cleaners – Legend Stitch https://legendstitch.com Make Your Day Thu, 07 Dec 2023 07:43:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://legendstitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-Black-Vintage-Emblem-Tree-Logo-1-32x32.png cleaners – Legend Stitch https://legendstitch.com 32 32 231211893 Bathroom Cleaning Hacks With Less Effort That You Must-Have Know https://legendstitch.com/bathroom-cleaning-hacks-with-less-effort-that-you-must-have-know/ Thu, 07 Dec 2023 07:43:36 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=64164 14 Bathroom Cleaning Hacks With Less Effort That You Must-Have Know

Cleaning your bathroom is unlikely to be a chore you relish. After all, who’s ever claimed to love scrubbing toilets or tackling mildew stains? However, that doesn’t mean it needs to be a completely thankless task or a particularly time-consuming one. Check out these 14 bathroom cleaning hacks with less effort.

1. Clean Your Shower With Vinegar

14 Bathroom Cleaning Hacks With Less Effort That You Must-Have Know

The key to sparkling shower tiles is already in your pantry: white vinegar.

“Heat the vinegar in the microwave and spray it on while it’s hot,” suggests Brad Roberson, president of Glass Doctor, a Neighborly Company. Roberson suggests adding a tablespoon of dish soap to the mixture if the smell bothers you, noting that this can also help cut through tough grime.

2. Scrub Mildew With A Dish Brush

14 Bathroom Cleaning Hacks With Less Effort That You Must-Have Know

If you’ve got mildew or surface mold in your bathroom, a clean dish brush is a tool you need to combat it. Roberson suggests combining six cups of warm water and a quarter cup of bleach to create a mold-busting cleaner.

3. Get Rid Of Mold Stains With Baking Soda

Get Rid Of Mold Stains With Baking Soda

For those stubborn mold and mildew stains that your dish brush and bleach solution won’t touch, try applying a paste of baking soda and water. “Cover the stain with the paste and allow it to stay on the stain for three to four hours,” following up with a thorough rinse, suggests Roberson.

4. Use Baking Soda And Vinegar To Deodorize A Drain

14 Bathroom Cleaning Hacks With Less Effort That You Must-Have Know

If your drain is emitting some unpleasant odors, a simple mixture of baking soda and vinegar can fix that in no time.

“The combination of vinegar and baking soda begins to fizz and can help break up any congealed grease in your drain,” explains Joshua Miller, VP of Technical Training at Rainbow International Restoration. Miller recommends pouring one cup of baking soda and two cups of white vinegar down the drain, then flush it with hot water after half an hour.

5. Use Dental Floss To Clean The Small Parts Of Your Sink

Some parts of your sink are simply too small for the average cleaning tool to reach.

Luckily, there’s a solution right inside your medicine cabinet: “Dental floss is a great way to remove buildup in the nooks and crannies of the faucet and handles,” says Kim Burckhardt, owner of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services of Westminster-Eldersburg.

6. Use Dryer Sheets To Nix Soap Scum

14 Bathroom Cleaning Hacks With Less Effort That You Must-Have Know

Can’t seem to get rid of that soap scum on your shower or tub? Instead of a sponge, reach for a dryer sheet.
“Add a few drops of water to a dryer sheet and gently rub the area. Rinse the residue off and the majority of the scum should be gone,” suggests James Conner, VP of operations at Molly Maid.

7. Use A Denture Tablet To Clean Your Toilet

14 Bathroom Cleaning Hacks With Less Effort That You Must-Have Know

Not in the mood to scrub your toilet? Then let a denture tablet do the hard work for you. “Drop one in, let it do its job, and then flush to get rid of toilet bowl stains and rust,” suggests Conner.

8. Squeegee Your Bathroom Window

Finding that your usual glass cleaner isn’t cutting it when it comes to getting your bathroom window clean? Using a squeegee instead can help keep those panes clear and free of water spots.

9. Rub The Lemon Over Chrome To Wipe Off Water Spots

Though water sports are unavoidable in places where water is constantly running (like the shower and the sink), it’s surprisingly simple and cheap to get rid of them. All you have to do is rub lemon over your stained chrome fixtures and the pesky spots should disappear instantly. Plus, using this citrus-as-cleanser will mask any unpleasant smells.

10. Restore Your Mirror’s Shine With Black Tea

Young happy black man cleaning the bathroom mirror. You want your bathroom mirror to be spotless so that you know what you actually look like before leaving the house—but all too often, it’s fogged up with water stains, dust, and other debris.

The solution? Black tea! All you have to do is combine a cup of boiling water with a few bags of black tea, let it cool, and use the resulting solution to clean your cloudy mirror. The tannic acid in the tea will dissolve any dirt, leaving you with a spotless surface that tells no lies.

11. Put Your Toothbrush Holder In The Dishwasher

14 Bathroom Cleaning Hacks With Less Effort That You Must-Have Know

It’s easy to let your toothbrush holders become disgustingly dirty. But washing the accessory is barely a chore: all you have to do is throw it in the dishwasher. Really, that’s it!

12. Sweep Your Bathtub Clean

There’s no need to waste time scrubbing your entire bathtub with a sponge. Instead, cover it in soap, then sweep and scrub with a clean broom and rinse until all of the suds are gone. The broom will clean as effectively as a sponge would, but using the large long-handled brush will require half as much effort.

13. Use Cotton Balls To Clean Pesky Bathtub Corners

The corners of the tub are always the hardest to clean. Luckily, there’s a simple solution for this, and it’s probably already sitting in your medicine cabinet. Just soak some cotton balls in the tub cleaner of your choice and let them sit on the edges of your tub overnight. By morning, those tub edges will be clean as a whistle!

14. Combine Baking Soda And Bleach To Clean The Grout

Grout – the stuff used to fill the gaps between tiles-looks good when it’s clean, but dirt easily sneaks into those small crevices, making the walls look dirty in an otherwise spotless bathroom. To restore your tiles (and the spaces between them) to their original color, apply a paste made out of 3/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup bleach to the grout, let it sit for 30 minutes, and remove with a scrub brush or cloth to reveal sparkling clean walls. This is an awesome bathroom cleaning tip.

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]]> 64164 3 Tips to keep the toilet always clean https://legendstitch.com/3-tips-to-keep-the-toilet-always-clean/ Thu, 28 Apr 2022 00:46:26 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=57452 Nobody likes cleaning the toilet. It’s messy and time-consuming, which is why it tends to get put off. If you dread being assigned to bathroom duty, it can pay to pick up a few simple cleaning tricks. In addition to removing the mold and grime you can see, it’s important to deal with the buildup you can’t. Start by scrubbing out the bowl itself, then take a few extra minutes to address other potential problem areas like the siphon jets and tank that can taint a clean toilet prematurely.

1. Scrubbing the Toilet Bowl

Use a multi-surface chemical cleaner.

For best results, choose a cleaner that promises to both disinfect and cut through difficult stains on ceramic surfaces, such as mildew and hard water deposits. Spray or sprinkle the toilet bowl cleaner liberally around the interior of the bowl. Focus on areas with especially heavy staining or mold buildup.You also have the option of treating your toilet with a homemade cleaner made from a combination of ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, borax or hydrogen peroxide.

Switch on the overhead fan in the bathroom to keep it well-ventilated and whisk away overpowering fumes.

Allow the cleaning solution to sit for 5-10 minutes.

After a few minutes, the cleaner will begin to dissolve stuck-on gunk that won’t come off with a simple brushing.

It may be necessary for the cleaner to sit on especially heavy or stubborn stains for an hour or longer, or even overnight.

To deal with residue that’s higher up on the sides of the bowl, douse the spot with cleaner, then cover it with a paper towel to hold it in place.

Scrub the inside of the bowl thoroughly.

Use a stiff-bristled nylon toilet brush or long-handled scrubber to go over the walls and bottom of the bowl. With a little elbow grease, the stains should come out with ease, leaving behind a polished, sparkling surface.

Scrubbing in tight circles will release more grime than using a back-and-forth motion.

If you need something a little more heavy-duty to scour unsightly toilet rings with, try a disposable sanding block or pumice stone. Both materials should be perfectly safe on porcelain.

Flush the toilet to rinse it clean.

When you’re finished scrubbing, flush the toilet a couple times to run fresh water through the toilet. This will help whisk away any loose debris or dingy water left behind as a result of cleaning. Afterwards, the bowl should be sparkle like new.

Deep-clean the toilets in your home roughly once a week, or more frequently if they receive a lot of use.

2. Clearing Out the Siphon Jets

Turn off the water to your toilet.

In order to successfully clean the siphon jets around the inner rim of the bowl, you’ll need to make sure they’re not emitting water. Locate the small water shutoff valve on the wall near the base of the toilet. Rotate this valve clockwise to stop the flow of water to the tank, then flush the toilet to drain it. You’ll now be able to clean the toilet bowl unobstructed.

To ensure that the water is completely off, keep turning the handle of the valve until it won’t go any farther.

Find a time to unclog your toilet’s siphon jets late at night or during another time when shutting off the water won’t be an inconvenience.

Place duct tape around the rim of the toilet bowl.

You’ll be able to find the siphon jets just underneath the toilet’s inner lip. Work your way around the bowl, covering each of the jets with strips of tape. Smooth the tape down with one hand to make sure it will hold.[7]Dab the rim of the bowl dry with a clean towel to help the duct tape stick.

You may have use several pieces of tape in order to cover every jet.

Fill the toilet tank with vinegar.

Lift the lid off the tank and set it aside carefully. Add roughly a gallon of pure distilled white vinegar to the empty tank. Replace the lid and let the vinegar sit for 10-20 minutes.

Flush the toilet.

As you flush, the vinegar will flow from the tank down into the bowl as usual. Because of the tape, however, it won’t have anywhere to go, and will instead become trapped in the jets. There, it will break down accumulated grime and mineral deposits that prevent the toilet from flushing at full power.

Remove the tape and scrub the jets.

After several hours, you can peel off the tape and observe the effects of the vinegar. Chances are, it will have erased most of the gunk clogging the siphon jets. Run a stiff-bristled brush over the outside of the jets to rid them of any lingering residue, then refill and flush the toilet a few times to rinse it.

3. Maintaining a Clean Toilet Bowl

Clean your toilet regularly.

The best way to keep your toilet bowl clean is to not let it get out of hand in the first place. Get in the habit of swirling the walls of the bowl with a toilet brush once or twice a day after every few uses, using a squirt of toilet bowl cleaner or a misting with a spray bottle of vinegar as needed. This will cut down significantly on the need for more frequent cleanings.

Pour some toilet cleaner into the tank.

Most people are already familiar with this simple trick, but it’s one that goes a long way in minimizing the amount of attention your toilet bowl needs. Following a routine cleaning, add a few ounces of liquid toilet cleaner to the tank. The cleaner will run into the bowl with each flush, killing bacteria and eliminating residue even after repeated uses.

It won’t make a difference how often you scrub your toilet if you’re doing it with a dirty brush. To revitalize a toilet brush that has seen better days, fill the brush holder with a mixture of all-purpose cleaner and water. That way, it you’ll be able to effortlessly sanitize it between uses.

]]> 57452 7 tips to clean burnt pans extremely quickly that you didn’t know https://legendstitch.com/7-tips-to-clean-burnt-pans-extremely-quickly-that-you-didnt-know/ Mon, 25 Apr 2022 05:28:22 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=56562 Remedy your burnt kitchen pots and pans with these homemade cleaning solutions.
We’ve all done it — the recipe says to mix constantly at a boil, but you take a chance and step away. Just for a minute, you’ll be right back! Inevitably, the food burns. And the pan is a mess. Ugh, why did you do that?
When it’s time to clean up the mess, the store-bought varieties such as Barkeeper’s Friend, Bon Ami, Carbon Off are popular; however, in a pinch (and for less $$$) consider these easy solutions that use materials found around the home to clean your scorched pan. You might even find them more effective.

Clean a Burnt Pan Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar is a great multi-purpose cleaner. Use it as a disinfectant and yes, put it to use in the kitchen too.
  1. Pour a small layer of equal parts water and white vinegar on the bottom of the pan.

2. Heat the diluted vinegar on the stovetop and allow it to come to a boil.

3. After it boils for a minute, remove it from the heat and drain the vinegar down the sink.

4. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to the empty pan (the point here isn’t to create a fizzy volcano by combining vinegar and baking soda, you want the two cleaning agents to operate independently). Baking soda is abrasive and will help to lift the staining. Use a scouring pad to massage the baking soda to combat any remaining burn marks on the bottom of the pan.

5. Rinse it clean.

More Ways to Clean Burnt Pots and Pans

Salt

Salt, especially coarse Kosher salt, is great for alleviating scorch marks in pans and is especially great for greasy messes. Try pairing it with Dawn dish detergent and hot water, or massaging it into the burnt pan with the juicy core of a cut lemon.

Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar is an abrasive substitute for baking soda.
Mix a tablespoon of it in a cup of water and bring it to a boil in a scorched pan.Allow the water to cool.

Scrub the pan to bring it back to a shine.

Dryer Sheet

Soak a burnt pan with soap and water, and add a dryer sheet into the mix. Allow it to sit for an hour. The dryer sheet (you can substitute a tablespoon of fabric softener) will loosen the burnt-on food and leave you with a shiny like-new pan.

Soda

While the pan is still hot, pour soda (either club soda or an inexpensive store-brand soda) and coat the bottom of the pan. Allow the carbonation in the soda to loosen the burnt grime then wash the pan clean.

Alka Seltzer

This common household effervescent will work just as well as club soda. Add 1-2 tablets to hot water in your pan, and allow it to sit and take action against stubborn burns.

Ketchup

While by itself it may not be acidic enough to remove heavy burns on pans, ketchup is popular for reviving dull and tarnished pots and pans. Coat the affected area with a thin layer of America’s favorite condiment and wipe clean after 15 minutes.
]]> 56562 Dangerous Cleaning Mistakes And How To Avoid Them https://legendstitch.com/dangerous-cleaning-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/ Mon, 28 Mar 2022 05:54:17 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=50454 source: onegoodthing

Getting ready to do some spring cleaning this week? Keep yourself safe and healthy by avoiding these dangerous cleaning mistakes!

Are you planning on doing some spring cleaning in the coming weeks? Spring cleaning not only makes your home a healthier place to live, but it also allows you to get more organized and refresh your mind.

Heavy Lifting

Lifting heavy furniture is a common cause of back injuries, so take care when moving or lifting anything heavy! When lifting, do some stretching beforehand and use the proper techniques to protect your back. (Or better yet, get yourself a set of furniture sliders to make moving furniture quick and easy.)

But if you must lift something heavy, don’t forget to ask for help—many hands make light work! 🙂

Climbing Ladders

If cleaning your windows or gutters is on your spring cleaning to-do list, be extra cautious when climbing your ladder! Falling off of ladders is a common cleaning-related injury, and those falls can have dire consequences.

And it’s not just extension ladders that can be dangerous—accidents can happen on step ladders too! No matter what kind of ladder you’re using, it’s not a bad idea to have someone else there to spot you.

Skipping Protective Gear

No cleaning kit is complete without protective gear! A good pair of cleaning gloves will help protect your hands from caustic chemicals, abrasive cleansers, and hot water.

And depending on what you’re cleaning, a mask and goggles may also be a good idea! A mask that covers your nose and mouth (or even a bandana wrapped around your face) will help prevent chemicals from irritating your respiratory tract, while goggles will keep harmful fumes out of your eyes.

Running A Dirty Humidifier

If you use a humidifier at home to keep the air moist, don’t forget to clean it thoroughly during your spring cleaning efforts! Grimy humidifier tanks are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and even mold, which can get pushed into the air if the humidifier continues to be used.

These airborne pathogens can be especially harmful to those with allergies and asthma, so it’s important to clean your humidifier regularly

Mixing Cleaners

Many chemical reactions produce toxic fumes, which is why mixing cleaning solutions is never a good idea. These fumes can cause headaches, coughing, eye irritation, or worse!

But these fumes don’t just occur when solutions are mixed—they can even form if you use one cleaner after another on the same surface. If you’ve tried one cleaner and aren’t satisfied with the results, wipe the area down with soapy water before trying another cleaner.

 Working In Poorly Ventilated Areas

No matter what you’re cleaning or what products you’re using to do it, it’s important to keep your area well ventilated. Using windows, doors, and fans to keep the air moving will help protect you from potentially harmful fumes.

]]> 50454 Secret Cleaning Tricks From Grandma That Make You “Wowww” https://legendstitch.com/secret-cleaning-tricks-from-grandma-that-make-you-wowww/ Wed, 23 Mar 2022 18:25:13 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=49241 Grandma teaches you everything, from how to create her famous foods to the value of handwritten notes. Grandmas have some of the best suggestions for keeping things neat. Here are ten cleaning ideas we picked up from Grandma.

Lemon Works as a Natural Whitener

Forget the bleach! To make your linens whiter, try using lemon-like Grandma would. Just squeeze the juice of one lemon into a gallon of hot water and let your laundry soak for up to two hours. Then run the item through a rinse cycle and hang it out to dry.

Clean with a Pillow Case

When it comes time to clean those dusty ceiling fan blades, reach for an old pillowcase. Grandma would slip the pillowcase over the fan blade and slide it down the blade to collect the dust inside the pillowcase. Just be sure to wash it before using it on your pillow!

Credit Card Scraper

Grandma used an old, expired credit card to scrape food off pots and pans. Just keep a card next to the kitchen sink to help clean pans without scratching them.

Keep Garbage Bags Handy

How many times have you gone to toss something in the trash only to find whoever took the trash out last didn’t replace the bag? Grandma would keep new bags at the bottom of the bin so there was never a reason to not replace the old one.

Invest in Tea Towels

Instead of buying paper towels, just stock up on tea towels. Since they are 100-percent cotton, you can use them to dry glasses, let dishes dry on them, and wipe down the kitchen counters and stove.

Practice Seasonal Cleaning

Grandma knew that when it came to the changing seasons, it was time to do some deep house cleaning. In the spring, wash your windows, deep-clean your carpets, and flip your mattress. In the fall, be sure to wipe down trim and baseboards, purge your closet and change your furnace filter. Do a deep clean on various parts of your home every three to four months.

 

Go Old School

There’s a reason you can still find the cleaning products Grandma used to use—it’s because they work! Borax can be used to clean tile, sinks, and greasy cabinets. Old English works great to dust furniture. Use Bar Keepers Friend to polish stainless steel.

Use Salt for Stains

If you spill juice or coffee on your favorite shirt, take Grandma’s lead and reach for the salt. While the stain is fresh, pour some table salt on it and let it sit. The salt will help soak up some of the stains and make it easier to get out.

Baking Soda for Carpets

Baking soda can help deodorize carpets. Just sprinkle some on the carpet before vacuuming.

 

Coffee Grounds for Odors

Don’t put those coffee grounds in the compost bin just yet! Grandma taught us that coffee grounds work as a natural deodorizer. Just place them in a small cup or bowl to rid a room of bad odors.

 

]]> 49241 Tips for Quick and Easy Cleaning in Every Room of Your Home https://legendstitch.com/tips-for-quick-and-easy-cleaning-in-every-room-of-your-home/ Wed, 16 Mar 2022 20:31:21 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=47135  

Sanitize your sink

It’s hard to believe, but your dirty kitchen sink has more bacteria than your toilet seat. Miguel Taveras, a supervisor for Managed by Q cleaning service, said he recommends sanitizing your kitchen sink once a week. For stainless steel, he recommends using an eight-ounce box of baking soda and the juice of 10 limes to create a mildly abrasive paste. As he told Martha Stewart, he uses a sponge to scrub the inside of the sink with it, following the steel’s grain. If you have an enamel sink, he recommends using a gentle scrub, such as Bon Ami Powder Cleanser, and a microfiber cloth.

For garbage disposals, Taveras recommends soaking a loaf of bread with vinegar and stuffing it in the canister. Then, after letting it sit for 15 minutes, turn on the disposal and flush it with cold water. It may sound strange, but it works!

De-funk your dishwasher

Just like the other appliances in your home, dishwashers require regular cleaning, and it’s best to give your dishwasher a deep clean — including an alkaline wash and drain trap scrub — once a month. One way to do this is to fill a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl with white vinegar and place it on the upper rack of your dishwasher. Afterward, run the (otherwise-empty) dishwasher on the hottest setting. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can also opt to sprinkle one cup of baking soda along the bottom of your dishwasher and rinse on a hot-water cycle instead.

To clean your drain trap, remove and disassemble it and — once it’s apart — use a sponge or toothbrush and dish soap to remove any stuck-on food bits or mold.

Show your oven some lovin’.

Tackling the spills and splatters in your oven doesn’t have to be a daunting task. As Melissa Poepping, natural cleaning expert and author of the Chemical Free Home, told Martha Stewart, all you need is some baking soda and vinegar, and she recommends tackling your oven with these two ingredients every few weeks.

To start, remove your oven racks and let them sit in dishwashing liquid for a few hours before scrubbing with a scouring pad. After removing your racks, create a paste using three-quarter cups of baking soda and one-quarter cup of warm water. Then, use a paintbrush to spread the paste throughout the oven’s interior, avoiding bare metal surfaces and the oven door. Let it sit overnight and then remove the paste the following day with a plastic scraper, wetting as needed.

Make your microwave look new.

You should avoid using heavy-duty oven cleaners, bleach, and other abrasive chemical solutions to clean your microwave, which can damage the appliance’s interior. Instead, try washing your microwave with dish soap. To make the process easier, start with a steam-clean. Simply heat one cup of water in the microwave for two or three minutes. Then leave the door closed for a few more minutes, allowing the microwave to fill with steam.

If a steam-clean and dish soap don’t do the trick, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the interior of the microwave and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Don’t forget to wipe down the microwave’s exterior with soap and water as well!

 

Scour your gas stovetop.

When food residue spills over the sides of pots and pans around your oven’s burner heads, things can get messy. However, it’s possible to restore your gas stovetop to its former glory. You should start by placing your stove grates in the sink and soaking them in a non-toxic degreaser, like Simple Green. Then, remove your burners and spritz your stovetop with the same degreaser. Use a soft scouring pad to eliminate the grease and grime, and then wipe clean with paper towels.

After that, give your grates and your burner caps a good scrubbing with a nylon brush, as well as the burners themselves. Just be sure not to put any aggressive cleaners or solvents on your burners.

 

Make your glass stovetop shine.

Unlike gas stovetops, cleaning a glass stovetop can be as easy as wiping it down, but burnt-on food and grease can sometimes stick around. Baking soda and vinegar can tackle stubborn stains on your stovetop. First, make a baking soda paste using a three-to-one ratio of baking soda to water, mixing it in a bowl until it thickens. Then, spread the paste evenly over your glass-top stove using a spatula or a brush.

After spreading the paste, fill a spray bottle with vinegar and lightly spray your cooktop. Once the area is evenly covered, spread warm, wet towels over the stovetop. After 30 minutes, remove the towels and wipe down the surface in circular motions.

 

Spruce up your sponge

Though you should replace your kitchen sponge anywhere from once a month to once every two weeks, depending on how much you use it, you can make a sponge last by giving it a good cleaning. However, that old trick of putting a sponge in a microwave probably isn’t your best move.

The best way to clean a sponge is by mixing three-quarter cups of bleach in one gallon of water and soaking the sponge for five minutes, then rinsing.

Banish mold from your bathroom.

It’s tough to keep your shower tile and grout mold-free, but small areas of mold can be removed with a grout cleaner, a mold remover, or a bleach-and-water solution. Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover can eliminate mold and mildew germs and bacteria in only a few minutes with no scrubbing required.

For shower curtains and liners, Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover can also be used to get rid of mold. Simply spray on, wait until the stains disappear, and rinse off. Another option is to wash your shower liner in your washing machine on the delicate cycle with warm water, laundry detergent, and bleach.

Mop up your tile floors.

When you notice a hazy film or dirty grout on your tile floor, then it’s likely due for more than a good sweep. When cleaning ceramic or porcelain floor tiles, it’s best to use mild detergent and clean water with a rag or chamois mop rather than a sponge mop. The reason: Sponge mops tend to push dirty water into the grout lines, which makes them harder to clean.

After mopping (and frequently changing the water as you go), dry your floor with a clean, lint-free cloth immediately after washing. If your tiles still look hazy from soap residue, then try removing the film with a gentle all-purpose cleaner.

 

Scrub your toilet

When cleaning your toilet, you should start with the toilet bowl. Use half a cup of bleach (or Clorox toilet bowl cleaner) to coat the entirety of your toilet bowl, starting underneath the bowl’s rim. Then, use a toilet brush to scrub the solution into your toilet bowl. Let the solution sit for five minutes before flushing.

To clean the rest of your commode — including the exterior, both sides of the lid, both sides of the toilet seat, and the handle — try using Lysol Power Bathroom Cleaner.

Wash throw pillows and blankets

The method used for cleaning throw pillows and blankets depends on their material, so be sure to check out the manufacturer’s care label to find washing instructions. Silks and velvets typically require the use of dry cleaning fluid, while other materials, like cotton or polyester, can usually handle gentle washing with water. To wash pillows and blankets, the machine washes in warm water on the delicate cycle and let hang dry. Be sure to wash pillow covers separately from the cushion.

To sponge clean pillows, use a sponge and upholstery shampoo to scrub the pillow in circles, and then blot the excess moisture and shampoo with clean white towels. If dry cleaning is indicated, use a sponge dipped into a dry cleaning solution to clean the fabric using the same circular motion and then blot dry.

Dust off your blinds

Don’t let your blinds collect dust. If your blinds are dusty, you will only need a vacuum with the brush attachment, a feather duster, or a microfiber cloth to clean them. For wooden slatted or mini blinds, simply shut the blinds and vacuum or wipe the dust away. For any other material, vacuum the front and back of the shades to whisk away dust.

If a deeper clean is necessary, plastic and metal blinds can be restored using an even mixture of warm water and white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap mixed in. Wet a sponge in the solution, wring it out well and wipe down each slat. For wood blinds, use furniture polish, and for microfiber or cloth blinds, gently wipe them with mild soap and warm water solution.

]]> 47135 Laundry Suggestions for Cleaning Your Clothes That’ll Save Tons Of Your Time https://legendstitch.com/laundry-suggestions-for-cleaning-your-clothes-thatll-save-tons-of-your-time/ Thu, 17 Feb 2022 17:34:08 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=39768 source: familyhandyman

The dirty laundry basket appears to never be empty. You wash, dry, iron, or fold, and then repeat the process. But are you washing your clothes correctly? Here are some laundry tips you may not be aware of, as well as the best way to wash clothes.

Use Aluminum Foil

If you’re out of dryer sheets, throw a ball of aluminum foil in your dyer. The aluminum will fight static buildup and help keep your clothing separated

Freeze Your Jeans

If you like to wear your jeans more than once between washings, stick them in the freezer between wears. The frigid air will kill bacteria that can cause odor.

Check the Temperature

Use cold water for dark colors that tend to bleed and for delicate fabrics that are prone to shrinking. Coldwater is also an eco-friendly choice that will save you money on your energy bill. Warm water is best for man-made fibers and jeans. Use hot water for whites, cloth diapers, bedding, and towels.

Unshrink Your Clothes

Is it possible that your favorite T-shirt has shrunk? Soak the shrunken item of clothing in lukewarm water with a splash of baby shampoo. This will relax the fibers, allowing you to stretch them out again.

Use Less Detergent

Using too much detergent can cause your clothes to remain dirty since too much detergent causes an abundance of suds that can trap soil on your clothing. Instead, try using half the recommended amount of detergent and adjust from there.

Wash Bright Colors With Salt

You can use salt to prevent colors from fading. Just toss a teaspoon of salt in with your dark clothes to help make the color last longer. Washing colored clothing inside out can also help maintain color.

Sweaters Should Skip the Dryer

Skip the dryer when laundering winter sweaters. Instead, drying them flat will help them maintain their shape.

Save Drying Time

When you’re running short on drying time, throw a dry towel in with the load. The towel will help absorb some of the moisture and help your clothes dry quicker.

Reduce Wrinkles

To reduce wrinkles and the need to iron, use a dryer sheet and set your dryer to the lowest setting possible. As soon as the clothes are dry, remove them from the dryer and fold or hang them to keep them crisp.

Top-Loading or Front-Loading?

If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, the options can be overwhelming. Top-loading machines with an agitator often cost less and have a faster run-time than top-loading machines without an agitator (known as a high-efficiency machine). High-efficiency machines are better at cleaning and use less water than agitator models. Front-loading machines are more expensive, but do a better job at cleaning than top-loading and are gentler on clothing. However, front-loaders can take longer to complete a cycle than top-loaders. Do some research to find which model will work best for your needs.

Clean Your Machine

Your washing machine does need to be cleaned regularly. Every couple of months, set your washer to the largest load setting and hottest water temperature. Add a quart of white vinegar and a cup of baking soda and let the washer agitate for a minute. Then open the lid or pause the cycle and let the mixture sit for an hour. Scrub any parts, such as the lid, with a toothbrush to remove buildup. After an hour, let the cycle complete and run a second cycle on hot to remove any residue left behind. Your clothes will thank you.

]]> 39768 Cleaning Products That Work Like Magic for Less Than $15 https://legendstitch.com/cleaning-products-that-work-like-magic-for-less-than-15/ Fri, 10 Dec 2021 17:55:34 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=23981 Prepare to take your housekeeping to the next level with these game-changing products.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Meet your new best friends

There’s no denying the satisfaction of spreading, smearing or spraying a cleaning product onto a problem area and watching gunk and grime disappear before your eyes. Not all cleaning products are created equal, though, so it can sometimes take a few misses to find a hit. Lucky for you, we did the dirty work (literally) to find cleaning products that work like magic. In addition to these products surpassing crud-busting expectations, they’re all under $15, so they won’t break the bank. 

Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray

Grease is no match for this new Dawn product ($5). The mild foam formula may appear unassuming, yet it will remove even the toughest filth from your home. It eliminates the need for soaking because it works five times faster than other products. Simply spray, wipe, and rinse to remove. It’s great for baked-on messes, grout stains, and broiler pans with who knows how many layers of burnt-on crud.

SkylarLife Home Mold & Mildew Remover Gel

If you’re all about setting it and forgetting it, this is the product for you. SkylarLife’s ($13) mold and mildew buster is a potent gel that you apply to areas that are prone to developing mold, including the bathtub, shower, sink, and windows. It even tackles nasty orange or black mold. Simply apply it to the area, let it sit for six to eight hours, then come back to witness a miraculous removal. Wipe it away, and you’re good to go! 

Blue Magic Carpet Spot Lifter & Stain Remover

Stains happen, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them for the rest of your life. Blue Magic’s Carpet Stain & Spot Lifter ($10) is a true hero when it comes to removing difficult stains; it even removes stains you weren’t aware were there. Spray it liberally over the damaged area, wait 30 seconds for the stain to rise to the surface, and then press with a paper towel. It works great on automobile upholstery, carpet, and even upholstered furniture.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Of course, Magic Erasers are on this list—it’s magic! If you’re unfamiliar with Magic Erasers ($7), it’s essentially chunks of melamine foam that act as ultra-gentle, super fine sandpaper on all types of surfaces. They safely buff away everything from soap scum on your tiles and food buildup on your stovetop to stubborn stains on your walls.

Microban 24 Hour Multi-Purpose Cleaner and Disinfectant Spray

Bacteria is everywhere, and it can survive and thrive on surfaces anywhere from a few hours to several days. This can lead to illness, stubborn stains, and gnarly odors. Powered by antimicrobial technology, Microban 24 ($4) effectively sanitizes and protects surfaces for 24 hours by creating a germ-busting shield on any surface where it’s applied. 

Soft Scrub All Purpose Surface Cleanser

Glass oven tops are prone to accumulating burnt-on food debris and porous surfaces—including countertops, sinks, and toilets—easily develop unsightly set-in stains. Soft Scrub ($4) tackles all of that with a gentle but aggressive formula that essentially buffs away lingering gunk. Apply it to the area with a sponge or brush, then wipe and rinse. It works on soap scum, food and drink stains, hard water and lime stains, and grease.

Conair Fabric Defuzzer

Clothing, coats, and upholstery that you use regularly are often susceptible to pilling and fuzzing. This can make the fabric look dingy and old, but it’s not a reason to throw the whole thing out. Conair’s Fabric Defuzzer ($12) essentially shaves these extra bits away, rescuing garments and furniture by restoring them to their glory days.

Fume-Free Oven Cleaner Easy-Off

Do you dread having to clean the oven? You’re not by yourself. While self-cleaning ovens sound like a dream, they result in a hot, stinking kitchen that is unusable for several hours. Instead, go with Easy-Off ($4). It’s widely regarded as one of the best oven cleaners available and for good reason. Simply spray it, let it stay for two hours, and then wipe it down. Use it as a spot treatment after you’ve completed a thorough cleaning.

OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener + Stain Remover

The commercials are true: OxiClean ($7) makes your whites whiter. This household staple belongs in everyone’s laundry room. It’ll get rid of grass, dirt, wine, makeup and ink stains on your favorite whites and it’ll even restore tired, yellow-tinted white clothes back to their original brightness.

Magic Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish

Stainless steel is a magnet for smudges, fingerprints and food debris, which makes it hard to keep clean. Even after cleaning a stainless steel surface, it may seem like all of the above makes a comeback right away. This Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish ($7) not only cleans the surface—but it also helps prevent future smudges and fingerprints from developing.

Pumie Toilet Bowl Ring Remover

The ring around your toilet bowl stands zero chance against Pumie ($11). This pumice stone works via gentle abrasion, nixing mineral deposits, rust, stains, and limescale. And don’t worry—it’s completely safe for your porcelain. In addition to using it on your toilet, it’s great for sinks, tubs, and showers. Do you know which spots are the germiest in your bathroom? 

Glisten Garbage Disposal Cleaner

Having a garbage disposal is a real blessing. However, as wonderful as this kitchen feature is, it can also be the source of stinky smells wafting through your home. This foaming Glisten Garbage Disposer Cleaner ($5) tackles the stench and ensures that your garbage disposal runs as it should. Just drop the premeasured biodegradable packet into the disposal and turn it on while running water. It will foam up as it cleans blades, pipes, and the intricate pieces of the disposal itself.

Swiffer Sweeper Dry + Wet All-Purpose Starter Kit

Anyone who has hardwood or tile floors knows how quickly dust and assorted filth accrues. Swiffer Sweeper’s ($12) Dry Cloths work by attracting and locking in dust, dirt, hair and other small debris to make floors shine. The Wet Cloths trap and lock more dirt while mopping away stains, smudges and smears. 

]]> 23981 Things You Shouldn’t Clean With All-Purpose Cleaners https://legendstitch.com/things-you-shouldnt-clean-with-all-purpose-cleaners/ Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:12:09 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=16353 An all-purpose cleaner isn’t actually ideal for every surface in your home. While these types of cleaning solutions do work well on most household surfaces, in some instances they may not do the best job, or may even cause damage. Here are surfaces that should never with an all-purpose cleaner.

Glass

While an all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean glass, it won’t perform as well as a dedicated glass cleaner. When it comes to wiping down mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces, a glass cleaner does a better job of dissolving oil and grease without creating streaks. No matter what type of cleaner you choose, it’s best to clean glass surfaces using a lint-free cloth rather than paper towels to avoid leaving any residue behind.

Unsealed Surfaces

Unsealed concrete and stone are porous, which means they can be difficult to clean and can be damaged if they come into contact with the wrong substances. Generally speaking, unfinished surfaces can be wiped down with a damp microfiber cloth, but it’s probably best to check the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent staining or discoloration.

Carpets and Upholstery

All-purpose cleaners are designed for use on hard surfaces and aren’t formulated for cleaning fabrics like carpets, rugs, curtains, or upholstery. This is one area where purchasing a reliable single-use cleaner is preferable to using a DIY recipe. Because fabrics can stain easily, they should be cleaned only with products that are specified on the care label. It’s important to note that some fabrics require water-based solutions, while others must be treated only with dry-cleaning solvents.

Washing toys in warm water

Anyone who has kids knows that pretty much anything they come into contact with requires frequent cleaning—including their toys. Because children have a tendency to put things in their mouths, however, it’s not prudent to use an all-purpose cleaner on their toys, especially small toys that are tempting to chew on. The chemicals in cleaning agents can be dangerous if ingested and may have adverse effects even in small quantities. Instead, wipe down toys with warm water, or clean non-electronic plastic toys in the top rack of the dishwasher.

Marble Surfaces

Marble countertops lend an elegant, upscale look to any kitchen or bathroom, but they can be a pain to clean. Because marble is made up largely of calcium carbonate, it doesn’t pair well with acidic substances, which can corrode its surface. Unfortunately, many all-purpose cleaners contain vinegar or lemon juice, acids that can cause lasting damage to marble surfaces. Instead, use a product designed for cleaning stone, or try a DIY solution made up of water and a mild, non-acidic soap.

Wood Furniture

Because wood furniture may be unsealed, it’s best to avoid all-purpose cleaners, which are often filled with relatively harsh cleaning agents. Unless you know what your wood furniture is sealed with, clean it with the gentlest solution possible to avoid staining and other damage. Ideally, just use a little bit of water, or purchase a dedicated wood cleaner to do the job.

Surfaces That Need to Be Disinfected

While all-purpose cleaners do a great job of wiping up spills and getting rid of grime, they typically don’t include disinfecting agents. A proper disinfectant is necessary when you’re trying to rid your home of germs that could potentially make you and your family sick. Use a disinfectant to clean high-touch surfaces like light switches and doorknobs as well as kitchen and bathroom surfaces that may be harboring bacteria.

Stains

All-purpose cleaners are designed for maintenance cleaning, not stain removal. Whether you’re dealing with a hard or soft surface, a specially formulated stain remover is the best tool to get the job done. The process for removing stains varies depending on the surface in question and the product you choose, with unique solutions available for concrete, wood, laundry, and mattresses.

Pet Bowls

If it’s not safe for you to consume, it’s probably not safe for your pets either. Dog and cat bowls need to be washed regularly but should not be cleaned with an all-purpose cleaner, which may contain harmful chemicals. Wash your pets’ bowls just as you would any other dishware: by hand with dish soap and warm water, or in the dishwasher if they’re made from dishwasher-safe materials.

Shower and Tub

Because of the limescale and mildew that can build up in the bathtub and shower, these surfaces require stronger, more abrasive cleaners. Bathroom cleansers are generally made to be compatible with tile, stone, porcelain, and ceramic, and contain active ingredients that work to eliminate soap scum and mold.

]]> 16353 10+ Common Cleaning Mistakes Everyone Makes https://legendstitch.com/10-common-cleaning-mistakes-everyone-makes/ Fri, 03 Sep 2021 18:45:08 +0000 https://alternatech.net/?p=14637 By Jennifer Noonan

Believe it or not, there are right and wrong ways to clean the house. Check out what cleaning mistakes you might be making and how to fix them.

Not Letting the Toilet Brush Dry Out

Many toilet brushes come in a stand that’s easily tucked behind the commode. Resist placing the toilet brush right back into the stand after swishing the bowl. Doing so will allow all sorts of bacteria to breed in it. Instead, allow it to rest across the seat so it can dry out first, then store it in its caddy.

Using Vinegar as a Disinfectant

The use of vinegar for cleaning in the home is an old tradition, and an excellent alternative to conventional cleaning products for many. It cuts grease and is effective on some bacterias. It is not, however, a worthy substitute for a disinfectant. So, if you need to eradicate flu and virus germs, vinegar should not be your cleaner of choice.

Using the Same Sponge

Sponges are a breeding place for bacteria and germs. Do not make the mistake of using the kitchen sink sponge to clean the stove and countertops. You will only transfer all that yuck to the surfaces where you prepare food. Make sure if you use a sponge to wipe down surfaces, it is fresh and clean.

Washing Windows on a Sunny Day

It seems obvious you should clean your windows when the sun is shining so you can see what you’re doing. But, actually, the opposite is true. Hot sun will make glass cleaner evaporate quickly and cause streaking. Instead, wait for a cloudy day, when temps are under 70 degrees.

Using Spray Cleaners on Electronics

Never use sprays like window cleaners on electronics like your TV, cell phones, or LCD screens. They can do damage, as can the wood fibers from paper towels and tissues. Use a microfiber cloth instead or in the absence of that a coffee filter. If you need the extra umpf of a cleaner, use rubbing alcohol. And always spray onto your cloth, not onto the screen.

Mixing Ammonia and Bleach

You should never mix cleaning products. Period. But you should especially never work with an ammonia-based and a bleach-based cleaner at the same time. This is most likely to occur in a bathroom or kitchen, so carefully check labels before getting to work. When vapors from ammonia and bleach mix together, they form a toxic gas that is extremely dangerous. If you discover that you, or someone in your home, has been exposed to these fumes, leave the area immediately and call 911.

Using Abrasives on the Tub & Tile

Using abrasive cleaners or tools on porcelain tile and bath tubs is a very common mistake. Abrasives will remove stubborn dirt, but will also dull the finish. So resist using that pot scrubbing sponge on your tub, and opt for a soft cloth and a non-abrasive liquid cleanser or a non-abrasive powder like Bon Ami. Your tub and tile will thank you.

Mopping a Wood Floor with Water

Water is the enemy of any wood floor. While it’s tempting to get the mop and bucket out to clean hardwood and laminate floors, just like linoleum or tile, it’s harmful and not simply necessary. Sweep and vacuum often with the proper attachments, and mop with a barely-damp cloth when necessary.

Clean up your cleaning habits

Routines we use to clean the home become second nature. We may never stop to think if we’re doing it right or if we could be doing it better. Believe it or not, there are actually some right and wrong ways to dust, mop, scrub, vacuum, and clean essentially everything in the home.

Using Furniture Polish to Dust

Furniture polish, while it smells great and makes your cabinets look shiny, should be used sparingly. Most commercial furniture polish has a large percentage of oil in it, which can smear and make fingerprints more prominent. In general, a cloth, barely damp with water, will suffice for general maintenance cleaning.

Scrubbing Stains out of Carpet and Upholstery

Stains happen. Everywhere. Even in your carpets. When it does, resist the urge to scrub the stain out; that will damage the pile. Instead, blot as much of the spill up as you can with a clean, dry towel. Then, rinse it thoroughly with clean water, and blot dry again. Repeat as needed, and apply carpet stain remover if necessary, following the manufacturer’s directions.

 

 

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