Ever wish there was an easier way to maintain your home’s cleanliness? Well there is no magic solution, however cleaning your home little by little on a daily basis seems to help in the maintenance and cleanliness of your home in the long run.  Cleaning your kitchen, bathroom, and living room for a little bit on a daily basis will help increase your overall downtime.  It’s more efficient to set aside a few minutes to clean everyday rather than blocking out an entire day (or days) to clean your home.  For example, once you hop out of the bathtub or shower, rinse around the sides and make sure to pick up any hairs.  Follow these tips from Apartment Therapy and you will be well on your way in improving your home’s cleanliness.
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Preventative measures can feel like more work upfront, but in the end this active approach to keeping house means tasks are easier to tackle, resulting in more downtime overall. Here are some friendly reminders (imagine your grandmother’s firm but loving voice) on how to “save nine” when it comes to cleaning your home.

1. Clean as you go: When you are cooking or involved in a project, tidying as you go, washing prep bowls, pots and pans will make for an easy aftermath.

2. Fold clothes after wearing: Most of the time you can get away with re-wearing clothing without washing. Spot cleaning is usually more than enough, and so long as you neatly fold you clothes, or in the least drape them over a chair, you will prevent the otherwise inevitable lint collection/crumpling that tossing them on the floor invites.

3. Wipe spills immediately: Letting spills linger means more elbow grease is required to clean them up, which means more time devoted to that sticky situation than if you took action right away.

4. Take out the garbage… now! The fuller the receptacle, the less likely it is that things will stay put inside of it. If you are sick of cleaning coffee grinds off the cupboard floor or find yourself trying to haphazardly empty one bag into another without it spilling, it is time to rethink your frequency.

5. Sweep daily: This takes no time and leads to the enjoyment of grit free floors. If you don’t already, see about taking outdoor shoes off at the door to prevent tracking in dirt and dust.

6. Spray down the tub/shower: After every use take a quick moment to spray any soap off the sides of the unit and rinse hairs down the drain.

7. Rinse the coffee pot: Maybe those CLR commercials impressed you, but avoid the experimentation altogether by quickly rinsing the coffee pot after you are through with the brew. Use the water afterwards in the garden or to give your houseplants a drink.

8. Clean out the fridge on garbage day: Never forget to check the refrigerator for going-gross items before you seal up the garbage bag. Compost what you can and get rid of the rest.

Source: Apartment Therapy

Are you frustrated with all the clutter consuming your bathroom?  Well I’m sure you are not alone.  Bathrooms can always use more storage space, however sometimes there is only so much that one can do. The following Microliving article, provides three steps to help you reduce bathroom clutter.  One simple example could be reducing the amount of shampoos and shower gels sitting around your bathtub and store the rest in the closet until they’re needed.  De-cluttering your bathroom doesn’t have to be a huge task, just remember to put things back in their respective spots and continue trying to find new ways to organize and keep your bathroom area clean.
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With most people preferring to use a variety of soaps, shampoos, lotions, face washes, and towels, it is no wonder bathrooms get cluttered so quickly, especially if two or more people use the same bathroom area. If you aren’t careful with organizing, a bottle could slip onto the floor or into the bathtub, and make the surface dangerously slippery, since most bathroom floors are made of slippery materials to keep them waterproof and easy to clean. Here are three techniques you can implement today to make your bathroom a happy, uncluttered place to be.

1.  Purge. Everyone has old jewelry, soaps and lotions they tried and didn’t like, and empty containers just sitting around their bathroom. If the jewelry isn’t made of a precious metal and doesn’t have precious stones in it, I would just toss it in the trash can. Same for old products you didn’t like; nobody wants a half-empty lotion bottle. If you have slivers of bar soap just sitting around, you can melt down the pieces and make a complete bar of soap again.

2.  Organize. You probably don’t have the time to organize everything today, so just try to get all the visible areas today, and leave under the counters and the medicine cabinet for another day. One of my favorite changes we made in our apartment was adding in a wall-mounted soap dispenser. Voila! Suddenly, you have your shampoo, conditioner, and body soap all neat and uniform-looking, and they’re attached to the shower wall, so they’re not taking up space on the floor or the edge of the bathtub. Keep an eye out for other great bathroom organization deals on Amazon, too, and try to keep as little stuff on the counter as you can.

3.  Clean. Now that all the major surfaces are clear, get out some spray cleaner and spray off the counters, clean the bathtub (yes, you have to clear all the gunk out of the drain, too), and give the toilet a thorough cleaning. Use an old toothbrush to get into the crevices around the faucets and inside the toothbrush holder, inside the drain, and along the edges of everything in the bathroom. Try to get all the places that are usually overlooked in a quick cleaning.

You will feel so much better after the bathroom has had a thorough cleaning. Next, you can update and re-decorate your bathroom with some snazzy bathroom decorating ideas. Bathrooms harbor some of the worst germs and bacteria in your entire house, so you will have done everyone’s health a favor by cleaning up in there. Now, take out the trash and stop by a donation center if you had anything worth giving away. Stage one of your bathroom organization process is complete. At a later date, repeat these three steps: Purge – Organize – Clean with all the areas in the bathroom that are not visible at first glance. This means the drawers, the cabinets, and any other big storage containers you have sitting in the bathroom.

Source:  Microliving

There isn’t much you can do about eliminating outdoor allergens, but there are steps that you can take to ensure that inside your home isn’t a breading ground for other allergens.  To avoid frequent sneezing, congestion, and other allergy symptoms, you should make sure that your home is as clean as can be!  Once you find out what you are allergic to you can take the necessary measures to keep your home as allergy-free as possible.  In order to do so a lifestyle change must occur.  Every room in your house needs to be cleaned often, including your bathroom.  Make sure to clean your bathtub and shower at least monthly, if not more to avoid mold build up. Additionally, make sure to dust your bathroom around the mirrors and shelving to avoid dust mites and pollen. To learn more about reducing the allergens in your home check out the following doityourself.com article.
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Dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen – most homes are filled with these nasty little buggers. And if you have found yourself sneezing more often, or you are experiencing sinus infections, you may be sensitive to these allergens. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include congestion, sneezing and a runny nose. Sound familiar? If so, here’s how you can reduce the allergens in your home so you can breathe freely.

Step 1: Find out what you’re allergic to.

Schedule an appointment to see your doctor and discuss with him, or her, your symptoms. You will be given a test to help narrow down your allergies. Once you learn what is affecting you, be it an allergic reaction to a pet, dust or another substance, you can make any necessary lifestyle changes.

Step 2: Start cleaning!

Allergens like to collect and stick to certain things. Look for places where they can easily accumulate, like on stuffed animals or in thick rugs. Remove those items from your home. You’ll also want to start a regular cleaning regimen and stick to it. Because we spend a third of our life in our bedrooms, this room needs to be concentrated on. Here are some tips:

* Change and wash your bed linens weekly. You can also encase your mattress, pillows and box springs in dust mite-proof covers
* Clean bathtubs and showers once a month to help prevent mold
* If you have pet sensitivities, limit their access to certain parts of the home
* Change the filter on your forced-air furnace every other month, or monthly if you have pets
* Vacuum weekly with a vacuum that features a HEPA filter
* Shampoo your carpets regularly
* Clean your kitchen sink daily to prevent mold and don’t allow dishes to pile up
* Empty out the refrigerator of any old food to prevent mold from growing
* Empty your kitchen trashcan daily

Step 3: Lifestyle Changes to Make

If you suffer from allergies, making certain lifestyle changes can help you reduce your exposure. Here are a few things you can consider to help ease your condition.

* Avoid horizontal blinds on the windows. Use only washable, roller-type shades and washable curtains made from synthetic fabrics or cotton
* Leave the windows shut during the high-pollen season and rely on your air conditioning for fresh air
* Spread aquarium gravel over the dirt if you have potted plants in your home, this will help reduce mold build-up
* Consider replacing fabric upholstered furniture with ones made from leather, plastic, wood or metal
* Check for any plumbing leaks and have them repaired immediately
* Use the exhaust fan in your bathroom when taking showers
* Get rid of any wallpaper and replace it with either tile or mold-resistant paint
* Check your dryer’s vent to make sure it is venting the air outside the home

Reducing allergens in the home will not only help you sleep better at night and breathe easier during the day, but many of the solutions are just about maintaining a clean and tidy home. Once you have that accomplished, the battle is already won!

For the full doityourself.com article click here.

Are you looking to get into a regular kitchen cleaning routine? If you stay on top of cleaning your kitchen regularly it will save you a lot of time and grief in the long run.  We all pretty much use the kitchen everyday, multiple times per day, just like the bathroom.  Everyone should regularly keep up with cleaning both the kitchen and bathroom for both safety and sanitary reasons. Check out the following NewsChannel5.com article for tips to help you keep your kitchen clean.
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Most of us are cooking more to save money. Unfortunately, that means that the kitchen can get dirtier than ever faster than ever. But you can easily bring it back to its former sparkle with a little prep. And once you do, your regular cleaning routine will be a snap.

Looking to also be green while you clean? Here, Linda Mason Hunter, co-author of Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home, provides her best tips for your dirtiest spots.

1. De-clutter before cleaning.
Is your counter covered with knickknacks, canisters or small appliances that rarely get used? Such objects eat up valuable workspace, attract dust and dirt, and make it harder to clean your counters quickly. Make space in your cabinets for all canisters of food and appliances (or consider getting rid of them altogether if you haven’t used them in a year), and you’ll make the rest of your job a lot easier. “A de-cluttered kitchen feels cleaner and stays cleaner,” says Hunter.

2. Clean toaster crumbs.
A buildup of crumbs can create more than just a mess: It can start a fire in your toaster oven. Stay safe — and clean — by lining the toaster oven tray with foil and replacing it weekly. To dislodge crumbs from a traditional toaster, turn it upside down and shake it over a garbage can.

3. Freshen the refrigerator.
Food can easily spill in your refrigerator, so it’s important to regularly wipe it down — inside and out — to remove spills and grease, and keep it smelling fresh. An open box of baking soda should do the trick and can then be used to make a baking soda paste to clean the refrigerator. “It’s especially important to use a natural cleaner in the space where you store your food,” says Hunter.

4. Banish burnt-on spills.
You can get rid of stubborn spots in your oven or on your stovetop with this nifty natural nonabrasive scrubber: Simply make a paste of baking soda and castile soap, apply it with a sponge and rub. This also works on dirty grout. If spills are especially stubborn, sprinkle with baking soda, lightly spray with water and let it sit overnight. Then, rinse with cold water. Next time you cook, sprinkle fresh spills with salt as soon as your stove cools. This will absorb the food, and you should be able to scrape it off easily.

Wipe it up when it happens: Want to make your next kitchen-cleaning job easier? Be proactive and zap spills and other dirty mishaps as soon as they occur. “The longer that dirt and grease sit on a surface, the longer it takes to remove them — and the harder you’ll have to work,” says Hunter. In addition, giving your kitchen a little TLC each day (wipe down the counters and sink, wipe smudges off appliances, sweep the floor) will help make bigger cleanups (almost) a breeze.

Source: NewsChannel5.com

So you’re probably wondering how toilet bowl brush holders can be both “chic and sanitary”. Well it may be a hard concept to come by, however these days it’s true.  Toilet bowl brush holders are becoming more sophisticated, with fashionable clean and sleak designs and sanitary scrub and flush options. Now your toilet bowl brush holder doesn’t have to be an eye sore in your bathroom thanks to doityourself.com. To browse other bathroom accessories click here.
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It is hard to conceive of a toilet bowl brush being both chic and sanitary, but nowadays it’s true. Product designers are creating more imaginative designs that are fashionable and aesthetically pleasing for the most utilitarian of objects, even the lowly toilet bowl brush.

Clean and Sleek

The next time you visit a store in search of a toilet bowl brush, it is possible you may walk right by them on the shelf. While you can still get classic bowl brushes, the traditional designs are becoming something of the past with new stylish, modern designs quickly replacing them. These new designs of both bowl brushes and toilet brush holders camouflage something that many homeowners have long considered unsightly and wanted to keep hidden.

Scrub and Flush

Additionally, new designs consider the dirty job that a toilet bowl brush must do. Disposable wand style toilet bowl brushes are a big hit allowing the scrubbing brush to be flushed when done cleaning. This is a welcome option, leaving no dirty or germ laden toilet brush behind to be stored.

Source: doityourself.com

What do you think of when you hear the word “household chores”?  Are you the kind of person who gets pleasure out of doing chores or are you the type who does them just because you have to?  Nowadays there are many solutions that can help you save time on your household chores.  When cleaning your bathroom shower you can save time by keeping your shower cleaning supplies right in the shower with you.  Also whether you’re looking to save time doing laundry or vacuuming, you can check out these tips from KPVI News 6 on how to get your chores done faster and more efficiently.
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Until it’s affordable for everyone to get a robot maid, household chores aren’t going away. Since merely ignoring your duties is not an option, experts say you can at least save time by modifying your habits so you can work more efficiently.

By working smarter, and sometimes, purchasing the right equipment, you can cut into the time you spend cleaning and devote more time to doing things you love. Here are a few examples of how you can save time around the house.

Laundry

If you’re like most folks, you probably consider laundry to be one of the most time-consuming household chores – 66 percent of adults said doing laundry is a major time drain in a nationwide poll conducted for LG Electronics. So what better place to start when looking to become more efficient?

One of the best laundry tips is to make sure you are doing full loads, reducing the number of total loads you will have to do – and helping you save money and energy. If you are in the market for a new washer and dryer, ultra-large capacity is definitely something to consider.

Some of the most popular ultra-capacity washers use steam technology that provides additional energy savings and advanced cleaning options, but independent labs show they aren’t all the same. TrueSteam washers from LG, for instance, clean 21 percent better than the other leading brand’s steam cycle, according to third party lab testing. Another convenient washing option includes a speed cycle that quickly washes slightly dirty clothes in 15 minutes. In addition, these washers are ENERGY STAR qualified, using 50 percent less water and are up to 86 percent more efficient than average washing machines, even with their larger capacity.

To prevent wrinkling and the subsequent need for ironing, retrieve and fold clothes immediately when they are dry. Ending drying sessions with a cool-down session can also prevent wrinkles. Today’s best-performing advanced clothes dryers include a steam generator, which produces true steam that is added to drying cycles to help remove wrinkles. For the best performance, be sure to look for true steam, not washers and dryers that just inject cold water spray mist into the cycle.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming can either be something that saves time or causes more headaches depending on how you use your vacuum cleaner. Be sure to use the right attachments for best results. Also, be sure you maintain it properly to keep it functioning well. Always make sure your filters are clean and dust collector is empty.

With these types of timesavers in mind, the LG LuV400 vacuum even includes an attachment that vibrates cushions and mattresses to loosen and remove dust and an extra-long cord that reduces the need to plug into different outlets as you vacuum. The vacuum also features a unique dust-compression system that holds up to three times more dust and produces easy-to-discard dust cakes.

General cleaning tips

Here are a few general rules to follow when cleaning:

• -  Clean top to bottom. Obeying the laws of gravity is the key to avoiding cleaning in circles.
  -  Clean as you go. When cooking, soak dishes immediately after use to prevent more work later.
  -  Keep cleaners in your shower so you can clean yourself and your shower at the same time.
  -  Stick to a schedule. Don’t stress out about missing certain items when things get busy; having a plan is the easiest way to organize tasks so you don’t feel pressure to get everything done at once.

And if you’re the one doing all the cleaning, don’t be afraid to delegate some tasks to other members of the family. If everyone can take care of the things they are particularly good at, all of you can enjoy more free time.

Source: KPVI News 6

Now that spring has finally arrived have you done any spring cleaning yet? Well if you’re looking for help on the best way to spring clean we found this TLC article that outlines the top spring cleaning tools you’ll need to get the job done. Grab your supplies or head out to the store to stock up on supplies so that you can get your home clean for the spring season!
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Come on, get up. You’ve been tucked in her­e all winter, wrapped up in the same unwashed blanket staring at the television. Look at this place; it’s gotten a little dingy, hasn’t it? The stale odors alone are reason enough to get motivated to clean, not to mention the pet hair that’s built up and the generalized deep funk that’s settled over your house.

There’s no need for further discussion; yes, you’ve swept and tidied up here or there, and the dead of winter’s no time for doing much more around the house than that. But if you’ll notice, there are buds beginning to sprout on trees outside and the sun’s beginning to creep up e­arlier and stay around longer. Spring’s coming and it’s high time that you give your house a thorough spring cleaning.

Before you get started, though, take a quick inventory of what you’ll need to clean. We’ve included some ideas for essential spring cleaning tools to help get you started.

5. Hand Duster

­While it’s true there are plenty of spray ­ furniture polishes that put the smack down on dust, using too much can lead to a waxy build-up. Even worse, when sprayed directly onto wood furniture, some of the ingredients in aerosol dusting sprays can eventually damage the finish [source: Williams]. Liquid and semi-solid furniture polishes work and it’s a good idea to keep some around the house for polishing from time to time, but they shouldn’t be routinely used for dusting.

Instead, opt for a good feather duster during your spring cleaning to get the light particulate matter that’s accumulated over the winter. If you can, spring for a feather duster made from natural materials. Ostrich feathers have a broad surface area and are finely woven, so they trap dust particles and hold onto them until shaken out. Lambswool is another great material for dusting; they, too, trap particles but don’t create an electrostatic charge.

4. Rubber Gloves

It’s easy to overlook or avoid; putting on a pair of thick, hot gloves is not something most people go out of their way to do. It’s a lot easier to just get to cleaning. These days, rubber gloves have gone much the way of the dinosaur.

When spring cleaning, though, it’s a good idea to shell out the extra few bucks when you’re stocking up on cleaning supplies at the store and don rubber gloves when cleaning. This holds especially true when you opt to go with strong chemical cleansers over green cleaners. Chemicals used in spring cleaning like bleach can irritate the skin, and gloves not only protect your hands from drying and cracking, they also provide a barrier from germs — a good idea when giving the toilet a springtime shine.

3. A Good Mop

Sure, you’ve got one already. Check it out before you go to town on your floors; you may just spread dirt around. Is your mop a little too grimy? Are there dog hairs from the last holiday season stuck to it? Does it smell? Perhaps it’s time to go ahead and get another mop head.

It might also be worth considering ditching a pattern of purchasing the cheapest mop available and invest in one with a little extra oomph. Look into microfiber mops, which use reusable microfiber cloth pads that can be soaked in a cleaning solution prior to use and dropped into a separate bin when soiled. Using several mop heads — which can be tossed in the laundry after you’re done cleaning — means the mop head is never returned to the cleaning solution for another soaking. This prevents cross-contamination and the maddening circle of squeezing dirty mop water back into the bucket, only to spread it around again on the very floor you’re trying to clean. Hospitals use them: enough said.

2. Squeegee

You know those little tools that look like windshield wipers found around the pumps at gas stations? They’re useful not only on your windshield, but around your house during spring cleaning time, as well. Concerning yourself with streaky windows is a thing of the past with a squeegee, which hugs glass surfaces closely enough that no moisture remains after a pass. Squeegees also don’t require spray glass cleansers, although you can use them together.

The all high authority on spring cleaning, Martha Stewart, suggests using a squeegee with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water to clean windows and mirrors. Drop sponge into the solution and wet the glass with it. From a top corner, pull the squeegee downward to the windowsill or bottom of the mirror and wipe the tool down with the sponge. Continue like this, overlapping over the last pass with each new one [source: Martha Stewart Living]. Presto, the cleanest windows and mirrors you’ve ever had.

1. Sponges

You know that ad for bleach wipes where the woman wipes down her kitchen countertops with a raw chicken? It’s a dig at using sponges, and it’s not too far off. Using dingy old sponges for spring cleaning is gross at best and actually spreads bacteria at worst. Still, it’s tough to beat a sponge for getting surfaces sparkling clean.

Since they’re cheap, it’s not a bad idea to stock up on a few good sponges before getting to work on spring cleaning your house. If you do, check out some of the newer versions on the market. Products like eco-sponges use friction instead of cleansers, using just water rather than harsh sprays [source: Daily Green].­

It’s pretty environmentally unfriendly (and kind of expensive) to just toss a sponge after one use. Fortunately, to combat spreading bacteria, you don’t have to resort to this measure. Old sponges can be refreshed; microwaving them between cleanings on High for a minute kills germs, as does tossing them in the washing machine with chlorine bleach.

Source: TLC

Happy March everyone! Spring is officially right around the corner, can you believe it?  Soon we’ll all be spring cleaning our homes and we came across an article from freshome that provides some tips on preparing your home for the spring season.  The winter can be brutal on your home so taking the necessary precautions before the blistery summer season starts will help in the maintenance of your home.  Also, remember to spring clean out your bathroom by disposing of old toiletries and cleaning those tough to reach spots!
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Spring is right around the corner, and for most home owners it’s an exciting time to get your home ready. In the winter time, many portions of your home are neglected or aren’t used as often because of home owners staying inside their homes. From the interiors of your home to the exterior, getting your home ready for spring will ensure you’ll be ready to enjoy the warmer weather once it hits. Space out your maintenance tips and by time spring is here, you will be able to enjoy the season!

Start on your exterior:

The outside of your home has taken more wear and tear from the harsh winter, than the interior so start here. Walk around your home and examine caulking around windows and doors, as well as open windows and doors and look at weather stripping. Replace old or cracking caulk and replace weather stripping. Inspect the roof for broken or missing shingles, or tiles, and clean out gutters and downspouts at the same time.

Landscaping tips:

While it may not be time for you to start planting flowers and watering your lawn, it isn’t too early to ensure you will have ready your garden hoses, walkways, and adjacent areas to your landscaping. Replace cracked or old garden hoses, and rake away leaves, tree limbs and debris from sidewalks, plant beds and surrounding areas. If you no longer have snow in your area, now is a good time to start planning out your spring landscaping ideas and lawn care maintenance regimen. Pressure wash concrete and paver areas that have become dirty and power wash vinyl siding, brick walls and vertical surfaces on your home if need be.

Check your interior systems:

The fall and spring are the two most important times to review your home’s major HVAC – heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems. Right before the harsh climatic changes are going to occur. Ensure air filters have been replaced or cleaned and stock up on new air filters if you use disposable one. Check your air conditioner before the summer to ensure it is in good working order. If you need to have a service person look at it now, it will be a lot less expensive than 3 months from now.

Interior spring cleaning:

By now your windows – inside and out could use a cleaning. You will be surprised how much you can see out your windows, once they are cleaned. Clean off ceiling fans, and clean out fireplaces from use over the winter. Test your emergency systems in your home: home alarm, smoke fire alarm, fire extinguisher, and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly. Most home owners forget to test these regularly; fall and spring maintenance time is a perfect opportunity to ensure they’re in good working order.

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Both the kitchen and bathroom have tough areas to clean, however have you ever thought of using bathroom items to clean your kitchen?  Well we found this nifty TLC article that uses toothpaste and other bathroom toiletries to help clean the kitchen. How neat is that? You better grab your old toothbrush and toothpaste and get started on cleaning your kitchen today!
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For most of us, the kitchen is the busiest room in the house. People are constantly coming in and out, opening the fridge looking for leftovers, searching for a snack, slamming drawers, washing dishes and baking cookies. It’s the first place you go in the morning and the last light you turn off at night. Needless to say, kitchens need to be cleaned constantly.

There are different kitchen cleaning products for every surface – for granite countertops, stove- tops, stainless-steel appliances, tile floor…the list goes on and on. Why spend hundreds of dollars on expensive and chemical-ridden cleaners when the solution to a clean kitchen could be sitting under your bathroom sink. Try these 5 kitchen cleanups using toothpaste and other bathroom stuff instead.

5: Countertop Cleaner

Kitchen countertops should be made of durable material. Think of all the spills that happen in kitchens — coffee, soap, spaghetti sauce, gravy. Unfortunately, every once in a while, a mystery stain will form that can’t just be wiped away.

If stains mar your solid-surface synthetic sink or countertop, gently rub a little toothpaste on the problem area. Use a white scrubbing pad, which is available at most hardware and home improvement stores. Wipe clean with a damp sponge, then polish with a soft, dry cloth.

4: Toothbrush Scrubber

A toothbrush has hundreds of tiny bristles designed to clean crevices in between teeth and gums. It’s important to find another use for a toothbrush once you are done with it. Toothbrushes are considered a pollutant because they make up billions of pounds of plastic in landfills every year.

A retired but clean toothbrush is perfect for getting the grime out of hard-to-reach places, such as the grooves in appliances, the bars of roasting racks, and the bottoms of tall glasses. The small bristles can get deep in between small spaces. Toothbrushes with long handles work even better.

3: Clean Fridge Seals

The undersides of appliances always seem to get dirty and if the seals on the refrigerator and freezer doors aren’t tightly shut, then that dirt and dust could get inside. Food and dirt just don’t mix. And, of course, the only way to clean it is by getting down on your hands and knees.

Use a clean, dry toothbrush to clean the seals around refrigerator and freezer doors. Dust and dirt can get trapped in these hidden spaces and then begin to pile up. Make sure the seals are tightly closed, so you can avoid getting down on the floor to clean more than you’d like to.

2: Scrubbing Appliances

All kitchens and bathrooms should be stocked with cotton swabs. Their small size makes them great cleaning tools for crevices and corners that are too hard to reach on your own. And frankly, I wouldn’t want to stick my hand in the small spaces that a cotton swab can reach.

A cotton swab can be used to clean the hard-to-reach places on your kitchen blender, electric mixer, or electric can opener. Dip the swab in warm, soapy water, then scrub and rinse. Make sure you have plenty on hand; these convenient tools are small and can get dirty quickly.

1: Melted Plastic Remover

In the house, the bread is sometimes kept on the counter right next to the toaster, which happens to sit right next to the stove. You might be accustomed to the smell of burning plastic from an opened bread bag getting too close to both.

When a plastic bread bag gets near heat…well, you know what happens. Nothing will remove the melted mess. Put a little nail polish remover on a soft cloth. The remover heats the plastic so it can easily be removed. Rub gently, and the spot is gone!

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