CLEANING HACKS – Video

CLEANING HACKS UPDATED – As seen of 3TV/Phoenix (Good Morning Arizona) – Monday, March 18, 2019 (8:45am) & Saturday March 23, 2019 (6:50am)

Watch the broadcast video at the bottom of this post

UPDATED STAIN REMOVER

1/4 cup (3%) hydrogen peroxide
2 tablespoons dish soap or Castile soap
2 tablespoons glycerine
10 drops lemon essential oil

Combine all ingredients except the essential oil in a measuring cup and stir together.

Pour into a squirt bottle, a bottle with a cap or lid, or a spray bottle. Just make sure the container isn’t clear — hydrogen peroxide loses its potency when exposed to light, so it needs to be stored in a dark container. I reuse an empty hydrogen peroxide bottle

Add the essential oil. I add the essential oil directly into the bottle so none is left in the measuring cup.

TO USE:

Shake gently before each use to mix in the essential oil. Apply to fabric thoroughly saturating the stain. *Test in an inconspicuous spot before using on colored clothing. And if the stain is oil-based, be sure you work the solution into the stain and let it sit for 15 – 30 minutes to break down the oil.

If you have an old or tough stain you can use a toothbrush or other gentle/soft brush to work the solution into the stain, and then launder as usual.

COFFEE STAINS

As soon as you spill on yourself flush it immediately with cold running water, or dab at it with a wet cloth using a dry cloth underneath the material to absorb moisture. In an emergency use a paper towel from the restroom.

If you have some laundry detergent or spot remover handy, give it a dab with that and then rinse with water again. (Laundry products work better than hand or dish soap because they typically have enzymes that can break down organic stains like coffee.) Toss in the washing machine or take to the dry cleaner as soon as possible. On materials like leather or fur, blot up what you can and then leave the rest to the pros.

Heat will set any type of organic stain, including coffee, tea, and blood. Wash in cold water and be sure you have removed the stain prior to putting in the dryer.

QUEEN TIP FOR YOUR TEETH: Coffee and tea can badly stain teeth. Drink that hot and cold coffee or latte through a straw to avoid staining your teeth!

DISHWASHER CLEANING

Kick up the power of dishwasher detergent with lemon. Place lemon peel or lemon halves or wedges in your silverware basket. I do this with ones I have squeezed for another use. Other citrus fruits will also work so feel free to use repurposed grapefruit, oranges or limes or a combination. Since lemon juice is natures bleach and disinfectant it is perfect for use in the dishwasher. You can use in plastic or stainless steel dishwasher interiors. Do not use this is you are washing real silver in the dishwasher.

STORE PLASTIC BAGS IN A WIPES CONTAINER

After you’ve finished using a container of disinfecting wipes, put your plastic grocery bags in it and pull them out as needed. This is great to toss in your car so you have a bag when you need it. Great if one of the kids has a tummy upset, use for trash or to gather fast food containers until you can toss them.

WOOD SPOONS

Don’t immerse wood spoons in water for longer than a couple of minutes. To properly wash them, use hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly and dry with a towel right away. Allowing wood spoons to air dry leaves them in contact with water too long.

If your spoons are rough and fuzzy, refurbish them with a brand new steel wool pad. Rub along the grain until the surface is completely smooth, rinse well with water and immediately towel dry.

Oil the wood. Oil moisturizes wood and provides a protective barrier. You will want to use a non-toxic oil. Many people use mineral oil, but almond, walnut, and coconut oil also work. The important thing is to saturate the wood thoroughly and let it sit overnight, then rub away the excess. Repeat this any time your spoons look dull, and you’ll keep the wood from absorbing food stains and odors.

Watch the Broadcast video: