House Cleaning Tips

I know you’ve all heard this before but – pet stains happen. They happen and the odors that go along with them happens too. But we love our precious pets - don't we. Whether it’s from your dog or from your cat you’ll want to know what to do. Here is a few things to consider: • Whenever possible, act quickly. This can make things so much easier when it comes to cleaning up pet accidents. I say “whenever” because a lot of us work and will, unfortunately, not be around when this happens and may not even know it has happened until later. • Don’t use ammonia on your pets urine stains. Pet urine contains ammonia and the composition of household ammonia is so much like the smell of urine your pet may mistake the ammonia you’re cleaning with as their own and will continue to urinate in the same spot again and again. Ammonia is highly alkaline and not good for carpet fibers. It will also leave a residue that is hard to remove completely, and this residue will only attract dirt as it ...

Do you want to make your bathroom sparkle? Following these bathroom cleaning tips will help you tackle this job, so get your cleaning tools and let's get cleaning. Pre-Treating the Tub and Shower Wear gloves so you can avoid getting any chemicals or irritants on your skin. Spray the tub and shower stall with a mildew remover or bleach. Let this sit while you get to work on the toilet. Cleaning the Toilet Spray the toilet bowl inside and exterior with disinfectant. Let it sit on the inside while you use a rag or sponge to wipe the rim and the outside of the bowl, lid, behind the seat, all the way down to the floor and around the base of the toilet. With your scrub brush, clean the inside of the bowl, then flush. To remove tough toilet bowl rings, you can either use full strength white vinegar or a pumice stone to do the job quickly. Moving back to the Tub and Shower Go back to the tub and shower and if necessary rewet the surface with the same cleaner that was applied before cle...

You've probably heard people say, "Why clean the house if it's just going to get dirty again?" This excuse may ring true for some, but people should also know that there are more incentives to cleaning than just having a sparkling house. The act of cleaning has many physical, mental, and emotional benefits that may improve one's health. Check out these 10 health benefits of a clean house and get scrubbing! Reduces Allergies Regular cleaning is the best way to reduce dust and other irritating allergens from the home. Chores like sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming dispose of dust, dust mites, pet dander, and dozens of other allergens that cause cold and flu-like symptoms. People with allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems can relieve their symptoms and breathe easier by keeping their house clean. Sanitation Every time you clean the house with disinfectants, you are killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can compromise your health. These powe...

When you or one of your family members is sick, there are times when – in the middle of the night – someone doesn’t or can’t make it to the bathroom. I personally know how hard it is to have one of your children sick and to have them throw up all over the bed. You've got to put them in another room while you get to cleaning and hope it doesn't happen again. Here's a little something I learned along the way. Keep a large pot next to the bed and hopefully it will get used. Cleaning Vomit This may not be one of the most pleasant of tasks but it does occasionally happen, especially around flu season. You can wear gloves if you want to keep your hands clean. 1. Remove the solids and flush down the toilet. 2. Take the sheets and mattress pad off and put them in the wash. 3. Using terry clothes or whatever you have handy soak up as much remaining liquid as you can. Don’t rub, but use some pressure. 4. Sprinkle hydrogen peroxide over the vomit stain but make sure not to over sa...

You’re making one of your families favorite desserts; an apple pie. When it’s done baking you take it out of the oven and realized it bubbled over and made a mess of your clean oven. Spills and splatters will eventually happen and sometimes they just can’t be avoided no matter how careful you are. Don’t worry; the good news is you can make your own safe oven cleaner and won’t have to buy or use toxic chemicals to clean your oven. When using a more natural approach to cleaning your oven, it may require a bit more elbow grease, but in the long run it’s better for you and worth the effort. Home Made Oven Cleaner Recipe 1 T Liquid Dish Soap 1 T Lemon Juice 1 T Bleach 1 Quart Warm Water Take all the above ingredients and mix them together in a small bucket. Apply the cleaning solution with a sponge to the inside of the oven. Let this sit for 1 hour then scrub with a sponge or a green scrubby. Use plain water to rinse well. Chemical Free Natural Oven Cleaning Recipe 5 T Baking Soda 3 Dro...

Soap scum builds up over time. On shower walls, around the inside of the bathtub and the shower curtain. If left to sit too long it can be hard to remove. Soap scum is made up of many sources; minerals, dirt, dead skin cells, bacteria, and body oils. Now - is this something you want to bathe in? If you have soap scum in the shower and you need to clean it, here is are some easy recipes you can make in no time at all. Baking Soda, Water, Vinegar 1/2 to 1 cup baking soda 1 cup white vinegar 1 gallon water Mix together the above ingredients and put in a spray bottle and clean away. Using Borax Using the 20 Mule Team power of Borax won't be new to some of you. A scrub with borax and water will clean and scour the soap scum right off. Rinse with hot water when you've finished. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser The magic eraser will dissolve and remove a light coating of soap scum and miscellaneous grim from shower walls and glass shower doors. Just wet with water and start scrubbing. Soap ...

It’s getting to be that time where Summer turns to Fall and then on to the colder weather of Winter. This means it’s time to think about cleaning the patio furniture for Winter storage. Pick a nice warm, sunny day to clean and work on getting those last bits of sun. Furniture Cleaner Recipe This is super easy and you most likely have all these items in the house already. • In a bucket add 1 tablespoon mild liquid dish soap. • Fill with warm water. Don’t overdo the dish soap or you may end up with a soapy residue on your furniture that will require more rinsing to remove it. If the furniture has a little mold or mildew: • Add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the water. Cleaning the Umbrella It's much easier to clean the umbrella when it's in place. You may need a ladder or step stool. If getting up on ladders is not particularly your cup of tea, take the open umbrella, lay it on the lawn. Turn the umbrella as you clean. If you do use the stool or ladder, clean the umbre...

Is your pet urinating in the house? Maybe it’s due to house training, maybe your pet is not feeling well, maybe the litter box is dirty and the cat refusing to use it? Whatever the reasons are, pet urine odors do not need to be difficult to clean. Below are a few cleaning tips: Don’t Use Ammonia The first thing you need to be aware of; pet urine contains ammonia (among other things). So if you have been told to try ammonia – don’t. You will be inviting your pet to come back again and again. Remove Urine Stains from Carpet Work fast and soak up what you can with an absorbent paper towel or a clean rag. Put your weight into it or stand on it so you get up as much as possible. Change absorbents as necessary. Now use an equal mix of vinegar and warm water. Pour a little over the stained area; try not to over saturate. Once again, get out your absorbent materials and soak up the liquid. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell, it will dissipate shortly. Next get some baking soda and sprinkle...

As I prepare for the last camping trip of the summer, I am excited, yet sad, knowing that this will be the last adventure for the season. Thinking of the final voyage, I also know that after we return it will be time to prepare for storing “old reliable”. There is plenty of work involved in making sure that she is well taken care of and will be clean and ready for next season. First, you will want to mix up a batch of this homemade all-purpose cleaner, then follow the checklist below and you’ll have your motorhome clean, fresh and ready to store. All Purpose Disinfectant and Deodorizer: In a spray bottle mix the following ingredients: * 1 cup white distilled vinegar * 1 cup of warm water NOTE: You can use this on most surfaces but NOT on granite or natural stone. It is also a great grease remover. Motorhome Cleaning Checklist: Wipe down with a damp cloth the cabinets and counters by using the 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. Vacuum: * Carpet * Cushions and upholstery * Corners ...

I was watching a cooking show on T.V. the other day and the chef was making a deep dish pizza using a cast iron skillet. As my mouth watered from the delicious looking pizza with tasty toppings, I wondered what ever happened to my cast iron skillet. Now it was a quest to find it and recreate the delicacy I was watching. I dug through my cabinets and there, in the bottom, way in the back, lay my sturdy skillet. After digging it out, I found that it had not been properly cleaned. I now need to clean and season it before cooking anything. If you find yourself with a rusty or dirty cast iron pan, don’t worry, there are simple tips to get your skillet back in shape. Here is what you will have to do: Cleaning Cast Iron Do not use soap and water…ever! Instead, place the pan on the stove and boil some water in it. Let it soak for a while. When food particles start to loosen, turn the heat off. Use an oven mitt and pour out the water. Wipe out with a paper towel. Never use Brillo pads (or a...

There are those of us who have green thumbs and those of us that don't. For those of us that can't manage to keep the simplest of plants alive - the silk flower is often turned to to add color and a little something to decorate and make a room cozy. A word of advice - keep them out of direct sunlight to keep the color from fading. Keep a variety on hand so you can change them around every now and then. Alright so let's move on to a couple of cleaning methods you can use to clean your silk flowers and keep them beau-ti-ful. Shake, Shake - Shake It Up! In a paper bag (grocery size), put either a handful of salt or cornmeal (about 1 cup, more if you think necessary), or a bag of dried rice. Put your flowers in and shake them up. This is a good way to remove dust and dirt. Don't forget to make sure the bag top has been folded down a few times to keep everything from flying out. Water and Liquid Dish Detergent. Fill your sink half full with cool to luke warm water. As t...

There’s no time like summertime to make some changes around the house. Maybe this time you've decided you no longer want wallpaper in the office or sitting room? Maybe you want painted walls instead? Removing wallpaper may not be one of the easiest things to do, so I hope we're able to help you out. First you need to clear the room and take everything off the walls. If there is large furniture that can’t be easily moved out of the room, move it as close to the center of the room as possible and cover it with a drop cloth or whatever you have handy to protect it. Then you need to have all the right tools to complete the job. Here's a list of the things you'll need: 6" scrapper Wallpaper glue remover Drop cloth or plastic wrap Ladder Garbage can or garbage bags Scoring tool Spray bottle Now lay down the drop clothes and get started. Peeling the Wallpaper Off If luck is on your side, you will be able to just loosen a corner of the wallpaper and gently peel it from...

Keeping your carpets looking their best and looking like new doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few carpet cleaning tips you might find helpful. Carpet Cleaning Tips Make sure you have the right vacuum for the type of carpet you have. For example, vacuuming a frieze carpet works best with a vacuum that has height adjustments and no beater. Vacuuming is recommended at least once a week, more if you have high traffic areas, pets, or members of the family that have allergies. A dirty carpet will have excess dirt, dust and other allergens and can become a breeding ground for germs. Have your carpets professionally cleaned once a year, especially if you have pets and lots of people coming and going. Do your research before hiring a professional, get references from other family members and friends; you don’t want a professional that’s just dumping water on the carpets. Although it is less expensive to rent a carpet cleaning machine from the grocery store, they may not be the best thing fo...

We just had a client ask the question below and thought we would share it with you. It’s a little long but it might be useful to some of you. If you are looking for answers to your cleaning questions, take a look at the Mrs. Clean forum . Our Clients Cleaning Question I live in an apartment and I have a white Whirlpool gas range. The stainless steel is not smooth it is abrasive like sandpaper and the porcelain covered grates and caps are very fragile and chip easily. They are black and covered with burnt on oil and food from cooking. I am afraid to use more heavy duty cleaners as they can strip the porcelain right off of the metal grates. Help. I work hard to get a clean kitchen, I do have two small children who are curious and a dog. I do not want to use something possibly harmful to them. Have I not found the right product? I have tried a lot of elbow grease and lots of products. I have tried soaking, steel wool, Brillo pads, green products, professional products, de-greasor, dis...

For any type of stain there are a few basic things to keep in mind. Here are a few emergency basics to quickly help you out. Use Club Soda for Carpets This is a good one to keep at your disposal for some of those carpet disasters. Club soda can be used on carpet spills that have not yet set in. Use it quickly to remove a wine stain, coffee stain, pop stain, and more. Pour some club soda on the stain and carefully blot it up with a terry cloth. Remember to blot – not rub! Club soda will not only help to draw out the stain but keep it from setting. Don’t forget to use a clean cloth when cleaning up spills on your carpet, rinse when necessary to avoid reintroducing the stain. Use a pH Detergent for a Milk Spill Use a pH balanced detergent to blot up a milk stain. Add one teaspoon to one cup warm water and blot up with a terry cloth. Use Vinegar on Faucets and Shower Heads with Lime/Mineral/Hard Water Deposits Just about all of us have this handy, universal item in our homes and it’s w...

1. Clean Top To Bottom Where ever you are cleaning in the house – always clean top to bottom. Start at the top floor of the house and work your way downstairs. When you’re cleaning a room, start at the top and work your way down. For example, if you are cleaning a bedroom and you start dusting at the bottom and work your up – by the time you got to the top, you would probably notice dust on the items you just dusted. You may end up re-dusting again only this time working from top to bottom. Start at the ceiling, down the wall, over the picture frames and door frames, lamps on tables, nightstands, etc. 2. Clean Back To Front To keep a room looking fresh and just cleaned, start your vacuuming at the back of the room and work your way out of the room. Same with mopping floors. If you’re cleaning underneath the bathroom sink. Take everything out then get a wet cleaning rag and starting cleaning at the back working towards you. Same thing applies to kitchen cabinets and drawers. 3. Dus...

Many of you are getting ready for the camping trips you’ll be taking this summer with friends and family. Depending on the weather you’re having in the state you live in – you may have already started. For those of you that have brought out the tent trailers, opened them, and unfortunately were greeted with mold and mildew. Mold and mildew will flourish in dark, damp places that have restricted airflow. Tent trailers should never be put away and stored wet. They should not sit outside unprotected. Either one of these will only encourage the growth of mold and mildew. Check the Owner’s Manual If you have the owner’s manual for your tent trailer, see what it says about cleaning. If you don’t have it, call the place you bought it from or any of your local RV stores and they should be able to help. If for some reason you have not been able to contact the RV store, here is what you can do to get your cleaning under way. This works best if you know there are going to be a number of conse...

Who'd a thunk - skunk odor? Yep, there are still plenty of people and pets who have the occasional run in with a skunk(s). Skunk spray contains a sulfuric based chemical and other compounds called thiols that come from their anal glands. The spray is their way of warding off unwanted predators. The spray also has a very unpleasant smell of rotten eggs. Removing skunk spray is not the easiest thing to do but before you banish your pet to the backyard or you throw out your clothes, give this recipe a try, it's safe for both humans and pets. Odor Remover Recipe: If you or your pet got skunked this solution can be used to wash you, your pet, and your clothing. Wash thoroughly, the process may need to be repeated. If you are using it to wash your skunk sprayed clothes, make sure you don't wash them with other clothing items. Mix all ingredients in this recipe in equal parts: Baking soda Hydrogen peroxide Dawn dish soap Mix together the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide until th...

There are ways to clean your house and brighten your clothes without using chemicals and most of the items to use are probably in your home already. Chemicals aren’t the only thing that can kill germs and bacteria, take a look at our list and give some of them a try. Some you may already be familiar with. If not, I hope we've given you some helpful tips. Cleaning Drains First put a tea kettle of water on to boil. If you don’t have a kettle then boil about five or six cups of water. To clean the drains in your home, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Follow that with about 1/2 cup white vinegar. Cover with a wash cloth. Let stand for about 5 minutes. When times up, carefully pour the hot water into the drain to flush out the clog. This should not be used after using a commercial drain cleaner. If you have a tough clog, look into a plumbers snake then use this method again. Brighten Your Clothing Baking soda and white vinegar are two items that are so handy to have a...

How to Clean Paint Brushes. So you decided things needed to be freshened up a bit and you’ve painted a room or something outside and I’m sure it looks fantastic! But what happens when you’ve found you forgot to clean a brush? Good brushes can be expensive so don’t throw it away, try one of these suggestions first and try to save it for the next time you want to paint. Cleaning Oil Paint from Brushes. You’ll need gloves, a bucket or coffee can, and some turpentine. You might want to work outside for this. Fill the bucket or coffee can with enough turpentine to cover the bristles of the brush and let it sit and soak for 15 – 20 minutes or so. When you come back, take the brush and work it against the bottom of your container to make it pliable. Put your gloves on and work the bristles apart (while in the turpentine) and gently work to remove the dried paint, you can also use an old toothbrush to comb the paint out. When the paint is removed, do not soak or rinse in water. You can tak...

Kids get their first stuffed toy at birth and sometimes it follows them through most of their lives. If you’re a Mom now; who might still have your favorite stuff toy, you know how dirty they can get. Now that you’re older and see your young children chewing on a stuffed toy, you might think after awhile, “Gross. This needs to be cleaned.” All that dust and drool and who knows what, it must have germs galore! But maybe you’re not sure how to do it. Before cleaning any stuffed toys, read the label for any special care instructions. Cleaning Washable Toys Many of the stuffed toys made for babies and young children today can be washed and dried. Even if the label states washing Is OK but you’re hesitant, put the toy in a pillowcase first for a little added protection. Cleaning Non-Washable Toys When stuffed animals and other toys can’t be washed or immersed in water, here are a few things you can try. When you’re cleaning house and vacuuming the kid’s room, use the hose attachment and...

How To Remove Barbecue Stains Warmer days are here for awhile and many of us are grilling on the barbecue more frequently. We are enjoying wonderful foods, family, and friends. That's all great but what else comes with barbecuing? Stains! Stains on carpets, clothes, and tablecloths. When these kinds of stains happen - speed is the key. If you don't get to it right away, it doesn't mean it the stain is forever there, it just makes it easier to remove when it's a new stain. Remove a Fresh Barbecue Stain From Clothing 1. Get a dull knife or something similar to scrape as much of the barbecue up as possible. Be very careful not to rub the stain into the fabric more than it already is. 2. When you're dealing with clothing, run the backside of the stain under cold water forcing it back out. 3. Then using a mild detergent (liquid), blot (don't rub) this on the stain. Let it sit on a paper towel or clean cloth for 5 - 10 minutes. 4. When you are dealing with white f...

Are you looking for a natural cleaner that is cost effective and does a great job? Maybe you’re thinking it isn’t possible. It is though with a common household product like White Vinegar. White Vinegar is a natural cleaning product and environmentally friendly. Vinegar comes from a variety of sources like apples, rice, wood, and roots. Cleaning with vinegar will leave a smell behind, but don’t let that stop you because the smell will quickly dissipate. Although vinegar is non-toxic, it is slightly acidic and should not be used on some surfaces. These are surfaces such as crystal, marble, and natural stone surfaces. Everyday Glassware If you have drinking glasses (regular glasses – not crystal) that have a cloudy residue, soak them in a container or large bowl of water (1 gallon) and vinegar (1/2 cup). Let them sit for 1/2 hour, remove and wash. Cleaning the Bathroom Want a clean, deodorized, and tidy bathroom? Use vinegar in the toilet, bathtub, and sink. Toilet Pour 2 cups in th...

Is anyone having mold and mildew problems in your bathroom? These are fungi that grows and will thrive in moist, warm environments. Some of the most common causes are air circulation, warm, humid environments, and dampness, does that scream bathroom to you? Now who might be seeing these conditions this time of year? Well I guess that depends on where you’re living. If you are having problems with mold and mildew in your bathroom there are some ways to help keep it under control. The Bathroom Fan First, look at the bathroom fan. Is it full of lint and who knows what and you can barely see through the stuff? Now would be a good time to get your husband or significant other, have them take it down and clean it then carefully clean around the inside fan area too. If for some reason the fan cover can’t be taken down, get out the vacuum and use the hose with the brush attachment on it to vacuum the outside vent area to remove dust and build up. Open a Window Some bathroom fans just aren’...

Spring is here, summer is on the way. It’s still a little chilly outside but the sun is shining and there is just no excuse to stay inside. Especially when there is some outdoor spring cleaning that can be done. We are going to be touching on some outdoor chores so you can get some fresh air and motivated. So from now until the end of summer, you can find a clean place to sit and enjoy your yard. Get the Gutters Cleaned After all the rain and leaves blowing from winter storms, cleaning the gutters in the spring will ensure they are going to be doing their job efficiently when the spring rains come along. Wash the Windows With all the wonderful sunshine that will be coming through your windows, who wants to look at a grimy one? Here’s a quick recipe for you to use, just don’t use too much of the dishwashing liquid as it could cause streaking. 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid 1 gallon hot water in a bucket Put the liquid soap in first then add the hot water. Get the windows and window fr...

Welcome guests to your home with a comfortable place to stay while visiting. Whether it’s a spare bedroom or a home office that doubles as a guest room there are things you can do to always be prepared for planned visits and last minute guests. With families the guest room will often be in the same room as the home office, so we’ll provide tips for a home office guest room. Let’s be honest, having guests stay in your home is stressful. There is the kind of company that will stay for two days or more and some that will only stay overnight. But regardless of how long they will be staying, a good host you must be – and what better way than to be prepared. Making your guests comfortable is important to keep your family life running smoothly. Being prepared and getting organized for guests can take care of their needs ahead of time and you can welcome them without all the stress. Making the Home Office a Guest Friendly Space One thing to do is keep a guest basket ready, make sure ther...