Things You Can Clean in the Washing Machine, Pt. 2
March 26, 2019Things that Can Be Cleaned in A Dishwasher
June 25, 2019
- Cleaning surfaces at room temperature. It is better to heat your tub/shower, sink, and tiles 10 degrees above normal air temperature, as this doubles the effectiveness of alkaline cleansers. Before cleaning, fill your tub and sink with the hottest water from the tap and let both sit for a few minutes.
- Scrubbing plastic shower curtains. Wash the curtain in your washing machine with a few towels and one cup of vinegar. Run for five minutes, then let the towels and curtain soak for one hour before turning the machine back on the finish the cycle. Hang and air dry.
- Using paper towels. Microfiber cloths are great for cleaning, as they are made of ultrafine synthetic fibers woven together to create a static charge that grabs dirt and dust. These work so well, in fact, you won’t need to use sprays. Once you’re done cleaning, wash the cloths so they can be reused the next time you clean your bathroom.
- Failing to clean your toothbrush. Studies have shown that the average toothbrush is home to about 10 million germs, including E. coli. Rinse your toothbrush after each use and occasionally soak in a cup of vinegar for 30 minutes to remove any leftover bacteria. Replace with a new toothbrush every three months.
- Choosing not to vacuum. Your vacuum is for more than just carpet. Before cleaning tile floors, vacuum (or sweep) to remove loose dirt and debris; follow with a cleaning solution.
- Failing to clean behind your toilet. Urine and fecal matter can easily collect behind your toilet, leaving a residue behind that is quite tough to remove. Roll up a few paper towels (this is the better option here as opposed to microfiber cloths due to the dirty job), dip them in an antibacterial cleaner, and “floss” the back of the toilet. Let it sit and then repeat with a dry paper towel.
- Failing to clean your hairbrush. Hairbrushes are similar to carpets and sponges – they all trap unwanted dust, dirt, oils, and old hair product. Every time you brush with a dirty hairbrush, you are putting all of the old dirt, dust, and oils back into your hair. First, remove all hair from the bristles. Mix a solution made of one cup of water, one teaspoon of shampoo, and one teaspoon of baking soda. Apply to bristles and base gently; an old toothbrush is great for this.
