven racks and any other objects you have inside the oven. Set them aside. Place oven racks in the sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap to soak. Vinegar and hot water can also be used as a soaking solution.
STEP 2
Remove the oven racks and any other objects you have inside the oven. Set them aside. Place oven racks in the sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap to soak. Vinegar and hot water can also be used as a soaking solution.
STEP 3
Make a baking soda paste. Mix ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water in a bowl. Usually, 3 or 4 tablespoons of water make a great spreadable paste.
STEP 4
Use a sponge to spread the baking soda paste over the interior surfaces of your oven. Make sure to be aware of heating elements. This would be a great time to put on those rubber gloves in case your oven is full of grease and grime. The baking soda paste may turn a brownish color which is perfectly okay. Make sure to get all the nooks and crannies.
STEP 5
Let the paste sit in the oven overnight or approximately 12 hours.
STEP 6
Use a damp gentle cloth and wipe out the oven. You may need to use a plastic or silicone spatula with a little bit of elbow grease for those hard area.
STEP 7
Now fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray the areas you still see baking soda. This will create a reaction and the baking soda will foam, making it easier to remove.
STEP 8
Do a final wipe down, removing the last bit of foam and solution from your oven. Use a clean damp cloth and possibly more vinegar to make the surfaces shiny.
STEP 9
Place the clean oven racks back inside the oven.
That’s it!!!
Monsoon season hasn’t ended just yet here in Dallas DWF, TX. During the monsoon season (or summer thunderstorm season), Arizona experiences severe weather that can bring high winds, dust and severe downpours. With those high winds and dust storms, your house can become very dusty and dirty. If you need help with house cleaning in Phoenix or home cleaning in Scottsdale, due to the dust that has accumulated over the monsoon season, give Essentials Cleaner a call or visit our website. Essentials Cleaner provide background checked cleaners and a 200% happiness guarantee. You can book your cleaning online, instantly. There are no pricing games or other hassles. Get started now at www.essentialscleaner.com/book. House cleaning services have never been this easy.
6 Simple Ways to Make Your Closet Smell Good!
Smells are very powerful. In fact, a smell gives either a great or an awful first impression. This gives the scent-status of your clothes a completely new level of importance!
If your closet or other areas in your home are not up to par on its smell, give a few of these tips a try:
1. Bar Soap
Get a sweet smelling bar of soap and a storage container. Place folded clothes in the storage container. Then cover the clothes with a cloth such as a napkin or thin tablecloth. Make sure it is breathable. Set the soap on top. Close the lid and set the box aside. In about two to four hours, the clothes in the box will have absorbed the scent of the soap. You may also place the soap on the shelf and allow it to do its thing. The stronger soaps work best for this.
2. Perfume
Perfume usually won’t make a bad smell go away, but it can cover up any stale smell. Spray your favorite perfume onto a few cotton swabs and then place them on a closet shelf or in drawers where your clothes can absorb the sent. Another option is to place the cotton ball into your pocket for the day.
3. Coffee Grounds
Does your closet stink? Coffee grounds absorb foul odors; so placing a can of coffee grounds in your closet will eliminate the bad smell. Simply poke a few holes in a container, close the lid and store it in your closet. Once a month, switch out the can.
4. Essential Spray
Making your own smelly spray is easy, simply grab a spray bottle and your favorite essential oil. Add a few drops of essential oils to the spray bottle, and then fill the rest of the bottle with water. Lightly spray your clothes with the spray. Or, if you don’t fill like DIYing your spray, you can always buy a quick and easy lavender spray at most grocery stores. Then you’re ready to go!
5.Wood Scented
Have you ever noticed how great wood smells? Well, you can make your clothes smell like that very easily. Just grab a small piece of wood and stash it in your closet or dresser drawer. Try Home Depot, a specialty hardware store or a local lumberyard to find the perfect piece of wood for your closet.
6. Vinegar
Can’t find any clean clothes in your home? We’ve all been there. First, turn the dirty garment that you must wear inside out. Mix equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Spray a small amount onto the fabric. Make sure to get areas like the armpits that can be especially smelly. Don’t worry that you’ll smell like vinegar. The smell will go away and the fabric will dry within minutes, and you’re good to go!
6 Things You Might Not Be Cleaning Often Enough
If you are like most people when it comes to house cleaning, the kitchen counters and the bathroom sinks get a lot of attention, but you are probably overlooking a few areas that could use a little more cleaning love.
To make sure all areas of your home are getting the attention they deserve, make sure to mix things up the next time you put the cleaning gloves on and give these six areas a good scrub
down:
1. Fridge
How Often: Clean it monthly!
The first step is to get rid of everything that is gross or questionable. If possible, keep everything else in a cool place while you scrub away, cleaning the inside of your fridge.
Remove the shelves and place them somewhere where they can warm up slowly. If you wash them too soon, while they are still very cold, hot water might crack them. While you are waiting for the shelves, start wiping down and scrubbing the inside walls.
Once the shelves are at a decent temperature, place them in warm water and scrub away. Dry the shelves thoroughly and then place them back in the fridge.
Now that your fridge is clean (and empty at the moment) this would be a good time to use your organizational skills when placing your food back in the fridge.
2. Door Knobs
How Often: Clean them weekly!
The door knobs in your home can be one of the dirtiest and most germ infested areas in your home. In addition to that, they are one of the most touched surfaces in your home, which increase the likelihood that any germs will be easily spread. Take an all-purpose disinfectant and spray the entire knob. Use the cloth to wipe away and remove the spray, dirt, and germs.
3. Ceilings
How Often: Clean them every 3 months!
Wait, what? Clean the ceiling? Yep! If you haven’t looked up at your ceiling in a while, take a few minutes to do so. If you see only a few cobwebs, take an extended duster and wipe them down. Don’t have a duster that extends? Take a broom and wrap it with an old t-shirt to get those webs.
If you have more than just a few cobwebs, you have to put a little more effort into you cleaning. Find a good all-purpose cleaner and a sponge. Test a spot on your ceiling to make sure the paint does not discolor with the cleaner you have selected. If you cannot get areas on your ceiling to come clean, it might be time to freshen it up with a coat of paint.
4. Shower Curtains
How Often: Clean them monthly!
Have you ever accidentally brushed up against your shower curtain while taking a shower? Did it feel slimy? That’s because your shower curtain is always working hard on building up a layer of soap scum.
If you have a cloth curtain, you can wash it in your regular laundry cleaning process. If you have a vinyl curtain, you might be able to still use your washing machine, but you likely need to put it in the wash by itself. Add one cup of white vinegar to the load and start the cycle on hot.
If your curtain is still gross after washing it, then toss it and get a new one.
5. Toothbrush Holders
How Often: Weekly
Oh boy, this can be one of the dirtiest places that rarely gets cleaned. You take care to make sure your toothbrush is clean, but what about the tooth brush holder? That area does a great job at catching all of the bacteria and sludge that come from your toothbrush. You can quickly and easily clean your holder by running it through the dishwasher or by hand scrubbing it with hot water and soap.
6. Pillows
How Often: At least every 6 months
Ah, pillows are great. But did you ever stop to think about how dirty they can get? If they are not cleaned occasionally, they become a paradise for bacteria to flourish. First, you need to check the label on your pillow to make sure you can run it through the washing machine. Also, be sure to toss two pillows in at a time, that way your machine will stay balanced during the cleaning cycle. Run your pillows through the rinse cycle at least two times, so that it get rid of any detergent residue.
Toss them into the dryer until they are dry.
How to Speed-Clean Your Kitchen
Read about time-saving tips, methods, and to-do lists for getting your kitchen cleaned quick.
Kitchen Cleaning List
When cleaning your kitchen it is often best to start with the sink. A clean and shiny sink becomes your kitchen’s focal point for hygiene and cleanliness, help you to always load the dishwasher immediately and keep counter tops, the stove top, and refrigerator doors clean as well.
Each Day
Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes
Wipe down the stove top and the fridge
Wipe down the counters
Sweep or vacuum the floor
Each Week
Give the floor a good mopping
Wipe the exterior of your cabinets
Wipe down your backsplashes
Wash the outside of your appliances
Clean the inside of the garbage can
Every Four Months
Empty and clean the inside of the refrigerator
Empty and clean the your utensil drawers and other drawers
Clean and polish the exterior of your cupboards
Clean the stove-hood and filter
House Cleaning Tip #341: Keeping the Laundry Room Clean
A lot of work goes on in the laundry room, but how often does that work include keeping the laundry room itself clean? If you’re like most people, very little time is ever spent keeping the laundry room clean. These simple steps are an easy way to make sure your laundry room space is just as clean as your whites.
Keep it Clean!
Where do you start? From the top and work your way down.
- Wipe down any shelves with a wet microfiber cloth. Starting from the top allows the dust and dirt that you don’t collect fall down to the ground, where you will take care of it later. On those shelves, over spray and splashes of detergent can leave surfaces sticking and gross, making them a great spot for dust, link, and even bugs to accumulate.
- Next, run your washing machine with an empty load an don a hot cycle. Use two cups of vinegar to keep the machine fresh and clean inside. After completing the load, wipe down the interior where soap has accumulated.
- Remove the lint trap from your dryer and soak the trap in hot water and a quality soap. After it has soaked for a few minutes, you can scrub the trap to remove any extra buildup. If you are feeling super motivated, you can also soak the knobs from your washer and dryer as well (if they are removeable). This will put a nice clean touch to your laundry room.
- Wipe the outside surfaces of your washer and dryer with a microfiber cloth and a quality glass cleaner. This will help to make them shine and repel dust.
- Don’t forget to remove the dryer hose and use your vacuum to remove link that has built up on the inside of the hose. Not only is this a good cleaning tip, it is a good safety tip as well, as it keeps your hose from turning into a fire hazard.
- Use a vacuum that has a good attachment that can clean behind, under, and between your washer and dryer.
- Sweep and mop the floors.
Keep it organized
If you’re like most people, you have a small laundry space with huge piles of laundry. There are also probably way too many products in the room and not enough time to get everything done. As a result, it’s easy to let a laundry room go so long without a proper cleaning. If you can add organization to your laundry room, it can make your life and laundry chores much easier.
- If possible, extra shelving can be very helpful with organization. Add shelving where it’s most convenient. This often times would be right above your washer and dryer. This allows you to store bleaches and detergents out of the way, along with other products you might use.
- Periodically sort through the products you have and discard the ones that you do not use.
- When not in use, hang your ironing board on the wall. This will free up a lot of extra space.
- Hang hooks from shelving or you can install a retractable drying line for a place to hang clothes. This helps to keep them from wrinkling and doesn’t take up extra space.
- Use several laundry baskets for storing and separating dirty and clean laundry.
- Keep a small container somewhere safe for storing items left in pockets.
- Keep a trash can in the laundry room! This will help keep clutter down so you have a place for lint, dryer sheets, and many other items that might just end up on your floor.
