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We have a tendency to avoid things we don’t know how to do or that are unpleasant for us to do. That goes for cleaning too. Items that should be cleaned regularly get neglected or get just a cursory cleaning so you can say that you did it, but deep down you know it was only a half-hearted job. These short-cuts could be because it’s a task you hate doing or it could be because you simply don’t know how to clean it properly. Sometimes, you may not even know you need to clean it at all. However, these items still need to be cleaned.Â
These short-cuts could be because it’s a task you hate doing or it could be because you simply don’t know how to clean it properly. Sometimes, you may not even know you need to clean it at all. However, these items still need to be cleaned. We’ve gathered a dozen tricky-to-clean items and their simple cleaning solutions right here.
Washing Machine
Despite the fact that washing machines spend their lives making other things clean, they still need to be cleaned themselves. Whether your machine is a front loader or a top loader, keeping it clean is essential for clean and well-washed laundry. If you have a front loader, check this tutorial to get the machine totally clean. If you have a top loader, use this tutorial instead.
Range Hoods
Range hoods tend to get pretty greasy over time, and often, conventional cleaning methods just don’t get them clean easily. You may have to wipe them down multiple times, or you think they are clean, only to look moments later and see dust sticking to greasy hood you thought you’d cleaned to perfection just a few hours ago. Luckily, this method will get those hoods clean easily and every time.
Smooth Stove Top
If you have a smooth stovetop, there are extra easy ways to clean them, but you need to be careful. If you have ever read the care instructions for your smooth stovetop, you may have noticed a long list of things that you shouldn’t do or ways you shouldn’t clean. It can be a little scary when you go to clean the stovetop, but these directions will have it spic and span in no time.
Wooden Spoons
Wood items are hard to clean because they can’t go in the dishwasher and they can’t be soaked. It may seem like you can’t even put them in water for fear of warping or cracking the wood. But wood utensils are a little more durable than you might think. You do want to scrub a wooden spoon with soapy water in the sink. Then rinse well. Afterward, just let them air dry.
Toilet Ledge
That area between your toilet seat and the toilet tank is awkward to clean. When you don’t overlook it completely, you may find it hard to get any cleaning supplies into the small, weirdly shaped place. You may think it’s just impossible to clean well, and the job you do (even though you can’t really get the area well) is good enough. However, this tutorial will show you exactly how to clean the space as thoroughly as you’d like.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is great to cook with but can be pretty tricky to clean. Soap and water don’t work well and reduces the life of your cookware. You also cannot soak the cast iron since it has to be seasoned. Soaking absolutely ruins the seasoning. However, there are safe and effective ways to clean your cookware. This method will have that cast iron clean in no time.
Dishwashers
Even though dishwashers spend their lives with detergent and water in them, they still need to be cleaned regularly. All the gunk your washing off your dishes doesn’t always get completely washed away every time and can build up over time. Plus, hard water stains and build-up can affect your dishwasher’s performance. Check here for how to clean your dishwasher the easy way.
Bagless Vacuum
Bagless vacuums are becoming more and more popular, but they seem much trickier to clean than the simple bagged variety. After all, all you did with those was change the bag when it got full. Nothing to it. Bagless vacuums need their compartments and their filters cleaned regularly, and that can be daunting. However, this tutorial will make the task easy.
Disposable Razors
Yep. You can actually clean disposal razors. Cleaning them won’t sharpen up a dull blade, but it will help extend the life of the razor by keeping the blade clean. You’ll want to rinse the razor thoroughly after use, then soak it in isopropyl alcohol. Afterward, you can let it air dry. Check here for the full step-by-step tutorial and make those disposable razors last longer!
Drip Coffee Maker
Coffee makers often go a long time without being cleaned. It’s awkward and how many people are really sure how exactly these things are supposed to be cleaned? But a dirty coffee maker ensures that your coffee won’t taste as good and that the coffee maker won’t perform as well. Just follow this how-to and clean your coffee maker before it starts affecting your morning cup.
Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is generally a tough thing to clean since it’s up so high and since it’s usually the top of the blades that get the most dust. However, there are easy ways to get those fans clean (and if you don’t want to spray dust everywhere when you turn it on after a long winter, you want to clean them). This tutorial will show you exactly how to get the task done.
Cleaning Make-up Brushes
Makeup brushes often go a long time in-between cleanings, if they are thoroughly cleaned at all. But for something you need to put on your face, you really need to keep these brushes clean all the time to help keep your skin healthy and your makeup clean as well. This tutorial will show you exactly how to clean those make-up brushes the right way.
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