Guest Blogger: Top Secrets for Tackling Tough Housecleaning Problems

Guest Blogger #540, Entry #1216, May 23, 2012

Maintaining a clean home can be a challenge, but following a few basic rules can make the job easier for anyone. Don’t allow the mess to take over. Instead, tackle the clutter and dirt head on. Whether you are dealing with children tracking in dirt or a load of clutter that sneakily finds its way into your house, there are some tips to get some of the hard-to-clean nooks of your house under control.

Tackle some of your hardest cleaning challenges

Image via: Bhg

Eliminate Sticky Shower Door Scum

Shower door soap scum can be some of the hardest material to clean off. You’ve probably experienced the frustration of using all the best cleansers with no results. Professional housecleaners can offer some tips you would never have thought of on your own. The trick is to let the scum dry. Since soap won’t work on this stuff, get a 4-inch plastic putty knife and start scraping.

Remove Resistant Rust

Rust doesn’t budge when scrubbed with even the most abrasive cleansers, but there is a way to see porcelain all white again. Look for a rust stain remover with hydrochloric acid or hydrogen chloride. Do not use a product with bleach because even though it may seem like an obvious choice, the bleach will just set the stain and make it permanent. For your toilet, try Super Iron Out and a stiff nylon brush.

Rewind Spills and Stains

There’s nothing worse than watching spaghetti sauce or butter hit a porous surface. From experience, you know it’s going to leave a mark. The tip is to have stain pens on hand. Yes, they really work. If you were skeptical, take it from the pros; detergent and bleach pens really do work to remove stains from upholstery, grout, caulk, and porcelain.

Erase Hard Water Stains

Hard water stains can make any shiny surface look dull, so consider investing in a water softener. In the meantime, to clear away the mineral build-up that may have already formed, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. Spray on all surfaces dulled by hard water and allow the vinegar to penetrate for a few minutes. Wipe clean with a damp sponge and repeat as often as needed to remove the stains. Another natural cleaning agent that can help get rid of hard water stains is a lemon cut in half. Rub it over the surface before wiping it clean. If these methods don’t work, consider purchasing a chemical-based product that is formulated to cut through hard water stains.

How do your remove stubborn stains?

Image via: Kohler

Vertical and Horizontal Blinds

Blinds are major collectors of dust, lint, and pet hair that can be difficult to remove. Before you try wiping it with a wet solution, use a vacuum cleaner brush or crevice attachment to remove as much as possible. If that doesn’t work, repurpose your blow dryer. Starting at the top and working your way down, move the blow dryer nozzle back and forth along each slat to blow the loose hair away. Now when you use your wet solution, removing the dust, lint, or hair will be much easier.

Use Microfiber Cloths

Instead of wasting paper towels or using old rags that are no longer absorbent, try microfiber cloths for cleaning. The static charge created by the cloth helps pick up even the most resistant dust and dirt. You can clean windows, TV screens, computer monitors, sinks, and almost any other surface without having to use chemical sprays.

Microwave Magic

One of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen is the microwave, so it stands to reason that it often gets caked with splatters and spills that become cooked on. Fill a glass with water, place it in the oven, and turn on the microwave long enough for the water to create steam. Leave the glass in the microwave for five or ten minutes so the steam can loosen the dirt. Now all you have to do is wipe it down with a wet sponge to make it sparkle. If the microwave has a turntable, you can stick it in the dishwasher next time you run a load.

Tips for cleaning your microwave

Image via: Kitchen.Pinterest

Vacuum Last

Straighten and clean everything before you vacuum. With everything out of the way, you can move much more quickly. You also won’t have to vacuum the dust and dirt again after it falls from other surfaces. For hard-to-remove pet hair, try one super high-tech trick: duct tape. Seriously, it works.

Tough housecleaning problems don’t have to get the best of you. Tackle them with intelligence and let the tools do most of the work.

Steven Feldner is a full time blogger and writer. He writes for  Harvey Water Softeners where you can find out more about water softeners.

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