Thursday, April 11, 2013

Dirty sponge solution

One of the germiest items in your home is your kitchen sponge. Is it reasonable to have to toss it every time it gets dirty? No, and that’s not doing the environment any favors either. So what’s the solution? Just wet the sponge and pop it in the microwave on high for one minute, and voila! You’ve got a clean sponge.

Brass Fixtures

Brass Fixtures        
 
Brass fixtures look beautiful in a bathroom, but with them come a certain responsibility. While polishing brass might not be one of the more pleasurable aspects of cleaning a bathroom, it doesn't have to be tedious. To get your brass to shine, cut a lemon in half and dip it in some salt. Rub this on the brass and wipe with a clean cloth. If you don't have a lemon handy, make a paste from vinegar, salt and flour. Rub this into the brass and dry with a thick cotton cloth. Remember this cautionary bathroom cleaning tip: Before using a commercial brass cleaning product, test in a hidden area. Sometimes cleaning products will leave behind a film.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Cleaning Window Blinds

Cleaning Window Blinds

Many people find their window blinds extremely difficult to clean but it shouldn't be that hard if you know what you're doing. First of all, how you clean the blinds depends on exactly what kind cleaning you wish to do. For:
Light, routine cleaning: First make sure your blinds are lowered and the slats are closed. Wipe the blinds gently with a damp rag. When you are done with one side, close blinds the other way and wipe the other side.
Deep cleaning: You must remove the blinds from the window and lay them outside on a cloth that can get dirty. Then spray the blinds with an all-purpose cleaner and allow them to sit for a few minutes. Scrub the cleaner into the blinds with a soft-bristled brush in a parallel motion to the slats. Do this on both sides of the blinds and then rinse with a hose. Allow the blinds to dry outside before re-hanging.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Spring Specials


Friday, April 5, 2013

Polish Build Up Removal from Wood Furniture

Polish Build Up Removal from Wood Furniture

To remove polish build-up, mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Rub furniture with a soft cloth that has been moistened with the solution. Dry immediately with a clean cloth.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Odor Removal from Drawer or Cabinet

Odor Removal from Drawer or Cabinet

To remove odors from a drawer or cabinet, Fill the drawer or cabinet with ground coffee and leave it overnight.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Baked on Food Removal

Baked On Food Removal

No doubt, the person in your home who handles washing the dishes knows a thing or two about removing baked on food from pans and casserole dishes. Still, this kitchen cleaning tip might be appreciated. If, when washing dishes, one encounters a pot or pan with burned on food, one should put the scrubbing brush away. Instead, place a dryer sheet in the pan, fill it with hot water and let it sit overnight. In the morning it will just need to be sponged clean. Apparantly, the anti-static agents loosen the bond between the food and the pan while the fabric agents soften the baked-on food.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Coffee Maker Cleaning

Coffee Maker Cleaning

Drip type coffee makers should be made a party of your regular kitchen cleaning routine (at least once a month). Dried coffee oils can ruin the taste of even the best blend. In addition, if you have what's considered "hard water", minerals can build up inside your coffee maker. An alternative to commercial coffee cleaners is to run a solution of half white vinegar and half water through the coffee maker to dissolve scale. The heated solution may have to be run through the unit one or more times if buildup is heavy. Thoroughly rinse all parts of the unit. Run plain cold water through a cycle to remove all traces. If you still have your owner's manual, check it as well for instructions specific to your model. The glass pot, filter container and other removeable components can be cleaned when you're washing the dishes.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Washing Down Comforter

Washing Down Comforter

When it's time for cleaning mattresses and bedding, always remember to check manufacturer's care labels first. In many cases, the label on a comforter will recommend dry cleaning. If this is the case, don't throw the comforter into the washing machine. If your comforter can be washed in the machine, use a gentle cycle, a mild detergent and distribute the comforter evenly around the agitator. Dry the comforter in the dryer using a clean pair of sneakers and a couple of dryer sheets to keep it smelling fresh.