Here's some great cleaning tips on almost everything from A to Z. With Springtime finally here, cleaning SHOULD be a "breeze".
1. Acrylic Paint on Clothing
Shutterstock Just dab with some rubbing alcohol.
2. Air Vents
Source: homesweethomebodies.net
You're breathing in all that nasty dust and gray gunk! A rag, a knife, and some 409 should do the trick. Get the full directions here.
3. Armpit Stains (Yuck!)
Shutterstock 1 tsp. Dawn dishwashing detergent, 3-4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, and a couple tablespoons of baking soda — then scrub.
4. Bagless Vacuum
Source: amazon.com
It requires some taking apart. Get the full directions here.
5. Bath Toys
Shutterstock Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water and let the toys soak for an hour. Squeeze all the water out. But the best tip comes from We Love Being Moms, who says add a dab of hot glue to the air hole so that water doesn't get into the toy and start harboring mold. [Source: We Love Being Moms]
6. Bathroom Exhaust Fans
Source: familyhandyman.com
Using canned air to blow dust and debris out could save your life — exhaust fans are a common cause of household fires.
7. Blinds
Source: keephomesimple.blogspot.com
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip a sock in it. Put your hand in the sock and wipe down the blinds. For full instructions, click here.
8. Brass
Source: helpmeclean.com.au
Wipe down with half a lemon covered in salt.
9. Burnt Pans
Source: apartmenttherapy.com Images by: Sarah Starkey
Fill the bottom of the pan with water. Add a cup of white vinegar to the pan. Bring the pan to a boil. Take the pan off the stove and add 2 tablespoons baking soda. Empty the pan and scour.
10. Carpet Pet Hair
Source: pinterest.com
Use a squeegee.
11. Cast Iron Pan
Source: marthastewart.com
Add a 1/4 cup of kosher salt to the pan and wipe with a paper towel. Get more details here.
12. Cheese Grater
Source: householdmagicdailytips.com
Grate a piece of raw potato. The hardness of the potato along with the oxalic acid will get that cheesy gunk off your grater.
13. Charcoal Grill
Source: howtocleanthings.com
Take a white onion, peel it, cut it in half, stab a fork into the small end of one half. Use the fork to rub the onion back and forth over the grates of a hot grill. The onion will deglaze the grates and add a little extra flavor the next time you bust out your grill!
14. Clarisonic Brushes
Source: brainsoftheoutfit.com
Disinfect your Clarisonic brushes with hydrogen peroxide, lemon, and baking soda, and you will drastically cut down on how often you need to buy new heads. Full directions: HERE
15. Cloudy Glasses
Source: posedperfection.com
Vinegar and paper towels will get them sparkling again! Click here for full directions.
16. Coffee Mug Stains
Source: stepbystep.com
Use baking soda. Get the full directions here.
17. Coffee or Spice Grinder
Source: marthastewart.com
Pulverize bread or uncooked white rice to pick up lingering aromas. You can also grind 1 tablespoon baking soda and wipe thoroughly.
18. Crockpot
Source: 5thbrickhouseontheright.blogspot.com
A little oven cleaner (in a well-ventilated room, or outside) and some Bar Keeper's Friend should get that gunk off. Get the full directions here.
19. Crusty Oven
Source: mommysavers.com
Fill a bowl with 1/2 cup of ammonia into a COMPLETELY COLD oven. The fumes will work their magic overnight. Just wipe clean the next day. Get more awesome time-saving kitchen cleaning tips here.
20. Curling Iron
Source: adventuresofadiymom.com
Just rub a piece of plain steel wool onto the metal rod.
21. Cutting Boards
Source: allkindsofyumm.com
Lemons and coarse salt will work on the wooden and bamboo variety. For full directions, click here.
22. Cutting Boards
Source: snapguide.com
Soak cutting boards in a mixture of bleach and water in the sink for at least an hour. They'll be good as new!
23. Dishwasher
Source: realsimple.com
Use vinegar and Kool-Aid. Get full directions here.
24. Dryer Ducts
Source: prettyhandygirl.com
If you have pets, you'll want to do this even more often to prevent fires. It will also speed up the time it takes to dry a load. Get the full directions here.
25. Dyson Vacuum Canister
Source: dailymom.com
You'll need a can of compressed air, scissors, dish soap, and a flat-head screwdriver. Get the full directions here.
26. Ear Buds
Source: flickr.com
Lightly dampen a q-tip with rubbing alcohol and wipe over the surface. Just be sure to use a very small amount of rubbing alcohol, as liquids can damage electronics.
27. Engagement Ring
Source: fabsugar.com
Make a baking soda and water paste, or just use toothpaste. More details here.
28. Floor Grease
Source: food.com
You'll need a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, 1/4 cup washing soda, 2 gallons of very warm tap water mixed together in a bucket.
29. Front-Loading Washing Machines
Source: savvysugar.com
You'll need vinegar, baking soda, and a sponge. Get the full directions here.
30. George Foreman Grill
Source: sewmanyways.blogspot.com
All you need are some paper towels. Get the full directions here.
31. Glass Cooktop
Source: behindthestudio.com
You'll need dishwashing liquid or powder, baking soda, gloves, and a rag. Get the full directions here.
32. Glass Bakeware
Source: budgetsavvydiva.com
Crumple up a ball of aluminum foil, add a little dish soap, and scrub.
33. Glitter
Source: learnplayimagine.com
Just use some play dough.
34. Glue Gun
Source: makelyhome.com
While the gun is still hot, use a ball of aluminum foil to wipe off the nozzle without burning your fingers. Get the full directions here.
35. Granite Counters
Source: 320sycamoreblog.com
Mix rubbing alcohol and Dawn dishwashing soap to create a granite countertop cleaner. Get the details here.
36. Grease Stains in Clothing
Source: flickr.com
Rub white chalk over the grease stain. It has powerful absorbing qualities.
37. Grout Mildew
Source: Shutterstock
Use Cellucotton Cotton Coils from the beauty store and soak them in bleach. Lay them on the mildew and mold in your tub and let it sit for a day.
38. Hair Brush
Source: anithamallya.wordpress.com
This will make a HUGE difference! You can use shampoo or dish washing detergent. Get the full instructions here.
39. Hard Water Stains on a Glass Shower Door
Source: flickr.com
Bar Keeper's Friend, my friend. Or Lime-A-Way, which comes in a handy spray bottle as opposed to a powder.
40. Humidifier
Source: amazon.com
You'll want to run white vinegar through it, but outside (because vinegar is stinky). You could also use a solution of hydrogen peroxide.
41. Irregularly Shaped Bottles
Creative Commons / Flickr: 46944516@N00
Fill the bottle with raw rice, a little water, and a little dishwashing soap. Cover the top and shake. Source: lifehacker.com
42. Keurig Coffeemaker
Source: passionforsavings.com
Fill the water reservoir about halfway with vinegar. Run a cycle through without adding a filter or k-cup. Then run two cycles of water through to get rid of the vinegar taste/smell.
43. Jeans Stains
Source: hellohydrangea.com
Just use alcohol-free face cleansing wipes.
44. Kitchen Cabinet Gunk
Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com
Use vegetable oil and baking soda. Scrub with a toothbrush. Get the full detailshere.
45. Kool-Aid Stains
Source: ehow.com
You'll need a mixture of ammonia and water, and also a white towel and an iron. Get the full directions here.
46. Lampshade
Source: facebook.com
Use a lint roller to get the dust off.
47. Latex Paint Messes
Source: familyhandyman.com
Use pimple pads to wipe them up. The alcohol in them softens the latex.
48. Leather Sofas
Source: fibrenew.com
Get scratches and scuffs out of your leather couches with shoe polish.
49. Lipstick Stains
Source: womanandhome.com
Spray the spot with hairspray, let it set for 10 minutes, dab with a damp washcloth, and wash as normal.
50. Makeup
Source: beautylish.com
You can make a cosmetics sanitizing spray! Get the recipe here.
51. Makeup Brushes
Source: shazwanihamid.com
Clean them with baby shampoo. Once you've rinsed them well, hang them up to dry using a hanger and binder clips. This way the water doesn't drip back down into the handles, which will harbor mold and make the bristles fall out.
For more thorough instructions, click here.
52. Mattress
Source: marthastewart.com
Sprinkle baking soda (and optionally, a nice-smelling essential oil like lavender) over the mattress, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum it up.
53. Microfiber Couch
Source: 551eastdesign.blogspot.com
Use rubbing alcohol or vodka, a light-colored sponge, and water. Get the detailshere.
54. Microwave
Source: Thinkstock
Heat a bowl of water and vinegar for 5 minutes in the microwave. The steam will dissolve stuck-on stains.
55. Mini Muffin Pans
Source: pinterest.com
A baby bottle brush! Brilliant.
56. Mirrors and Glass
Source: housetohome.co.uk
Use a concoction of 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 cups warm water. Spray and wipe down with newspaper.
57. Moldy Water Bottle
Source: onehundreddollarsamonth.com
EIICHHHH that SMELL!! You'll need bleach, baking soda, and water. It's a lengthy process, which you can find here.
58. Nail-Polish Stained Carpet
Source: just-between-friends.com
Pour on rubbing alcohol and gently rub with a microfiber cloth. Get more directions here.
59. Oil Stains on a Garage Floor
Creative Commons / Flickr: dno1967b
Coca cola! Get the details here. Supposedly, a product called Pour-N-Restore works, also.
60. Oven Racks
Source: budgetsavvydiva.com
You'll need 6 dryer sheets and 1/2 cup of dishwashing liquid. Get the full directions here.
61. Paint on Clothing
Source: askannamoseley.com
Just use a razor! Get more instructions here.
62. Paintbrushes
Source: thisoldhouse.com
Soak them in vinegar for 30 minutes.
63. Pen Ink on Clothing
Creative Commons / Flickr: amagill
Spray hairspray onto the back of the clothing where the stain is. If that doesn't work, check out the other methods here.
64. Pet Hair
Source: brightnest.com
All you need are rubber gloves and a little water. Directions here.
65. Red Wine
Source: wikihow.com
For a stain that's dried already, treat it with shaving cream and throw it into the washing machine. For a wet stain, there are a number of different methods, from club soda to kitty litter, which you can get here.
66. Rubber Stamps
Source: lilypad.inlinkz.com
Use baby shampoo and glycerin (which you can find easily at any drugstore).
67. Rust Stains
Source: familyhandyman.com
Use a resin bed cleaner. Get more details here.
68. Rusty Loaf Pans
Source: apartmenttherapy.com
You'll need baking soda, water, a scourer, and oil. Sprinkle baking soda on and leave for about 30 minutes. Scrub with a scourer. Coat in oil so it doesn't get rusty again.
69. Scuff Marks on Linoleum
Source: wikihow.com
Just rub with a plain old eraser!
70. Sharpie Stains in Carpet
Source: make-it-do.com
These three ingredients will do the trick. Full on instructions here.
71. Shower Curtain Liner
Creative Commons / Flickr: 13194817@N00
Run it through the washing machine with detergent, vinegar, and a few towels (otherwise, you might risk tearing the liner). Get the details here.
72. Shower Head
Source: areal-lifehousewife.com
Pour distilled white vinegar in a plastic bag and fit it over the shower head. Secure with a rubber band. Let it soak for an hour, then remove the bag and wipe away with a cloth or paper towel.
73. Sneakers
Source: instructables.com
Restore your old sneakers with TOOTHPASTE! Get the full instructions here.
74. Stainless Steel Refrigerators
Source: homestoriesatoz.com
After making the spray, the key to getting the fingerprints off is a microfiber cloth.
75. Stainless Steel Sink
Source: promaids.net
It's a lengthy process, but you'll need vinegar (in a spray bottle), baking soda, olive oil, and Goo Gone. Get the details here.
76. Sterling Silver
Source: snapguide.com
Use tartar control toothpaste! Rub it in like you would soap and it'll get the tarnish off.
77. Stove Grates
Creative Commons / Flickr: 28581290@N08
You'll need ammonia (which stinks to the high heavens) and plastic bags. The best part is that this method requires no scrubbing.
78. Stove Burners
Source: morticianswife.blogspot.com
Pour on a thick coat of baking soda. Follow with a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide onto each burner. Wait 15 minutes, then scrub away all that nasty brown stuff.
79. Stuffed Animals
Source: Shutterstock
Many stuffed animals can't go in the washing machine, so you have to clean them in a basin. You'll need a clean toothbrush, two clean white washcloths, a clean white towel, and high-efficiency laundry detergent. Get more details here.
80. Toaster
Source: areal-lifehousewife.com
Mix 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of water. Rub it into the appliance and then wipe down with a damp paper towel.
81. Toothbrushes
Source: .raininghotcoupons.com
Soak them in a vinegar or baking soda solution. Get the full instructions here.
82. Uggs
Source: whooga.co.uk
By the end of winter, chances are, your Uggs are covered in water and snow stains. You'll want to go over them with a stiff brush. Then, use a slightly damp washcloth to rub over the stains. Get more details here.
83. Weird Space Beween Oven Glass
Source: jimcarson.com
It's a little complicated and involves actual TOOLS so you'll want to check out this tutorial.
84. White Heat Marks
Source: littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com
Use an iron and some cloth napkins. Full directions here.
85. Wicker Baskets
Source: containerstore.com
Give them a rinse in the shower, or with a hose. Set them outside to dry in the sun. Spray with Pam to keep them looking shiny.
86. Yellowed Pillowcases
Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com
That yellow stuff is SWEAT and DROOL if that doesn't compel you to do this right now. Throw them in the washing machine using REALLY HOT water, 1 cup of laundry detergent, 1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent, 1 cup bleach, and 1/2 cup borax. Get more details here.
87. Yoga Mat
Source: amazon.co.uk
Fill a spray bottle with 3 parts water to 1 part distilled white vinegar. Optionally, add a few drops of essential oil. Spray and wipe down the solution.
I hope these cleaning tips help and be sure to pass them on to friends and family. Thanks!
