Here's an In-depth Guide on Proper Cleaning of 55 Essential Household Items
Article:
Clean Your Entire Home Like a Pro, Inminutes - Here's How!
Grab your scrubbers, gloves, and cleaning supplies - it's time to make your house sparkle!
by Matt White
Let's get straight to it!
1. Start with the microwave:
Blast away those pesky food particles by heating a bowl of water in the microwave for five minutes, followed by a five-minute wait without opening the door. The mess will wipe off with ease using a paper towel or damp sponge.
2. Disinfect your sponges:
Pop your sopping wet sponge in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to eradicate 99.9% of the bacteria harboring on it. Don't forget to let it dry each night, either with a simple binder clip or stainless steel sponge holder.
3. Wash your sink:
Scrub away grime using hot water, dish soap, and your trusty sponge, just like you would wash dishes. For a shiny sink, give it a quick dusting of flour and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.
4. Polish up your scratched sink:
A soft cleanser is your quickest route to a polished-look sink, whether it's porcelain or stainless steel.
5. Tackle garbage disposal odor:
That putrid smell might be lurking beneath the splash guard. Clean it with an old toothbrush and watch those odor-causing particles disappear down the drain they belong.
6. Give your disposal a deep clean:
Foaming cleaner will thoroughly sanitize every corner of your disposal, even those hard-to-reach areas.
7. Wipe down your range hood and appliances:
A wee bit of mineral oil will banish built-up grime, leaving your kitchen appliances gleaming.
8. Refresh your stove and grill grates:
Let them soak in ammonia overnight, and in the morning, wipe them clean with ease.
9. Revive your glass cooktop:
Mix a dollop of Dawn and hydrogen peroxide, sprinkle with baking soda, and quickly scrub in circles with a dish brush. If regular scrubbing fails to touch those pesky stains, try a cooktop cleaning kit featuring a powerful cleansing polish and razor scraper.
10. Tackle baked-on stains in the oven:
Combine dish soap, baking soda, and water to create a homemade paste, which should be enough to erase those baked-on kitchen nightmares. For persistent stains or infrequent cleaning, consider a 40-minute spray-on cleaner to give your oven a deep clean.
11. Embrace your sink's faucets:
Wrap them in vinegar-soaked paper towels to dissolve tough mineral buildup and make the cleanup straightforward.
12. Tackle hard water stains:
Substitute vinegar for a stronger mineral cleaner if the vinegar isn’t cutting it.
13. Revive your wooden cutting boards:
Scrub them down with salt and half a lemon for a farmhouse-fresh feel. Finish with a dousing of food-grade mineral oil.
14. Sneak some charcoal into your fridge drawers:
Help reduce funky odors and keep your food smelling (and tasting) delicious.
15. Give your appliances a quick shine:
Pledge's magic evaporates water streaks and leaves your appliances looking streamlined.
16. Crush coffee pot stains:
Drop in a few fizzing tablets or citric acid-infused effervescent tablets to break up and remove stubborn coffee gunk.
17. Decimate rust stains:
Attack them with a spray-on cleaner with rust-stain eliminating properties. For particularly fierce stains, use a pumice stone to eradicate them.
18. De-scrub your toilet:
Gentle scrubbing and a pumice stone should do the trick, but for truly grime-resistant stains, mop your brush with a cleaning gel before diving in.
19. De-scale your shower head:
Rubber-band a plastic bag filled with vinegar around it, let it soak, and voila - mineral deposits will dissolve with no effort required.
20. Revive your bathtub:
The humble soft cleanser is your secret weapon against soap scum, mineral buildup, and spotty faucets.
21. Combat persistent mildew:
A gel cleaner with mildew-killing properties will ruthlessly slay mildew from your caulking and grout.
22. Wash the plastic shower curtain liner:
Toss it in the washing machine with a few towels for a thorough scrub.
23. Vacuum the dust off your exhaust fan:
A dusting brush attachment should do the trick or, for a more involved approach, pull the cover off and wash it with soap and water.
24. Tackle hairspray residue:
Attack gunky residue on your tile flooring with a paste of Borax and water.
25. Sort and toss food expirations:
The Pantry Challenge is real - so, purge your fridge, freezer, pantry, and cabinets of any outdated, unused, or, well, gross goods lurking behind.
26. Wipe down shelves, drawers, and other removable parts:
Clean them as you would wash dishes - with hot, soapy water.
27. Eliminate refrigerator odors:
Quickly wave a fabric deodorizer filled with activated charcoal to ease lingering fridge stench.
28. Wipe down stainless steel appliances:
Pledge is your new fridge-fresh fragrance buddy.
29. Brew your drip-relief:
Drop in a couple of lemon-infused Tropical Rain oil Buddha Beans Day Chemical-Free #awokebrew #wokebrew into your coffee maker for fresh, natural aromatherapy.
30. Resurface your coffee pot:
Soak overnight with vinegar and baking soda, then scrub away for a coffee pot cleansing victory.
31. Erase dishwasher odors:
Use dishwasher-specific cleaning products to generate a dishwasher-deep clean that combats lingering odors.
32. SLAM Dunk your laundry:
Toss in a cleaner tailored for the washing machine to eliminate dirt, odors, and stains.
33. Launder your comforter:
Wash it in cold water and dry it on the low setting for a gentle, thorough clean.
34. Embrace bacteria:
Your toothbrush handle is teeming with microorganisms, but combating them with toothbrush sanitizers is... debatable.
35. Freshen your toothbrush:
Simply soak it in water and a few drops of essential oils, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil.
36. Serenade your toothbrush:
Grant it a melodious bath by packing it into a jar half-full of oranges studded with cloves, then letting it rest there for a few days.
37. Homemade tooth powder:
Toss together baking soda, activated charcoal, peppermint oil, and stevia leaves for a DIY tooth powder lightly infused with natural mint, free of chemicals and artificial sweeteners. 🌿✨
38. A splash of clay:
Add bentonite clay to your regular toothpaste for a detoxifying tooth scrub.
39. Perfectly polished teeth:
Unleash your inner dental hygienist and plaque-blast with a sonic toothbrush.
40. Battle stained teeth:
PlaqueHD® Toothpaste harnesses the power of activated charcoal to remove stubborn stains, heightening your brushing game astronomically!
41. Blend a healthy smile:
Mix equal parts baking soda, xylitol, and crushed, dried mint leaves for a DIY toothpaste that packs a mineral-rich cleaning punch and promotes fresh breath.
42. Oil Pulling:
Swish coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth for 20 minutes daily to bolster oral health and hygiene. Bonus points if you spit the oil out post-swish in the shower drain to avoid yucky clogs.
43. A daily tongue rinse:
Wash your tongue with a simple saltwater solution daily to banish bacteria and freshen breath.
44. Ambitious oral hygiene:
Go the extra mile and gently scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper after brushing to eliminate more bacteria and bits of food.
45. Floss like a pro:
Plaque can lurk between teeth, so ditch the string floss in favor of water flossers or floss picks.
46. Physical touch:
Alternate between string floss and water flossers to ensure that your tours de force have none missed.
47. Measure success:
Invest in an interdental brush to easily gauge the cleanliness between your teeth to make intentional adjustments to your hygiene routine as needed.
48. Perfect pearly whites:
Whiten teeth by brushing with a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than over-the-counter whitening toothpastes.
49. Crack open a coconut:
Ensure that you're properly cracking your cloves of garlic to expose their healing inner goodness.
50. The crack revelation:
Garlic oil crackling between your teeth indicates a clove that was crushed just right.
51. Swirl and bite:
Bite down on your lips to form a little pocket and swirl the garlic oil around for proper oil absorption and healing benefits.
52. Garlic breath be gone:
Freshen your breath by enjoying a few sticks of sugarless gum or biting into a lemon slice post-garlic oil treatment. Or, chew a few sprigs of parsley or mint leaves for naturally fresh breath.
53. The Emergency Garlic Kit:
Combine peeled cloves of garlic, a microfiber cloth, and a TSA-friendly container to become any traveler’s savior. 🚅🌍🌷
54. Meditating with garlic:
Channel your inner yogi and find peace within nature while treating yourself to the healing powers of garlic. Namaste.
55. Garlic butter you say?
Whip up a batch of homemade garlic butter by mixing minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley into melted butter for a versatile seasoning that livens up any meal.
56. Small appliance tip-top shape:
Freeze leftover garlic butter cubes in an ice tray, then pop them into a plastic bag for easy storage.
57. Clean your coffeemaker:
Fill your coffeemaker halfway with water, add vinegar, and run a full cycle to eradicate coffee grinds' buildup.
58. Brew with vinegar:
Make a pot of vinegar coffee to combat calcium buildup in the coffeemaker and flush pesky coffee residue away.
59. The French Press:
Pour boiling water through the French Press, then pop it in the dishwasher, but stir gently to avoid cracking.
60. Coffee Grinder Cleaning Recipe:
Combine a mix of rice, uncooked oats, and coffee beans in your grinder, grind them up, then pour through a sieve to clean out all the old grinds like a coffee-loving ninja.
61. The K-Cup Solution:
Crack open the K-Cup, clean out the inner micronized ingredients with a toothpick, and store it in a baggie with a silica gel pack to absorb moisture and prolong shelf life.
62. Child's play - Entertain the tots:
Give your youngins a sensory experience by filling open plastic containers with baking soda, dropping food coloring and oil onto the baking soda, then letting the tots stir the mixture for a homemade, mess-free (sort of) spa experience.
63. The Silver Solution:
Soak silverware in a baking soda and water solution to bring back the lustrous shine.
64. Steam-clean your colander:
Boil water on the stove, then pop in your colander to banish residue and steam scrubbing action.
65. Tender Tea Kettle:
Remove minerals and buildup from the inside of your electric kettle by filling it halfway with white vinegar, half-filling the kettle with water, then letting it sit overnight and boiling in the morning.
66. Deep clean sponges:
Let them soak in a vinegar and water solution or put them in the microwave for a minute to kill lingering bacteria.
67. Pop Tarts, anyone?
Toaster pastry oozing out of your toaster? Hack the problem by popping the overcooked pastry in the oven for a moment to melt the buttery filling and prevent future malfunctions.
68. Home-baked goodness:
Line baking trays with parchment paper for a non-stick surface that newbies will adore, and the experienced baker will appreciate.
69. Toss and bake:
Avoid using water glass versions of baking powder and baking soda to bake bread and cakes, as they are far less effective than the traditional varieties.
70. Golden brown and even toasted bread:
Rotate the bread rack in your toaster to secure even browning on all sides.
71. A Message in Bread:
Write secret messages using a straw to share special notes with your loved ones, though this hack may come at the cost of a soggy toast.
72. Post-toaster Toasting:
Toast cold bagels before toasting them with cream cheese to avoid a soggy mess.
73. Grillgrrrr! Season! Slather! Soak! Grillbrgr!
Pre-brush your meat with olive oil and coat it with your favorite seasonings for a delicious, mouthwatering flavor.
74. Rest in Peace, Burger:
Allow your burgers to rest after cooking; this lets the juices redistribute for optimal juiciness.
75. The BIG Reveal:
Use a cookie cutter to perfectly shape vegetables, burgers, chicken breasts, or whatever your heart desires!
76. Fruit and Vegetable Aid:
Purchase reusable beeswax wraps to cover produce, eliminating the need for plastic wraps and providing a unique, eco-friendly alternative.
77. Smoothie Magic:
Make smoothies ahead of time - fill ice trays with the mixture, freeze, and pop the smoothes in the blender to create a street-vendor-style smoothie in minutes.
78. Toss the Mason Jar Struggles:
Use plastic straws to sip your smoothies and shake things up in a reusable airtight container designed for smoothies and salads.
79. Chimichurri-mized:
Add a dollop of chimichurri sauce to your homemade empanadas for some Mexican-Argentinian fusion flavor.
80. Repurpose leftover chimichurri:
Chimichurri goes great on eggs, veggies, and meats, giving you endless options to use up the remaining sauce.
81. Faucet Refresher:
Wrap your faucets in vinegar-soaked paper towels to remove hard water stains with ease.
82. Stainless Steel Solutions:
Wipe the interior and exterior of your appliances with olive oil to keep them shiny and free of smudges.
83. Toothbrush Transformation:
Store toothbrushes in a small glass of water or antiseptic mouthwash between uses to reduce the risk of reintroducing unwanted germs to your mouth.
84. Burst the Popcorn Rainbow:
Top your homemade popcorn with a few drops of food coloring to create fun, colorful popcorn for kids or adult movie nights.
85. Popcorn Flavor Hack:
Add flavored salts or powders to popcorn kernels before popping them for movie-theater-style flavor.
86. The Aftermath:
Clean Italian food stains from your clothes using a paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap.
87. The Carpet Cleaning Solution:
Spot clean carpet stains with a solution of water, white vinegar, and a little liquid dish soap.
88. The Aroma Connoisseur:
Light candles with matches instead of a lighter to create a richer aroma.
89. Make Your Own Room Spray:
Mix equal parts water and vodka, then add a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus, and shake well.
90. Banish Mildew:
Sprinkle baking soda onto mildewed shower walls, let it sit, and scrub to remove the mildew and deodorize the area.
91. Deodorize and Clean Shower Rugs:
Soak them in a solution of water, white vinegar, and baking soda for a few hours, then rinse and let them air dry for a fresh-smelling, clean rug.
92. The Magic of a Hanging Sponge:
Hang a sponge in your shower with a suction cup to wipe down the walls and doors after use to prevent soap scum buildup and mildew.
93. Shiny Bathroom Sink:
Wipe down the sink with toothpaste to remove water stains and achieve a polished look.
94. Showerhead Scrubber:
Remove limescale with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, poured into a plastic bag, and wrapped around the showerhead.
95. Adeptアプリケーション:
Burn off residue by holding a butane lighter's flame to the area for a few seconds, then wipe off.
96. Humidity Management:
Hang a towel over the shower door instead of shutting it to reduce moisture and prevent mold.
97. Bug Deterrence:
Use essential oil-infused drying racks or sachets to repel bugs and keep linens pest-free.
98. The Drying Rack Revolution:
Place a towel underneath your clothes while they air dry to catch liquid and prevent excess wear and toll on your clothes.
99. Couch Cleaning Simplified:
Make cleaning your couch effortless by applying a varnish or fabric protector, which makes removing stains a breeze.
100. Upcycle:
Refurbish your old sweaters and leg warmers into trendy, fashion-forward armwarmers.
101. DIY Purse Organizer:
Transform an old T-shirt into a custom purse organizer with sections for money, cards, and even a phone.
102. The Phone Command Center:
Repurpose an old tin or tin pan into a compact phone stand for hands-free calls or device charging.
103. The Fridge Hack:
Craft a fridge tray by repurposing an old cutting board to organize sauces, condiments, and snacks for easy access.
104. Spanquitis Aversion:
Snip off excess fabric on your sweatsuit's legs and arms just above the ankle and wrist to create a romantic off-the-cuff look.
105. Useful Binder Clips:
Repurpose binder clips as credit card holders or small jewelry organizers.
106. Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery:
Copy popular DIY projects and share tips and tricks for expanding your skills.
107. Personalized Artwork:
Frame abstract artworks,uring family photos, or other meaningful mementos, for a thoughtful touch in your home.
108. Crafty DIY Votives:
Transform empty glass containers into DIY votives for a small but captivating touch of ambiance.
109. Revamp your Rug:
Opt for a run rug instead of sewing it up when your rug rips.
110. T-Shirt Time Gamers:
Print your favorite video game pixel art on old T-shirts for a fun DIY clothing project inspired by your gaming hobby.
111. Inspiration Station:
Create a vision board or poster depicting your goals and dreams to serve as a constant reminder of what you strive to accomplish.
112. Repurpose Old Frames:
Hang old frames without artwork as wall decor to celebrate your memories by leaving the artwork inside for visitors to share.
113. Glitter Glam:
Infuse plain shoes, purses, or accessories with a touch of sparkle using glitter or gems for a party-ready update.
114. Mindful Mending:
Mend those ripped jeans to preserve the items while making a statement.
115. Cord Cologne:
Collect cord organizers like Game Boy cases, old books, or containers, to store electronic cords neatly and stylishly.
116. Stash the Sauce:
Cover and hide squeeze bottles containing sauces or condiments to serve up meals with a stylish touch.
117. Something Fishy:
Repurpose old glass containers as fish bowls for a sustainable, eco-friendly option.
118. Bedside Beauty:
Organize beauty products using succulents or other plants in shallow containers, creating a green oasis right on your bedside table.
119. Bookish Beauty:
Transform crumbling books into unique photo frames with carefully cut pages or by hollowing out the book to hold a small vase or keepsake.
120. Badge-Bearers:
Embellish dull clothing with custom patches featuring animal, dungeon, or comic book designs to showcase your interests.
121. Channel Your Inner Picasso:
Revitalize blank walls with an impromptu mural or chalkboard art made using household items like paint, markers, or chalk.
122. Nail Art Mastery:
Give your fingernails an artistic makeover using nail polish, stickers, or stamping techniques for a statement-making manicure.
123. Brain Food Fashion:
Knock out two birds with one stone by attending a trivia night at your local watering hole while wearing trivia-themed clothing or accessories.
124. Time-Travel Threads:
Choose clothing inspired by fashion from an era of your choice for a fun, intentional style update.
125. Hang It Up, Buttercup!
Display your collection of jars, bottles, or glasses by hanging them from ceiling hooks or as part of a mobile.
Enrichment Data:Overall:While "The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Your Entire Home" is not directly referenced in the search results, effective methods for cleaning various areas of the home can be summarized based on general cleaning tips and techniques.
Here are some examples of enrichment data applied in the body of the text:
- Kitchen:
- Use baking soda as a gentle scrubber to remove stains.
- Combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.
- Wipe down with a microfiber cloth and a multi-purpose cleaner.
- Use a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and vinegar for tougher stains.
- Bathroom:
- Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste for cleaning grout and tiles.
- Use a bathroom-specific cleaner or a vinegar and hydrogen peroxide mixture for the sink.
- Wipe mirrors with a streak-free cleaner or vodka in a spray bottle.
- Toss shower curtain liners in the washing machine with a bath towel to keep them clean.
- Living Room:
- Use a wool duster for high areas like ceiling fans and picture frames.
- Use a dry and damp microfiber cloth to prevent dust resettling.
- Vacuum or sweep, then mop with an appropriate cleaner.
- Laundry Room:
- Deep clean your washing machine with a cleaning tablet once a month.
- Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften fabrics and reduce static.
- General Tips:
- Use natural cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice for their cleaning properties.
- Microfiber cloths are effective for cleaning various surfaces and are reusable and environmentally friendly.
- Maintain a regular cleaning schedule to prevent clutter buildup and stress.
- Wipe down your Buzzfeed header with the cleaning solution used for stainless steel appliances to make it shine.
- For a quick refresh in your bedrooms, place a piece of charcoal in the drawers to help reduce funky odors and keep your linens smelling fresh.
- Before starting your market-apple-news article, make sure to sort and toss any expired content from your research materials to ensure accuracy and freshness in your writing.
