Whether we like it or not, dirt and grime find their way into a plethora of nooks and crannies. Although it’s easy to wipe some surfaces, not all objects and areas are easy to clean.
That stubborn carpet stain or that god awful smelling garbage disposal may seem like too much to tackle, but fear not! You can easily clean these areas with the help of some common household ingredients and items. Not only can you clean the un-cleanable, but you can do so without the use of harsh chemicals!
#1. Carpet Stains
Quickly blot the area with a dry towel. Mix a 1/4 cup of vinegar, one Tsp. Baking soda, one Tbsp. of soap(any variety), and fill the rest with water in a spray bottle. Spray the area well and leave for ten minutes. Blot dry and repeat once. Then, stack some paper towels on the area and place a heavy object on top. Overnight, the towels will help absorb the stain. Repeat if necessary.
#2. Purse
For all you ladies out there, you know how your purse can pile up inside. Once you can no longer find anything, it may be time to clean it out. Although time-consuming, it’s easy to clean out old receipts and packs of gum.
However, the dirt and hair inside your purse is another story. Once cleared out, run a lint roller inside, and this will pick up any loose dirt, crumbs, or whatever else is hiding in the crevices. If possible, you can also ensure everything is out of your purse then lightly vacuum inside.
#3. Garbage Disposal and Drains
When food becomes old, we all know what happens. It begins to stink, creating a strong odour. You cannot stick anything down there to clean, so you need to get creative. To deodorize, start by pouring some boiling water down the drain or disposal.
Next, dump approximately 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain or disposal. Once this sits for a few minutes, pour a 1 cup mixture of vinegar and hot water. Wait for approximately ten minutes, then pour boiling the water down the drain or disposal one more time. Once your disposal is clean, add some fresh lemon slices. This will enhance freshness and smells great too.
#4. TV Screen
If you’re watching TV and notice a layer of lint and dust, it’s time to wipe it down. Your TV screen is much more sensitive than other surfaces, so you need to be careful. To combat dust on your TV or computer monitor, wipe the screen with a coffee filter.
Although a microfiber cloth is ideal, not many people have this around their home. Coffee filters work just as effectively, and they’re a common household item.
#5. Pet Hair
If your dog or cat sheds, you know pet hair can be a never-ending battle. Although pet hair is easy to clean on some surfaces, removing all the hair from your carpets can be challenging. Sure, you can vacuum, but it will not remove all the hair, and the hair is generally trapped in the fibers of the carpet.
If you have a rubber window squeegee, it’s a great solution to this problem. You need to rake the carpet, and it pulls the hair out of the deep fibers, allowing you to eliminate more of it. Once you have collected the bunched hair, you can go back and vacuum the area. If possible, attach your squeegee to a mop handle, making it easier to rake.
#6. Cleaning Your Coffee Grinder
Your coffee grinder may not only be used for coffee but spices as well. For example, if you made a curry with the grinder, you’re not going to want your coffee grinds to mix with those flavours and aromas. To clean your coffee grinder, place some rice inside and turn it on. You will eliminate any residue that could potentially affect the taste or smell of your next pot of coffee.
#7. Stubborn Toilet Ring
Cleaning the toilet is never a fun task. If your toilet has an unsightly ring, Alka-Seltzer can do the trick. It’s an easy and effective method. All you need to do is drop a couple of tablets into your toilet and wait about twenty minutes. The fizzing action will help tackle dirt and grime. After twenty minutes, give it a quick wipe with your toilet brush, and you’ll be good to go.
#8. Removing Limescale for the Kettle
Limescale is often found inside of kettles due to mineral deposits. Cleaning your kettle may seem challenging, but vinegar will do the trick. Mix a solution of water and vinegar, filling your kettle to the top. Allow this mixture to boil, then soak overnight. In the morning, rinse thoroughly. You could also do this in your coffee maker. Be sure to run a few cycles with just water before making the next pot for your coffee maker.
#9. Scorched Pots and Pans
Cleaning a scorched pot or pan can be a challenge. If you’ve soaked your pots and pans, but you’re still struggling to get them clean, then you may need to create an alternative cleaning solution. Mix a few cups of water with baking soda and vinegar inside the pot or pan.
With the lid on, boil the solution. After five minutes, lower the heat and begin scraping the build-up with a spoon until it loosens. After most of the gunk has been removed, transfer it back to the sink for a thorough clean.
#10. Dirty Blinds
Although a duster can eliminate dust from the blinds, it will settle elsewhere. A duster also doesn’t get enough of the dust. To target dirty blinds, dampen a sock with water and vinegar. You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to add a nice scent. Put the sock on your hand and use it to clean both sides of the blind simultaneously.
