Clean Hair from Vacuum Brush RollHave you ever looked underneath your vacuum brush? Or notice your vacuum isn't functioning at full capacity/strength. Or perhaps the roller is stuck and not suctioning well. If so, see if there is hair stuck like mine. Easy to fix.
Cleaning a StovetopThis morning, the weather was cool and I thought it would be a good time to clean the top of the kitchen stove. The large eye gets used a lot and over a period of time the stove top looks awful with baked on grease around the stove eye. To remove it, I use Easy Off Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner.
Cleaning an Electric PercolatorCall me old fashioned, if you like, but after many tries I still go back to my electric percolator as I feel it not only makes great coffee but keeps it hot compared to many of the mister coffee type appliances.
Keep Refrigerator Coils CleanIn 2021, we used more electric (kWh) than we did the year before, causing our electric bill to be over $200.00 more for the year. I have been trying to figure out why. Recently, I noticed that our 1994 refrigerator was not cooling like it should and when the milk soured way before the expiration date, I knew something was wrong. I started searching the internet to see how much it was going to cost to get a new refrigerator.
Deep Clean Your Microwave/Oven When Changing ClocksWhen I went to set my clocks ahead in the kitchen, I took the time to thoroughly clean the microwave. It gets wiped down pretty regularly but there was a surprising amount of greasy dust on the top and bottom. It's over our stove so I removed the vent fan filters and gave them a rinse too. I plan to do my oven this weekend so it is clean and ready for Thanksgiving and holiday baking.
Cleaning Your K-Cup Coffee MakerThose of us who have a K-cup coffee maker know how important it is to keep it running smoothly. Cleaning it regularly is a must. One year on Christmas morning, I learned the hard way, with several guests wanting coffee, and a machine that was on strike because it needed to be cleaned. I now make a point of cleaning it on the 1st day of each month.
Spray Silicone To Move Heavy Appliances EasierI just read Jackie H's post for using washcloths to make moving heavy furniture easier. I think this is a great idea, and I have plenty of microfiber washcloths I got from the Dollar Tree @ 3 for a dollar.
Deep Clean Stove Drip PansThis has got to be the easiest way I know of to clean deeply soiled, stained, cooked on gunk from your drip pans whether electric or gas. This also works great for oven racks.
Clean Your Refrigerator CoilsIf you do not do this, your refrigerator will work harder, using more electricity. It also will shorten its life. Follow the directions in your manual.
Cleaning Stove Drip PansI clean my stove drip pans over night in grocery store bags. Yep, I put two of them in several bags, bagged one inside the other and pour ammonia over them then tie them off. I do the same with the other two and let them sit in the sink until morning.
Disaster Averted!I thought I turned on the small back burner on my white smooth top Jenn Air stove. You can imagine my panic when I turned around and saw smoke rising from the front burner where I had left an iron skillet on top of a braided hot pad. I grabbed another hot pad, pulled the skillet and burned pad off the burner to reveal a blackened, burnt on mess.
Cleaning Your Hair DryerDust can clog the motor, and shorten its life. I used a combination of a vacuum cleaner and an old toothbrush to clean mine.
Clean Fridge And Freezer Interior With PeroxideFor years I've used baking soda to clean inside my refrigerator and freezer. I've found something I think I like better. Peroxide.
Clean Oven with Bottled WaterThis picture below is of the bottom of my grimy oven. You can see the clean spot that I used the folded up paper towels and bottled water on, and you can see the burnt-on areas I've not gotten to yet. I laid bottled water saturated paper towels on the burnt-on stuff.
Removing Mineral Deposits from SurfacesThis tip will make you flip! Water deposits/mineral deposits/hard water deposits, we all know what that is by different names, and it forever gets crusted in the refrigerator "drip tray" where the water and ice come out of the front of the refrigerator.
Clean Hair from Vacuum BrushesIn our household, we never have any vacuum issues because each time we finish vacuuming the entire house, we will remove all the hair stuck underneath the vacuum. By removing the hair, you will put less stress on the motor of your vacuum. Plus this will allow the brushes to spin properly and not get stuck. as you can.
Keep Dryer Lint Trap CleanDryer lint traps may appear clean of lint, but still have residue on them from fabric softer. Wash them with a mild dish soap and an old toothbrush to keep the fabric softer buildup off of the trap. The buildup clogs up the screen, much like oil in your skin clogs up your pores. My dryer was throwing an error code to clean the trap. I saw little to no lint, yet after I washed the trap, the dryer started working again. I had no idea how much was built up on it until I compared the side I washed with the side I had not washed yet.
Clean Fan With a Wire Dog BrushI have a circular fan that works really good when the grates are unblocked. Normally I take the grates off the box fans and clean them with soap and water and then dry them and put them back on.
Wipe Down Gasket in Washer After UseI wipe down the inside rubber gasket of my washer thoroughly dry immediately after each use with a cotton towel to prevent mold, mildew, and smells. If you do not, bacteria and mold will grow.
Easy Way to Clean a BlenderThis is one of the kitchen tools that I hate to clean. It is just hard because I have to dismantle it to be able to properly clean the blades. If I don't remove the body from the base where the blades are attached, I could get a scratch or worst a wound from the blades.
Keeping Blender Push Buttons CleanI keep several sizes of cheap paint brushes in the kitchen. One is to clean between the push buttons on my blender. I dip the tip of the brush in clean sudsy water, shake it almost dry and then go around and between the buttons. Covering them with a bag removes the need to clean them.
Clean Filter for Smelly Front Loading WasherMy LG Tromm always had a bad odor until I found that I can drain out the residual water and clean the filter that is located behind a little door on the lower front of my unit.
Use Winter Glove for Cleaning Inside of MicrowaveI always have winter gloves that have no mate showing up around the laundry room. I decided to see how well one cleaned the inside of the microwave. The glove allowed me to get the inside of the oven cleaned quicker than with a cleaning cloth.
Disinfecting a Can Opener with VinegarI like to clean my can opener from time to time. I pour vinegar onto a dishcloth that I keep just for this purpose. The vinegar I use is usually white, but I will use apple cider vinegar as well. It is always so shiny!
Use Baking Soda in the DishwasherI like to use a lot of natural cleaners. One I use fairly often is baking soda. I use it in my dishwasher. I add about 3 tablespoons to the dispenser. It helps prevent hard water lime and calcium buildup inside the dishwasher and keeps it fresh smelling. It also helps to clean the dishes.
Cleaning the Clothes Dryer FilterWhen cleaning the lint filter on my dryer (which I do before every load), I use a small, damp paper towel. I have found that this works better than me licking the tips of my fingers to do it. The damp paper towel removes the lint better and cuts down on the dust that cleaning the filter creates.
Use Lids to Cover BurnersSometimes I cover the burners with those Dollar Tree burner covers and then, I sometimes burn them. It happens when the pot is larger than the cover and I forget to check. I found 2 10-inch and 2 8-inch lids that not only cover them to keep them clean, but have handles so I can't set anything on them.
Removing Lipstick in the DryerLipstick in your dryer is easily removed by using Comet with bleach. I tried so many things and nothing worked, so I took my Comet with beach and started cleaning my dryer and wow it took it all out. It was so easy.
Shop Vac to Defrost a Box FreezerI use a clean shop vac to remove all the water that melts when I defrost our large box freezer. The shop vac is quick and gets into corners where I can't reach. All I have to do then is dry the freezer and replace the food.
Ice for Getting Gum out of a DryerWhen I found the gum, I didn't want to put a chemical in my dryer, nor did I want to scrape it with a knife and an ice cube. Here is how I got gum out of my dryer fast.
Rain-X to Remove Ink from DryerUse Rain-X X-treme Clean for baked on ink. Put some on a dry cloth and rub for 10 seconds. It removes it easily and without damage to the dryer surface. Clean after with a wet cloth. Soft Scrub may work too, but may be overly abrasive. You can remove the dryer door for easier access.
Cleaning and Storing Small AppliancesRemove the crock from the cooker. If anything is stuck on the crock, do not use harsh cleansers or heavy duty scrubbers. Instead, fill with very hot water and allow to soak.
Moving a Stove Without Damaging FloorPull your stove out from the wall and clean floor, etc. When ready to push stove back into place, spray Pledge or an equal where the feet of the stove will slide. This will keep your floor from ripping or scratching.
Airing Out the Washing MachineSome high efficiency washers have a bad smell inside. Rather than leave the door hanging open to air out (and risk hitting into it or a pet or child climbing inside and having it shut) I thought, for safety...
Dryer Sheets for Removing TarMy husband is a roofer and came home with tar on his pants, which I did not notice. I wet several dryer sheets and went to town. Worked amazingly! I then washed the inside of the dryer with hot soapy water.
Cleaning FansI let this fan go for far too long before cleaning. See how it collects dust because it runs all the time?
Refrigerator Care and Cleaning TipsNext time you scrub out your refrigerator, scrub it with baking soda added to your water. It gives it a clean fresh smell. Then, remove the lid of the baking soda box and place it in the back to absorb odors.
Easy Blender CleaningFill your blender halfway with water, then add a drop of dish soap and 1 tablespoon baking soda. Replace the lid and blend.
Products for Cleaning a Black Glass Top StoveSoftscrub is excellent. You have to shake the container vigorously before applying and then wait 5-10 minutes. Use the abrasive side of a sponge or an abrasive pad and gently rub, increasing force gradually.
Cleaning Melted Plastic from a Glass CooktopWhen left with just the residue of plastic on the cooktop: turn burner to maximum for 10 minutes (exhaust on for fumes), until residue turns from black to charcoal grey. After cooktop cools, wipe with a dry cloth. The residue will be nothing, but ash.
Dishwasher Detergent to Clean Drip PansPlace drip pan in sink. Sprinkle on powdered dishwasher detergent. Pour boiling water on top. Carefully place drip pan directly on top of stovetop burner. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and leave it there for about 15 minutes.
Cleaning Mouse Urine out of OvenThis past winter was very cold because of the polar vortex. To our dismay, we had a visitor that explored our stove. A mouse, eek! When we tried to use the oven, it stank to high heaven. To make a long story short, this is how you clean it. Trust us, we tried everything.
Use Dip-It to Clean Stainless Coffee PotsThere is a product called Dip It - you just pour a package along with boiling water into the pot and all the YUK will float to the surface and inside is shiny steel!
Carburetor Cleaner for Removing InkCAUTION: Carburetor Cleaner is HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. Don't use this method unless you are familiar with using this type of solvent. You spray on, it comes right off. NO scrubbing, NO mess.
Clean Coffee Maker and Bathtub DrainWhen I clean my coffee maker with vinegar, I do it in the bathroom. When the vinegar has run through, I put baking soda in the tub drain and pour the hot vinegar in.
Oil of Cloves for Smelly Front Loading WashersIf your front loading washing machine smells a bit musty or has black mould growing on the door seal, simply use oil of cloves to freshen it up. I make up a 500ml bottle of water in a spray bottle and add 1/4 teaspoon oil of cloves.
Cleaning Your RefrigeratorWhen I clean my refrigerator, after removing all food and checking every thing, I take out all the shelves and bins. I then put them all in my "clean" bathtub.
Front Load Washing Machine "Doorstop"Those of us with front load washing machines know how important it is to keep the inside of the machine dry between uses to avoid unpleasant smells. Leaving the door open is one way to do that, but many machines don't let you just leave it ajar to dry out
Use Saran Wrap To Avoid Ice Buildup in Dorm FreezerI have found that if I wrap the freezer with Saran Wrap after I've defrosted it, it is much easier to defrost the next time.
Steel Wool For Cleaning Coffee PotTo clean inside of stainless steel coffee pot, take a hand held kitchen wand. Place a steel wool pad of your choice over the scrubbing pad attached to the wand.
Keep Washing Machines Free of Detergent Build-upTurn machine on, fill with warm water (full load level) and add a bit more than 1/2 gallon of the cheapest vinegar available. Let the machine finish its cycle.
Cleaning A Smooth Top Stove SurfaceI've owned a smoothtop stove for some six years or so and I've made many attempts at cleaning up my "muck ups".
Quick Microwave Oven CleanupTo quickly clean your microwave oven just wet a paper towel and wring it out. Put the wrung out towel in the oven and run for 1 minute.
Nail Polish Remover for Ink in DryerI tried everything and the only thing that worked was nail polish remover. I put the remover on a white rag and rubbed on the ink. I then ran the dryer for 10 minutes with old towels in the dryer. Good as new.
Bleach to Clean Ink in DryerMy dryer has a white drum and it was covered in ink. I soaked a old clean towel in a hot water/bleach solution. I let the rag soak and then I put the dripping rag in the dryer. I ran it on high heat for about 30 minutes. It really works!
Denture Cleaner Works WondersI rejuvenated a garage-sale coffeemaker with denture cleaner tablets. I dropped several tablets in a cup of very hot water and used an old toothbrush and many q-tips to clean the inside of the lid, the filter holder, and as much of the reservoir as I could reach.
Removing Odor of Burnt Food in MicrowaveThanks for all the great suggestions. Vinegar and lemons didn't really help. Neither did the coffee. A Hot Pocket burnt to charcoal as was the plate.
Vinegar For Microwave CleaningPut water in a large cup with 2 tsp. of vinegar. Put it in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes, then let sit for 10 minutes. Wipe out. It's easy to clean and sweet smelling!
Use Placemats For Clean Refrigerator ShelvesTo keep my refrigerator clean, I put washable placemats on each shelf. I also change them out to different bright happy colors as the mood strikes me.
Cleaning Stainless Steel AppliancesWe have a smallish kitchen and stainless appliances. I've found my best solution is to use Awesome (at most dollar stores). I spray it, one door at a time, and use old towels or t-shirts to get some scrubbing ability.
Easy George Foreman Grill Clean UpWe use our small George Foreman grill a lot, and have a great tip for easy cleaning. Once we take the food off the grill and unplug it, we take a doubled up paper towel and wet it, wring it out just so there is still wetness to it.
Clean The Inside Of Your Refrigerator WeeklyI used to think everyone did this, but they don't. Besides the benefit of keeping it clean, this will prevent food from getting shoved to the back and forgotten about.
Clean Oven Racks with AmmoniaTo clean oven racks a lot easier, remove them from the oven and put them in a heavy duty garbage bag. Pour in 1 cup of ammonia and then tie the bag shut. Leave it outside overnight, and then scrub with hot soapy water. The grime will wipe right off.
Best Way to Clean Stainless Steel AppliancesUse Windex and coffee filters. The fibers in the coffee filters help get handprints and other things off stainless steel much better than a paper towel and dries clean without leaving smudges.
Magic Eraser to Clean IronIf you have built up gunk on your iron and absolute foolproof method to clean it is a Magic Eraser. I have tried lots of things through the years but this works amazingly well.
Steam Clean Your MicrowavePour 1 cup of vinegar into a 2 cup measuring cup, then add 1 cup of hot water to that. Place the measuring cup into the microwave for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes remove the cup, use gloves and wipe out your microwave with a wet rag, then dry it. Stuck on stuff will come right off.
Use Dawn and Baking Soda to Clean a Smooth Top RangeHere's an easy and eco-friendly method for cleaning a smooth top range. It removed all but the very worst on stains with minimal effort.
Defrosting FreezerTo quickly defrost your freezer.
Polish Stainless Steel Appliances With...An easy way to clean and polish stainless steel appliances is with vegetable oil and a rag. Dampen the rag with some vegetable oil, wipe down the appliance and it will shine like new.
Use Lemon Juice For Microwave OdorsI first mix fresh lemon juice and water in a microwave safe cup or bowl and put it into the microwave. Run on high for 2 minutes, then wait 2 more minutes before removing the mixture.
Use Bleach to Remove Ink in DryerMake a solution of bleach and water. Completely immerse some white towels in the solution and using rubber gloves wring out most of the water from the towels. They should be just damp and not dripping.
Keeping Detergent Tray From MoldingI always keep the detergent tray on my washing machine slightly open when it's not in use. Air stops the inside of the tray from getting smelly and moldy.
Use Drink Mix To Clean DishwasherIt's very easy to clean your dishwasher and you should at least once a month. Recently I found a new way I hadn't been aware of. You fill the cup where the soap goes with any lemon-lime or citrus drink mix.
Keeping Vacuum Cleaner Rollers ClearedUse a seam ripper to clean vacuum cleaner rollers when they are built up with long hair and strings/threads. Don't forget to get the edges of the roller. This makes it so much easier than tugging and pulling out the hair or strings/threads that get tangled on the roller.
Use WD-40 To Keep Appliances FingerprintlessI got this idea when I took my sewing machine in to have a little tool up. The repairman told me he wiped it down with WD-40. I'd just brought a new stainless steel stove and couldn't get the fingerprints off of the doors after it was taken out of the box. So, why not?
Invest In A Good Quality DishwasherI've found that if you don't have a good quality dishwasher to begin with, no matter what brand/type of detergent you use dishes will not come clean. A good dishwasher has two of the things spinning out water.
Heat Burners To Remove Food ResidueAfter wiping the stove off after dinner every day, I turn on all the burners on high for 30 seconds and watch to see if there is smoke. Then I turn them off to cool. This saves me from having a burning smell on the bottom of pots the next time the stove gets used.
Old Credit Cards for Cleaning Stove TopMy Corning stove top always gets dirty when I cook on it and have overspill. I first use some Soft Scrub, then I take an old credit card and scrape it clean. Last, I wipe it with a soft cloth, and I have a clean stove. No trouble at all.
Paint Remover and Hair Spray to Remove InkThis happened to me several years ago when my son left a pen in his pocket. I used paint remover and hair spray. I put it on a rag (separately), then scrubbed and scrubbed.
Smelly Washer TipsMy high efficiency washer was serviced recently, and the tech gave me some tips to reduce the smell in my washer that I would like to share.
Keeping Appliances CleanI have always kept my washer and dryer clean. I've noticed many people clean all their other appliances, but ignore their laundry buddies!
Cleaning a Microwave QuicklyTo clean the interior of a microwave, first boil a bowl of water in it for 3-4 minutes. The humidity allows everything to wipe out easily with a regular dishcloth.
Keeping Front Load Washers Smelling GreatI have a front load washer and after each wash I dry the door and inside the rubber gasket around the door. I cut a piece of window screening (the soft kind) that fits over the hole and use 3 magnets to attach it to the washer.
Cleaning a Dirty Dryer Lint TrayA build up of residue especially from fabric sheets is hard to remove from the screen of you lint tray for your dryer. I found a bleach stick at the dollar store and squirted the gel on the screen.
Tips For Cleaning A Garbage DisposalI use baking soda. Make sure the power is off. Pour into the garbage disposal, then take a scratchy sponge and put your hand in there. Clean the walls and under the rubber flaps.
Keeping Your Front Loading Washer Smelling FreshRemember to not close the washer door until it has completely aired out. I have a pretty dishcloth I hang over the door so it won't close and everyone knows that the washer is drying out. Closing the door on a wet washer is what gives you that musty odor.
Easy Stovetop CleaningFor years, I've battled caramelization on my stove-top after frying food. One day while the stove-top was still warm, I sprinkled baking soda on the sticky, gummy mess. I gave it a few rubs with the dishrag and it came off without any elbow grease on my part.
Use Vacuum For Cleaning A FreezerPut the hose on the exhaust end of a vacuum or shop vac and hang it midway down in the freezer and gently close the lid on the hose. The vacuum exhausts warm room temperature air into the freezer with no danger of warping the plastic.
Caring For Hair Appliances And AccessoriesTaking care of hair appliances is important considering how much we pay for things some use daily. When the occasion arises and I need mine, nothing is more frustrating than if it is not working properly.
Let Your Dishwasher Clean ItselfIf you have discoloration in your dishwasher, just pour in a cup of Tang orange juice crystals. You'll be amazed at how hard water stains and discolorations have disappeared.
Removing Odors from a FreezerMany years ago, my son unplugged my well stocked freezer to plug in his stereo. Unfortunately, he did not plug the freezer back in when he finished listening to his CD. I didn't realize the freezer was unplugged for close to a month.
Cleaning a Front Loading Washing MachineI've got a front loading LG washer and what I do is pour bleach in the liquid bleach hole, run your washer on the hottest setting, or if you have one, on the clean tub setting.
Cleaning a Front LoaderUse trisodium phosphate, otherwise known as TSP (1/4 cup per load). It will make your clothes cleaner, and remove the mildew from the seal area that smells. Next time, don't buy a front loader.
Getting Rid of Bad Odors in the FridgeClear out everything, throw away any left overs, wash any containers that hold odor, all fruit, opened packages will and have absorbed the odor you want to get rid of.
Clean Your Coffee Maker With VinegarCleaning your drip coffee maker is important to keep bacteria from growing and it will ensure that your coffee tastes good. Vinegar is a safe, natural way to clean and disinfect your coffee maker. Try this method every 2-4 weeks:
Finding the Source of Refrigerator OdorsThere are many reasons that your refrigerator may smell. It is important to locate the source so that you can get rid of the odor. Here are some tips for investigating the cause of your refrigerator odor:
Making Your Microwave Clean and Odor FreePut one cup of water into a two cup measuring cup. Add about 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Microwave on high until water starts to boil (about 2 - 3 minutes). Let stand for another few minutes before opening the door.
Removing Odors From the MicrowaveLots of food smells linger in the microwave for a long time. To combat those odors and leave your microwave smelling fresh, use lemon essential oil. Just put a cup of water into a microwave-safe glass container...
Cleaning The Inside of Your MicrowaveTo clean your microwave, take a bowl of water and had a half cup of lemon juice. Place in microwave for 3 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes or so to loosen the dirt inside and wipe clean. This makes all the dirt and grime come off a lot easier.
Ammonia for Cleaning Oven RacksWhen my oven racks get dirty or covered with spill-overs, this is what I do. Get a very sturdy thirteen gallon garbage bag, pour enough sudsy ammonia in it to cover the oven rack, lay on a flat surface (preferably outside for ventilation purposes)...
Cleaning a Crock PotAfter using my crock pot, I had a "cooked on, dried up" mess. I filled the crock up with water, added a drop of dish washing detergent, then turned it on low. After I came home in a few hours, I turned it off and let it cool.
Cleaning Lint From Hair DryersThe lint build up in a blow dryer can cause it to heat up. The screen in mine was very hard to reach because of the plastic bars on top.
