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Use dryer sheets to clean your pans
Who knew dryer sheets could also clean your pots and pans? Stubborn baked on food can easily be removed by placing the pan in the sink with warm water, soap and a dyer sheet. Let it sit for an hour or so and then rinse off with clean water.
Scrub your cast iron skillet with a potato
Add some coarse salt into the pan and then use a potato cut in half to scrub off the grime. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately.
Detox garbage disposal with lemons and limes
I have been using this trick for years and it works. Toss in a few cut up lemons or limes and turn on the disposal.
Use a squeegee to remove hairs from carpet
This is a great tip if you have pets or even humans who shed (my husband hates it because he's always finding my long hairs all around the house). Use the squeegee to rake the carpet before vacuuming, this will help keep your vacuum from getting clogged up.
Clean your blender
We like to make smoothies every morning and sometimes (OK, many times) I forget to clean it out right away only to have to spend the evening scrubbing it out. Get into the habit of immediately adding warm soapy water to your blender and turn it on for a bit to clean it out. If you have stubborn stains use warm water and baking soda.
Use vodka to get rid of mildew
Who knew that the bottle of vodka in your freezer was not just for quarantine stress relief? If you've got mildew in your bathroom this will get it out in no time. Use a mix of 50-50 water and vodka in a spray bottle. Spray the area and let it sit for 10-20 minutes then rinse with warm water.
Use a paper towel tube on the vacuum cleaner
If you have hard areas to reach with a vacuum (i.e. the rails of your slider doors, window sills, etc.) Take an empty paper towel tube and attach it the end of the vacuum hose, pinch it to the size you need and get into all those nooks and crannies.
Stainless and Chrome faucets/sinks
This tip I learned years ago while working in a veterinarian office. Wipe down the stainless or chrome faucet with rubbing alcohol, then add a little mineral oil to a soft cloth to buff out fingerprints and make them shine.
Banish stray marks from coloring time
Toothpaste will erase marker stains from wood. Use a soft cloth and a dab of toothpaste to rub out marker stains. This will not work if it's permanent marker (ask me how I know), but Magic Eraser to the rescue for permanent marks - just be careful on real wood pieces, you may want to test an area before trying this.
Smells like home
Now that you've cleaned everything it's time for some yummy welcoming smells. Yes, lighting a candle is easy, but due to our poor air quality we've had lately that is the last thing I want to do. So, a good stove top simmer to the rescue. Toss in some sliced lemons or oranges to a pot of water and add some cinnamon sticks or cloves, place them on low heat for an hour or two. Make sure to keep an eye on it so the water doesn't evaporate and leave you with burning lemons. But hey, if it does happen, you'll know to use dyer sheets to get it out!
I hope these tips inspired you to do a little deep clean in your home this weekend. Stay safe everyone and until next time!
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA