Spring
cleaning can be a daunting task, which is why my friends are here to make your
life a little easier. Rather than go out and spend a bundle on a new arsenal of
cleaning supplies, gather up a few key materials you probably already have at
home and try out these unusual cleaning tips instead. They might seem a little
weird at first, but trust me - they're nothing short of brilliant.
We the modern homemakers don’t have
quite the same sixth sense with cleaning solutions that our grandparents once
cultivated. While they could remove any stain or dissipate any odor armed with
just a toothbrush and some hard soap, we tend to prefer the trusty brand name
cleaners that do exactly what they say.
After all, what’s the point of pouring
baking soda into your greasy oven only to end up with a white, powdery residue
you’ll have to clean up for weeks? While our hesitation is understandable, it
turns out that not every wacky tip one can find on the Internet is a flop - some
weirdly magical cleaning solutions actually get the job done better and faster
than their chemical alternatives.
Using ingredients you’ve already got in
your pantry, tackle those tough mess areas in your home that aren’t having
their cleaning needs met by bleaches and sprays. These methods may sound crazy,
but the results are nothing short of miraculous. These weird rubbish-ridders
will save you money, effort, and many sweaty and frustrated hours of scrubbing.
So go ahead — make your Grand Parents
proud!
1. Clean your
microwave without scrubbing
You know that some ovens are
self-cleaning, but what’s this about microwaves? It’s true — you can let your
microwave do the job for you by heating up some water and lemon juice or
vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl for five minutes, letting the mixture sit to
cool, and then wiping down the sides. Any built-up grease and grime will be
long gone, without you wearing yourself out.
2. Get rid of rings
on wood with olive oil and salt
Even though your coffee table is
starting to show the wear of coaster-less cups and glasses, don’t start
shopping for a replacement just yet! This kitchen concoction is just the thing
to ease those stains out of your grain and get your wooden surfaces back to
their lustrous origins. Don’t get discouraged if the rings are still there when
you wipe off your mixture — just check back later and enjoy the disappearing
act.
3. Iron out carpet
stains without using chemicals
If you don’t have a carpet cleaner on
hand, try this chemical-free treatment to get spots and stains out of your rug
or carpet. Simply place a damp cloth over the spot, and press it with an iron
set to high. The steam will release the stain, and your carpet will be left
dry, spot-free, and stunning.
4. Rub away silver tarnish with toothpaste
Instead of the standard smelly silver
cleaners, try this minty-fresh alternative. Simply apply toothpaste to your
pieces and rub it in with a rag. You can use a toothbrush (what else?) to get
into any crevices or ornate designs.
5. Scrub greasy appliances with baby oil
Put down the chemical sprays, and break
out the rag and baby oil for a much cleaner, much quicker grease-buster that
won’t leave any harsh scents in your kitchen. Not only does a quick scrub with
baby oil cut away the grime, it’s a great way to buff metal appliances and
leave them with a week-long shine.
6. Shine metal
faucets with used dryer sheets
Give your spent dryer sheets one last
hurrah by using them to shine your metal faucets and appliances. Shower handle
looking dull? Give it a quick shine, totally free. You can even use dryer
sheets to dust the surfaces of your home, and because they contain anti-static
properties, you might find that doing it helps to lessen future dust build-up.
7. Try a vinegar wash
to fluff your towels
If your towels or linens are starting
to build up a mildew stench, give them a refreshing wash in a vinegar bubble
bath. Your tired textiles will emerge completely fresh-scented and re-fluffed,
with no trace of that dank aroma. Save on laundry detergent, and enjoy this
age-old pantry solution.
8. Use Kool-Aid to
clean your toilet bowl
A 25 cent packet of lemonade flavored
Kool-Aid is your go-to superhero when standard cleaners can’t rid your toilet
bowl of that icky build-up ring. Give your toilet a generous sprinkling of
Kool-Aid powder, let the mixture sit, brush down the sides, and then simply
flush your soft drink (and your worries) away!
9. Unstick labels
easily with orange essential oil
This works great for sticky price tags
as well as large labels on jars and bottles. Break down the tacky sticker glue
with this sweet smelling essential oil, and peel the offending tag right off.
Not only will you love how easily this trick gets the job done, you’ll enjoy
the bonus skin care that the oil gives your fingertips!
- Bird
