Put your household products to work
Spring is (technically) here, and we’ve been working hard at home, clearing away clutter, reorganizing our wardrobe, and simply trying to get things in tip top shape. Are you in spring cleaning mode, too? That’s where these ideas come in: put everyday products you have lying around the house to good use with these easy spring cleaning hacks.
For a sparkling shine
If ever you’re out of glass cleaner, reach for your beau’s shaving cream to clean the mirror, instead. This will also help keep your mirror fog-free. However, opt for the white foam kind, not gel.
Looking to clean a wine decanter or flower vase? Pour in some water and a bit of dish detergent, then add a spoonful of uncooked rice and swish it around. The hard grains will help remove stains off the hard-to-reach spots.
Give your kitchen and bathroom faucets a shine using baby oil. Clean them first to get the bulk of the dirt off, rinse with water, and let dry. Then, dab just a small amount of baby oil onto a clean cloth, and rub it evenly over the surface. Remove any excess oil with another clean cloth, and you’re done! Out of floor cleaner? Add a few spoonfuls of dish soap to a big bucket of warm water, and use the mix to clean your floors.
Scuffs, scratches and stains
Use the meat of a shelled walnut to treat scratches on your wooden furniture. Use circular motions and move the walnut back and forth along the scratch, then let its oils work their magic and fill it in.
Use mayonnaise to remove scratches from hardwood floors and wooden furniture. It’s a good idea to use oil cleaner to first clean the surface you want to treat. Then, apply a medium layer of mayonnaise onto the scratch and let it sit for approximately five minutes before wiping it clean with a cloth.
Use a paste made from water and baking soda and use it to clean scuff marks off your wall by applying it and then rubbing with a clean cloth.
Dish soap is your friend when it comes to removing grease stains from your clothes: simply apply to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and toss your garment into the washing machine.
Small pieces, closed spaces
Buy an inexpensive toothbrush (or use an old one) and use it to clean items that have small crevices; try this on everything from remote controls to light switches, and intricate dishes.
Have some tarnished silver jewellery lying around? Grab your tube of toothpaste, squeeze a small quantity onto a rag, and use it to polish your silver.
Another household item that can be used to polish silver is glass cleaner: simply spray some on your tarnished jewellery and gently scrub with an old toothbrush.
If your kitchen or craft scissors need a good cleaning, reach for a cloth dipped in regular white vinegar, and simply wipe your blades clean.
Another great use for vinegar is to use it to clean your microwave. Add equal parts water and vinegar to a bowl and microwave for three to four minutes. When heated, the steam created by the mix will loosen any particles of food stuck inside the microwave. Carefully take the bowl out (caution: it will be very hot!) and simply wipe the walls clean.
