1. Scrubbing the Toilet Bowl

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

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.

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’.

Make your glass stovetop shine.

Spruce up your sponge

Scrub your toilet

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Everybody seems to have a different recommendation for how to clean each surface in the house… but not all of these cleaning habits do what their proponents claim. Many materials require specific cleansers, and using the wrong one may render your efforts useless, or worse yet damage the surface that you’re trying to clean. Keep reading to find out which bad cleaning habits you should ditch and learn about some better alternatives you should adopt.

Using Bleach for Everything

Conversely, bleach is a very effective disinfectant, but it may not be a successful general cleaner. To actually lift dirt, mildew, and residue from a surface, scrub and rinse the area before applying bleach. Bleach may also be too harsh for certain surfaces like granite or marble.

Mixing Ammonia with Other Cleaners

Ammonia is considered to be less harmful to the environment than bleach, and it can be found in many household cleaners, but mixing ammonia-based cleaners with bleach can be dangerous. Likewise, using ammonia straight is not advisable. Instead, it should be diluted and used in a well-ventilated area. Better yet, avoid using ammonia altogether, especially if you have any type of respiratory disorder.

Replacing Disinfectant with Vinegar

Vinegar is an effective cleaner, busting through grease and creating a wonderfully inhospitable environment for some bacteria. But vinegar won’t prevent the spread of certain persistent germs like the flu virus, so be sure to use a home cleaning solution that is labeled as a disinfectant every now and then during flu season.

Ignoring Floor Finishes

We’ve all heard that the type of wood floor you have determines the cleaner that’s required. That’s not entirely true— what really matters is your floor’s finish. Find out what type of finish is on your floors before you clean, or you could end up damaging them. Surface-sealed floors can be swept and then mopped with a gentle pH-balanced cleaner. Untreated or oil-treated floors should be coddled, simply wiped with a damp rag when necessary and protected with a liquid or paste wax.

Cleaning Pet Accidents with Vinegar

When Fido has an accident on the carpet, it’s important to act fast to avoid stains and odors. Diluted vinegar is a green cleaning method that’s gained in popularity, but if you’d rather not contend with the pungent smell of vinegar on top of everything else, opt for a commercial pet stain remover instead.

Wiping with the Wrong Rags

Not all cleaning rags are created equal. Many people dismiss microfiber cloths as a gimmick, but in truth they have much smaller fibers than ordinary cleaning rags. This enables them to attract even microscopic particles of dirt that a cotton cloth would probably miss, making them perfect for household dusting.

Skimping on the Vacuum

Take note, wary vacuumers! Contrary to popular belief, frequent vacuuming does not ruin carpets and rugs. In fact, it can extend the life of your carpet by removing dirt and debris that would otherwise become ground into the fibers. Dirt is abrasive and will ultimately damage the rug more than any vacuum would.

Confusing Disinfectant with Sanitizer

Many people confuse sanitizing with disinfecting and therefore end up using cleaning products incorrectly. Here’s the difference: To be labeled a sanitizer, a solution must kill 99.9 percent of bacteria in 30 seconds, while disinfectants must kill all organisms within 10 minutes. You should use a sanitizer to clean anything that comes into contact with food, while a disinfectant is more appropriate for cleaning the toilet. Read product labels to make sure you let a product sit long enough to do its work.

Avoiding the Hot-Water Cycle

It is true that setting your washing machine to the cold cycle saves money and energy, but cold water is less effective at destroying viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Choose hot water when washing sheets and towels to kick up your cleaning power. And if family members are sick, be sure to wash their clothing in hot water too. Drying laundry on high heat will further protect against germs.

Leaving Behind Pet Hair

Vacuuming may remove some pet hair from upholstered furniture, but it will most likely leave behind many stubborn strands and may also damage the fabric. Instead, try a squeegee. The rubber blade will safely and effectively collect the hair into a pile that you can then vacuum.