DIY Cleaning Solutions

Here is a quick list of my favorite, most basic clean-up tips using stuff you probably already have at home.  

Bathroom Sink: Rinse the sink and then sprinkle it with baking soda. Scrub with a sponge or brush. Spray your DIY vinegar cleaner (or plain vinegar/water) onto the surface and let it fizz as it reacts with the vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes while you clean something else. Then scrub the sink once more, if desired, and rinse.

Bathtub/Shower Tile With Soap Scum: Make a paste out of baking soda and dish soap, apply it to the soap scum areas with a scouring sponge and scrub, then rinse. This is probably my favorite tip, it works really well!

Pet Hair/Odors in Upholstery or Carpet: Sprinkle baking soda on the area, let it sit 30 minutes or so and then vacuum it up. Optional, mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the baking soda before applying.

Coffee Maker: Fill the water reservoir with white vinegar. Turn the pot on. Once it has cycled through, repeat the process using plain water. Wash the pot and basket with dish soap and water. Wipe down the exterior of the machine.

Stovetop: Remove any removable parts and knobs, place them in a sink or shallow bin with 1/4 cup of laundry powder, and fill with very hot water until all the parts are covered, let soak 30 mins or more. Spray the stovetop with a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water (or DIY Vinegar Cleaner), let it sit 5 minutes, then wipe clean. Rinse/Dry the stove parts and place back on stove.

Microwave: Fill a microwave safe bowl with 1/2 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Place it in the microwave and turn the microwave on for 3 minutes. The steam will loosen any dried up food inside the microwave. Wipe with a cloth and you're done.

Peel Labels and Glue off of Jars/Bottles: Peel as much of the label as possible before getting it wet, some labels will come off pretty much in one piece. For stubborn labels, place the bottle or jar in hot water for a few minutes, then attack it with a scrub brush, butter knife, scouring pad, or fingernails. Do what you can. For leftover adhesive residue, make a paste of baking soda and olive oil, apply a thick layer of the paste and let sit for 30 minutes. Most adhesives will wipe clean off after this. Sometimes you may need a second application.

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