Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Random Cleaning Tips

Run lemon rind slivers through the garbage disposal then run cold water. This really freshens and cleans greasy insides.

Here’s another citrus tip! Add a cut up lemon, lime, or orange to 1 cup water in a large glass bowl. Add a ¼ cup vinegar and place in microwave. Boil the water and let sit for several minutes. Wipe clean. 

Sprinkle cutting boards with salt or baking soda, then rub with a cut lemon. This sanitizes too!

Dish soap works both inside the fridge and out. Wash all interior and parts with warm soapy water. Clean the outside of your stainless appliances with 1 teaspoon dish soap in 1 quart hot water. Wipe along with the grain, rinse with hot water. Dry immediately, again polishing with the grain. You can also use dish soap and warm water to wash your broom.

Use your washer! Reusable grocery bags can get smelly after a while. Wash with soap and warm water in the washer, then air fluff in the dryer. Your shower curtain will benefit from a quick wash too. Hang to dry. 

Clean your mattress. Vacuum well using the brush and crevice tool attachments. Wipe down with a damp cloth with water and baking soda. Blot with an old towel. Spray with Lysol and let air dry. Now you have a fresh smelling mattress.

Spray all your white grout liberally with CLR. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. Scrub with a stiff bristled brush and rinse. CLR is great for bathroom cleaning and it does not harm the environment.

Keep dirt from coming in. Have two mats at each door, one inside and one out. Hose down the outside one to clean. Vacuum the inside one; make sure to do both sides. 

Go through your makeup. Makeup more than 6 months old can cause rashes or even bacterial infections. Write on each item the date you purchased it. Clean your makeup brushes regularly with shampoo and warm water. 

Organize that purse. Use purse organizers for small items. Wipe down regularly with a disinfectant wipe. Purses have been tested and were found to have as much fecal matter as our phones— yuck!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO