Your kitchen cabinets are a focal point of your kitchen and can make or break the look of the entire room. Unfortunately, over time, grease, grime, and food particles can build up on your cabinets, making them look dull and dirty. Oak cabinets, in particular, require special care as they can easily become damaged by harsh chemicals. Instead of hiring a professional cleaner or replacing your cabinets, you can give them a deep clean yourself using a combination of natural, eco-friendly and chemical-based products.

Step 1: Remove all items from your cabinets

Before you start cleaning, remove all items from your cabinets, including dishes, cookware, and small appliances. This will make it easier to access all the surfaces and corners of your cabinets.

Step 2: Clean the exterior

Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the exterior of your cabinets and wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth. Be sure to pay special attention to any areas with built-up grime or grease. For tough stains, you can use a small amount of mild detergent or wood cleaner specifically designed for oak cabinets. Always test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage.

Step 3: Interior cleaning

Cabinet drawers and doors should be taken out and laid level on a clean surface. Scrub away any filth or grime using a toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush. The internal surfaces can be cleaned with a mild detergent or the same mixture of white vinegar and water. Make sure to completely rinse with clean water before wiping down with a fresh cloth.

Step 4: Re-oil or re-stain the cabinets

After cleaning, you may notice that your oak cabinets have lost some of their original color or finish. To restore the natural beauty of your oak cabinets, you can re-oil or re-stain them. If you choose to re-oil, use a natural oil such as tung oil or linseed oil. Apply the oil to a clean, dry cloth and rub it into the wood, following the grain. Be sure to wipe off any excess oil and let it dry overnight before applying a second coat. If you choose to re-stain, use a stain that is specifically designed for oak wood and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to test the stain on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that you are happy with the color.

Step 5: Maintain your cabinets

Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your oak cabinets looking their best. Every week, wipe out the inside and outside of your cabinets with a gentle, moist cloth. Use coasters or placemats to shield the wood from liquids and stay away from abrasive or harsh chemicals. Every six months, you might want to give the wood a coat of natural oil or wax to help protect it and keep it looking its best.

BONUS CLEANING TIPS – how to remove common stains on oak kitchen cabinets:

Ink Marks:

Create a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a soap made from non-synthetic, plant-based ingredients. Soak a cloth in the mixture and gently dab the stained area. Be cautious not to rub vigorously to prevent the ink from smearing. Rinse the spot thoroughly and use a dry cloth to pat it dry, repeating the process as required.

Another option is to apply rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and carefully blot the ink stain. However, keep in mind that alcohol may interact with wood & wood finishes so take care not to exert too much pressure while cleaning.

Watermarks:

Watermarks can leave unsightly spots on oak cabinets. To remove them, mix white vinegar and olive oil in equal proportions. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and gently rub the watermark in a circular motion until it fades away. Follow up with a dry cloth to buff the area and restore your cabinet’s luster.

Wine or Juice Stains:
Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Use a cloth soaked in the solution to gently dab the stain. Let it sit for a minute or two before wiping the area with a damp cloth to effectively remove the stain.

By following these steps, you will be able to give your oak kitchen cabinets a deep clean and restore their natural beauty. Remember to use a combination of natural, eco-friendly and chemical-based products, and always test them in a small area first. Regular maintenance will also help keep your cabinets looking their best for years to come.

Few countertop materials boast the classic beauty of cultured marble. However, many homeowners find themselves stumped when it comes to cleaning the material. While cultured marble is durable and resistant to chips, cracks and stains, proper maintenance is key in keeping your surfaces looking pristine.

1. Use Mild Soaps & Cleaners
Cultured marble is a sensitive material and should never be exposed to harsh or overly abrasive cleaners. Instead, use gentle soaps or specifically formulated cleaners when washing your countertops. Avoid any product that contains ammonia as this can dull the shine and cause discoloration over time.

2. Rinse Well After Cleaning

Although a mild soap is recommended for daily cleanings, you may be tempted to simply wipe away any dirt and debris instead of going through the hassle of rinsing off your soap residue completely with clean water. But if you want to maintain a lasting shine on your countertop surface, take the extra step of thoroughly rinsing off all soapy residue after washing since leftover soap can contain chemicals that damage cultured marble surfaces over time.

3. Wipe Up Spills Immediately

Cultured marble is highly resistant to staining but not immune to it; leaving spills on the countertop too long could result in nasty marks that are difficult or impossible to remove without using strong cleaners and scrubbing pads that can scratch the surface of your countertop over time. Whenever possible, try to immediately wipe up any spills with a soft cloth dampened in warm water before they have a chance to set into the stone’s pores and cause staining or discoloration problems in the future.

4. Use Coasters & Toothbrushes for Tough Stains

For tougher stains such as food remnants like tomato sauce, mustard, or cooking grease, use a soft-bristled toothbrush along with some mild dish soap diluted with warm water directly onto the stain surface itself rather than using an all-purpose cleaning spray designed for other surfaces like tile grout which could damage cultured marble countertops over time due to its chemical content. Afterwards, rinse off using plenty of fresh water before drying with a soft cloth; ensure no traces of cleaner remain on the marbled surface which could potentially harm its original look over time.

5. Blend Away Etch Marks

Although harder than most natural stones used for countertops today like granite or travertine, cultured marbled easily etches from acids such as lemon juice , vinegar and even simple household items such as coconut oil which has recently become popular for beauty DIYs online today. To fix light etching on surfaces including steel sinks, simply blend surrounding area with paste wax pre-designed specifically for cultured marble then buff out edges until mark becomes invisible. For deep etching, avoid store-bought finishing products altogether. Place a small amount of rubbing compound, then buff till mark disappears.

Have you ever wondered to yourself how some people always seem to maintain a clean home? They’re so busy, yet their home is so clean. And some of them even have children running around it. It almost seems impossible. How do they do it?

If you’re wondering that, you’re also probably wondering how you, yourself can maintain a clean home. Well, you’re in luck. Today we’re discussing 12 habits to help you do just that. Because that’s really what it’s all about. It’s less about maintaining a clean space and more about maintaining a good habitual routine. 

How to maintain a clean home

1. Always put away your laundry 

Making sure you put your laundry away when it’s finished is a really important component to maintaining a clean home. Often times people who lead busy lives tend to get in the habit of leaving their clothes in the basket or in piles on the floor. But when you actually take the time to put your clothes away you give yourself an opportunity to build better habits and keep your space clean and clear of clutter.

2. Only keep the things you need

One thing to do when you’re trying to build better cleaning habits is to go through everything you have and organize. Make sure you only keep the things you absolutely need and discard the things you don’t need. Marie Kondo creator of the KonMari Method explains a simple method of decluttering your life by removing the things that don’t bring you any joy and only keeping the things that do.

3. Minimize the paper clutter (go paperless)

A great way to maintain a clean home is by utilizing the paperless system. So often we see people with piles and piles of mail on the counters and checklists in their offices. The great thing about going paperless is that it works for almost everything these days and it’s environmentally-friendly. You can set most of your mail to be paperless and you can organize your files online in a cloud-based storage platform like Dropbox. 

4. Dust weekly 

Have you ever noticed someone’s home is so clean there isn’t any dust? That’s because they’ve mastered the art of weekly dusting. Getting into the habit of dusting your house weekly is the key to maintaining a clean home. Once you get into a routine, anything less just simply won’t do. Put on some feel-good music and swifter as you go. 

Plus dusting your home on a weekly basis doesn’t just keep your home clean, it also keeps the allergens away and increases proper airflow. If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, dusting may be more beneficial than you think.

5. Wipe all surfaces after every use

One sure fire way to ensure you maintain a clean home is to wipe down all household surfaces after each use. This is a fantastic habit for any homeowner to adopt. Keep disinfectant wipes in each room so that when you’re finished with a task you can easily wipe and go. Of course, this may not be necessary for every single thing you, it’s important to get in the habit of doing it.

You can also keep a can of environmentally-friendly disinfecting spray in certain rooms (like the bathroom) so that you can easily just spray and go. This will help you stop the spread of germs and diminish the growth of unwanted bacteria throughout your home.

6. Make your bed every day

Another great way to help you maintain a clean home is to get up and make your bed every single day. Making your bed is a good habit to adopt not just for the cleaning aspect of it but also for the mental aspect of it. When you get up and make your bed in the morning, there’s a feeling of accomplishment that comes with it. A feeling of content and peace washes over you. It makes you feel like your life is together even when it’s not. 

7. Have a designated place for shoes & coats

A lot of times when we come home from a long day at work, we get in the door toss our shoes to the side and throw our coat on the first couch we see. But taking just two extra seconds to put your shoes in a designated spot and hanging your coat in the closet or on a coat rack goes a long way. A good thing to remember here is aces in their places. When you put things in their place it doesn’t leave room for clutter. 

8. Don’t leave dishes to pile up in the sink

When you walk into a well-maintained home one of the first things you may notice is that their sink probably isn’t filled with dishes. It can be hard to want to do the dishes after a long draining work-filled day. Especially if you don’t have a dishwasher in the house. But letting them pile up isn’t the answer. Instead of letting the dishes overflow, wash the dishes as you go. 

Remember how we talked about wiping down surfaces as you go? The same principle can be applied to the dishes. When you’re finished with a cup or a plate clean it. If you need to let something soak in hot water, fill it up immediately to let it soak so when you come back to it later you can rinse it and let it dry.

9. Create a chore list

A weekly chore list works regardless of whether you live alone or not. If you have a family or roommates, then that’s great. You can split the list up evenly among the other people. But if you don’t a chore list will help you hold yourself accountable for the things that need to get done around the house. And it serves as a great reminder. You can even have fun with your chore list and buy a printable off Etsy to help inspire you to to do your chores. 

10. Use the right products & chemicals

It’s really important when you’re trying to maintain a clean and healthy environment, that you use the right products and chemicals around your house. There are some cleaning products that can actually do more harm than good. Certain products cause allergens, dust buildup, and damage to surfaces throughout your home. So when you’re trying to keep a clean space, you really want to invest in products that are going to do the job well and keep you and your family safe at the same time.

11. Read cleaning blogs

Reading cleaning blogs are a fantastic way to maintain a clean home. Cleaning blogs (like the Spekless cleaning blog) are a great resource to inform and inspire you to get up and clean on a regular basis. You’ll learn easy tips and tricks to help you clean faster and more efficient and ways to organize your home so that it looks better. 

The best part about reading cleaning blogs is that each one is different. Each blog offers a different outlook and a different perspective on cleaning. By doing this, you’re able to see what works for you and what doesn’t so that you can come up with a routine on your own. Which leads us to tip number 12. 

12. Dedicate your time to a weekly routine

Last but not least on the list of tips to help you maintain a clean home we have dedicating your time to a weekly cleaning routine. Having a weekly cleaning routine is probably one of the easiest ways to keep up with the never-ending chore that is cleaning. And it’s the easiest thing you can do.

Sometimes when people hear the word weekly, the think that their routine has to be this big elaborate scheme in order to clean their house. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your weekly cleaning routine is something that should be tailored to you and your household. So if that means taking out the trash and dusting in one room then that’s what you should do every week. 

But if your home requires a little more work there may be more do to. The good news about that is that when you do have a weekly routine, the cleaning isn’t as bad as it would be if you would have waited. So essentially once you get into a routine it won’t take you long to finish it. And if you do have a house full, you can pull out the cleaning chart and divide the chores among the family!

Tips & tricks to help you along the way

By adopting some of these habits you will be able to maintain a clean home. But not only will you be able to do that but you will also be able to reduce your daily stress level and increase your happiness. Studies show that having a clean house put you in a better mood and elevates feelings of depression.

Before we close here, there are a few extra tips & tricks we wanted to share in order to ensure your success. If you’re having trouble adapting to some of these new cleaning habits you should:

• Hire a professional to give you an initial cleaning
• See what your friends are doing (how do they make it work?)
• Meditate to help you focus clearer and adopt better habits
• Read books & blogs written by professionals who share their secret tips & tricks
• Diffuse essential oils to help you keep clean air and reduce household dust

Spekless House Cleaning

When you make cleaning the house a priority and not a chore, you’ll not only maintain a clean home but you’ll also get more things accomplished in less time. By getting into the groove of cleaning you’ll begin to master the art of it so that you can spend more time doing what you love and less time scrubbing the toilet. It’s really a win-win situation.

But here at Spekless House Cleaning, we understand that not everyone has the ability or the time to keep up on their house cleaning. There are some houses that just need help with it, and that’s ok. That’s where we come in.

Learn more about our cleaning professional and schedule your cleaning today.

There isn’t anything more satisfying than a little spring cleaning around the house. Whenever you’re ready to get things back to the way they were after a long cold winter, just grab out your cleaning basket and begin your spring cleaning ritual.

Pump up the jams because below we’ve listed 15 spring cleaning tips both big and small to help you get your home back to its natural state of being cleaned and organized. 

1. Clean out the drawers

First up on our list of spring cleaning tips is to get organized. In order to get organized, you’ll want to go around and empty out all of your drawers. Make sure that you get rid of anything old or unused before wiping out the drawers with a microfiber cloth and a mild soap.

Then go ahead and neatly fill the drawer with things you are currently using. Do this in the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom, the office, and any common areas of the house. 

2. Toss out all the old products

We mentioned this a little bit in tip number one but this also applies to other areas of the house. So the next step in the spring cleaning process is to go around and toss out things that are old or things you aren’t using. One of the main areas you’ll want to look at here is the kitchen working your way through the cabinets and the refrigerator throwing away old and expired food. 

3. Disinfect your devices

Nothing great spring cleaning tip is to make sure that you clean and disinfect all of your electronics and devices. Unless you’re a clean freak and you find yourself wiping these things down often throughout the week you’ll want to do this now. Just take a can of disinfecting dusting spray and a microfiber cloth and work your way through the house wiping down places like the television, the remotes, the computers and keyboards, and anything that you touch.

4. Restore your bookshelves 

If you have a bookshelf in your home or a shelf that could use a little bit of organization, bring your attention to it. Remove everything from the shelves and wipe it down with a duster then place the books back on it in a neat and organized fashion. 

5. Wipe down all the cabinets 

During the winter there are specific things in your house that tend to get neglected. Cleaning the cabinets is one of them. Be sure to go around and wipe down all the cabinets in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room using a cleaning cloth and a mild detergent. 

6. Empty out the diaper bags

One of the fun things about spring cleaning is that it’s out with the old and in with the new. This goes for your diaper bag and purse too. You can either empty out these bad boys before throwing them in the washer and cleaning them or you can resell them and start fresh with new ones for the new year. It’s up to you, but cleaning them out is a must. 

7. Vacuum all furniture 

Not only do you want to make sure that you vacuum all the floors in your house but you also want to make sure that you go through and vacuum all the furniture. Make sure you get in the crevices of your couch, in between your bed, and under any coffee tables. This is to ensure that you get all the lingering dust mites out.

8. Revive the dishwasher

A vital part of spring cleaning is cleaning your appliances. But one appliance that is often left standing in the dust is your dishwasher. Take a cup of cleaning vinegar place it inside and run your empty dishwasher to help get it back to its original clean state. 

9. And the washer

You also want to do this in your washing machine. And if you notice that your washer has an odor coming from it you can add a cup of baking soda to help absorb and kill any bacteria. 

10. Shampoo the carpet and wax the floors 

Once you’ve gone through and vacuumed or mopped all of your floors the next thing you want to do is go through and shampoo the carpets. Or wax the floors. When you go to do this you should make sure it’s the very last thing you do in that room and you should do it on a room by room basis. This is to ensure that you aren’t backtracking and that no dirt gets carried from one place to another. 

11. Clean and clear the drains

For this spring cleaning tip, you’ll want to go around to all the drains in the house and check that they are working properly. If they are you can clean them by pouring a cup of vinegar down the drain and letting it sit before flushing it out with hot water. If the drains aren’t working properly, try cleaning them first and if that doesn’t work then it’s time to call a plumber. 

12. Buff the appliances

After you’ve cleaned all of your appliances you’ll want to go around with a dry cleaning cloth and make sure they’re all nice and shiny. If you have stainless steel or copper appliances using a dab of olive oil on your cloth is a really good method for buffing them nice and shiny.

13. Wipe down the fridge inside and out

A vital part of any spring cleaning tips list is ensuring that you clean out your refrigerator from top to bottom. After you’ve emptied out the fridge and gotten rid of any old or expired food, you want to wipe it out. Wipe down all of the shelves, drawers, handles, and walls inside and out.

14. Don’t forget about your yard work

Spring cleaning isn’t just about cleaning the inside of your house. It’s also about making sure things look good on the outside. So don’t forget to go outside for work. Check to see if the grass needs cut or the gutters need to be cleared before you call it quits. 

15. Hire a professional if you need help

If you need any help with spring cleaning your home, hiring a professional can help. Here at Spekless, we can send a professional cleaner to your home to help you with your inside chores. Contact us today for a free estimate and see how we can assist you.

It’s no secret that everyone loves to save money. But one of the questions people always ask is, “is it possible to save money on cleaning supplies? They’re so expensive!” And the answer to that question, in short, is yes. You can save money on cleaning supplies.

We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you do just that so today we’re lining out our hacks to help you save money on cleaning supplies and still end up with a clean house. 

Use things you already have around the house

Swipe out your paper towel for microfiber cleaning cloths

If you use paper towel in your house, you may want to think about switching it out for some reusable cleaning cloths. According to AOL.com, the average American spends almost $200 per year on paper towel if not more depending on the size of the household. You can buy a bulk pack of microfiber cloths on Amazon (or at your local grocery store) for less than $10.

Microfiber cleaning cloths are great for cleaning nearly anything in your home. They work good on any surface and can be color coordinated by rooms, chore, person, and more. And when you’re finished using them all you need to do is throw them in the laundry basket until it’s time to wash them.

Clip your coupons 

If you’re one of those people who doesn’t like to switch it up and you want to keep on using the same cleaning supplies you’ve been using, one way you can save money is by clipping coupons. Sign up for email newsletters for your favorite brand and wait for them to send you coupons directly to your inbox. 

Another thing you can do is look at sites like TheKrazyCouponLady, RetailMeNot, and Coupons.com for coupons to clip from all of your favorite products. Clipping coupons is a great way to save money on any household item especially cleaning products. 

Simplify your stash

These days there’s a cleaning product for everything. The truth of the matter is that you don’t need one cleaning product for your dusting and another one for your surfaces. So if you’re really looking to save money on cleaning supplies and you have a lot of products under the sink, simplify your stash.

Hire a housekeeper

One of the best ways to save money on cleaning supplies in your home is to hire a housekeeper. Many companies provide you with a professional house cleaner and supplies to clean your house so that you don’t have to.

Here at Spekless, it is our goal is to provide you with impeccable customer service. That includes having our professionals bring cleaning supplies to each and every visit. Hiring a professional can save you tons on cleaning supplies and allow you to free up some time to do what you love.

Final thoughts

As you can see, there are a plethora of ways you can save money on cleaning supplies. From using products in your pantry to discounts and coupons on your favorite items, there’s a way for everyone to save. 

When you modifying your cleaning habits and ensure that you are using the right amount of product, the results are astonishing. It proves that you can save time, money, and energy and still clean your home the way you like it.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional housekeeper who cleans with chemicals on a regular basis or if you’re someone who uses them to clean your own taking the time to consider your options is important. Especially when it comes to using products that are good for you and for your family.

Most of the chemicals in the cleaning aisle are a harsh cocktail of toxic chemicals. Many of them being be bad for your health, your kids’ health, and the environment. As more and more people rethink what they’re bringing into their homes, we see them looking for safer alternatives. 

What is green cleaning?

Green cleaning in the process of cleaning your home using all natural products. These products are often made with organic ingredients that aren’t harmful to humans, animals, or the environment.

Everywhere you look more and more people are committing to this act and to using green cleaning products. The movement has drastically increased in popularity in recent years. In fact, some experts would suggest that around half of the US population now uses some form of green cleaning technique on a regular basis.

Benefits of green cleaning

Now that we have a basic understanding of what green cleaning is, let’s talk about some of the benefits that you can get from it.

Using green cleaning products in your home allows you to…

1. Eliminate toxins in your home

When you use green cleaning products in your home you eliminate the risks of exposure to toxic chemicals. Most cleaning products come with harsh toxic chemicals that are bad for your environment. These chemicals can actually cause damage to surfaces in your home as well as the skin of those who are working with them.

According to the American Medical Association, “frequent use of antibacterial ingredients can promote bacterial resistance to antibiotics,” and “Triclosan, a common antibacterial agent found in many soaps, has the ability to mess with your hormonal system and your thyroid. Most, if not all green cleaning products don’t contain antibacterial agents.”

2. Clean with your kids

Cleaning with your children can be hard depending on what type of chemicals you use to clean your home. Green cleaning products allow you to let your kids clean the house without worrying about harsh chemical burns, respiratory problems, and possible chemical poison. 

One of the reasons for this is that you can use common household ingredients as green cleaning products to clean your home. So essentially you can give your children a rag and a spray bottle filled with vinegar and let them do their weekly chores.

3. Increase the air quality in your home

If you have any allergies, respiratory problems, or just can’t stand the stench of strong chemicals lingering throughout your home, green cleaning products are the way to go. Products that are green allow you to increase the quality of air that flows throughout your house by eliminating toxins and allowing proper air flow.

4. Be more environmentally friendly

One of the main reasons people turn to green cleaning products in the first place is their keen ability to help preserve the environment. Many chemicals and cleaners contain harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment. 

Switching to greener methods of cleaning will help reduce pollution to our water and airways while minimizing the impact on the ozone layer depletion and climate change. Many of these products also come in recyclable packaging which helps to reduce waste when you throw them into the recycling bin.

5. Save money

If you are worried that you might have to spend more money we assure you that is not the case. When compared to other products green cleaning products often cost less. Or can be made from ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. 

Not only are green cleaning products cheaper when you use them in your home but investing in these products is also cheaper for companies. Author Sarah Snow of  Sarah Snow’s Fresh Living says, “The cost of environmentally friendly cleaning products has become much more competitive. While cleaning in an environmentally sound way reduces the risk of sick days for employees and the risk of fires and chemical spills.”

6. Live without worry

As the concerns for our overall health become more prevalent more people are becoming more aware of the harsh effects cleaning chemicals are having on their bodies.  They’re going back to basics and looking for greener ways to clean their home. The benefits of green cleaning speak for itself. 

That’s why when you switch to this method of cleaning using more natural ingredients, you’ll be able to live a life without the worry. You won’t have to worry that the products you’re bringing into your home are detrimental to your overall health and well being. 

It doesn’t matter how many times a day you mop and scrub your house. Sometimes the stenches of every day living are inevitable. As long as you’re living in your home, there will be smells that come and go. But with the right products and tricks, you’ll be able to fight those unwanted odors and get rid of them for good.

Below we’ve lined out a guide to help you get unwanted odors out of your bathroom, bedroom, common area, and kitchen once and for all.

Unwanted bathroom odors

The bathroom is the one area in the house that we come to clean our bodies and eliminate our waste. Which is why this area of the house can get pretty smelly from time to time. To keep the bathroom free from unwanted odors there are two main areas of concern.

The toilet

As a general rule of thumb, you want to clean your toilet bowl before you notice any visible sign of wreckage. Make sure you keep a toilet bowl cleaner inside of the bowl to help clean and prevent smells with each flush and remember to take your toilet bowl scrubber to it at least once a week. Not only will this prevent it from becoming too dirty to clean, but it will also prevent rust and keep those unwanted odors out of your bathroom.

The shower

The next place to keep an eye out for in the bathroom is the shower. This is where you clean your body, emptying all of your bodily fluids like sweat and dead skin cells. Because of this, the shower drain can sometimes become filled with a strong smell you might not know how to get rid of. Add a cup of cleaning vinegar to your shower drain and let it sit for 30 minutes before flushing out with a pot of boiling hot water. 

Unwanted bedroom odors

Depending on the layout of your bedroom you may or may not have that many places to take into consideration when cleaning. There are two main areas that we’ve found in the bedroom that like to harbor odors.

The mattress

Since you’re sleeping on your mattress every night, it can sometimes become filled with a weird stench that many people don’t know how to get rid of. Once you’ve taken off your blankets and sheets to wash, start by running the vacuum over your mattress using the brush attachment. Then go ahead and sprinkle baking soda on the surface and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Go ahead and vacuum up the baking soda and lightly spray your mattress using a disinfectant.

The carpet

Carpets tend to hold a lot of odors because of the fibers that they contain. These fibers can hang on to things like dirt from your shoes and socks as well as hair from any pets that you may have. Similar to cleaning your mattress you’ll want to sprinkle the carpet with baking soda. Then let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. And you’ll also want to remember to shampoo the carpet at least once a month to prevent a buildup of odor.

Unwanted common area odors

Most living rooms or common areas have two areas of concern that homeowners look to for cleaning and eliminating odors.

The furniture

Living room furniture that’s made out of microfiber, cloth or fabric has the ability to lock in odor for a long period of time. If your furniture came with care instructions, it’s important that you follow those instructions and clean your pieces as often as directed. But if it doesn’t you can sprinkle baking soda on your furniture, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuuming using the brush attachment. 

If you have leather furniture and you notice a weird smell coming from it, you can wipe it down using lukewarm water, a mild dish detergent, and a cleaning cloth.

The pet bed

Unwanted kitchen odors

Along with the bathroom, the kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house. Because of this, there are many places for unwanted odors to become trapped making them difficult to eliminate.

The garbage

If you’ve taken out the trash and still notice a strong stench coming from your garbage can, it might not be the scent lingering but the actual garbage can itself that smells. Once a month you should spray down your garbage can with a disinfecting spray and give it a good wipe down. After that sprinkle a little bit of baking soda inside the can before putting a trash bag in it to help prevent and conceal future odor.

The refrigerator

There’s nothing worse than the smell of a bunch of leftovers every time you open up the fridge. Make sure you double wrap your food when you put it away to prevent leakage and bacteria growth. If you’re still noticing a strong smell, put an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to help absorb the odors.

The sink & dishwasher

When it comes to cleaning the sink and the dishwasher are two of the most overlooked places in the kitchen. Because both of these areas involve cleaning up food debris, they need to be cleaned often to avoid a strong odor arising. Add a cup of vinegar to your sink drain, garbage disposal, and dishwasher to help eliminate any bad smells. Run the vinegar through an empty dishwasher to clean.

Looking for a way to save time cleaning the house or a way to cut back on harsh chemicals? Instead of hitting the cleaning aisle at the grocery store, you might just want to stick with the grocery aisle. This is because you can actually clean your home using foods you already purchase. 

It doesn’t take bleach or toxic chemicals in order for you to remove harmful bacteria from the surface of your house. In fact, some of the chemicals that you find in the cleaning aisle can actually do more harm to your home than good. So today we’re discussing ways to clean your house using some of the foods you may already have in your pantry. 

Here are 8 different foods that can be used to clean your house. 

1. Baking soda

Baking soda can be used for many different tasks throughout your house including removing odor from the refrigerator and cleaning carpets. But aside from that, it can also be used to polish and whiten surfaces by creating a light paste and allowing it to sit for 30 minutes before wiping off. This paste works in places such as the bathtub, toilet, and sinks.

Baking soda also works well for removing odor-causing bacteria in shoes. Simply sprinkle some inside the soles of your shoes and let it absorb the bacteria before vacuuming it out.

2. Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds work as an excellent exfoliate for hard stuck-on food. The grainy texture of the coffee grounds removes gunk and debris from utensils, pots, and pans. Just take a handful of ground and scrub them into the surface before rinsing away to a clean surface.

3. Lemon slices

Lemons are a natural disinfectant. Fresh lemon slices can be added to a homemade cleaning solution of 1 part vinegar 1 part water to create a fresh scent and help you get a better clean. They can also be used to remove odor in the garbage disposal and stuck on food in the microwave.

When cleaning the garbage disposal, cut up a few slices of lemon and place them inside to help kill any odor-causing bacteria that may be coming from it. Let them sit a while before turning it on and letting them run through.

When cleaning the microwave, take a microwave safe bowl and fill it up with water. Add a few lemon slices and microwave on high 3 to five minutes before easily wiping away and stuck-on food using a microfiber cloth.

4. Rice

Struggling to clean the bottom of your favorite vase for the next set of flowers to go in? Here’s a great cleaning hack, clean it with a scoop of rice. Add a drop of soap, some warm water, and a scoop of uncooked grains into the bottom of it and swish it around. The edges of the uncooked rice will help scrub away the dirt and grime so your vase comes out clean every time.

5. Table salt

You may know that table salt can be used to soak up red wine stains, but did you know it can also be used to clean brass? Just by combining white cleaning vinegar, a slice of lemon, and a teaspoon of table salt you can have your very own brass cleaner. This solution works well for cleaning non-lacquered brass knobs and handles without damaging them.

6. Olive oil

Olive oil is a great thing to keep in the kitchen. Not only is it great cook with but it’s also great for helping you polish your stainless steel appliances. Just take a little bit of olive oil and dab it on a microfiber cloth and rub it into the stainless steel wiping with the grain. Using olive oil will help you get a nice clean finish on your stainless steel appliances while helping to prevent future watermarks.

7. Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the multiple purpose food sources that everyone should have in their pantry. It can be used for a variety of things throughout the house including but not limited to cleaning the counters, floors, bathrooms, and helping to kill unwanted odors.

Many people use vinegar as the basis of their own DIY surface cleaner. Take an empty spray bottle and fill it with one part water and one part vinegar. If you want to enhance the scent of your cleaner you can add a few drops of lemon, orange, or lavender essential oil which have their own antibacterial properties and will help you get a better clean.

8. Vodka

Similar to vinegar, vodka can also use as a natural deodorizer to help kill order causing bacteria. But instead of using it around the house, use it to kill order directly on your clothing. Just take an empty spray bottle and add a little bit of vodka to it, then spray down the items you want to clean and hang them in a well-ventilated area. This hack works really well to remove body odor that may be trapped in a garment.