Helpful Cleaning Tips

Laundry Tips

Make sure all family members have their own hamper. Or you may suggest they examine their clothes for stains and odors, and teach them to wear clothes after their first wear.

Despite marketing claims it is not necessary to buy special laundry detergent for babies. Any detergent labeled perfume and dye free is acceptable.

In order to keep socks together and eliminate sorting later, try using a lingerie bag for each family members socks. Remember to use one for lights and one for darks.

Have a stain stick near each hamper, teach each family member to pre-treat stains before putting their clothes in their hamper.

Cleaning your refrigerator

One way to make a homemade all-purpose cleaner it: in a gallon of hot water add 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup of clear ammonia. Add to a spray bottle or use solution from a bowl and wipe down the whole refrigerator, remembering to include the shelves and drawers. This no-rinse solution is a degreaser that also prevents mildew and mold.

For a gentle abrasive and a pleasant smell; use toothpaste for those tough stains.

If the refrigerator has a foul odor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract or a teaspoon of vanilla to the wash water.

Make sure to get the dust out from under your refrigerator, first remove the grill located on the bottom of the unit, you can vacuum the coils or use a yardstick wrapped with pantyhose to remove the dust. Make sure the pan is clean, this can cause foul smelling odors.

In order to ensure your refrigerator is energy efficiently: try this: In order to pinpoint leaks, place a flashlight inside the refrigerator and close the door. Turn the lights off in the room (this should be done in the dark) and see if any light escapes at the seams.

Bathroom Tips

Start cleaning your bathroom from top to bottom. The dirt from the mirrors and walls can land on the floor, so therefore the dirt can be cleaned and swept in one step.

For odor control, place an opened box of baking soda behind toilet this will help eliminate odors.

Wipe down your shower after every use this will help with mold and mildew.

A mixture of vinegar and baking soda can remove those stubborn toilet bowl rings

Before hanging shower curtains, soak in salt-water solution to prevent mildew.

If you plan to wallpaper your bathroom, try putting Lysol in your water, this prevents mildew.

Miscellaneous Tips

Candle holders: In order to prevent candle wax from sticking to a candle holder put water in the holder first and then place the candle in the holder. If you already have wax stuck to the holder, put the holder in the freezer for about an hour, the wax will chip right off.

Did you ever have a bowl stuck inside another? Try putting them upside down in your dishwasher during a wash cycle.