Cleaning

Upholstered chairs add character and elegance to any room, but can be a real challenge to clean. You can’t simply throw them in the washing machine. It’s not difficult to keep upholstered chairs clean. Continue reading to find out how to clean upholstered chairs , what you will need, and to maintain their cleanliness longer.

How often should you clean upholstered chairs?

Cleaning upholstered chairs is best done when they are in good condition and have been used regularly. If you use your chairs daily, and they start to look worse for wear after a few weeks, clean them every season. Clean them once a year if they are rarely used to keep dust at bay and maintain their condition.

What you’ll need

What you need to clean your upholstered chair

• Vacuum cleaner with brush or upholstery attachment
• Warm water
• Use a gentle dishwashing or laundry detergent
• Washcloths that are clean
• For stains, you can use hydrogen peroxide (3%) or white vinegar.
• Brushes with soft bristles
• Steam cleaner (optional).
• Fans

Step 1: Vacuum

Vacuum your upholstered chairs as the first step. It will help remove dirt and grime from the surface and loosen any stains that are stuck on. Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum. If your vacuum does not have an upholstery attachment, you can use the brush. Sweep the vacuum with small, gentle strokes to lift and clean hair, crumbs and other debris. Work from the top to the bottom of the chair.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

Then, get the rest of your cleaning products together. It’s time to start making soap. Add a teaspoon of mild dish or laundry detergent to a large, warm bowl of water. Mix both together until you get a sudsy mixture.

Step 3: Spot clean

It’s now time to remove any stubborn stains. You can spot clean with either a commercial stain treatment or by making your own using 3% hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar. Dip a clean, dry cloth in the stain remover and dab the stain gently. Let it sit for 10 mins. While the stain remover is working, you can move onto the next step.

Step 4: Clean Your Chairs

You can dip another clean cloth in the mixture of soap and water you prepared earlier. Wring out excess liquid. Use the cloth to dampen all the upholstered surfaces of the chair. Be sure to moisten the surface without soaking it in water. As needed, dip your cloth into the soapy solution to add more cleaning agent.

Step 5: Scrub, Steam

Grab your brush with a soft bristle and scrub the mixture very gently into the upholstery. Work in small circular motions, moving from the top of the piece to the bottom.

Use your steam cleaner now. Steam clean the chair using small, crisscrossed brushstrokes.

Step 6: Rinse off and dry

Dip a clean, damp cloth into warm water to finish cleaning your upholstered chair. Sweep the damp cloth over the surface of the upholstered chair, and repeat as necessary with additional clean washcloths until the upholstery is free from suds.

Let the upholstery air dry overnight or over the course the day. Place the chair in an open room, with fans aimed at the furniture. The chair will dry evenly with the cross-breeze from this room. Space is an issue? You can also dry the chair outside in a shaded area for a couple of hours.

How to keep upholstered chairs clean longer

You can keep your upholstered chairs cleaner for longer by doing two things. First, treat any stains as soon as they appear. Do not let them sit. Second, apply a stain protection treatment to your chair to protect it from dirt and spills.

It’s a fact that our kitchens are often used and abused. You should regularly deep clean your kitchen. However, you might be neglecting to clean one important item that looks cleaner than it really is: your cabinets.

Cabinets are a magnet for dirt, grime and grease. It can be overwhelming to clean kitchen cabinets. Don’t worry, keep reading to learn how to accomplish this necessary and transformative task.

How often should you clean your kitchen cabinets?

Cleaning your kitchen cabinet is an important, but sometimes difficult task. The amount of time you spend cleaning your cabinets will depend on the frequency with which you cook. Consider cleaning your kitchen cabinets every two to four weeks if you cook each night. You’re not much of a cook at home? Keep them clean by cleaning them once a year.

What you’ll need

Are you ready to clean out your kitchen cabinets now? Before you start, here’s everything you need.

• Duster
• Washcloths that are clean
• Spray Bottle
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Baking soda
• Soft-bristle scrub brush
• Toothbrush

Step 1: Empty your cabinets

You’ll first need to empty your cabinets before you can begin deep cleaning. You can still clean your cabinets while they are full, but it will be more difficult and less thorough. It’s better to empty them before you start.

Step 2: Dust

Kitchens attract dirt and dust due to their messy use. Before cleaning the cabinets, dust must be removed.

Dust your kitchen cabinets by starting at the top and working your way down. Do not forget to dust inside the cabinets.

Step 3: Making a cleaner

It’s easy to make a cabinet cleaner. Mix a few drops dish soap and warm water into a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner directly on engineered wood cabinets, or those that have a glossy finish. Spray the cleaner on a microfiber towel before applying it to unfinished cabinets or hardwood cabinets.

Step 4: Clean inside

It’s now time to get serious about cleaning. Spray the cleaner inside the cabinets, then wipe it down with a damp cloth and elbow grease to remove the grime. After the cabinets have been cleaned with the cleaner, wipe them down with a damp clean cloth. Let the interior air dry before cleaning the exterior. Work your way up and down.

Step 5: Clean Outside

Start cleaning the outside of the cabinet using the same technique as you did the interior. Start by cleaning the top of the cabinets. There is likely to be a lot of dirt there, so pay extra attention. After you have finished cleaning the top of the cabinet, move downwards.

Step 6: Remove the Grease

The stovetop can produce many delicious meals, but can also create a greasy mess in your cabinets. Make a paste with 1/4 cup baking powder and 1/2 cup water to remove grease from your cabinets. The paste can be applied to any greasy areas and left for 5 minutes. Gently scrub it off. Use a damp, clean cloth to wipe down the area that has been treated.

Step 7: Trim the Corners and Trim the Trim

Be sure to pay special attention to the corners and trim of your cabinets before you stop cleaning them. Apply cleaner to a toothbrush to reach those hard-to-reach spots and gently scrub them to remove dirt and dust.

Step 8: Restore Items to Cabinets

After your cabinets look brand new, you’ll need to clean any mess that was made while cleaning them. As a result of the dust and dirt that was likely left behind by your cabinets, you’ll need to clean your countertops and sweep up your floors.

You can start putting the contents of your cabinets back in place once they are completely dry. Be sure to check your cabinets for any spots before you put them back. You should clean off any dirt or dust that you find to avoid stains or contaminating your cabinets.

How to keep your cabinets clean longer

Treat any spills or stains as soon as possible to keep your cabinets in top condition. You won’t need to worry about long-lasting stains. Use cabinet liners to protect the inside of your cabinets from dirt and stains. If the liners are dirty, you can clean them with dish soap and warm tap water.

Do you regularly clean your dishwasher filters? No? It’s easy to forget. It’s easy to overlook the dishwasher filter, which is another part of your kitchen you need to pay attention to regularly. Cleaning your dishwasher filter can be accomplished in a short amount of time and without any special tools. Continue reading to find out how to clean your filter and how often you should do it.

How often should you clean your dishwasher filter?

Dishwasher Filters prevent food from getting back onto your dishes and keep large food wastes out of your plumbing. It is important to regularly clean your filter, as a clogged one will stop your dishwasher draining properly. If you use your dishwasher daily or every other day, then it only needs to be cleaned once per month. If you run it more than once a day, however, clean the filter weekly. If you have just finished a cycle with a dirty or soiled wash, make sure to clean the filter after it finishes.

What you’ll need

Before you begin, gather all the supplies that you’ll need. What you will need is:

• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Scrubbing sponge or brush
• Dishwasher cleaning tablets
• White vinegar (optional).

Step 1: Remove bottom rack

It is easier to remove the bottom dish rack if you can. You can either lift or roll your bottom rack out of your dishwasher to place it elsewhere.

Step 2: Locate your filter

The filter is located at the bottom of the dishwasher and looks like a circular raised object. You can remove the filter by gently pulling up and twisting it. You may see arrows on your filter indicating which direction to point.

Step 3: Rinse the rims

Concentrate the water flow to the mesh. It may take some time for the mesh to loosen up because it is full of food particles or other grime. Fill a container up with warm soapy water, and soak the filter in there for 15 minutes if your filter is still dirty. After 15 minutes, remove the filter from the water to rinse off any remaining gunk.

Step 4: Clean Dishwasher Floor

Take a few minutes extra to clean your dishwasher’s floor now that you have removed the filter and bottom rack. Food and grime may get stuck and accumulate in the corners of your dishwasher, particularly near its opening or door.

It’s not too difficult to fix with a little elbow-grease. Scrub any stuck gunk with a sponge or brush dipped in soap. You don’t need to rinse it, as you’ll run the dishwasher’s ‘clean’ mode afterward.

Step 5: Restore Everything

To secure your filter, place it back into your dishwasher by twisting it in the opposite direction you removed it. The bottom rack can be rolled back into the dishwasher. Place a cleaning tablet in your dishwasher (or white vinegar in a bowl or mug) and let it run on the ‘cleaning’ cycle. This will give your dishwasher filter the final touch.

How to keep your dishwasher filter clean longer

You can keep your filter cleaner by removing any excess food from dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Some sauce or crumbs are okay, but avoid putting in a plate that still contains a half serving of last night’s potatoes. It will prevent excess food from getting stuck in the filter.

What else can you do? Regularly clean out your dishwasher. You can use dishwasher cleaning tablets or run a hot-water cycle with a bowl of vinegar in the bottom rack.

Wax warmers add a cozy scent to your home without the open flame of a candle. Wax warmers can be a great way to experiment with new scents. Wax warmers do require some cleaning, which candles don’t.

Cleaning your wax warmer is not difficult and can be done quickly when necessary. Continue reading to find out how to clean your wax heater, what you will need and how to maintain it. In no time, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite scents.

How often should wax warmers be cleaned?

When the wax in the warmers has run out, it should be cleaned. When the scented wax in your warmers stops smelling, you’ll know it has happened. You’ll also need to clean the wax warmers if there is a lot of dust in them from not using it for a while.

What you’ll need

It’s not necessary to use much cleaning solution to clean the wax warmer. What you will need is listed below.

• Cotton balls
• Paper Towels
• Sponge
• All-purpose cleaner
• Cleaning cloths (preferably Microfiber)
• Mineral Oil
• Spoon
• Freezer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare Your Wax Warmer

Gather your cleaning supplies and make sure your wax heater is turned off before you start. If your warmer is still on, it can cause a bigger mess and even burn you. Continue reading if the wax is still hot. If the wax has cooled and become hardened, move on to step 4.

Step 2: Remove Warm wax

Place a cotton ball, or a scrunched up paper towel in the warmer if the wax is still liquid and warm. This will absorb all the excess wax. It may take a few minutes for this to work. After the wax is absorbed, throw the cotton balls and paper towels into the garbage can. Never pour hot wax into a drain.

Step 3: Remove the Residue

You will still have some wax residue in your warmer. Grab a sponge, some all-purpose cleaner and scrub away the residue. Melamine sponges are great for tough stains.

Wipe any drips from the outside of the warmer with a dry cloth and a few drops mineral oil. Both areas can be dried with a microfiber towel.

Step 4: Remove Hardened Waxes

You have two options if your wax is past its prime but has hardened. The first option is quicker, but it takes more time. Option two is quicker, but requires a little more elbow grease. Place your wax warmer, which is fully cooled, in the freezer for 15 mins. This will make it easier but also slower. The cold air will shrink the wax and cause it to pull away from its sides. Take a spoon, and gently push the wax out from the sides of the warmer once it is removed from the freezer.

Turning your warmer on again is the second way to remove hardened wax! Turn it back on for a couple of minutes to warm up the sides and bottoms of the hardened wax. Then, using a spoon, gently scrape away the wax that has been slightly warmed.

If necessary, use the steps in step 3 to remove any remaining wax residue from both methods.

How to keep wax warmers clean longer

Consider two things if you want to reduce the frequency and save time of cleaning your wax warmer. High-quality waxes last longer and require less cleaning. Low-quality waxes are cheaper but they can be a bigger headache to clean.

Consider buying a reusable liner for your wax warmer. These liners, which are made of silicone, sit on the top of the wax warmer. They allow you to pop out the used wax. The liner may need cleaning occasionally, but this will be much less often than if you were to use a warmer that didn’t have one.

A bath is a wonderful way to relax and wind down after a busy day. If your shower drains slowly or even worse, does not drain at all, you can ruin the therapeutic experience. Cleaning your shower drain can help prevent most issues with shower drainage. Continue reading to find out when and how you should clean your shower drain.

How often should you clean your shower drain?

Clean the drains in your regularly used shower once a week to keep it running smoothly and prevent odors. Showers used less frequently, such as those in guest bathroom and spare rooms, should be cleaned every three months. Shower drain cleaning is essential to keep your plumbing and shower in top condition.

What you’ll need

What you need to clean your shower drain

• Water (both hot and boiling)
• Soap
• Drain snakes, electric or manual
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Melamine sponge
• Washcloths that are clean

Step 1: Clean Drain Cover

Be sure to clean the drain cover before removing it. Grab your gloves, lift the drain cover and remove any soap scum or hair that is stuck on. Let the drain cover soak in warm, soapy, water for a few minutes if it is still dirty.

Step 2: Remove the drain snake

Once you have access to your drain, it is time to use the auger (also known as a drain snake). Drain snakes can be used to remove large clogs, often made up of hair. Your drain snake can be either electric (operated using a drill) (or manual (operated manually).

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. Here are some tips: Push the snake down the drain until it feels resistance. You’ve encountered a clog. Rotate the snake to catch the blockage, then slowly remove it and dispose of the blockage. You risk losing the clog if you pull up the drain snake too quickly.

Step 3: Add Vinegar and Baking Soda

Baking soda and vinegar are two household items that can help you clear the rest of your drain. Boil four cups of hot water. Pour the boiling water into the drain, followed by a cup baking soda. Pour a cup white Vinegar into the drain. Let it sit there for 15 to 1 hour depending on the condition of the drain. The mixture should begin to fizz.

Step 4: Rinse it Out

Turn on the hot water in your shower after this time. Allow it to run for a few moments in order to remove any remaining vinegar and baking powder mixture. Replace the drain cover and rinse off any soapy water that has soaked into it.

Step 5: Cleanse the Surrounding Area

After you have cleaned and reassembled your drain, it’s time to clean around the drain. It probably got dirty between all the snaking and pulling. Scuff marks, grime, and buildup can be removed with a melamine sponge dampened in water. To remove any dirt left by the sponge, use a clean, damp washcloth.

How to keep your shower drain clean longer

Shower drain cleaning is not a fun task. Keep these tips in mind to keep your shower drain cleaner longer.

• On top of the drain cover, place a hair catcher that can be easily removed or a drain screen. These screens will prevent hair from entering your drain and stop it from becoming clogged.
• Avoid body wash, conditioner, and shampoos that contain large particles, such as oatmeal or other exfoliating materials. These ingredients can cause a blockage in your drain. If you don’t want to give up the oatmeal facial scrub, flush any particles in your pipes for a few minutes with hot water.

No one enjoys doing the toilet cleaning. It is a chore that must be completed, and done correctly. Toilets and bathrooms can be very germy places. Toilet cleaning isn’t difficult to do and you likely already have the necessary supplies. Continue reading to find out how to clean your bathroom.

How often should you clean your toilet?

Toilets are a great place to keep germs and bacteria. Toilets should be cleaned on a regular basis, preferably weekly or semi-weekly. If you have a shared toilet that is used often, clean it at least twice a week.

What you’ll need

You’ll want to ensure you have all the necessary supplies before you start cleaning your toilet. You probably already have the majority of these supplies.

• Commercial toilet bowl cleaner (optional)
• Baking soda
• Citric acid
• Essential oil
• White Vinegar
• Scrub brush
• Washcloths
• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Spray Bottle

Step 1: Clean your toilet bowl

First, you must clean the bowl. Douse the toilet bowl with a cleaner, scrub the surface and then let it soak.

Make your own toilet cleaner by mixing a half cup of baking soda, 2 tablespoons citric acid, and a few drops essential oils. Pour two cups of vinegar slowly over this mixture. Sprinkle the mixture on the inside of your toilet bowl. Let the vinegar sit and scrub it in while you clean.

Step 2: Clean Exterior

While the bowl cleaner is working, start cleaning the outside of the toilet. Wipe away dust and grime with a damp cloth. If you wish, spray the outside of the toilet with disinfectant.

Fill a spray bottle up with warm water, a few drops dish soap and wipe the toilet clean. Spray the solution on the outside of the toilet, paying special attention to the area under and around its lid. It is best to wipe it away with a fresh cloth.

Step 3: Back to the Bowl

It’s time to return to the toilet bowl. After your cleaner has soaked in the toilet bowl, it is time to flush it. It may be necessary to flush your toilet several times, or use a scrubber to remove any cleaner that has dried on.

Step 4: Clean out the toilet tank

Toilet tanks can accumulate mineral deposits, dirt and grime and need to be cleaned periodically. Take the lid off the tank and look inside to see if there is any rusty buildup.

Pour 4-6 cups white vinegar in the tank if it appears dirty. This will depend on how much cleaning it needs. Allow it to sit for up to 24 hours. Once this time has passed flush the toilet several times to remove the vinegar-water mixture.

Step 5: Remove the hidden spots

Be sure to check all areas before you stop cleaning the toilet. The toilet bowl under the toilet rim and the hinges in the back of the seat are common places that people forget to clean. Also, don’t forget the rims or ridges on the floor where the plumbing meets the toilet.

How to keep your toilet clean longer

Your toilet will be a whole lot easier to clean if it’s cleaned regularly, so try to build in a rhythm of a quick toilet-scrub-and-wipe when cleaning your bathroom. You can also keep your toilet clean longer by using toilet cleaning tablets. Toilet cleaning tablets are placed near the edge of the bowl, and they release cleaning agents each time you flush the toilet.