Author: Home Maid Better

Among cleaning chores, scrubbing the oven is a daunting task for many homeowners. It’s not a surprise this task is often skipped because the grime there isn’t that noticeable. However, leaving the dried, baked-on chunks for too long can be hazardous.

Perhaps you’ve already tried to give maintenance to your oven, but scrubbing away all those stubborn spots can take more time and effort than you can spare.

Don’t worry; there is a way to eliminate that disgusting gunk and grease covering the surfaces without putting too much work on it. Do you want to know how? Just keep reading!

Cleaning your oven with vinegar steam

Although some ovens have self-cleaning options, many people prefer not to use them as they can be dangerous. Usually, the oven is heated up to 900°, reducing to ashes any residue; but there are instances of burned fuses and control panels, as well as ovens catching fire.

But don’t worry; you can rely on white vinegar, which is always a popular choice in cleaning chores. Put this method into practice if you don’t want to put your oven at risk of a fire or if it simply doesn’t have any self-cleaning option.

Step 1. Get the oven ready

First, remove everything inside the oven: racks, trays, frying pans, etc. You can wash them apart more practically—for example, in the sink with soapy water.

Step 2. Make a cleaning solution

For the cleaning solution, you will need to fill a deep baking pan or an oven-proof container with water and one cup of vinegar. Depending on the size of your oven, you can use as little as half a cup of vinegar.

Step 3. Time to heat it up

Place the vessel into the oven, close the door, and turn the heat to 350°. You’ll need to let it heat, boil, and steam for about 30 minutes. Check it from time to time to decide if you need to wait for longer—it can take up to an hour to form a good amount of steam.

Step 4. Get rid of the mess

Once the steam settles and moistens the stains, grab a damp microfiber cloth and wipe until every nook and cranny is clean. You might need to apply pressure to remove some stains.

How to clean your oven with vinegar and baking soda

It can happen that your oven still has some grime stuck to the walls after the steaming treatment. That can be normal depending on the time since the food got stuck and how many times it has been heated.

You can solve that problem with this thorough method that involves baking soda and vinegar. It takes longer, but it will remove any lingering grease or stains on the walls.

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Are you sure you have everything you need? It might not look like it, but great tools might be missing from your cleaning kit. Here are five overlooked items you should try today.

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Dirty baseboards are enough to make a room look unkempt. However, their location makes them so easy to neglect, and it’s worse when you can’t bend over to scrub.

The good news is that you can clean baseboards easily, even if you have bad knees or a sore back. Read on to learn how to clean baseboards without bending over!

First, prepare handy cleaning tools

Your comfort is the priority, and extending your reach is the best way to clean your baseboards without strain. Here are some tools you can use to tackle this chore:

• Broom with a cloth attached: Wrap microfiber cloth around the brush and hold it in place with a couple of rubber bands.
• Microfiber sock on a stick: A tool you can make in seconds. Slip a yardstick inside the softest sock you have.
• Vacuum cleaner with a wand attachment: The best dust remover for this chore. You can dust your baseboards thoroughly without bending over with an extension wand.

Remember to remove dust before washing the baseboards.

Dusting first is mandatory to clean the floor trim effectively; otherwise, you’d be risking scratching the surface. The recommended way to remove all the debris is using a vacuum cleaner, but you’ll need an extension wand with the brush add-on.

Now that you cleared the way, it’s time to leave the baseboard spotless.

How to clean baseboards without bending over

The objective of this method is to save you time, effort, and even money. After you’re done, you’ll only need to keep your baseboards dust-free with weekly vacuuming and rewash them at least twice a year.

Step 1: Choose a cleaning solution

Here are two excellent cleaning solutions you can prepare in minutes. Whichever you choose, you’ll have nice results.

• Soapy water: You don’t have to be exact with quantities. Just add enough dish soap to a gallon of water. Remember to rinse afterward to avoid a sticky layer on the wooden trim.
• White vinegar: This is a handy cleaner you hopefully have in your kitchen already. The smell might seem like an issue at first; however, it dissipates quickly and needs no rinsing. Mix equal parts of white vinegar with warm water and throw everything inside a spray bottle.

Note: Since not all wooden trim is the same, spot-test the vinegar before using it.

Step 2: Clean the baseboards bottom to top

When cleaning the baseboards, using the proper technique can help you avoid a mess. 

First, dip the wiping tool in the soapy water or spray the vinegar solution directly on the baseboards. Then, start from the bottom and work your way up. This way, you’ll pick up any water dripping down and prevent streaks.

Step 3: Finish with dryer sheets

The same dryer sheets you use for laundry have a special coating that prevents your baseboards from becoming magnets for hairs and dust. These sheets will also give the trim a subtle luster so that the wood can look its best. 

In this step, get in a comfortable position on a comfortable seat and wipe the whole trim.

Is the rest of the house in need of some love too?

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Cleaning your hardwood floor can be a double-edged sword: You can leave it with a beautiful appearance or wreck it. Are you worried about having dull floorboards and faded colors? You can avoid it easily.

Make your floor stand out in a good way all the time. Here’s how to clean your hardwood floors in three easy steps.

Why is cleaning your hardwood floor so challenging?

Hardwood floors are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. If you’re not careful and use hot water or too much moisture, it can affect the floorboards. Besides, harsh chemicals are not an option since they can scrape off the finish and cup the boards. 

How to clean a hardwood floor in 3 steps

This chore is pretty simple, but you have to do it carefully. The good news is that once you finish cleaning, it’s even easier to keep your hardwood floor spotless. You’ll only need to mop the boards once a week.

Note: Not all hardwood floors are made the same, so it’s crucial that you spot-test any cleaning solution to avoid damaging the finish.

Step #1. Dust the floor first

You shouldn’t clean the floors if there are specks of dirt lying around. If you don’t remove the dry dirt first, you’ll only spread the dust and leave the floor streaky. 

Sweeping the floors will work. However, if you want better results, use a vacuum cleaner. Go slowly and carefully to avoid scratching the floor with the wheels and brush bar. Using your vacuum cleaner’s “hardwood floor” setting is preferable. 

Step #2. Scrub grime and mineral buildup off

Before mopping the whole floor, check for tiny stains that need special attention. Those spots are usually grime stains or mineral residue from hard water.

The best way to deal with these spots is by dissolving them. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda and scrub with the corner of a damp cloth. Be sure to use just enough baking soda, or it could dry the wooden finish. You can also use half and half rubbing alcohol with water.

In the case of greasy spots or oil spills, dish soap and water can cut through them effectively. Don’t forget to rinse any residue with a slightly damp mop.

Step #3. Mop your wood floor clean

You can buy a special cleaning agent for your hardwood floors. However, the DIY way is an option too.

White vinegar is a great alternative for many cleaning tasks, and it’s cost-effective and easy to use. If you’re worried about its acidity, you could reduce this property with water. The safest mix for your floors is ½ cup of vinegar in one gallon of warm water—don’t forget to spot test first! 

Dip the mop in the solution and wring it as much as possible. Then, start at the edges and work your way across the floor in a narrow “s” motion. Finally, dry the floor using another mop or turn on a fan and let it dry!  

Get help to keep up with a clean home

Nothing beats a tidy house, but it can become a tall order. However, the cleaning professionals at Home Maid Better can help you keep up with the chores and return you some of your free time. Click here to request an estimate!