Simple tricks from experienced cleaners

Pot Rescue

If you’ve scorched a pot, try simmering water with some baking soda in the pot and it’ll be much easier to clean.

Restore the Glow

Are your wood floors dull and not getting shiny? There’s residue buildup. Clean once with diluted vinegar, then switch to barely damp mopping.

Blown Away

My cleaner uses the blow dryer to blow dust out of hard-to-reach areas, like behind furniture or in ceiling corners.

Fog-Free Mirrors

Shaving cream can work as a defogger on your mirrors — any cheap kind will do. Spread it over the area you want defogged, let it sit for 15 minutes or so, then wipe or squeegee it off. It’s like magic! The mirrors stay fog-free for weeks.

Drain Refresh

If you have a smelly drain, try pouring down boiling water, then dish soap, then boiling water again. It breaks grease without using harsh chemicals that ruin pipes.

Laundry Tips

Set-in grease stains

Put dish soap straight on the fabric before adding water.

Yellowed armpits

Try baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste and hang in direct sunlight if possible.

Grayed towels

That’s detergent buildup — wash once with vinegar, no soap.

Crayon stains that have gone through the dryer

Heat melts the stain — scrape while warm, then wipe with rubbing alcohol.

Don’t Miss a Spot

When cleaning granite countertops, bend down so you’re eye level with your countertop to see every last crumb.

Shower Mystery Solved

If you have pink slime in your shower, it’s not mold. It’s bacteria, and dish soap is the best way to remove it.

Mop Mistakes

If your tile floors are sticky after mopping, it means you’ve used too much cleaner. Mop once with plain water to reset.

Peel Polish

For minor scratches and scuffs on a wood or interior door, use the inside of a fresh banana peel and rub it back and forth.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 986)