Cleaning tips and tricks!

[PilsnPinkysMom]

Forgive me if there's been a thread about this before, but I can't find it. I thought it'd be fun and helpful to share our very best cleaning and home maintenance tips and tricks. This idea popped into my head because...

My husband left a hot pizza box on my antique and newly refinished kitchen table, creating a huge, horrid white/cloudy splotch. I scoured the internet looking for possible solutions and read about a white-mark removal method that sounded ridiculous. Of course, I had to try it (I was desperate!)... and it WORKED!

So, to remove white spots from a varnished wooden table, hover a hot, steaming clothes iron over the splotch for a few seconds. Blast spot with steam. Pull iron away and wipe up any dampness with a cloth.

What are your terrific home care tips?

(edited for spelling)

 

[JewelFreak]

For those white water marks on a wood table my grandmother mixed ashes into a paste w/lemon juice & spread it on the spot. It works! Gone in a few minutes. Any kind of ashes will do, from a fireplace or wood stove, cigarettes, or you can even burn a piece of paper.

--- Laurie

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

JewelFreak: That's really interesting... Who even thinks up these things? I can't say I would have considered lemon + ash. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Lauren8211]

Although I don't have anything super interesting to share, I am going to share one of my favorite products: the Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair.

LOVE this thing! It makes it so easy to get pet hair out of fabric/upholstery. It makes my couches look super fresh and pet hair free. I've never used anything better - even lint rollers don't work as well! That's definitely my favorite cleaning product ever!

 

[JewelFreak]

PPM, you're welcome -- it is creepy the first time you do it -- putting lemon juice on a nice finish, but the ashes neutralize the citric acid. So many of those old-time recipes work, it's surprising.

Elledizzy -- didn't know about the Pledge either. I'll look for it -- with 2 Siberians & 2 cats, this house is Fur City. Whatever works is for me!

--- Laurie

 

[tyty333]

I got a question (thread related)...does anyone know how to get those burnt on water marks off glass top stoves?
I got them off once but forgot what I used to do it and havent been able to get them off since.

 

[kenny]

Softscrub is very EXPENSIVE!

Save money.
Put a little bleach and water in a spray bottle.

Spray it on the shower walls and wait 15 minutes.
Rinse.
If any scrubbing is required you didn't add enough bleach.

Now go buy some FCDs.

 

[kenny]

I got a question (thread related)...does anyone know how to get those burnt on water marks off glass top stoves?
I got them off once but forgot what I used to do it and havent been able to get them off since.

I'd use a brand new safety razor. (a used one will scratch)
I buy them at Home Depot in a box of 100.

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

I got a question (thread related)...does anyone know how to get those burnt on water marks off glass top stoves?
I got them off once but forgot what I used to do it and havent been able to get them off since.

TyTy: I usually make a paste out of water and baking soda and scrub/wipe/repeat using the scrubby-end of a regular kitchen sponge. It requires a bit of elbow grease, but seems to work. My mother uses the razor blade method ala Kenny.

Elle: AH! Pledge fabric sweeper is AMAZING! I'm cheap and found a way to partially bust mine open so that I can remove the fur when it gets full instead of buying a new one But honestly, they're not very expensive. They're cheaper than the crappy, useless 3M fur removers.

 

[MsP]

I'm a big proponent of a vinegar and water mixture-- in varying strengths depending on the application. Sometimes I add a bit of lavender oil for scent but vinegar is pretty much my cleaning go-to for the kitchen, bathroom, floors, etc.

 

[LGK]

I got a question (thread related)...does anyone know how to get those burnt on water marks off glass top stoves?
I got them off once but forgot what I used to do it and havent been able to get them off since.

TyTy: I usually make a paste out of water and baking soda and scrub/wipe/repeat using the scrubby-end of a regular kitchen sponge. It requires a bit of elbow grease, but seems to work. My mother uses the razor blade method ala Kenny.

Elle: AH! Pledge fabric sweeper is AMAZING! I'm cheap and found a way to partially bust mine open so that I can remove the fur when it gets full instead of buying a new one But honestly, they're not very expensive. They're cheaper than the crappy, useless 3M fur removers.

I use "Bar Keeper's Friend" to clean the stove top. It works about a zillion times better than any of the other cleaners for glass stove tops I've used. Many requre endless elbow grease- this one takes a little scrubbing but cleans it off GOOD. My stove is finally burnt-crud free for the first time in months. It's awesome. It's a powder in a shaker thing like Comet or something, and looks all cheesy and retro silly, but works great.

 

[iheartscience]

I highly recommend the Eureka Enviro Steamer. It uses a really small amount of water and no chemicals and it gets tile floors SPOTLESS. (You're not supposed to use it on wood floors, sadly.) I ordered mine from Amazon the second I got done using my mom's to mop her kitchen floor.

http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-313A-Enviro-Hard-Surface-Steamer/dp/B001LYFBHG

 

[stci]

But watch out with tips like this!!!! Sometimes you could ruine the object!

I suggest you gave ONLY test by you tips. What do you think?

 

[soocool]

I got a question (thread related)...does anyone know how to get those burnt on water marks off glass top stoves?
I got them off once but forgot what I used to do it and havent been able to get them off since.

Do you use a cook top cleaner for your glasstop stove? The one I love is sold at Sears (I think it is called Cooktop Cleaner??). I tried other brands but this is the best. (Also for burnt on stuff I use a nylon scraper first then the cooktop cleaner).

 

[soocool]

Softscrub is very EXPENSIVE!

Save money.
Put a little bleach and water in a spray bottle.

Spray it on the shower walls and wait 15 minutes.
Rinse.
If any scrubbing is required you didn't add enough bleach.

Now go buy some FCDs.

Kenny, I used to do the same thing, but I really had to have those windows open so I didn't asphyxiate myself! Now I use a steamer to clean it (I can really get into those nooks and crannies) Also once every couple months after I clean the shower tiles, I use carwax on the tiles. Keeps water spots from forming.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I use microfiber cloths for everything. And Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are great for fiberglass tubs/showers.

 

[tyty333]

Thank you Kenny, PilsnPinkysMom, LGK and soocool...I'm gonna give some of these a try today! I'll let you know how it goes.

I highly recommend the Eureka Enviro Steamer. It uses a really small amount of water and no chemicals and it gets tile floors SPOTLESS. (You're not supposed to use it on wood floors, sadly.) I ordered mine from Amazon the second I got done using my mom's to mop her kitchen floor.

http://www.amazon.com/Eureka-313A-Enviro-Hard-Surface-Steamer/dp/B001LYFBHG

Oh, I have this too and LOVE, LOVE, Love it! Its quiet and lightweight and really does the job. I used to use my heavy duty
carpet steamer for tile that is well, heavy and loud, and left too much extra water on the floor. This thing is great! Now I
wish they could come up with something that cleans the grout.

 

[LGK]

I use microfiber cloths for everything. And Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are great for fiberglass tubs/showers.

Oh heck yes. I actually was turned on to the Magic Erasers in another thread in which I was cursing the reformulation of my erstwhile shower cleaner substance (Scrub Free I think- it simply didn't work at all on my new tub). Ohmigod those Magic Erasers are amazing. Seriously like five minutes to clean a moderately dirty tub, and no residue so you can take a bath immediately if you want. Awesome! Best bathtub cleaner things ever.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

For water marks on wood, I just use plain oil (any kind really, from soybean to olive). Spread some all over the wood, let soak for a bit and then wipe up. The wood absorbs whatever oil it needs, the white rings disappears and it is easy and painless. I do this every year or so on my antique dinning/everything table and it is still gorgeous.

 

[charbie]

I use microfiber cloths for everything. And Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are great for fiberglass tubs/showers.

Oh heck yes. I actually was turned on to the Magic Erasers in another thread in which I was cursing the reformulation of my erstwhile shower cleaner substance (Scrub Free I think- it simply didn't work at all on my new tub). Ohmigod those Magic Erasers are amazing. Seriously like five minutes to clean a moderately dirty tub, and no residue so you can take a bath immediately if you want. Awesome! Best bathtub cleaner things ever.

Another Mr. Clean Magic Eraser lover here. Gets everything clean! Woo!

For the glasstop stove, I also use the Sears cooktop cleaner cream. It is made by whirlpool and works sooooo well!

 

[manderz]

I always use a razor on my ceramic top stove. Works like a charm!

Count me in as another fan of the magic eraser! I use it all over the house.

One from my mom... She saves old socks and uses them for polishing furniture. I tend to just dust with a swiffer.

 

[tyty333]

I'm happy to report that the razor blade method for the stove gunk is working! I'm still not done but it should look very nice
by the time I'm finished (thats if I dont boil anything over before I'm done ).

 

[katamari]

Wow. I didn't even realize that there was hope for our stovetop. I mean, I remember it being clean when we moved in, but. . .I am definitely going to try the razor blade and the Barkeeper's Friend.


All my tips have to do with getting stains out of clothing (I have a small mouth and sometimes miss ).

Red wine: dawn dish soap and peroxide equal mixture.

Greasy food stain/oil: Lava hand soap. Or, cover stain in baby powder overnight and then make a paste with the left over baby powder and dish soap then wash immediately.

 

[HopeDream]

To disolve soap scum - 1/2 water, 1/2 jet dry (or other dish washer rinse additive) and a little gentle scrubing (do wear gloves).

I'm sensative to the strong scents of most cleaning products and this mixture doesn't seem to bother me. It's usually used during the dishwasher rinse cycle, so I'm pretty sure it's not overly toxic because it's used on food surfaces.

To clean other things I just use windex or dishsoap - most other cleaners give me a headache.

 

[Skippy123]

Wow. I didn't even realize that there was hope for our stovetop. I mean, I remember it being clean when we moved in, but. . .I am definitely going to try the razor blade and the Barkeeper's Friend.


All my tips have to do with getting stains out of clothing (I have a small mouth and sometimes miss ).

Red wine: dawn dish soap and peroxide equal mixture.

Greasy food stain/oil: Lava hand soap. Or, cover stain in baby powder overnight and then make a paste with the left over baby powder and dish soap then wash immediately.

Barkeeper's friend is awesome!!! If I have crud on my windshield I use barkeeper or if I have hard water spots I use it too and it Works!

 

[Skippy123]

Oh for stains on coffee pots and ice tea containers I use White Vinegar and let it sit with a little water and then scrub and the stains come out.

 

[Munchkin]

Oooh, thanks for all the tips everyone. I also use the magic eraser on everything! It even works on crayons and scuff marks on walls. The only tip I have is to throw anything that wax has spilled onto in the freezer and scrape it off when cold.

I need help with a stain on our tub. We think the tub is the original porcelain tub from the 1950s and there is a light green stain under the faucet to the drain. I suspect there was a drip or an issue with the water with previous owners. I have no idea how long it has been there. No amount of elbow grease can get it off! Any suggestions?

 

[TooPatient]

Dried on cat snot the wall -- Magic Earaser!
(yeah... she got where we didn't see so it had lots of time to form an awful dried-on mess )

For stuck-on-crud in a pot/pan, I fill it with water and boil it for 20 minutes or so then dump the water and scrub with baking soda as needed.

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

I've doubted the efficacy of Magic Erasers but now I'm tempted to try them. It looks like there are a few different "versions." Does it matter which one I use?

 

[packrat]

Magic Erasers= My only issue w/them is that they don't seem to last long. Or maybe I scrub too hard. I don't think it matters which ones you get PPM, I've used the plain ones and the ones w/the blue scrubby thing on one side.