Tips to Clean and Disinfect Around the House.

Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing Your Home

With the outbreak of COVID-19 it’s important to clean, sanitize and disinfect, especially frequently touched surfaces and commonly used areas.

Although the risk of exposure is greater via person to person rather than touching surfaces, many are staying indoors and having items delivered. Even if you are leaving the house for quick trips to the store or you must go to work (with all the preventative precautions), there could be a small possibility of exposure so properly cleaning and disinfecting is important to stay as germ-free as possible.

Cleaning Products to Use

For a complete list of recommended disinfectants, here is a full list of cleaners from the EPA.

Some items you may already have in the home. Many items are now available again in stores in limited quantities. Some examples are:

• Arm & Hammer Disinfecting Wipes
• Barbicide
• Bleach Disinfecting Cleaners and Wipes
• Caviwipes
• Clorox Bleach, Wipes and Sprays
• Comet Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaners
• Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaners
• Lysol Disinfecting Cleaning Products
• Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfecting Cleaners
• Soft Scrub with Bleach

How to Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces may vary depending on the type of surface. Again, it’s especially important to clean the most commonly touched surfaces daily not necessarily the whole house, unless you are so inclined to do so.

If you have spare gloves, wear those and wash (reusable) or dispose after use. If you have no gloves, be sure to wash hands thoroughly after cleaning.

When cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, the EPAs recommendations are to allow the surface or item to remain wet and dry naturally. This could take up to 10 minutes but it will kill 99.9 percent of surface germs.

If necessary, vent rooms you are cleaning. This will mainly depend on the product you are using.

Items that May Need Disinfecting Daily

These are some of the more important surfaces to disinfect daily, especially if there are many people in the house.

• Light Switches
• Door Knobs
• Hand Rails
• Drawer Pulls
• Frequently Touched Cupboards and Cabinets
• All Counters (Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry, etc.)
• Washing Machine and Dryer
• All Toilets
• All Faucets
• Kitchen Appliances (Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave, Toaster, etc.)
• Computer Keyboards, Computer Mouse, Computer and Monitor Power Buttons, Printers
• Gaming Controllers, Gaming Consoles, Gaming Cases
• TV Remotes, Movie Cases, DVD Console
• Cell Phones, Tablets, Other Frequently Used Electronic Devices
• Dining Room Table, Coffee Table, End Tables
• Bedroom Furniture that is Frequently Touched

Cleaning Hard Surfaces

Hard surfaces may consist of a variety of things. Counters, Drawer Pulls, Cabinets, Some Toys, Switches, Floors, etc.

To Clean Surface

Use soap or detergent and water. Cleaning with soap and water will first remove dirt and helps lessen the number of germs on the surface. Some toys may need the use of a toothbrush to get in tiny crevices. After cleaning then move on to disinfecting.

To Disinfect Surface

After cleaning surface, disinfect with recommended household disinfectant. Follow instructions for the type of surface you are cleaning. Allow the surface to remain wet and dry naturally.

To be thorough, you can gently use a wipe over a toothbrush or toothpick to get in crevices. For some items, a Qtip can be dipped in the disinfectant to get in tight areas as well.

Cleaning Electronic Equipment

Electronic equipment are things like: Computers, Keyboards, Mouse, Gaming Controls, IPads and other Tablets, Cell Phones, Phone and Tablet Chargers, Laptops, etc.

Before COVID-19 we didn’t think much about cleaning these highly touched surfaces but now it’s a different story. We cough, we sneeze, we talk so close to these devices that now cleaning should be done daily.

Be sure if you are wiping down screens you use microfiber cloths to avoid scratching the surface. Do not use any corrosive cleaners such as those that contain bleach.

To Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Follow manufacturers recommended procedure for cleaning surfaces. Some items can be carefully wiped down with a rag that has been dipped and wrung out of soap and water first then cleaned with disinfecting wipes that contain 70 percent of alcohol.

If using any spray cleaners or disinfectant, spray the cloth first. Do not spray directly on the item to avoid any moisture damage.

Be sure the disinfecting method you are using will not damage screens, check manufacturers recommendations.

Washing Laundry

This may consist of clothing, drapes, bedding, reusable grocery bags, etc.

Do not shake laundry out, wear gloves if someone has been sick, wash laundry in warmest water possible for the item you are washing.

Groceries and Other Shopping Items

When you leave a store you most likely won’t be able to wash your hands so a sanitizer can work until you get home from the grocery store, home store, big box store – then wash your hands before and after handling items.

Some products and packaging can be cleaned with hard surface cleaners, vegetables and fruits can be rinsed and/or washed with soap and water for at least the recommended 20 seconds.

If packaging is not need, be sure to dispose of these in recycling receptacles.

Getting Other Members of the House Involved

As stated, cleaning and disinfecting products are more readily available now than the start of COVID-19. If possible, keep wipes close to high touch areas. When the kids are done gaming, have them wipe down games and controls.

When done on the computer, wipe down keyboard, mouse and so on.

Not only do these tips help around the house, these tips can be used to clean the car, your workspace and so on.

And remember, no matter how clean you keep the house, wash hands frequently, don’t touch your face, sneeze and cough in the crook of your arm.

Read Also: How to Clean, Disinfect and Sanitize Surfaces in the Home.

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Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing Surfaces in the Home.

Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing Surfaces

In every home there are dozens of surfaces that need to be cleaned, disinfected and sanitized. Some of these surfaces are cleaned as they are used; such as kitchen counters when meal prepping. Many surfaces are only cleaned weekly or bi-weekly with regular household cleanings.

But when you or another family member gets sick, it’s good to know how to keep surfaces clean, disinfected, and germ free to help keep others healthy and from getting sick as well.

Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces and objects that are highly touched throughout the day will reduce the number of germs present.

Cleaning in this way doesn’t have to be done just when someone is sick, it can be a good idea to incorporate it into a daily routine and teach young children the importance of a clean home, just like we teach them the importance of washing hands often.

What to Clean, Disinfect and Sanitize?

When someone is sick, your home should be cleaned and disinfected many times a day. After cleaning and disinfecting, your cleaning cloths should be rinsed and tossed in the washer, ready for the next load of clothes. If using disposable cleaning products, toss them in the garbage.

As we said, there are many surfaces touched in a day, some of those surfaces to clean are obvious but there are some maybe not so much.

• Kitchen and bathroom counters
• Kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawer pulls
• Pantry shelves
• Refrigerator (outside displays also)
• Kitchen and bathroom sink and faucets
• Kitchen and dining room table and chairs
• Cooking surfaces
• Light switches
• Toilet, tub and shower
• TV remote controllers (can be wrapped in plastic wrap and changed as needed)
• Phones, tablets, computers and other electronic devices
• Doorknobs
• Watches and jewelry
• Desk
• This will be time consuming but cleaning and sanitizing kids toys and stuffed animals should be done as well
• Change to a more disposable toothbrush that can be tossed when a person is no longer sick
• Clean and disinfect garbage cans
• Washing clothes should be done more frequently as well. Towels, bedding, pajamas, etc.

Another place you should not forget to clean and sanitize are your hands! Wash them frequently during the day.

How to Properly Wash Your Hands

Cleaning Surfaces

When cleaning around the house, wear disposable or washable gloves. If you are wearing washable gloves, wash them before taking them off just as you would when washing your hands then wash your hands after taking the gloves off.

• Use your regular cleaning supplies as they do a great job of removing germs from surfaces.
• Soap and water can also clean surfaces if you’ve run out of your regular stash of supplies.
• Using rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol that is at least a 70 percent alcohol can also be used undiluted if necessary.
• If necessary, a little bleach and water can be used. Mix 1/3 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. This is harsher so test the surface you’re cleaning and be careful not to splash on clothes or fabric items as it will stain them.
• Hydrogen peroxide is not as harsh as bleach but it could still discolor fabrics but it can be used undiluted to clean surfaces if needed. Hydrogen peroxide pretty much turns to water when exposed to light which is why it’s in a dark container.

Clean surfaces good, put some elbow grease into it. Get the entire surface wiped down and wet. Surfaces should remain visibly wet for 4 minutes to remove germs. Let air dry if you can. Then use a disinfectant.

Do not use acidic products or harsh chemicals on natural stone surfaces, as they can cause permanent damage to the surface.

Washing Laundry

As always, check labels and wash as manufacturer suggests. Use warmest water temperature items can handle.

Don’t forget to clean laundry hampers, especially if someone has been sick.

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Tips and Ideas for Handling a Messy Roommate.

Cleaning and Organizing Tips for Roommates

No matter where you are in life – college, the business world, divorced, just getting out on your own, etc. – you may have reason to share your living space with a roommate or two.

A roommate offers many benefits. Aside from the financial freedom you can gain, having a roommate means you don’t come home to an empty house or apartment, someone will be there if you go out of town for business or for a vacation, and there is someone to share the household chores.

But what happens if over time the roommate’s true colors start showing and they are actually sloppy? You didn’t see that one coming! When you chose your roomy, they said they were a doer, liked things neat and tidy and that they were willing to pitch in and help out.

When the relationship was new, the place was clean, dishes and food were put away, and their room and bathroom were clean. Then one day, you started to notice you were doing more than your fair share of the chores.

It all started with a dish or two and a few towels in the hallway. Then it progressed to food not put away, fruit flies and – Ewww, what is that smell?

Well, maybe it’s not actually that bad, but what do you do when your roommate stops cleaning up after themselves? It’s time to have a heart-to-heart, roommate to roommate conversation.

Effective Communications

A good conversation will have no accusations and no rudeness. By effectively communicating with one another, you will better understand each other instead of being on the defensive.

I’m sure your roommate is not intentionally trying to annoy you. Before the conversation, some things to think about are:

1. Did something happen between you and the roommate to cause a rift? Maybe it’s something you’ve done you’re not even aware of?
2. Is your idea of “clean” different from their idea and you’ve automatically started picking things up before your roommate has had a chance to do so?
3. Is your roommate depressed or having a hard time dealing with a situation you’re not aware of?
4. Did you bring a roommate in without effectively setting boundaries and discussing rules and expectations?

Whatever is going on, it’s best to talk about it before you get a chip on your shoulder (which will only cause small issues to become big issues).

When you do start the conversation, listen when it’s your turn, don’t raise eyebrows or roll your eyes, and work on a solution together.

You might even think about using a chore checklist, we have many you can browse and look through to make your own or download one that we already have made for you.

Cleaning Checklists

Possible Solutions for Common Issues

We all have our own way of doing things and what our expectations are. Here are a few common issues roommates have and some ideas for resolving them.

Don’t bang your head against the wall and give up on the roomy just yet.

Leaving Dirty Dishes Out

Do you feel uncomfortable with dirty dishes left in the sink and on the counters? I can’t say I blame you. I just don’t like looking at this kind of mess, period.

• Keep one side of the sink filler with a little soapy water so dirty dishes can easily be slipped in and any food stick on them has a chance to pre-soak.
• If you don’t have a sink that is divided, you can fill a Tupperware container with the soapy water and leave it next to the sink for pre-soaking dishes.
• Now when either of you are ready to put dishes in the dishwasher, you only have to give them a quick rinse and clean the sink out when you’re done.

Of course, the easier solution would be to rinse and put the dishes away right after using them but not everyone feels the same way.

Where has my Food Gone?

Another issue roommates face is the unintentional sharing of food. One of the main reasons this tends to happen is that no boundaries were set in the beginning.

Divvy up the shelf space. Do this for the refrigerator, freezer and cabinet space. In some cases, if necessary, you can use clear containers labeled with whose food items they are. This can be a good idea for small items like seasonings, lunch meats, cheese, vegetables, etc.

If there isn’t a ton of space in the kitchen and you have a coat closet, you can get a cubbie shelf or cube organizer.

Use of Personal Items and Setting Boundaries

If you each have your own bedroom, closet space, bathroom, it’s an invasion of your personal space and privacy if a roommate enters uninvited to borrow something. Even if you left a tube of lipstick out on the kitchen counter, it should be there when you get home.

I’m a firm believer that hair brushes, makeup brushes, lipsticks just shouldn’t be shared. Germs and other things can be spread.

I also don’t want someone rummaging through my closet or drawers. Make sure this is part of the conversation.

Using Containers, Baskets, Organizers

Having a roommate shouldn’t mean you have to leave all your stuff locked up behind closed doors. Carrying items around the house and setting them down randomly is something we all do.

Maybe to make the roommate situation easier, these options might help.

1. For things like mail, you can get a hanging organizer that has a place for hanging keys.
2. If you have an extra drawer in the kitchen, maybe you could get drawer organizers for things like chapstick, lipstick, lotion, etc.
3. In the living area for magazines, books, electronics, etc. you could use decorative baskets for each person.
4. Comfy blankets for cuddling on the couch can either be left in the bedroom or folded and draped over the couch.

Hire a Cleaning Professional

Another option to consider is to chip in and hire a professional cleaning service. If you’re on the go with work, the gym, going out with friends and it just makes sense to have someone come in and clean your home, so you don’t have to do so much extra work around the house, talk to your roommate. It can be an affordable alternative that works for all parties.

Cleaning companies offer weekly, bi-weekly, monthly services and more that can be tailored to meet your needs.

These are just some ideas but there are many creative things you can do to nicely and effectively share your space with another person.

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Creative Way to Clean the Blades on a Ceiling Fan.

Cleaning the Blades on a Ceiling Fan

This is often a chore that often gets overlooked. I’ve made the mistake of not cleaning mine, only to have dust bunnies flutter down on me after turning on the fan on a warm summer night. Ever since then, I make sure they stay clean throughout the year.

The typical way we tend to clean ceiling fan blades is to run a Swiffer duster (or similar) along the blades. Although dust will cling to the duster, it may be necessary to run the duster along the blade a few times. This repetitive motion almost always leads to the dust not clinging onto the duster, but rather ending up in your face and on the furniture and floor. Plus you have to either change the duster or take it outside and give it a good shaking.

Something I read or someone told me about years ago has worked for me ever since, it’s a great cleaning hack.

Use an Old Pillowcase

Now I’ve got to say I thought this was quite a clever idea and all you need is a few old pillowcases, some dusting spray (Endust, Pledge, Swiffer, or you can make your own.) a ladder and maybe even grab your husband to help reach.

1. Spray the inside of the pillowcase with the dusting spray or directly onto the blade if you prefer. Start at the back and work your way forward.
2. Cover the fan blade with the pillowcase and wipe it off as you move the pillowcase down the blade. Depending on how dirty the blades are will determine how many times you can reuse the pillowcase as you move along.

Any dust now gets trapped inside the pillowcase. Before washing, take it outside, turn inside out to remove any dust, wash with the other cleaning rags and reuse.

Homemade Dust Spray

If you want to make your own dust spray, it’s easy and inexpensive. Just use the following ingredients and add to a spray bottle:

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 15-20 drops essential oil

What room your ceiling fan is in might help you choose the essential oil you’d like to use. For instance, if you are cleaning the blades in the kitchen, maybe you would like a more citrusy type of essential oil and a floral or woodsy scent in the bedroom.

Well, how did you like this idea of cleaning ceiling fan blades? Like I said, I thought it was clever.

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How to Keep the Rooms in Your House Looking Like a Model Home.

Can I Keep My House Clean and Looking Like a Model Home?

You’ve spent a better part of your Saturday cleaning the house from top to bottom but still it doesn’t look like those model homes you see in magazines or online.

Let’s face it; they are called model homes for a reason – they are fresh and new, color coordinated, very nice matching furniture, fresh flowers, no dogs, no cats – they are staged to make a photo look 100 times better.

They are so appealing we want the same thing for our house but can we really have our homes looking like a model home?

I believe if we are diligent, then yes, we can have our homes just as nice as a model home. It’s not as hard as you might think. Below are some tips to add that extra sparkle into your home.

Cleaning and Decluttering Rooms

Cleaning is more than just getting rid of the dirt, to have your house looking like those you see in the magazines; it will require some additional work.

Toss Out the Old

I know we rarely see what’s inside cabinets when looking at model homes but personally, when I change the arrangement of my home and do a good cleaning, I feel better knowing I’ve covered all the bases.

Go through kitchen cabinets, the pantry, bathroom closets and cabinets, bedroom closets, etc. Get rid of all outdated foods, throw out ratty torn dishtowels, and if you save all the plastic containers (with lids) that food items come in, I’m betting some of these can be recycled.

Throw away old medications and crusty razors; do away with old clothes and items that don’t fit and so on.

Cleaning up the Clutter

The more stuff we have laying around, the messier our homes look. It doesn’t matter in which room you’re in – too much stuff left sitting out makes a space look cluttered.

Organizing Family Memorabilia

I know there are family things you have an emotional attachment to, if it’s an heirloom I understand, if it’s something passed down to you that you don’t like, do you really need to keep it? Can you pass it on to another family member?

If you’re like me and you save some of your kids projects; instead of having them hanging willy nilly on the walls or the refrigerator, keep a scrapbook of the artwork they’ve done. It’s fun to walk down memory lane and to flip the pages with your kids. You can also frame a special piece and add it to a feature wall (and change out the picture as they grow).

Declutter the Kitchen

Take the kitchen, for instance, try and only keep items out you use daily. Do you make waffles every morning before sending the kids off to school or leaving for work? If the answer is no, keep the waffle iron in a cabinet or in the pantry. A good rule of thumb, only keep out what you use on a daily basis, like the coffee machine.

It doesn’t take long to fill the dishwasher, before bedtime collect dirty cups and plates instead of leaving them out all night and run a cycle if the dishwasher is full.

Organizing Living Areas

In living areas, instead of keeping a host of books, magazines and movies scattered on tabletops and shelves, hide them in an ottoman, better yet, toss the old and keep the new (which these can be neatly stacked on a coffee table). I love holding books and magazines but nowadays, most information can easily be searched for on the internet and pictures are everywhere, so there isn’t much need to hang on to these for life.

Keep knickknacks to a minimum – you don’t see many of these in model homes. Pictures don’t need to adorn every square inch of every wall. A feature wall is nice (maybe the wall going up the stairs), a picture over the fireplace or a picture over the couch.

Keeping the Bedrooms Clean

Before lights out – spend a few minutes throwing dirty clothes in the hamper, putting toys in the toy box, hanging clothes up, etc.

Organizing Rooms

To help keep things organized and clutter free use matching baskets, nice decorative storage boxes on shelves, clear plastic containers for under bed and closet storage. There are so many options and colors I’m sure you’ll find something suitable for your home.

Organizing the Living Room/Family Room

If you can, try moving the furniture away from the wall. This can make the room look more comfortable, cozy and inviting. When it’s time to turn the lights out, pick up remotes and tidy the room a little before you retire for the night.

Organizing the Office

If you don’t have an office and pay bills in the kitchen; set aside a drawer where you can keep bills, calculator, pens, sticky notes, and other office supplies. If you need a file cabinet, this can be placed in the coat closet. If you have an office keep papers filed and new mail in a letter tray or something similar, keep a few pens and pencils in a holder and just the necessities on the desktop.

Organizing the Bathroom

In the bathtub/shower area, use a caddy of some sort for shampoo, conditioner, face wash, shavers, and soaps. Only keep items on the counter that are necessary, take a look at under the sink or drawer storage options for personal accessories such as: hair pins, hair bands, jewelry and other personal care products to help keep the bathroom clutter free.

Organizing the Mud Room/Laundry Room

If you enter the house through the garage and have space in the mud room or laundry room create a cubby space for each member of the family where coats, shoes, school bags, purses and other personal items can be left when you get home. The same can be done at the front entrance except maybe use a bench with coat hangers and cubbies below the seat for shoes.

Put a Fresh Coat of Paint on the Walls

A great way to make over a room is with paint. A fresh coat of paint can transform any room, small or large and make it feel welcoming and cozy. Pick a color that compliments existing furniture and/or accessories. There’s really no limit to the colors you can use.

If you’re not sure about paint colors and if the room you are painting is small, pick a light color, this can help the room appear more light, airy and spacious. If the room is larger you can choose darker colors to make the room feel cozy.

Take a trip to your local Home Depot; Lowes, etc. pick up some color samples. There’s enough color to totally inspire you.

The Little Things Matter

It doesn’t take much to keep your home looking great; sometimes it’s the little things we can easily do that will make all the difference.

• Open the curtains to let the sunshine in.
• Fluff the pillows on the couch.
• Splurge a little and buy colorful fresh flowers for the living and dining rooms.
• Fold throw blankets and put them away at the end of the night.
• Our Moms were right – a bedroom looks amazing when you make the bed. Take a few minutes before leaving the house to make the bed and pick up clothes.

Clean Regularly

Vacuum, clean baseboards and mop floors regularly, keep windows clean and clear so all rooms are bright and cheery. Dust with a product like the It doesn’t have to take long to make your house look better. Cleaning as you move around the house will soon become a regular habit and you can get the whole family in the routine too!

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Cleaning Your Vacuum Cleaner

We use our vacuum cleaners often to keep the floors in our home clean, but, when do we think of cleaning the vacuum itself? We often neglect our important cleaning tools; I mean really, we just want to get the job done right?

If you do notice a “smell” while vacuuming and it’s not because you have a full bag or container, it could be time to clean the vacuum, here are some tips to make sure your vacuum is clean and ready when you need it.

What to Keep in Mind before you Start

1. Before you start, make sure the vacuum is unplugged.
2. If there are removable parts, be sure whatever parts you remove, you can put back together when you’re finished. After all, your vacuum won’t do you much good if it remains in pieces.
3. One thing I’ve learned while helping my husband work on cars – if you’re even the tiniest bit unsure of how to put something back together – take a picture of it before taking it apart.
4. It’s important to make sure all parts are fully dry before reassembling as you don’t want mold and mildew to grow inside your vacuum.

Cleaning the Body of Vacuum and Accessories

Start with the body of your vacuum. You can use alcohol wipes to clean and disinfect the outside of your vacuum, handle, canister, outside of the hose, tools, wheels, etc. For removable parts, use a mild soap and water to clean.

This is also a good time to clean extension tubes, furniture brush and other accessories that come with the vacuum.

Cleaning the Vacuum Filters

The filters in a vacuum cleaner should be replaced and/or cleaned regularly. To clean, use an old toothbrush to gently remove any stuck on dirt and grime, you can also use a shop vac if you have one.

If necessary, you can wash the filter with warm water and a small amount of mild soap.  It is important to make sure the filters are fully dry before putting them back in the vacuum.  

Even if you can clean the filters yourself, you should replace them if they have holes or look worn.

Cleaning Removable Hoses from a Vacuum Cleaner

Hoses can be the toughest part of the vacuum to clean. For hoses you can remove, you can clean them with mild soap and water.  If you find a hose that is clogged, carefully use a wire hanger to try to dislodge the clog.

Cleaning Non-Removable Hoses from a Vacuum Cleaner

For hoses that are not removable, you can use a Clorox wipe or some kind of cleaning cloth to get the inside of the hose clean. To do this, wrap the Clorox wipe or cleaning cloth to the end of a broom or mop handle, you can use a rubber band or strong tape to attach this so it won’t fall off and find a new home inside the hose. Be careful not clean roughly as you don’t want to rip or damage the hose in any way.

Cleaning the Roller Brush

The roller brush is the part that seems to get the most wear and tear and thankfully on many models it can be removed, it which makes it much easier to clean.  

• Pull as much of the matted mess carefully by hand as you can.
• Use scissors or a seam ripper to gently cut or pull away any of the remaining hair, string or carpet fibers that you couldn’t get by hand.
• Then to dislodge and remove any particles that remain in the brush, use an old comb or stiff brush.
• Now wipe down the roller with a damp cloth and if you have a removable roller brush, you can wipe down the compartment area as well.

Keeping the Vacuum Smelling Fresh

Once your vacuum is clean, you want to keep it and your home smelling fresh. To get the fresh smell you might be looking for while vacuuming, put some baking soda, a dryer sheet or a cotton ball with your favorite essential oil in the vacuum bag.

You can also take the scented cotton ball and tuck it under the bag; I’ve even used a sample perfume strip I received in the mail that worked nicely or – you can buy clips, tabs, and other accessories for your vacuum to help keep things smelling fresh.

Don’t wait for your vacuum to be smelling up your home, cleaning it is pretty easy to do and should be done on a fairly regularly basis. If you use it a few times a week like I do, cleaning it once a month is not out of the question.

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Maintaining the Beauty of Glass Tiles

Glass tiles have come a long way and aren’t just tiles used for a flashy backsplash anymore. They are quickly gaining in popularity compared to ceramic tile because of their unique appearance.

These tiles can be used in just about any room of the house (and outside the house) and come in many different colors and a variety of beautiful designs.

Glass tiles are durable and offer a rich quality and shine. They are opulent, resistant to staining, and easy to wipe clean. That being said, glass tiles make it easy to see fingerprints and footprints. Because of this, more frequent cleanings are needed to maintain a gleaming surface.

Generally glass tiles are easy to clean and maintenance is minimal when cared for properly. But there are some surfaces that don’t always get the attention necessary to keep them clean.

Regular Cleaning of Glass-Tiled Surfaces

Because glass tiles do not absorb water, they are relatively easy to care for. Since it is an impervious material, glass is also resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew. If used in places like a shower, though, they are subject to soap scum and other mineral deposits.

Cleaning them on a regular basis with a non-abrasive cleaning agent or glass cleaner will keep the natural beauty of the surface shining through.

You can also use a squeegee or your bath towel to remove water from the shower walls to help reduce water spots and hazing.

Removing Soap Scum from Glass Tiles

1. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of warm water to white vinegar. Spray the solution on the glass tile surface and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Use a soft bristle brush (a soft brush will help avoid scratching) to clean the tiles and grout. Rinse with clean water and wipe down with a soft cloth or towel to avoid streaking or water spots.

This will also work for hard water and other mineral deposits.

Cleaning Grout between Glass Tiles

If you notice that molding on the grout is starting to happen you shouldn’t have any problems using any standard bathroom grout cleaner.

You can also mix together in a spray bottle:

• 1/4 cup bleach
• 3/4 cup water

Spray the grout and use a soft bristled toothbrush to clean it. Rinse with water and when you’re done dry the tiles.

Cleaning a Kitchen Back Splash

If you’ve installed a glass back splash in the kitchen, it shouldn’t be any harder to keep clean than a glass-tiled shower.

1. Fill a spray bottle with warm water. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn dish detergent. Swirl the bottle to mix the dish soap (not so much that all you have is suds) and spray the back splash. You can also put this mixture in a bowl, whatever is easiest for you. I happen to use a bowl because I find it easier to dip and wring the cloth.
2. Wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge. Rinse cloth or sponge as needed.
3. Using a clean cloth, wet with cool water and wipe down the back splash.
4. Dry when finished.

Cleaning a Heavily Soiled Kitchen Back Splash

If the kitchen backsplash is heavily soiled with grease, mix the following in a bowl:

• 2 parts warm to hot water (not so hot you burn your hand)
• 1 part detergent (like Dawn)

Use a cleaning rag or a sponge to wipe down the tiles. Clean the rag or sponge as needed.
When you have finished removing the grease from the back splash, use a clean rag or sponge then rinse with cool water.

You may have to rinse a few times to remove any soapy residue or after the initial rinsing you can use a mix of white vinegar and water or a glass cleaner to remove the remaining residue.
Dry when you’re done.

If you are cooking foods that splatter, cleaning the back splash when you’re done will help keep it from getting so greasy.

Maintaining Glass Tile Surfaces

Maintaining glass tiles is not much different than other tiled surfaces.

• Wipe up spills as they happen. Not only because it’s a good practice to do this but also to help grout from staining.
• Wipe surfaces after cleaning to keep your glass tiles looking shiny and as good as when they were installed.
• Be mindful of sharp objects so scratching doesn’t occur.

One of the things I like about glass tiles is they look amazing no matter if you’re using them alone or mixed with other tiled surfaces.

Maintaining the beauty of glass tiles is pretty simple and when done right, they’ll have a bright, shiny surface for years to come.

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Cleaning Ceramic and Porcelain Tiled Surfaces

For centuries, ceramic and porcelain tiles have been used because of their durability and beauty.

Although ceramic tiles are more commonly used, porcelain tiles are quickly gaining ground. In fact, if you’re trying to decide which to use in your new home or remodel, the hardest part just may be the choices you’ll have to make when it comes to size, color, style, and shape.

Ceramic and porcelain are environmentally friendly products and both are versatile and can literally be used anywhere in a home or office setting.

So, whether you are just gathering information for a future purchase or you have these tiles already in your home, we’re here to help you gather a little more information.

Glazed Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most common tiles used in many homes and businesses. They are made of clay and a mixture of other minerals, then shaped, glazed and fired in a kiln at very high temperatures.

The benefits of ceramic tiles are many. They are durable, versatile, and often a beautiful work of art, showing off your entryway, bathroom, and kitchen. These tiles are fire resistant, and allow little to no accumulation of moisture.

Ceramic is a popular choice for showers, floors, counters and backsplashes, walls and more, as maintenance is easy and there is a large selection between colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from.

Cleaning Glazed Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic is a fairly low maintenance surface. Regular cleanings will help keep your ceramic surfaces looking great for many years to come.

Regularly clean surfaces with warm water using a mop or cleaning cloth depending on whether it’s a floor or countertop you’re cleaning.

If you feel you need something more, most manufacturers recommend using a pH-neutral cleaning solution on a bi-weekly cleaning schedule.

Removing Candle Wax from Ceramic Tiles

First let the wax cool and harden. Scrape off excess candle wax with your driver’s license or a credit card (if you use a credit card, don’t use it on the side of the magnetic strip). Rubbing alcohol will remove any residue. Rinse with plain water then dry.

Removing Mold and Mildew from Bathroom Shower Tiles

For tough and stubborn mold and mildew stains around shower tiles give this recipe a try.

• 3/4 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup bleach

Turn on the bathroom fan and if you have a window open it for ventilation.

Mix into a thick then apply to the grout with an old toothbrush. Let sit for 10 minutes then rinse completely to remove all residue and so the next person getting into the shower doesn’t slip.

Some areas may be harder to clean than others and you may need to repeat the process.

When I’m using bleach, no matter the dilution, I put on an old pair of sweats in case of splattering and I also wear eye protection.

Heel and Scuff Mark Removal Methods

You can use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a plain pencil eraser to gently rub and remove a scuff mark. Either of these should easily remove the mark. Clean to remove any residue and dry when finished.

If neither of the above products work WD-40 is another way to remove scuff marks from your ceramic tile floors.

Unglazed Ceramic Tiles (a.k.a. Quarry Tile)

This is another very popular tile for a variety of applications. It’s an especially good choice for areas with a lot of foot traffic. Even though these tiles are not glazed, it makes them no less durable and they are often used in commercial settings because of this.

Because these tiles are unglazed the color choices are not as many as with the glazed ceramic tiles. Typically the colors come in shades of red, orange, and brown.

It is possible to stain unglazed ceramic tiles, as they are porous and absorb liquids easily. They should be sealed to help prevent staining.

Cleaning Unglazed Ceramic Tiles

For regular routine cleanings, a little water is typically all you need. Use a damp mop for cleaning and a dry mop or rag for drying.

Unglazed or unsealed ceramic tiles should not be exposed to large amounts of water, as this can cause mold growth in the grout. Additionally, they should always be cleaned with a pH-neutral cleaner.

Getting Tough Stains Out

A pH-neutral cleaner will remove grease, oil, and everyday spills from unglazed tiles. Or you can use the recipe below:

• 1 gallon warm water
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 5 drops Dawn dish detergent

Mix the baking soda until it is completely dissolved in the water. Add the dish detergent last so the cleaning solution doesn’t get too sudsy. Swish to mix the detergents.

Remember that unglazed tiles are meant to have a matte (no-shine) surface. They’re a bit rustic looking, which is probably one reason why you purchased them—so don’t spend too much time looking for the shine.

Glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles should not be cleaned with abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch and/or pit the tiles.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles made from a special type of very fine clay. They are pressed and fired just as ceramic tiles are, but at a much higher temperature and for a longer period of time.

Porcelain tiles are durable and come in a wide range of colors, styles, and textures. They are denser and less porous than other ceramic tiles. Porcelain is not only a nice choice for inside the house, but works great outside as well because it does not absorb a lot of water.

Generally, porcelain tiles do not have a glazed finish, but they can be manufactured with a textured or polished finish or a glazed surface.

Despite porcelain’s durability, a glazed surface can chip, so many people are choosing polished as an alternative.

Cleaning Porcelain Tiled Surfaces

Porcelain tiles are pretty low maintenance. A regular cleaning done weekly should be all that’s needed. A regular cleaning only involves a thorough sweeping, then cleaning with water and a damp mop and a sh-mop (or something similar) to dry the floor.

If you have any doubts about the cleaning solutions you are using, do a patch test in an inconspicuous place first.

Cleaning a Dirty Porcelain Tiled Floor

If the floor is really dirty and in need of something more than just water, add 1/4 cup white vinegar to 2 gallons warm water. Mop the floor with the cleaning solution, then rinse with clean water and dry when finished. The vinegar will deodorize, disinfect, and clean the surface.

If the floor is really dirty, mop the floor with the same cleaning solution, but let it sit a few minutes. Mop again, rinse, and dry. If you are working with a large surface area, work in sections so the liquid doesn’t dry on the floor.

Removing a Coffee Stains from Porcelain Tiles

Most often spills are cleaned immediately, but sometimes we forget or they are overlooked until later.

For a coffee stain, simply sprinkle a touch of baking soda over the stain, then dampen a cloth with water and gently scrub.

Cleaning Mud from a Porcelain Tile Floor

This is why door mats are handy to have by entrances!

Let the mud completely dry. When dry pick up as much as you can, or suck up the dirt with the vacuum hose. Then rinse with a vinegar and water solution and dry.

Removing Hard Water Stains from Porcelain Tiles

In a spray bottle, make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Spray the solution on the stain and gently scour the area. Repeat, rinse, and dry.

Routine Maintenance and Protection of Tiled Surfaces

• Daily wipe down spills and messes.
• Weekly cleanings are the best way to maintain and keep your tiled surfaces looking their best.
• Sweep or vacuum prior to cleaning floors. Do not use the beater bar, if your vacuum does not have the option to turn this off then I would sweep the floor.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners.
• Use a cloth, sponge, or soft mop when scrubbing or cleaning. Do not use a hard bristled brush.
• Always rinse with clean water after cleaning to remove any residue and to prevent build up.
• Clean spills up as soon as possible.
• Protect floors by using felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs.
• Use floor mats and rugs to protect the flooring from dirt, grime, scuff marks, etc.
• Use coasters on counters to protect the surface from water rings caused from glasses sweating.

Maintaining and protecting these surfaces in the right way will keep them beautiful for years and years.

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Removing Smells from a Wool Rug.

How to Remove Bad Smells from a Wool Rugs

There are many benefits to owning a wool rug. Wool is long lasting, resilient and it is a renewable resource. There are also many, beautiful styles and designs to choose from.

When I was growing up, my parents had a couple of large wool area rugs in our household. I remember playing with my plastic horses on those rugs (oh boy, that was a long time ago.)

One of the pitfalls of a wool rug is that they can sometimes have a strong, bad smell. Even a brand new woolen rug can be unrolled, laid down and the odor will knock your socks off!

If your rug is brand new, it should not have a foul odor. Bring it back to the store for replacement or get your money back.

Why Do Wool Rugs Smell?

Below are some of the reasons a wool rug will smell.

• Over the years there has been a large amount of low quality, hand-tufted rugs appearing on the market.
• If your rug has a latex coating or adhesive on the backside, the latex can deteriorate, be defective or is low quality, and it can cause a smell that may not come out. This is especially true of new rugs – the odor can be built in and never come out.
• Wool rugs should not be allowed to remain wet, moisture odors will happen when water leaks and spills have gone unnoticed; it could also lead to bacteria odors.
• Walking on a wool rug with wet dirty shoes.

Rugs that are not cleaned properly, pet stains, food spills can all contribute to a wool carpet smelling badly. Smells can range anywhere from mild to oppressive.

So how can we remedy these stinky rugs of yours? Keep scrolling down on down the page. The odor removal remedies listed below are basic and meant to be used on dry rugs.

The Magic of Mother Nature

Sometimes old fashioned remedies are still the best solution for odor control. And in this case it’s good old Mother Nature coming through again!

• Vacuum the rug so it’s nice and clean.
• Bring the rug outdoors on a sunny day and let it absorb those awesome rays of sunshine. If there are any odorous bacteria smells this should help.
• Allow it to stay outside but bring it in before the air begins to chill so it doesn’t get damp. You may need to do this a few times but plain old sunshine will work wonders in removing the odors.

Because you don’t want the face of your rug to fade, only keep it face up in the sun for a couple of hours then flip it over for the rest of the afternoon.

If your rug is wet, do not leave it in the sun; keep it in the warm shade so it does not shrink.

Never bring the rug outside when it is humid as the wool will absorb the moisture and this can increase your odor problem.

Charcoal Isn’t Just for Grilling a Great Steak!

Not only is charcoal used for cooking a delicious steak on the barbecue, as my husband does, it’s also a pretty good odor buster.

1. Take a pair of pantyhose and cut the legs off, get as high as possible to the crotch area. Fill each with additive free charcoal briquettes, leave enough room for tying. If you don’t have nylons, you can use some old knee high socks. The nice thing about nylons is the length and the amount of charcoal you can fit inside. Be sure the nylons don’t have any holes in them.
2. Tie the top of the nylons tightly to prevent the charcoal from spilling out.
3. Place the charcoal on top of the rug near the edge and begin rolling it up. Depending on the size of your rug, after a couple of rolls, you might want to add the other charcoal filled nylon.
4. Leave the rug rolled up somewhere where it will not be in the way. Let sit for the next day or two.
5. Unroll the rug, remove the charcoal and vacuum as usual.
6. If it still smells, repeat the process and be sure to use new charcoal briquettes each time.

When you’ve finished with this process you can reuse the charcoal briquettes on the barbecue. Is that not awesome or what? I love recycling.

The Miracle of Cat Litter

Cat litter is a very versatile product. It absorbs both moisture and odors. The many brands of cat litter on the market are incredibly useful, even if you don’t own a cat!

My daughter has two boys in the house and a downstairs bathroom dedicated just for them. She keeps kitty litter in a container on the bathroom floor and it always smells so fresh in there.

If possible, move the rug to a room like a clean garage floor, where you can close the door and limit the traffic that comes and goes, including the car.

Caution: Walking on the cat litter will crush the litter and push it deeply into the wool, so be careful.

1. Vacuum rug to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Generously sprinkle a fair amount of unscented cat litter over the rug.
3. Let this sit on the carpet for a day or two.
4. Take it outside to shake off the cat litter, or if that is not possible, shake the cat litter off inside a large garbage bag then vacuum the cat litter up completely.
5. Repeat the process if necessary.

You can also follow the steps as listed for charcoal above.

Borax and Baking Soda

Oh My. The two B’s of odor removal – borax and baking soda. They work wonders together and make stinky rugs smell fresh again.

Mix together 1 cup borax and 1 cup baking soda. The recipe can be adjusted depending on the size of your rug.

1. Vacuum the rug completely to remove all dirt.
2. Sprinkle your dry woolen rug with the borax and baking soda mixture. Use a fair amount to completely cover the rug, but not enough to make a snow angel.
3. Keep everyone off the rug.
4. Again, let the rug set for a day or two, then shake out the rug outside and vacuum the powder up.
5. Repeat as often as necessary to keep your wool rug free from odors.

Although all of the odor removal methods above are safe for wool carpets/rugs, and if you rug is expensive or fragile, you may want to consider having a professional take a look at it.

Related Articles

How to Clean Oriental Rugs

The post How to Get the Smell out of a Wool Rug appeared first on House Cleaning Central.

Cleaning Garage Floor Tips.

Cleaning a Cement or Concrete Garage Floor

First off – is it cement or concrete? For years I had always used these words interchangeably. Little did I know there was a difference?

Cement

Cement is a powder made up of substances such as limestone, clay, shale, sand, iron, aluminum and other materials. It is the key component used in concrete.

Concrete

Concrete is the solid material you end up with after mixing cement, sand, and water. So really – you are cleaning a concrete garage floor.

My husband thinks he’s pretty amazing because he can keep his garage floor cleaner than others but not even he can keep his floor from finding an occasional stain or two.

And when he does spill, the expletives fly! For me, it’s a pretty comical site to see, I mean really; who is perfect, accidents happen!

If your husband is like mine and wants his garage clean, clean, clean – below are some cleaning solutions for spills and stains and maintenance tips.

Getting the Garage Floor Clean

If you have any oil stains or spills, clean those first (you may have to start this process a day or two in advance.). There are cleaning instructions below for cleaning oil spills and the remaining residue.

Start cleaning the garage floor early in the day so you can put everything back in by the end of the day.

1. Before washing the garage floor, move everything you can off the floor and out of the garage, then sweep the floor.
2. Turn the water on full force and spray out the garage. If you don’t have a spray attachment, hold your thumb over the hose opening to create a stronger water jet. Start at the back of the garage and work your way out through the garage door.
3. Use a stiff brush with a long handle and scrub down the garage floor using the floor cleaning solution listed above.
4. Set in dirt can be easily removed by using Comet or other abrasive cleaner on the floor while it’s wet.
5. Rinse the floor completely with the hose
6. Sweep out any excess water with a broom.

Floor Cleaning Recipe

• 1 cup detergent (there are many environmentally friendly products on the market)
• 2 gallons hot water.

Let the floor completely dry before bringing everything back in your nice clean garage.

If You Spill Oil, Clean it Right Away

First, let’s just say that cleaning up oil spills should always be wiped up right away. So now that your garage is clean, keep that in mind.

My husband has a supply of Scott shop towels, if you haven’t tried these, there great. They are thick, absorbent, sturdy, tough, and great for cleaning up spills.

So if you spill oil they come in handy. Otherwise use another absorbent material to clean up the spill.

Use Cat Litter to Absorb any Oil Residue

After wiping up the oil, there may be some residue remaining. To remove the residue, use cat litter. Make sure to use a clay litter – it’s more absorbent. This will help absorb any remaining stain.

• Pour a layer of litter on the spilled area and cover completely – overlap the spill area.
• Give it some time; let it sit for a couple hours to a couple of days to soak up the liquid; depending on how large the spill was.
• Clean up the litter with a broom.

Note: As mentioned this process could take up to a couple of days. You may need to renew the cat litter. You can also use sawdust or baking soda to absorb the oil.

One day I was driving down the freeway where an accident just occurred and I noticed the tow truck driver using cat litter to cover the oil spill. Now that support’s using cat litter on an oil stain. Don’t you think?

I also asked the gas station attendant where I get my gas how they keep the area so clean. He told me they use clay cat litter. They pour it on any oil stains, let it sit overnight and sweep it up the next morning. More support that cat litter works on oil stains.

Cleaning Set in Oil Stains

There are a couple things you can try to remove tougher oil stains. These methods may require repeating the process and may take a couple of days.

Detergent and Water

1. Sweep the area.
2. Sprinkle some powdered detergent on the stain, no need to use sparingly, completely cover the stain.
3. Add warm water to a bucket, dip a stiff brush in then scrub like the dickens back and forth. Repeat as needed.
4. Wipe up and let dry.

Waterless Concrete Cleaner

This is something that can be purchased in your local home improvement store or online.

1. Sweep the area where the stain is to remove dirt and debris.
2. Sprinkle the waterless sweeping compound over the area of the stain.
3. Sweep back and forth across the oil stain until dispersed (follow instructions on package)

If this is a large area or an older stain, application may need to be reapplied every 5 to 7 days until the stain is gone.

Some time ago, my daughter had to keep her car in the garage because the driver’s side window wouldn’t go up. During the time it was in the garage it leaked some oil on the garage floor.

This was an old stain and after the first application of the waterless concrete cleaner, I noticed a definite improvement. The stain was much lighter.

I also wore a paper mask and my safety glasses. The wind was blowing a little bit and as I was sweeping the concrete cleaner, it created a small dust cloud. It states right on the product the dust can cause eye and throat irritation. I wasn’t going to test it!

Rehydrating an Old Oil Stain

It may be possible to rehydrate an old oil stain and remove it or at least some of it. I tried this as an experiment and had a little bit of success.

To rehydrate our old oil stain, we used Wesson oil, a stiff brush, and time.

1. Pour Wesson oil on the old oil stain. Just enough to cover the stain.
2. Then scrub it in with a very stiff brush – use some elbow grease.
3. We then let it sit about 15 – 20 minutes. We could visibly see the old oil had rehydrated a little bit.

After we rehydrated our oil stain, we sprinkled some of the waterless concrete cleaner on the stain and scrubbed the floor (using back and forth and side to side motion) with the stiff brush. We did this until the concrete cleaner was dirty and clumpy with oil.

We then swept away the dirty cleaner, applied more, scrubbed it in, let it sit overnight, then swept it up in the morning.

By rehydrating the old oil stain, we were allowing it to pull the oil out of the concrete. I believe we saw an improvement with this method and had we continued it may have been removed completely.

Keep in mind though this method can vary from stain to stain depending on how old the stain is and other conditions such as sitting on the carport pad in direct sunlight, etc.

With these few cleaning methods you can make a dirty garage floor look new again.

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