Household Cleaning Tips

Over the years I’ve heard and tried countless great tips for cleaning the kitchen, the bathroom and other areas around the house.

I particularly like to clean with chemicals that won’t harm me or my family. Green is good and easy cleaning ideas are even better. With so many of us still staying home and hunkering down, you’ve probably noticed some areas that could use a good cleaning.

Dirt and grime can accumulate anywhere, so instead of spending time on the couch, let’s get up and clean.

Cleaning the Diffuser

I use my diffuser all the time. Ideally it should be cleaned and wiped down after each time you use it (especially when changing scents) to help cut back on the oily residue left behind from your essential oils.

Besides cleaning after each use, it’s a good idea to do a more thorough cleaning of your diffuser monthly. This will help remove any buildup of dust and other residue.

1. Fill the reservoir half with water and about half of a 1/4 teaspoon with white vinegar.
2. Run the diffuser for about five minutes. You may want to let it run outdoors so the smell of vinegar is not so strong in the house.
3. Empty the diffuser then clean with a cotton pad that has a little rubbing alcohol on it.
4. Rinse again with water.

Cleaning the Dishwasher

You would think as often as we run the dishwasher, it wouldn’t be in need of a cleaning itself. But bits of food and even labels from new purchases (when we forget to remove them) can get stuck on racks and the bottom of the dishwasher.

Take the racks and utensil holder out, inspect and clean, check the bottom of the unit for any stuck on stuffs and clean. Sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge and wipe down the door and sides of dishwasher, then let’s run a cycle as outlined below:

1. With the dishwasher empty of racks, place a dishwasher safe bowl in the bottom with one cup white vinegar in it.
2. Run a hot water cycle. This should help remove any grease and grime and the baking soda.

Giving your dishwasher this extra cleaning every six months should help it run more efficiently over the years.

Cleaning Burnt Food from the Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

Have you got stuck on, burnt on food in the bottom of a pan? Sometimes it’s unavoidable. Next time this happens, sprinkle some baking soda over the bottom of the pan, cover with water and bring to a good simmer.

Stir in a little Dawn dishwashing detergent and let cool. Add a bit more baking soda and scrub in a circular motion. Repeat if necessary.

Cleaning Up Oven Spill-Over’s

Have you ever baked a pie or casserole and it spilled over in your oven? You’re not alone, it happens quite often and if you don’t want to use the self-clean function, you can give it a good scrubbing with baking soda.

Remove the racks and if necessary, clean these in the sink or take them outside and scrub them. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Use an abrasive pad and rub the baking soda mixture over the areas that need cleaning.

Let the mixture sit a few hours, then wet and scrub clean.

Removing Scuff Marks from Shoes

Black sole marks on your vinyl floors? That’s an easy one and a few different things you can use to remove them.

• Go out to the garage and get your husband’s WD40. Spray a little over the mark, let sit a few minutes, then wipe away. Rinse the residue with water and dry.
• A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser also works great. Cut a small piece of the eraser (no sense wasting the whole sponge), wet it and gently clean the scuff mark. Rinse with water and dry.
• Put some toothpaste on an old toothbrush and gently remove the stain. Rinse with water and dry.

Cleaning Coffee Pots or Tea Kettles

Vinegar does a great job of cleaning either a coffee maker or a tea kettle.

Cleaning the teapot. Pour a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water in the teapot and bring to a boil. Let simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse with water.

Cleaning the coffee pot. Pour a couple cups of white vinegar and water in the reservoir and run it through as if you’re making coffee. Repeat the process a couple more times, using clean vinegar and water. Then run a few using just water.

Removing Mold from Bathroom Walls

We clean the shower but don’t often think about cleaning the bathroom walls. Over time walls will accumulate stream marks, even if you use the fan or ventilate with a window being open, you can still get drip marks.

It’s important to clean walls occasionally so it doesn’t become a bigger problem and especially if you will be painting the walls.

In a bucket or large bowl, mix together one gallon warm water with 1/2 cup Borax and 1/4 cup white vinegar. Use a clean sponge or rag and wipe down the walls. When finished go over the walls with clean water and dry.

Reduce Cat Box Odors

The most obvious of solutions is to clean the cat box a couple times throughout the day. At least once a month, empty the box completely, take outside and wash it down then let thoroughly dry before adding new litter. You can also lay down a layer of baking soda on the bottom of the box before adding new liter.

Make sure you have a cat box that is big enough for your cat or cats. And think about buying a new box from time to time as cats scratching can mar the surface and leave bacteria behind.

Removing Drain Odors

To clean and deodorize drains, use baking soda and white vinegar. Pour a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain followed with a cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes then pour hot water down the drain.