Cleaning - its msmaguigy's fault!
Seems like once a year I get asked to post my cleaning questions on a local message board. This is stuff I've used cleaning houses and at home, some go so far back from my Grandpa I couldn't tell you how long its worked - but it works.
If yer in the mood for some serious spring cleanin', check out these tips!
Outdated bathroom cleaning tip. I say outdated because of the "Teflon" cleaner (never used it yet) but I have always used marine wax for the sinks, tubs and toilet rim. Ceramic, porceline or fiberglass it repells it all...one swipe with a towel and its *clean*! An entire bottle will last for years but it sure keeps the cleaning time to a minimium. Apply once a month for heavy use, once every 4-5 months for light use.
GelGloss for the shower doors, once you get two coats on it lasts about 6 months and only needs a terry towel to wipe the goo off the doors (see below for more GelGloss uses).
Grandpa taught me about marine wax along with using it on stove tops, fridge, diswasher fronts that are smooth and the older enamel finish. Little finger prints wipe off in a second and so does food that for some reason, sprays all over the kitchen (as in: "you didn't put the top on the catsup again!").
I still use GelGloss on bathroom mirrors and outside windows - I always had to use that to finish a new construction house and its worked for me since 1974...its been around longer than that but good stuff! Outside of the windows keeps you from having to clean them more than twice a year - even windows that get lots of rain and sun.
Wax paper: when putting in new light bulbs or Christmas bulbs, take a piece folding it up so its four layers thick. Rub it around the base of the bulb - you will never have it break again trying to get it out. Using it on keys to the house and latch will keep your locks and keys from sticking.
Auto wax for formica countertops. Keeps them from staining and getting that dirt grind on the edges. Only need to do that about every 6-8 months no matter how much use they get. If you have formica cabinet doors it can be used on them too.
Hydrogen Peroxide for cleaning pet barf, blood & food from carpets, furniture & clothes (yes Ladies, they can be used on underware too). For everything but clothes only use a small amount and let sit for a few minutes, wipe with a dry towel. Clothing: you can let it sit for up to a day then wash as usual. Instead of bleach, ½ cup HP & ½ cup sea salt to a full load of clothes. I have never had HP or the mix ever discolor any fabric no matter how delicate.
Coffee with cream and sugar, wine: these stain the most (of course). I usually start with a Hydrogen peroxide 5 minute soak while heating up water on the stove - blot then take the hot water, mix with sea salt and pour on the spot. Try to have a towel under the fabric if possible, if not just keep rubbing with a dry towel from the top.
Washing delicate clothes: use shampoo, not Woolite or store cleaner. (no, really!)
Pesky lint traps: use the bristle attachment from the vacuum and suck the junk off it, no problem. Marine wax both washer and dryer, keeps them clean and static free.
Tile grout: eeks...not easy if its really gummy. You can strip and reseal it quite easy with stuff from the hardware store. If its not that bad then yeah, use straight bleach and a stiff 4 bristle brush (made for cleaning that and around edges of stovetops and sinks). They have a "bleach pen" now but I've never used it - make sure you have a fan running top speed while letting it soak.
Hardwood floors: If I ever catch anyone using vinegar and water on a hardwood floor, NO SOUP FOR YOU! Some construction idiot started this rumor and its spread, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain saying "use water & vinegar". Go to the hardware store and get "ZEP Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner" (that 'swedish' cleaner doesn't work, trust me). The more often you use it the cleaner they become over time and easier to clean without being slippery. Do not use orange oil on the floor! not unless you have really good insurance from slipping and breaking a leg.
There is a ton more but its all I can think of for now, try to stump me!
HAPPY SPRING CLEANING!
If yer in the mood for some serious spring cleanin', check out these tips!
Outdated bathroom cleaning tip. I say outdated because of the "Teflon" cleaner (never used it yet) but I have always used marine wax for the sinks, tubs and toilet rim. Ceramic, porceline or fiberglass it repells it all...one swipe with a towel and its *clean*! An entire bottle will last for years but it sure keeps the cleaning time to a minimium. Apply once a month for heavy use, once every 4-5 months for light use.
GelGloss for the shower doors, once you get two coats on it lasts about 6 months and only needs a terry towel to wipe the goo off the doors (see below for more GelGloss uses).
Grandpa taught me about marine wax along with using it on stove tops, fridge, diswasher fronts that are smooth and the older enamel finish. Little finger prints wipe off in a second and so does food that for some reason, sprays all over the kitchen (as in: "you didn't put the top on the catsup again!").
I still use GelGloss on bathroom mirrors and outside windows - I always had to use that to finish a new construction house and its worked for me since 1974...its been around longer than that but good stuff! Outside of the windows keeps you from having to clean them more than twice a year - even windows that get lots of rain and sun.
Wax paper: when putting in new light bulbs or Christmas bulbs, take a piece folding it up so its four layers thick. Rub it around the base of the bulb - you will never have it break again trying to get it out. Using it on keys to the house and latch will keep your locks and keys from sticking.
Auto wax for formica countertops. Keeps them from staining and getting that dirt grind on the edges. Only need to do that about every 6-8 months no matter how much use they get. If you have formica cabinet doors it can be used on them too.
Hydrogen Peroxide for cleaning pet barf, blood & food from carpets, furniture & clothes (yes Ladies, they can be used on underware too). For everything but clothes only use a small amount and let sit for a few minutes, wipe with a dry towel. Clothing: you can let it sit for up to a day then wash as usual. Instead of bleach, ½ cup HP & ½ cup sea salt to a full load of clothes. I have never had HP or the mix ever discolor any fabric no matter how delicate.
Coffee with cream and sugar, wine: these stain the most (of course). I usually start with a Hydrogen peroxide 5 minute soak while heating up water on the stove - blot then take the hot water, mix with sea salt and pour on the spot. Try to have a towel under the fabric if possible, if not just keep rubbing with a dry towel from the top.
Washing delicate clothes: use shampoo, not Woolite or store cleaner. (no, really!)
Pesky lint traps: use the bristle attachment from the vacuum and suck the junk off it, no problem. Marine wax both washer and dryer, keeps them clean and static free.
Tile grout: eeks...not easy if its really gummy. You can strip and reseal it quite easy with stuff from the hardware store. If its not that bad then yeah, use straight bleach and a stiff 4 bristle brush (made for cleaning that and around edges of stovetops and sinks). They have a "bleach pen" now but I've never used it - make sure you have a fan running top speed while letting it soak.
Hardwood floors: If I ever catch anyone using vinegar and water on a hardwood floor, NO SOUP FOR YOU! Some construction idiot started this rumor and its spread, pay no attention to the man behind the curtain saying "use water & vinegar". Go to the hardware store and get "ZEP Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner" (that 'swedish' cleaner doesn't work, trust me). The more often you use it the cleaner they become over time and easier to clean without being slippery. Do not use orange oil on the floor! not unless you have really good insurance from slipping and breaking a leg.
There is a ton more but its all I can think of for now, try to stump me!
HAPPY SPRING CLEANING!