6 household items you’re cleaning wrong
The cleaning methods you’ve been using for years aren’t always the most efficient. Here are six household items you’ve been cleaning wrong.
1. Blender
How many times have you reached into the blender with a cloth and tried in vain to clean those bits of banana/cake mix/kale leaf stuck underneath the metal blades? If they're sharp enough you may have even succeeded in cutting yourself and making a bloody mess.
Turns out you've been doing it wrong. The simple solution is this: half-fill your blender or food processor with hot water, add a squirt of dishwashing detergent and hit the pulse button. Once the hot soapy water has washed the gunk away, give it a rinse and you're done.
2. Wooden chopping board
Ever look at your old, stained, wooden chopping board and feel like you really shouldn't be eating anything that's come into contact with it?
You're probably right, if all you've been doing to clean it is wash it with soap and water.
Wood's different to china or plastic; food and germs live in the grooves. In order to clean your board properly, cut a lemon in half and rub it over the board, then scatter some sea salt on top. Rub the salt into the board to dislodge any remaining food particles, then wash with soap and water and dry as usual.
3. Windows
Windows never look dirtier than when the sun's beaming through them, but avoid the temptation to clean your windows on a sunny day. They'll dry too quickly, leaving streaks, so wait until it's overcast. Oh, and no need to hang onto old newspapers for cleaning purposes either – they're likely to tear and make a mess on your windows and mirrors. A microfibre cloth is best, and you'll want an extra one for your computer and smartphone screens too. Don't spray your electronics, but do squirt your windows with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water before wiping with your cloth.
4. Microwave
Microwave looking a little worse for wear? Bits of last year's beef stroganoff still stuck to its roof? You needn't reach for harsh chemical sprays. Simply pour half a cup of water and half a cup of vinegar or a lemon, cut in half and squeezed, into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for two to three minutes, or until the microwave door starts to steam up. Leave it to cool for a few minutes, then wipe around the insides of the microwave with a damp sponge – any remaining food residue should come away nice and easily.
5. Mattress
Chances are you've never actually attempted to clean your mattress, but it's possible.
First you'll need to vacuum the entire surface. Next, spot clean. If there are unsightly sweat, blood or urine stains, you can tackle them in one of three ways: with a store-bought, non-toxic, enzyme cleaner; with a DIY spray made of hydrogen peroxide, liquid detergent and baking soda (just blot or rub the spray with a clean cloth); or with a paste of lemon juice and salt. Leave the paste on for 30 - 60 minutes then wipe off salt with a clean towel.
Once you've spot cleaned, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the entire mattress and leave it to absorb for at least a couple of hours. Vacuum up the powder and you're done (if you're feeling extra energetic, you can drag your mattress outside for an airing for even fresher results). Oh, and do get a mattress cover if you don't have one already. Those you can throw in the washing machine quickly and easily.
6. Surfaces covered in pet hair
Is Snowy the cat leaving her white fur all over your house? Don't bother chasing her with one of those lint rollers, sticky tape, or even the vacuum cleaner. Your humble rubber glove and a bit of water is all you need. Just wet the glove and run it over all the places Snowy's left a furry trail. It'll pick up the hairs better than anything else, just make sure you give it a wash before using it to scrub the dishes. Better still, use a different glove.
Written by Annabel Ross. First appeared on Domain.com.au
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