Nobody likes to spend the day cleaning. Save time and energy with these tips! 1. Bring out the steam cleaner Using a steam cleaner to remove built-up grime is a great alternative to industrial chemicals or spending time scrubbing with a sponge. The heat and steam can break down grime and even food stuck to the bottom of baking pans. 2. Use vinegar When your faucet needs to be unclogged, simply put some vinegar in a plastic bag and let it soak inside. Gently attach the top of the bag to the top of the faucet. Running your dishwasher with a bowl of vinegar in the top rack will help tackle hard water spots. 3. Keep the garbage smelling fresh Place a cotton ball soaked in essential oil at the bottom of a garbage can, below the bag, to keep it smelling fresh. Some essential oils, such as peppermint, also repel mice and bugs. 4. Vacuum Use a vacuum to easily clean up spills and crumbs inside cabinets. It's also a great idea to vacuum refrigerator coils twice a year to remove the dust and debris that accumulate over time. 5. Steam clean microwave Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a squeeze of lemon juice or essential oil. Set it for 3-5 minutes and then wait 5 minutes before opening. The steam from the hot water will loosen particles in the microwave and make wiping it down easier. The lemon will add a pleasant scent to the kitchen. 6. Learn how to remove your oven door Many people are not aware that oven doors can be removed for easier cleaning. Depending on the oven, it can be as simple as sliding the hinges out or unlocking latches. This saves time and makes cleaning the inside of the oven more comfortable. 7. Use baby oil Baby oil is great at shining stainless steel appliances and clearing the built-up, greasy gunk. Be sure to wipe them down with a disinfecting soap or all-purpose cleaner too. 8. Clean blenders without scrubbing After using a blender, add a couple of cups of water and a squeeze of soap. Blend for a few seconds. This will loosen food particles without any scrubbing required. Simply wipe off and rinse when done and allow to dry. 9. Remove scratches from your dinnerware Create a paste using cream of tartar or baking soda and just a little bit of water. Using a soft cloth, massage the mixture into the scuff marks until they are gone. Rinse and dry. 10. Use a silicone sponge Silicone sponges do not harbor bacteria in the same way traditional sponges do. They are also heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe. |