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Sunday

Cleaning Tips

OK so we all know a New Year means time to clean out the old clutter or just cleaning the house really good period! Here are some cost effective ways to clean using items you probley already have in your home.

Lets start in my favorite place the kitchen ;)
1. Counter Tops- Wipe down with a dry soft clean cloth is all that is needed on a day when the counters haven't been used. If more extensive cleaning is needed, water and a soft cloth can do the trick for most routine cleaning. Be sure to check the instructions for your specific counter top type before proceeding to any other steps.

You don't have to have a fancy cleaner you can use these items:
Baking Soda and Water: Sprinkle counter with baking soda, then scrubbing with a damp cloth or sponge. If you have stains, knead the baking soda and water into a paste and let set for a while before you remove. This method also works great for stainless steel sinks, cutting boards, containers, refrigerators, oven tops and more.
Kosher Salt and Water: If you need a tougher abrasive sprinkle on kosher salt, and scrub with a wet cloth or sponge.
Natural Disinfectant: To knock out germs without strong products, mix 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. Spray or rub on counter tops and other kitchen surfaces.

(Extra Hint: If you have a Crome sink and faucet 'Baby Oil' like the kind you use on your skin works great to polish Chrome simply apply a dab to a cotton cloth and use it to shine everything from faucets to hubcaps.)

***EXTRA CREDIT: USE VODKA It's easy to get your chrome, glass and porcelain fixtures shining. Moisten a soft, clean cloth with vodka and clean away!***

Need something pretty on the counter now that its all clean well how about some fresh flowers?
 Make them last longer with this recipe: a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in your flower vase. It should help keep your flowers fresh longer. Change out the mixture with fresh ingredients daily. Oven Cleaning-Baking Soda and Water: Coat the inside of your dirty appliance with a paste made from water and baking soda. Let stand overnight. Then wipe with moist spong or cloth rag.



Disposal -Baking Soda and Boiling Water: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the problem drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. If that isn't doing it for you, chase the baking soda with a 1/2 cup of vinegar and cover tightly, allowing the vigorous fizzing of the chemical reaction to break up the gunk. Then flush that with one gallon of boiling water.

*HINT:I also cut a large lemon in 3 and then put it down the drain and turn the dispoal on with hot running water.*


 
2.Windows Mirrors Picture Frames: You can clean these items with some White Vinegar, Water and Newspaper (YES news paper works better it wont streak like paper towels)
Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a spray bottle. 
(HINT:If you're out of vinegar or don't like its smell, you can substitute undiluted lemon juice or club soda.)

3.Carpet- Secret Stain Weapon *Club Soda* This works if it is a new stain just lift off any solids, then liberally pour on club soda and blot. The soda's carbonation brings the spill to the surface, and the salts in the soda thwart staining.
 (HINT:Use this on your clothes if you spill works the same.)
Cornmeal: For big spills, dump cornmeal on the mess, wait 5 to 15 minutes, and vacuum up the gunk.

Spot Cleaner: Make your own by mixing: 1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent in a blender, with 1/3 cup water. Mix until foamy. Spray on, then rinse with vinegar.

To Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the carpet or rug, using about 1 cup per medium-sized room. Vacuum after 30 minutes. (Secret: mix with lavender for a great smell, just make sure you have a good vacuum to get it all up out of the carpet.)

*BONUS:You can also use the tines of a fork to gently fluff plush carpet fibers back to their original height, removing dents left by heavy furniture.*

Now my house has Hard Wood floors so I use this to clean them-
Vinegar: Whip up a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar and 30 ounces of warm water. Then mop your floors, scrubbing away any grime. I also use a steam cleaner that is safe on the floors about once a month.

4.Bathroom- MOLD Eww
The stuff spreads easily and can severely diminish indoor air quality. Instead of harsh chemical sprays, try filling a recycled spray bottle with some bottom-shelf vodka.
Spritz on, then let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub away with an old toothbrush or scrubber.


These are just a few ways to clean without having to go out and buy cleaners with harsh chemicals or if you are just tired and dont want to go pick up cleaning supplies.

Happy New Year,
Stella Grace Creations








 

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