Top 5 Questions asked in 2016…

TOP 5 QUESTIONS asked in 2016…

My email and Facebook (Queen of Clean Linda Cobb) are always flooded with questions. These are the top 5 that everyone wants to know.

SWEAT STAINS ON WHITES AND COLORFAST CLOTHES

1 cup vinegar

1/2 cup baking soda

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide

Most people think sweat stains are caused by sweat, but they are actually the result of a reaction between aluminum-based antiperspirants and your body. To attack the discoloration, soak the shirt in a bowl filled with 1 cup vinegar and two cups warm water. Soak for at least 20 minutes.

Mix together the baking soda, salt, and hydrogen peroxide until it forms a paste. Remove the shirt from the vinegar water and gently squeeze until the shirt is just damp. Lay flat on a towel-covered work surface and coat the stains with the mixture. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural whitening agent, and baking soda and salt work together to lift the stain. Let sit for at least 20 minutes.

Toss the shirt in the laundry with a load of whites and wash.

SOAP SCUM AND MINERAL DEPOSITS

This white nasty build up on showers and shower doors is one of the most asked questions. Removing it can be easy with the right solution.

You will need:

1 cup of heated white vinegar

1 cup of DAWN Original Liquid Dish Soap

Combine in a spray bottle.

Spray on one wall of the shower at a time and work in with a scrubbing sponge. This is very concentrated so make sure you move it around over the entire shower wall. If you have heavy buildup, give it 30 minutes to work and then scrub once more prior to rinsing.

Rinse with cool water. Hot water will make it foam. Rinse thoroughly and dry with paper towels or cloths.

Continue, one wall at a time, and then do the shower doors, if you have them. Save the bottom of the shower for last. This solution can make the floor slippery.

If you have a fiberglass or faux marble surround you can use RAIN-X (automotive aisle) on it to protect it and make it easier to clean or car wax. DO NOT USE ON FLOOR OF SHOWER.

TOILET RING

Pretty much all of you seem to have experienced the nasty ring around the toilet. It is easy to remove.

Shut the water off at the toilet tank. The handle is next to the back of the toilet tank usually. Flush the toilet to bring the water level down and expose the ring.

Sprinkle on Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser (cleaning aisle) covering the line completely. This cleanser will remove rust also.

Now the secret…..FINE DRYWALL SANDPAPER. Drywall sandpaper looks like window screen. Find it where all sandpaper is sold.

Cut a small piece, glove up and rub the line with the fine drywall sandpaper. That line will be removed almost immediately. Toss the piece you used. No need to save it like you do pumice stones. Store the fresh sandpaper for reuse.

Turn the water back on at the tank and flush. Swish with a bowl brush and flush one more time.

IMPOSSIBLE LAUNDRY STAIN REMOVER INCLUDING GREASE

This is the laundry question I get asked most.

Combine, in a dark (opaque) bottle with a sprayer, these ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide is broken down by light so it must be a dark bottle. I use the bottle peroxide comes in and put a sprayer on it.

1 part Dawn Original Dishwashing Liquid

2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide

Shake prior to using.

Spray the stain, work it in well. Let sit 15 minutes or so and then launder as usual.

Safe for whites and colorfast clothes.

PET OOPS

The spaghetti didn’t agree with the dog, the cat had a hairball. If you have pets you know what I am talking about, and it’s always on the carpet or rug.

Make the clean-up easy. Here’s what to do.

DON’T touch the accident. It only pushes it further in to the fibers and spreads it.

Cover the area with a good coat of baking soda. Make sure the entire stain is covered. Let it sit until the accident is dry and the baking soda has absorbed the problem. Usually overnight.

Take a dull straight edge, I use a wide plastic putty knife that I keep just for this, and lift up the baking soda and the mess.

Using your vacuum, with only the hose attachment, vacuum really well to remove the remaining accident and baking soda. Using only the hose increases the suction. Using an indoor/outdoor vacuum is a good idea. If this is a frequent problem, buying a handheld vacuum at the thrift store might be a good option. Keep it just for this purpose. Make sure you are cleaning it frequently.

Now you can clean with your favorite carpet spotter and you are done! One to try, Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover.

Thanks for Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean!