How do we learn how to clean? From our folks. And where did they learn? From their folks. And so we do what has always been done – the way it has always been done. If your dad scrubbed the toilet a certain way, chances are you do it that way too. That is, until now… There are far more efficient ways to clean things nowadays. If you don’t believe me, check these out…
#1 Cutting Boards
Dish soap alone is never going to get down in all those nooks and crannies where food loves to get trapped. So grab a half lemon and kosher salt. Rub the salt/lemon along the board to dislodge food particles and then wash with soap and water.
#2 Aluminum cookie sheets
Sorry, dish soap isn’t going to save the day on this one either. Mix ¼ cup baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Rub the paste all over the sheets and let it sit for a few hours. Rinse and enjoy nearly new bake ware!
#3 The Shower Head
Got gunk? Pour white vinegar into a plastic bag and tie it onto the shower head for at least an hour.
After removing the bag, wipe it with a wet cloth – it will be as good as new!
#4 The Mattress
Mattresses are tough enough to clean, but that does not always have to be the case. Give it a quick vacuum and then sprinkle baking soda all over it. After letting it sit for a few hours, vacuum up the soda. That’s all it takes!
#5 The Cheese Grater
Spare your sponges and give your spuds a chance! That’s right! Try using a potato – just shred it like you would cheese. The oxalic acid from the potato will rid the shredder of any cheese residue. Afterward, you can even make hash browns.
#6 Your Microwave
No more scrubbing! Just nuke a bowl of water and vinegar on high for 2 or more minutes. When the microwave is nice and steamy, easily wipe away any food on the top and sides.
#7 Toys!
Hand-washing toys takes forever. So grab as many as you can and stick them in the top rack of the dishwasher (just be sure they won’t melt). You’ll have instantly clean toys!
#8 The Coffee Maker
If your coffee starts to taste a little strange, it’s probably time to give your brewer a thorough cleaning. Fill the water chamber with water and vinegar, half and half. Fun halfway through a brew cycle without grounds and let it sit for an hour. Then complete the brew cycle. Empty the coffee pot and brew a fresh water-only cycle through and repeat until you cannot smell the vinegar anymore.
#9 Mini Blinds
If you have used blinds attachments on your vacuum, you already know how ineffective that method was. Try using an old sock soaked in a water-vinegar mix. Just wipe down each slat – easy!
#10 Cast Iron Pans
Once again, dish soap is a non-starter. Just use coarse salt and water to get rid of stubborn food particles. Dry and add a thin coat of oil. Done!
#11 Paintings
Are your paintings dusty? Dusties, meet Mr. Bagel. Try rubbing half a bagel over the surface of the painting to pick up the dust and dirt.
#12 The Blender
Tired of taking the blender apart? Well, NOW is the time for dish soap. Just add a drop with hot water and secure the lid. Turn it on for a few seconds and give it a rinse.
#13 Your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes need to be cleaned regularly – period. They are gross otherwise and you have to put it in your mouth! Drown the head in vinegar for a few hours. That will do the trick! See? Wasn’t that easy?
#14 Your Toaster
Giving your toaster a few shakes aren’t going to get it done when it comes to cleaning. Grab the cream of tartar and a wet sponge – your toaster will look as good as new.
#15 The Oven
Stop spending hours cleaning your oven! Make a quick water-and-baking-soda paste and spread it on the inside of the oven. After letting it sit overnight, wipe it down with a wet rag. Then spray vinegar on the inside and wipe it down. Turn the oven on low for 20 minutes to dry the inside.