Believe it or not, your grandma was also using cleaning tips. Even though the times have changed, you can still use those same tricks to clean at home. Most of them use natural ingredients you already have at home and will spare you the money and the trip to the supermarket where you will buy commercial products, full of toxic harsh chemicals. Here are some golden cleaning tips and tricks from the past that will get your house maintenance game to another level.
Bye bye soap scum
If you are tired of scrubbing the soap scum and other grime from your shower doors and walls, this tip is perfect for you. Grab a soft cloth and some baby oil, and rub your glass doors gently. Make sure you don’t overdo it since too much baby oil will also leave a mess. A thin layer will prevent soap scum from building up, as well as mineral deposits from occurring.
Scrub scrub
If you have any tough stains or heavy burnt-on food on your plates or stovetop, you will need a heavy-duty helper to get rid of it. Grab some tin foil, scrunch it into a ball, and scrub the mess away.
Saucy shine
If your brass tools are becoming dull and cloudy, grab your Worcestershire sauce. Put some on a soft cloth and rub it on the brass surface. It will do an amazing job of restoring its original shine.
Keep your button-ups neat
If your button-up shirts keep tangling in the laundry machine, try buttoning them up first. This will prevent them from becoming tangled and reduce wrinkles.
Bread and glass
If you accidentally dropped a glass or a jar on your floor, do not risk picking it up with your hands. While you can sweep and vacuum it you may still miss some tiny glass particles on the floor. To avoid hurting yourself, grab a slice of bread and press it on the area with the broken glass. It will pick up the smallest glass pieces and keep your kitchen safe.
Bathroom 2 in 1
When it is time for bathroom cleaning, do not forget to tackle your bathroom rubbish bin as well. If you have a little plastic wastebasket in your bathroom, empty it and use it as a bucket when cleaning so that it is also cleaned. Let it dry, place a plastic bag in it and use it again.
Steam your microwave
Microwaves become greasy and grimy over time. When it is time to clean it, place 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or baking soda in a bowl. Heat on high until the mixture boils. Let steam accumulate on the walls and door of the microwave. Remove the bowl and wipe down the interior. All grease will be gone for good.
Sugar scrub
If your hands are extra dirty, grab the sugar. You can add 1 tablespoon of sugar to your regular hand soap or make a solution of sugar and olive oil to use as a regular scrub. This will also work as a great body scrub to keep your skin soft and glowing.
Cars and carpets
Just like in the house, your car carpets also need a thorough cleaning once in a while. Cars may develop an odour over time and even if you vacuum and wipe it clean, the bad smell may reside. To get rid of it, sprinkle baking soda on your car’s upholstery and carpeting before vacuuming. It is best to leave it on for a few hours before removing it.
Flower love
If you enjoy having flowers at home but you have no time to take care of them, silk flowers are the answer. Rapidly dip silk flower arrangements in warm water containing dish detergent when they appear old and dusty. After that, place them on a towel to dry. They resurface looking brand new and shiny. Your place will look better than ever.
Shaving cream
Shaving creams and foams are good for more than simply shaving. If you buff your bathroom mirror with canned shaving cream, it will not fog up. It also works on glasses. You can pretty much use it on any glass you don’t want to fog (your car’s windshield, for example). If you notice the glass begins to fog again, repeat the step.
Iron on another level
If you regularly iron your clothes, you may want to try this tip. Mix a few drops of witch hazel into the water in your steam iron. It will act as a steam deodoriser. Your clothes will smell lovely and clean. Of course, if you prefer any other smell, you can add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil. That tip works great for hand-held clothing steamers as well.