To me, there are few things better than good cleaning tips to help get chores completed in a quicker and easier way. I’d much rather be do something else -anything else- than cleaning. With that in mind, I’m always on the lookout for tips to share.
Filter the Dirt
Did you know that a clean, paper coffee filter makes a great cleaning cloth? It’s nealy lint free so it works great on mirrors, windows, other glass surfaces, and even shiny chrome or stainless steal. Try it.
Add some Salt
When you’re in a pinch, try a pinch of salt. Just a little ordinary table salt comes in handy for scrubbing dirty messes. Sticky stuff on the bottom of a pan, residue from dried coffee inside your coffee pot, and many other messes will wash away easily with a little salt and cold water. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Don’t Forget to Brush
An old toothbrush (or even a new one that is designated as a cleaning tool) works great for tackling those tough spots. Corners, around faucets, and all sorts of small, hard to reach, spaces can benefit from a good scrub with a toothbrush (just mark the brush with permanent ink and store it with the cleaning supplies, rather than leaving it where little ones might grab the wrong brush).
Pop goes the Pet Hair
Previously, other methods for removing pet hair have been mentioned. The following idea may sound funny, but it really works. Pick up a cheap package of balloons. Blow one up, tie it, and rub it across the furnishing that needs to be freed from pet hair. The static from rubbing the balloon will pull the hair up. When finished, take the balloon and pop it over the garbage can. Drop it in and you’re done.
Bitter or Better?
I have used vinegar to flush out my coffee maker and clean the pot, but since I’m more of a coffee person, I never thought about using it to clean the teakettle and teapot or carafe. Vinegar will help remove lime deposits from your kettle and tea stains from your other containers (never mix vinegar -or any other substance- with bleach). Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to avoid bitter tasting tea.