7 Best House Cleaning Tips & Tricks
1. Remove debris in your humidifier.Think about it: The water that keeps your humidifier running smoothly is also a breeding ground for mold and microbes. To clean it, pour two cups of undiluted white vinegar into the water tank and swirl it around until it's wet. Place the vinegar-filled tank on the base and allow it to drain into the container for 15-20 minutes. Empty it out and scrub the crevices with a small brush to remove any remaining debris.
2. Restore your dishwasher.
Over time, excess food and dirt will settle inside your dishwasher. Make it a habit to clean out leftover food after each rinse cycle - beans, pasta, etc. - removed. Pull out the bottom rack to check for food debris and remove it with a paper towel to prevent future odors.
3. Scrub your toilet clean.
Apply a toilet cleaner and let it sit for up to five minutes before scrubbing with a stiff-bristled toilet brush. Then wipe down the toilet seat and handle with disinfectant wipes. The goal? A sparkling white bowl and a germ-free toilet seat.
4. Revive cloudy glasses.
Remove the coating of minerals from hard water by soaking glasses in white vinegar for five minutes. Then rinse by hand and dry with a microfiber towel.
5. Descale your coffee maker.
Remove stuck minerals by filling the container with a mixture of half vinegar and half water. Let the solution steep until halfway through, then stop and let it sit for 30 minutes before completing the cycle. Rinse with a jug of clean water afterwards.
6. Re-treat rusty cast iron.
Scrubbing cast iron too much with metal scouring pads can cause your trusty pan to lose its seasoning. To restore the finish, use a scouring pad to remove rust, clean the pan with a little mild dishwashing liquid, then rinse and dry well. Brush the inside and outside with vegetable oil and bake the pan, top side down, in the oven at 350 degrees for one hour. Let them cool and remove excess grease with a paper towel.
7. Reconsider your linen closet.
Fit an overflowing storage space with a shelf for extra towels above the door. Shelf dividers keep folded washcloths from tipping over, and baskets hold excess toilet paper and detergent.