The history of dry cleaning

In fact, dry cleaning has been around since Roman times. People used ammonia to clean the woollen togas without causing shrinking which usually occurs when wool and hot water meet. Later in time, kerosene and gasoline were used, however, those petroleum-based solvents were extremely dangerous and highly flammable.
By the 1930s, cleaners were utilising perchloroethylene, also known as “perc.” This chlorinated solvent is quite effective, and many commercial cleaners still use it today. Perc has a distinct chemical odour and is believed to cause cancer in people.
Since the 1990s many health and environmental agencies have been encouraging dry cleaners to use safer and healthier alternatives as cleaning solutions.

The dry-cleaning process

Commercial dry cleaning is now safer than it has ever been. Dry cleaning isn’t better or worse than washing your clothes, but it depends on the fabric and whether the garment needs dry cleaning to keep its look and shape. It all starts when you drop off your soiled clothes at your local dry cleaners. Most dry cleaners today do not have vast and expensive cleaning equipment on-site; instead, they will transfer your laundry to a central cleaning facility. This is less expensive than having machines at each drop-off point. Each object requires numerous steps to be cleaned:

1. Tagging of the garment – Clothes soiled in similar ways will be cleaned together. The tags will also help the dry cleaners identify the garments and return them back to you. While some companies use stapled or pinned paper tags and labels, others may use an iron-on strip with a special code for regular customers.
2. Inspection – Before beginning the cleaning process, the professionals will inspect the clothes for rips, holes, missing buttons, and items left in the pockets. Any issues are noted before the actual cleaning, and all items are returned back to the customers.
3. Stain treatment – Checking for stains is a part of the inspection. All spots will be pre-treated accordingly. It is very important that you identify the stain to the cleaner upon arrival. That way, they will know exactly how to approach it in the best way possible.
4. Cleaning the clothes – Soiled clothes are placed into a big drum machine and cleaned with a chemical solvent that does not require water. The solution gently agitates the garments, causing soils to loosen. The solvent is then drained, filtered, and recycled, and the clothing is “rinsed” in a new solvent solution to remove any remaining soil.
5. Post-cleaning check – Because of the chemical solvent, the dry cleaning procedure works particularly effectively in removing oil-based stains. Other forms of stains, on the other hand, are not always effectively eliminated. As a result, all clothing is checked for any lingering stains. To eliminate any remaining traces, the stains are cleaned with steam, water, or even a vacuum cleaner.
6. Final steps – The final stage is to prepare the garment to wear. This includes ironing or steaming wrinkles out, reattaching buttons, and making repairs. The items are then hung or folded before being returned to the customer. The plastic bags offered are to assist you in getting your garments home without further stains.

There are a few things you should mention to your dry cleaning professional when dropping clothes off.

• Make sure your clothing labels are still on the garments. If you are used to removing the labels from your clothes, keep the ones that go to the dry cleaner. The professionals will read them and benefit from the requirements mentioned there.
• Do not attempt any stain removal at home. If you did, tell your dry cleaner exactly what you used. There might be unwanted reactions between different products, and avoiding them is best.
• Point out any stains and damage. If you know what caused the stain on your shirt, tell your dry cleaner. That will help them approach the issue in the most effective way possible. If you have missing buttons, rips, or other damage to your clothes, don’t forget to let them know as well.

Green dry cleaning

If you are interested in eco-friendly options, you can turn to a green dry cleaning company. There are a few methods that will clean your clothes without actually washing them and without including any dangerous chemicals.

• Cleaning with liquid carbon dioxide: Liquid and gas forms of carbon dioxide are used as non-toxic solvents in complex (and expensive) cleaning machines that employ pressure to draw carbon dioxide through fabrics to remove grime. Because there is no heat involved, the method is also gentler on materials.
• Silicon-based solvent: Also known as siloxane, this solvent is chemical-free liquid sand that dissolves stains from fabrics. However, because chlorine is used in the manufacturing process, the result may not be as environmentally friendly.

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You must regularly clean and condition your white leather goods to prevent staining and cracking. Wipe down upholstery or items that are regularly used, with a damp microfiber cloth. That will remove smudges, soil, and other grime.

• Couches, sofas, and chairs – Clean and dust at least once a week.
• Purse or handbag – Wipe and clean once per week or more often if needed.
• Shoes – Clean after every wear.
• Jackets – Once a year, or seasonally if worn on a daily basis.

Before you begin, make sure you read any care label instructions for the particular item on hand. Manufacturers will mention any specific maintenance requirements. Avoid doing anything else to avoid damage to the surface of the leather.

1. Make (or purchase) a cleaning solution – While you can always buy a weather cleaner in the shop, it is as easy to make your own. Here are two recipes you can use to clean your white leather goods. Put the mixture in a spray bottle:
   • Mix 1 part Castile soap with 8 parts lukewarm water.
   • Mix 2 parts white distilled vinegar with 1 part olive oil or linseed oil.
2. Wipe the leather with a damp microfiber cloth – Before cleaning the item, it is important to get rid of all dust and surface soil first. Dampen a microfiber cloth with plain water and wring it until it is not dripping. Wipe down the whole surface.
3. Apply the cleaning solution – Instead of applying the cleaning mixture directly on the leather, you can spray it on a clean microfiber cloth first. This will prevent over-saturation and possible watermarks.
4. Wipe down the leather – Use a damp cloth sprayed with cleaning solution, beginning at the top of a piece and working in small sections. Use a gentle, circular motion and avoid scrubbing. If any soil remains, apply a little more cleaning solution.
5. Buff the leather – There is no need to rinse the cleaning solution. Grab a clean microfiber cloth (make sure it is completely dry) and buff the leather after you are done with its cleaning.

Additional maintenance tips for white leather items:

• If oil or grease stains appear on the leather, liberally apply baby powder or cornstarch to the affected area. Allow at least four hours for the powder to sit on the stain—the oil will be absorbed by the powder. Remove the greasy powder with a brush or vacuum and repeat until the stain is gone.
• When an ink stain occurs, blot it away with a white paper towel or a Magic Eraser (make sure you don’t scrub or spread the stain). Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and rub it on the stain, working from the outside edge toward the centre to prevent the ink from spreading. As the ink transfers, switch to a clean swab. Work slowly until all of the ink has been removed. If the leather appears dull after treatment, recondition it with a leather conditioner or a tiny dab of olive oil.
• Scuff marks on white leather shoes are common. You can gently buff away the marks with a melamine sponge (such as Mr Clean Magic Eraser). Scrubbing can remove the surface finish of the leather, so be extra careful. If that does not work, you can make your own cleaning paste by combining equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar. Allow the paste to sit on the stained area for up to 30 minutes. With a damp cloth, remove the paste and buff the leather with a microfiber cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone, then apply a leather conditioner to restore the finish of the leather and keep it from drying and cracking.

Things you can do to keep your white leather items good-looking and prevent them from yellowing
If your once bright white leather couch is now butter-coloured, you may end up being nothing but disappointed. This yellowing is caused by air pollution and materials that oxidise and cause the leather fibres to break down. While your white leather will eventually yellow with time, there are things you can do to prevent that.

• Avoid smoking in the house. If you smoke in your living room or in the room where your white leather upholstery is, cigarette smoke will certainly speed up the yellowing.
• Do not forget to clean your white leather on a regular basis. Pay special attention to your white leather items and do not forget to add this to your domestic cleaning schedule.
• Condition the leather on a regular basis. A good leather conditioner will not only protect it from stains and damage but will also slow down yellowing.

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Refrigerator – You should clean your refrigerator every 3 months
Make refrigerator cleaning easy by wiping up spills immediately and wiping down handles and dispenser controls with a disinfectant wipe on a daily basis to remove bacteria from many hands. Take a few minutes once a week to look for food that needs to be thrown out to prevent the spread of mould and mildew.
For thorough cleaning, empty the fridge of all food, shelves, and bins every three months. Get rid of anything that has passed its prime. Combine one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap and one quart of warm water to make a solution. Wipe down the interior with a clean sponge or microfiber cloth, taking special care of any spills. Then, using a clean, dry cloth, wipe down all surfaces.
Use the same detergent and hot water solution to clean the shelves and containers. Before putting them back in the refrigerator, thoroughly rinse and dry them. Add a new, opened box of baking soda to help absorb odours along with the food, and you’re done.
Follow the same cleaning procedures if you have a self-defrosting freezer compartment. Follow the manufacturer’s defrosting and cleaning instructions for a frost-filled freezer.
After cleaning the inside, disconnect the refrigerator, take it away from the wall, and vacuum behind and beneath it. To access every crevice, you may need to remove a vented cover. If the coils and fans are dusty, the refrigerator will have to work more to keep items chilled.

Dishwasher – You should deep clean your dishwasher at least once a month
Once a month, clean your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda to keep it in proper working condition. Remove the bottom rack from an empty dishwasher and inspect the drain strainer and detergent dispenser for debris. Replace the rack after cleaning the strainer with a soft-bristled brush. Place a glass dish filled with one cup of distilled white vinegar on the top rack of the oven. Wash in hot water but skip the drying cycle. Open the dishwasher and sprinkle one cup of baking soda down the bottom. Run a second short hot water cycle. Your dishwasher interior is now grease and odour-free and ready to use for another month.
To prevent food particles and residue from building up on the inside of your dishwasher, rinse all plates and cups before placing them inside and make sure no solids or food pieces are left.

Cooktop and Oven – You should clean those seasonally or at least twice a year
Similar to cleaning the refrigerator, if you wipe up spills and splatters immediately, you won’t have to undertake heavy-duty cleaning as often. Both smooth and burner cooktops can be cleaned with a basic dishwashing soap and hot water solution. Never use abrasive cleansers or metal scrubbers on the finish. To remove solidified food, a plastic spatula is the best tool.
Metal drip pans or grids over gas burners can withstand hard scrubbing and should be cleaned once a month. Allow the drip pans to soak in a degreaser and hot water solution for about 30 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff-bristled scrub brush and a baking soda and water paste.
Ovens should be cleaned on a seasonal basis. Cleaning is best done after a huge holiday cooking marathon, not before! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions if the oven is self-cleaning. Use a baking soda and water mixture as a mild abrasive and grease remover in typical ovens that aren’t very unclean. For baked-on messes, use a commercial oven cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you do not skip the oven cleaning. It may start smoking and change the taste of your favourite meals.

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Stains on your car’s body and glass are the ghostly leftovers of hard water that has dried on once gleaming surfaces. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are common in hard water. When hard water evaporates, it leaves residues of these minerals behind, which appear white when dry. Wipe away water drops with a clean cloth while they are still wet to prevent hard water marks from forming.
Hard water spots are unpleasant because they are unattractive, but the mineral residue can be even more dangerous, eventually ruining the paint on your car. The longer mineral deposits remain on your vehicle, the more firmly they adhere. Stains and spots can etch into the surface, necessitating more involved removal and repair processes such as wet-sanding or even a complete paint job.

Clean your car using a basic wash and dry method

The first thing you should do if you get stuck with hard water spots on your car is give it a good washing. Even though it may sound contrary, since washing your car may be the reason you have water spots on your car in the first place, cleaning it will help remove any particles that may scratch or etch the surface. You will have to wash it a second time and by following the steps below you can get rid of all spots with the second wash.

Here is how to wash your car:

1. Grab a bucket and fill it with a cleaning solution. fill a second bucket with plain water and grab a hose just in case. Prepare a soft cloth or a sponge, and a microfiber drying towel.
2. Use a two-bucket cleaning method, soaking the washing mitt in soapy water and washing the spotty surface. Then, rinse the mitt in the clean-water bucket. Continue cleaning after soaking the mitt in soapy water.
3. Rinse the vehicle – Use the hose and rinse the whole vehicle. Make sure you thoroughly remove all soapy residue from all curves and hard-to-reach spots.
4. Dry – Quickly begin drying your car with the soft microfiber cloth. Start at the top and work your way down. Ask someone to help you (especially if your car is large). Make sure you dry the water before it evaporates.

Get rid of water stains using vinegar

Vinegar is frequently hailed as a miraculous ingredient capable of cleaning tiles, shampooing pets, eradicating weeds, and extending the life of cut flowers. As a result, it should come as no surprise that vinegar can help remove water stains from vehicle paint. White vinegar is acidic, making it an efficient opponent of alkaline mineral deposits.

1. Mix a cleaning solution – Pour equal parts of vinegar and water in a bottle (spray bottle would work best) and shake it well.
2. Spray the whole part, do not miss any spots even if they are not so obvious.
3. Soak a towel – Pour the rest of the solution in a bucket and place a towel in it. Add more solution (the towel needs to be submerged completely).
4. Place the towel on the affected areas. Make sure you cover the whole surface and let the towel stay on for a couple of minutes. When done, use the same towel to scrub away the mineral deposit spots.
5. Rinse and dry – Thoroughly rinse the area with a hose and quickly dry the whole surface. Make sure you don’t allow the water spots to evaporate – they will leave more hard water spots.

How to spot-treat hard water spots

If there is a particular area on your car that needs to be cleaned, use the following method:
One of the finest ways to eliminate localised areas of water stains on your car is with a commercial water spot remover.
There are some chemicals that are present in all spot removers. The base is clean, distilled water, with mineral oil, added as a lubricant. Solvents, absorbents, buffers, and conditioners are examples of additional components.
Paint, glass, chrome, and metals respond well to water spot removers. They are most effective when applied on glossy paint surfaces and should not be used on flat or matte paint jobs.

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In this article, we will share the best way in which you can clean your leather gloves. Keep in mind that most soft leathers (aniline and Nappa) are suitable for this process. However, suede and nubuck leathers require a different cleaning method. Another thing to remember is that gloves lined with natural fur should only be cleaned by professionals. While you can remove surface stains (such as from the fingertips) at home, the actual cleaning of such gloves at home may lead to damage.

Cleaning leather gloves

1. Remove heavy soil – Get rid of surface soil by mixing a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Grab a soft cloth, dip it in the mixture and gently wipe the stained areas. Keep moving to a clean part of the cloth as dirt transfers.
   If you are dealing with mud, allow it to dry before attempting to clean it. This way you will avoid smudges. Once the mud is dry, use a soft-bristled brush to remove it.
2. For ink stains – Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to erase ink stains from leather. Begin by lightly rubbing the ink stain with the swab. Harsh scrubbing might cause harm to the leather. As the ink comes off, discard the swab and replace it with a new one. Work slowly to avoid spreading the ink stain.
3. Mix a cleaning solution – Make a warm solution of water and a mild liquid soap, such as Castile or saddle soap, in a small bowl. If you’re using a tin of bar or gel soap, wet a microfiber cloth and run it across the bar to generate foam.
4. Clean the gloves – Lay both gloves flat on a soft clean towel. Use a soft sponge or a microfiber cloth dipped in the cleaning solution and wipe the gloves starting at the wrist and gently working your way towards the fingertips. Do not forget to clean between the fingers. Make sure you do not saturate the leather. Keep the cloth damp and not dripping.
5. Clean the inside of your gloves – If possible, flip the gloves inside out and clean them again. To help control bacteria and odour, wash off the interior of the gloves with a cloth dampened with a 1:1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water.
6. Rinse the gloves – Use a clean cloth dipped in plain water (wring it until it is not dripping and just damp) and wipe down the surface of the gloves. Make sure you completely remove all soapy residue.
7. Air-dry the gloves right side out, while they are placed on a clean, absorbent towel. Never place leather gloves in direct sunlight or near a heat source. After an hour, check on them and put them on your hands to shape and stretch the leather. Turn them inside out if the inside is too damp. Wait another hour before turning them right side out and putting them back on to help them dry smoothly. The majority of gloves dry completely within eight hours.
8. Condition the leather – In order to avoid damage and cracks, condition the leather. Use a commercial leather conditioner and apply it following the instructions on the packaging. You can do this step whenever you feel it is needed even if you did not clean your gloves.

How often do gloves need to be cleaned?

Even rarely used leather dress gloves should be cleaned and conditioned once or twice a year to keep the leather supple. It’s a good idea to clean and condition winter gloves right before storing them for the season.
Gloves that are frequently used should be completely washed anytime they become noticeably soiled, but only when required, as leather does not appreciate being wet too often. Leather work gloves can be damp-wiped with a vinegar/water solution after each use, but they should be thoroughly cleaned and conditioned every couple of months.

Repairs on leather gloves

If the seam on your gloves is ripped, take them to a shoe repair shop for adjustments. Most home repair methods are unsuccessful and might cause extra harm to expensive leather. A number of leather-repair kits are available to supply the materials for applying self-adhesive patching material to holes or restitching damaged seams on utilitarian work gloves when appearance isn’t essential.

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Denture tablets are an excellent example of a product that can do wonders when it comes to cleaning. Denture tablets, it turns out, contain many of the same ingredients as common household cleaners and laundry detergents: potassium persulfate (oxidizer), sodium perborate (peroxide-based bleach), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium sulphate (salt), sodium carbonate (soda ash), pentasodium triphosphate (hydrogen peroxide stabiliser), sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (surfactant), magnesium stearate (chelating agent).

After all, this product is designed to clean porcelain and acrylic dentures. You can certainly use it to maintain cleanliness around the house. Keep reading to find out how.

Keep in mind
Dropping in a premeasured tablet is quick and straightforward, but you should also consider the cost per use. An all-purpose household cleanser is frequently less expensive. Because denture tablets include bleaching agents, always consult the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before using them on porous surfaces, uncoated metals, or fabrics.

Here are some cleaning tasks you can easily tackle with the help of denture tablets

1. Remove tea and coffee stains – If your beverages leave brown marks on the inside of your mugs or cups, use denture tablets to get rid of them.
   • Add 1 denture tablet to each cup/mug and 2 tablets to larger pots.
   • Fill the cup/pot with water to activate the tablets
   • Let the solution sit overnight
   • Once you are done, pour out the liquid and wipe the inside of your vessels with a dishcloth or a soft sponge.
2. Get rid of mineral deposits from your electric tea or coffee kettle – Mineral deposits quickly build up on the inside of a kettle, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Those are not the easiest to remove but denture tablets will ease your struggles.
   • To descale a tea kettle, simply fill it with water, drop in a denture tab, soak for a few hours, then scrub well.
   • Fill the reservoir with water, add one or two denture tablets, then run a cycle to descale a coffee maker, including a Keurig. Remove the water pot. Empty the reservoir of any residual liquid, replace it with clean water, then run the coffee maker a few more times (without coffee) to rinse away the deposits.
3. Clean flower vases – Glass vases can become foggy after holding a bouquet. Fill the vase with water and drop in a denture tablet to help remove the residue. Allow the vase to sit overnight. Pour out the fluid and thoroughly rinse the vase.
4. Cleaning plastic containers – We all have a few plastic food boxes that seem to be permanently stained from a number of meals. Tomatoes and other foods containing tannins can leave stains on plastic food storage containers. The bleaching agents in denture tablets can help lift those stains.
   • Fill each container with warm water and drop in a tablet
   • Let them sit overnight
   • Pour out the liquid and give them a good scrub, rinse them out and allow them to air dry (never put them away while still wet).
5. Clean your stained glass bakeware – Glass bakeware can easily get stained with baked-on grease, especially around the edges.
   • If the grease is on the inside of the glassware, fill it with hot water and place a denture tablet inside, let it soak overnight, scrub the stained areas with a sponge and some dishwashing liquid, then rinse and dry.
   • For stains on the outside of the glass bakeware, fill a large basin with some water, drop a tablet or two (depending on the size) and place the stained bakeware inside. Let it soak for a few hours or overnight, scrub it with a sponge and some dishwashing liquid, rinse and dry it completely.
6. When washing a pan isn’t enough to remove burnt-on food, soak it in water with a denture pill. Allow at least an hour before washing the pan in hot water as usual.
   Use this approach on nonstick pans only. Denture tablets can cause damage to cast iron or unprotected metals.
7. Denture tablets can be used as toilet cleaners. Allow a couple of denture pills to work in the toilet bowl until the fizzing stops. Then, scrub the toilet, as usual.
8. The nozzles of your showerhead may become clogged due to the hard water in your area. If you notice the water flow is not as powerful as usual, use this trick to resolve
   the issue.
   • Fill a storage bag with warm water and drop a denture tablet in it.
   • Place the showerhead in the bag and tie with a rubber band
   • Let it sit in the solution overnight
   • Scrub around the nozzles with a stiff-bristled brush then rinse.

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Cleaning chandeliers and other light fixtures
Once you start dusting ceilings, walls, and furniture, you should not skip your light fixtures as well. They gather a lot of dust and grime which can build up and cause your light to look dim and dull. If you can, remove the fixture or globe, and wash its inside and outside with warm soapy water. Let them dry and put them back. Do not forget to wipe down your light bulbs as well.

Your backsplash
The area behind your kitchen sink will need a thorough cleaning as well. It quickly gathers splatters, food, grease, and grime. Do not forget to thoroughly scrub this area. If your backsplash is tiled, you can use an old toothbrush to get into the crevices and properly clean the grout. Make sure you also tackle the backsplash in your bathroom as well.

Small appliances
When you are spring cleaning the kitchen, you certainly are tackling the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Smaller appliances, however, seem to often be neglected. You should not skip their cleaning. Make sure you remove grime and buildup from your toaster, coffee machine, can openers, etc. Empty all crumb trays, filters, and other parts that you usually skip. Wipe down the exterior of all appliances.

Under the sink
Even though we open the cabinet under the sink on a daily basis, we usually reach for a cleaning product or another tool that we store there. However, a thorough cleaning of this area will help you have a better view on what’s going on under your sink. If there is a leak or some water damage, you want to be able to detect it as soon as it happens and take care of it. To thoroughly get rid of grime and dirt, remove everything from the area, vacuum or sweep any large particles, then grab a sponge or a microfiber cloth and wipe the whole surface clean. You can use a disinfectant or some bleach to get rid of moisture damage like mould or mildew.

Toothbrush holder
During your weekly cleaning, you probably wipe down the top of the toothbrush holder, but something filthy is at the bottom that you shouldn’t ignore during spring cleaning. Water and toothpaste residue tends to seep down to the bottom of the holder, creating a dark and moist environment in which bacteria can thrive quickly. Make sure you thoroughly clean it on a regular basis to prevent grime and bacteria from building up.

Mattress
During the spring cleaning is the perfect time to clean your mattress and flip it around. Even though it is covered in sheets at all times, it is not dust and grime proof. To get rid of allergens, dead skin cells, and hair, give your mattress a good vacuuming and steam clean both sides if you find it necessary. Treat any stains and sprinkle baking soda to get rid of bad odours.

Your cleaning supplies
To be able to properly clean the whole house, you need to be using clean tools. If you skip their cleaning, you will just end up smearing dirt and grime around the house. To avoid that, make sure you start your spring cleaning with clean tools and do not forget to rinse and wash them as you continue with your chores. Wash your mops, sponges and microfiber cloths. Sanitise brushes and replace sponges that cannot be cleaned or you have used for very nasty areas. Make sure you replace or wash your vacuum cleaner filter as well.

Pet beds
Do not forget to wash your pet’s bed as well. Vacuum it on a regular basis but toss in the laundry during your spring cleaning. To prevent the bed from getting extra dirty in the long term, use a washable cover. You will be able to give it a good cleaning once a week and avoid the need to deep clean the whole bed.

Your bathroom fan grill
Even if you don’t use your bathroom exhaust fan on a regular basis, it can become dusty. Fortunately, a duster with an extending handle can easily reach this place. With the fan turned off, use your duster to clean any dust and buildup from the grill. Do this to ensure your fan is working properly and prevent mildew and mould from growing.

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We will talk about the importance of thorough degreasing, cleaning, and disinfection of the main appliances found in most kitchens. In this article, you will also find some helpful tips on how to clean them in the best way possible.

Microwave
Microwaves are a great appliance to have in your kitchen. They are easy to use, save a lot of time and effort, and can be used for so many things. However, in order to prevent your microwave from becoming greasy and dirty and keep it smelling fresh, you may need to give it a deep cleaning once in a while.
It is important that you thoroughly clean the inside of your microwave, but also its exterior, especially if it’s placed nearby or above your stove. In order to get rid of all grease and food splatters, you will certainly need a good-quality degreaser and get to work.

Firstly, spray the degreaser you chose all over the outside of your microwave and thoroughly scrub the whole surface. Once you are done, remove the vent cover and the microwave plate and give them a deep cleaning as well. Scrub the top, bottom, and sides of the microwave. Wipe them down with a cloth, dipped in plain water to remove any cleaning solution residue, and let everything dry. You can clean the window of your microwave with a glass cleaner.

If you did not manage to remove all the grease from the inside of your appliance, place a bowl of water with half a lemon inside and run the microwave on high. The steam created by this will act as a degreaser and help loosen all stuck-on grease and food splatters. Wipe the whole inside with a microfiber cloth and enjoy a fresh kitchen appliance.

Oven
Your oven is the appliance you use most often. However, when you prepare food in it, splatters and spills happen and leave a greasy residue and stuck-on food particles all over the inside of your oven. This may leave a bad smell and even affect the taste of your meals.

Start by removing all racks and the cover of your oven fan (if possible) and give them a thorough cleaning in hot water and dishwashing liquid. Then grab a plastic scraper and remove any solids that can be found on the inside of your appliance. Grab a degreasing cleaning solution, and spray it all over the inside. Let it sit for a couple of hours, then grab a sponge or a microfiber cloth and wipe everything down. Do not forget to wipe the inside with a cloth dipped in plain water in order to remove all soapy residue.

Once you are done with the deep cleaning of the inside of your oven and all racks and trays, place them back together and move on to the outside of your oven. If you have a built-in appliance, you will only need to clean the top of it. Grab the degreasing solution again. Spray the stovetop and let it sit for a while, especially if there are a lot of greasy buildups. Scrape away any solids and wipe the surface down.

Refrigerator
This is the place where most foods are kept. It is especially important to keep this appliance clean in order to prevent spoiling of meals, vegetables, or any other delicious things you have in there. Refrigerators can collect bacteria and cause mould and mildew growth. What is more, if not cleaned regularly, refrigerators may start smelling after a while.

Always start by removing all food and dispose of all expired items and rotten fruits or vegetables. Take out all drawers, shelves, and racks. You can soak them in hot water and wash them with regular soap. Make sure you scrub them well and remove any stuck-on solids. Grab your favourite cleaning product and spray the whole inside of your refrigerator. When done, grab a cloth dipped in plain water and wipe the whole inside to remove any cleaning solution residue.

Dry the racks and other pieces and place them back in your appliance. Do not forget to thoroughly clean your refrigerator door as well. Dust and wipe the outside of your fridge including the top and back. You will be shocked at how dusty it can get there. You can wipe down any jars and containers before placing them back into your refrigerator

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Fun fact: WD-40 made its debut on the consumer market during the late 1950s. The employees that worked in the factory started sneaking cans out to bring them home. They were the ones to find out that the product has a lot more potential and can be used for much more than simply fixing squeaky hinges. This is how the idea to sell the product for household applications came to life. Here are a few useful things that WD-40 is perfect for:

Use WD-40 to protect your leather shoes and boots

Winter is coming and it is important that your winter shoes are protected and waterproof. To do this, grab a soft cloth, pour a bit of WD-40 on it and rub the whole surface of your shoes/boots. Do not forget to rub everything, including the tongue, back, sides, and ankle area if the shoes are high. You can also use WD-40 to quickly remove the annoying salt stains that usually appear once your shoes dry after walking around in the snow. You can do this once in a while during the winter months to keep your shoes safe, protected, and clean. Spray a bit of the product on your leather shoe, then buff it in and wipe it clean with a rag.

WD-40 will help you clean your refrigerator

If during your spring cleaning, you decided to tackle your refrigerator as well, you may need some WD-40. Once you remove all drawers and racks, you will need to rub and scrub the inside of the refrigerator as well. This is usually an easy task but if you have not been regularly cleaning your appliance, there might be some tough to remove, stubborn stains, and spills that will require a lot of time and effort. To spare yourself those, grab your WD-40 and get on with the job. Spray a bit of the product on the stuck-on spills and let it sit for a few minutes. Grab a sponge or a rag and wipe the mess away. Make sure you remove all WD-40 residue before placing all your food back in the refrigerator.

Restore your plastic patio furniture back to being beautiful

If you have a bunch of furniture pieces on your patio that are made of plastic, you will notice that after a few years all the sun and all elements, in general, will have their impact on the looks of your outdoor furniture. If they are coloured, the plastic may lose its shine and become dull and worn out looking. To restore the colour and good look of your plastic furniture, spray a bit of WD-40 on the plastic and rub it with a soft cloth. The colour will pop and your furniture will be fresh and ready for you to enjoy. Do this once or twice a year, during the warm seasons and bring your furniture inside during winter and when it is not used.

Exterminate cockroaches and other insects

If you have a lot of insects around the house – cockroaches in the kitchen, spiders, ants, and other pests, you can easily get rid of them with the help of WD-40. Keep a can of the product near the areas where you notice the insects. When you see a cockroach, spray a bit of WD-40 directly on it. This will instantly kill it. To prevent more insects from coming in, spray along your window sills, door frames, screens, and doorsteps. Make sure you do not inhale any of the WD-40 fumes and do not do this if there are children and babies in the house.

Protect your garden and plants

Animals enjoy digging up the flowers you worked so hard to grow in the garden. However, one thing that animals don’t like is the smell of WD-40. Spray your flower beds evenly to prevent animals from destroying them. You can do this once or twice during the season. You can also spray a bit on the leaves of the plants to prevent insects and other pests from destroying them. Make sure you do not use this method on vegetable gardens or fruit trees.

Last but not least, the original purpose of WD-40

Use it to fix any squeaky hinges on doors, cupboards, or windows. You can also spray it on your tools to prevent them from rusting, and even get rid of sticky residue left behind from stickers.

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1. Don’t wait – Stains and spills are much easier to clean while they are fresh. If you let them sit for a while, they will set in and become hard or even impossible to remove. As soon as you notice the mess, start treating it. You can blot a liquid spill or scrape off any solids from the fabric they landed on. Of course, there are some exceptions – mud should be left to dry. Once it dries you will be able to scrape it off without smudges.

2. The top to bottom rule – Gravity works in all cases and if you try to work against it when cleaning, you will lose. Always start at the top of the room and work your way down. This will prevent you from making a mess in areas you have already cleaned.
When cleaning a room, start at the top and remove all cobwebs and dust from the ceiling. Then dust the ceiling fan and light fixtures and move to the tops of cupboards, doors, frames, etc. Follow by dusting furniture, shelves, and other surfaces that are closer to the floor. Finish by vacuuming/sweeping and mopping your floor.

3. The dry to wet rule – Another method for keeping your home tidy is to begin with the dry cleaning. When cleaning a room, begin with the tasks that require dry methods, such as dusting or sweeping. Then proceed to wet procedures such as mopping and using an all-purpose cleaner. There will be less dirt floating around in the area to attach to moist surfaces this way and when you start mopping, there will be no dust and dirt to turn into mud.

4. Start gently – To ensure the best possible results, begin by using the gentlest cleaning methods and move to the more aggressive ones if needed. Make sure you know the materials and tools you are working with, as well as the requirements of all surfaces in your house. To avoid damage, do a little research or test different products in an inconspicuous spot of the surface.

5. Manage your time – This will save you both time and effort. When cleaning a certain , particularly hard to clean area, apply the cleaning product first. For example, when cleaning the bathroom, apply the solution to your toilet bowl first, then find another task to take care of while the product is doing its magic. While you organise your medicine cabinet or polish your faucets, the toilet bowl will be ready and you will be able to clean it with ease.

6. Be prepared – Carry your essential cleaning supplies with you to keep your home immaculate. This will save you from having to go around the house hunting for the appropriate tools and cleaners. To make this more efficient, invest in buying:

• A plastic carrier with a good handle and compartments for all your gear.
• A sturdy plastic bucket (or two).
• A rolling supply cart (it will help you with larger cleaning jobs).
• An apron with large pockets to keep your gloves and other smaller tools.

7. Follow directions – Whether you are using commercial or homemade cleaning products, specific instructions are important. You should always follow the label on the packaging to avoid damage and receive the best results possible. This goes for products, appliances, clothes, and anything else you are not 100% familiar with.

8. Safety first – Keep your house clean, but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Many cleaning products contain acids, bleach, and other harsh chemicals that can harm your eyes, skin, nose, and lungs. As a result, make sure your cleaning pack includes rubber gloves and safety eyewear. Wear old long leggings or sweatpants and an old long-sleeved shirt in case of cleaning agents spatter. Wear a scarf or a baseball cap to cover your hair. To keep dirt out of your nails, apply a line of petroleum jelly below them. Dot extra on your cuticles to prevent drying, roughening, and cracking caused by cleaning agents. Don’t get your cleaning products mixed up. Poisonous gases are produced when chlorine bleach and ammonia are combined. When utilising cleaning chemicals, ensure that the room is sufficiently ventilated.

9. Take care of your delicates – When cleaning goods such as electronics or paintings that can be damaged by liquid cleaning products, spray the cleaner on your cleaning cloth before wiping. Cleaner should not be sprayed directly on the object being cleaned. Pouring cleaning into your gadgets could harm them, and dripping cleaner into a frame and soaking the matting could destroy your artwork.

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