No matter how neat you keep your home, odors and stains happen, and can be challenging to remove. Check out these tips on how you can freshen even the most stubborn spots in your home.
1. Crayon - Have your kids created works of art on your walls or furniture? To clean crayon on wood, Murphy's oil soap is a good choice, and it conditions the wood at the same time. To clean crayon on walls, squeeze tube white toothpaste onto a soft, damp cloth (microfiber cloths are the most gentle) and lightly scrub until the scribbles are gone. Similar to the way toothpaste removes plaque from teeth without damaging the enamel, the mild abrasives in toothpaste destroy crayon wax without stripping paint from the wall. Testing a small section is always a good idea to try first.
2. Refrigerator Odors - Refrigerators are subject to a variety of spills and odors. To clean your fridge, begin by emptying its contents and throwing out, recycling or composting any expired or smelly food. Next, pull out any removable drawers or shelving and place them in the sink. Using a damp, soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, wipe down those pieces, the interior of your fridge and the door with multi-purpose cleaner. Don't forget the seams and rubber door seal. If your fridge requires an extra-deep cleaning, unplug it first to avoid wasting energy.
3. Grout Lines - Tile surfaces are prone to dirt and debris, especially in bathrooms. To keep tile looking fresh and new, grab an old toothbrush (either manual or electric). Before you start, wash the surface with water then mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Scrub the resulting paste into the cracks and crevices, then douse with water again. If the grout lines are stained, spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water on the the area and brush. After a final rinse, the grime will be gone.
4. Washing Machine Mold - If you own a front-loading washing machine, you may have noticed the unpleasant smell that can linger after doing laundry. Despite being more energy-efficient, these machines have a tendency to hold odors and harbor mold. To clean, cycle 2 cups vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda on a hot setting. When finished, use a clean sponge to scrub down the inside. Rinse with a plain water cycle and you'll see and smell the results.
5. Discolored Mugs - For tea or coffee stains, squeeze 1/2 a lemon into the mug. Let sit for 5 minutes, then add a spoonful of salt and scrub it around with a lemon wedge. The fruit's acid lifts the stain while the salt absorbs it.
6. Adhesive on Glass - Cover the surface of the adhesive with baby oil or vegetable oil. Let sit for 15 minutes, then scrape with a metal spatula. Remove the remaining greasiness by using newspaper to wipe the greasy area with vinegar.
7. Venetian Blinds - To remove dust and grime, wrap a cloth around a spatula, secure with a rubber band, and dip into a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol and 4 parts parts water. Close the blinds facing downward and drag the spatula, top to bottom, to clean in one long vertical motion. Then repeat left to right.
8. Wax on a Tablecloth or Carpet - Scrape off as much wax as possible with a dull knife. Put paper towel or a brown paper bag on top the wax and press with an iron on low heat. The paper absorbs the wax and the iron stays clean.
9. Cutting Board Stains - Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to remove food stains and smells. For extra cleaning power, sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first.
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