There are so many safe and efficient cleaning agents around the home which are suitable for cleaning even the most yucky spills. In this article we'll see that often the best treatments for the worst muck, is a good old-fashioned scrub.
1. Cleaning Glue From Garments
The first thing to remember is that heat helps glue to set, so never clean up glue with hot water. Use ice cubes, a cold pack, or frozen peas to freeze the glue. Once this is done, carefully scrape off the glue, then wash garment in biological washing powder according to manufacturers instructions.
Cleaning Glue Off Wooden and Laminated Surfaces
Again, no hot water should be used. Freeze glue as before, then very carefully scrape it off before wiping down with cold water and washing powder. If you have access to WD40, this is also helpful to remove glue. Just apply to the area and leave for a couple of minutes, then carefully wipe off with a cold, damp cloth.
2. Cleaning Pet or Human Vomit Off Carpets
It's a good idea to prepare for this very mucky job before you tackle it.
You'll Need:
- A wad of paper towels.
- A pair of gloves and about three plastic bags placed one into each other so as to create one layered bag.
- A basin (not used in the kitchen) of cold water, an old sponge, and lastly, bicarbonate of soda (a must in every home).
Method
Lift solid bits with the paper towels and place into bag, then soak up liquid residue with more paper towels. Once this is done, wash the spot with cold water and sponge. Soak up all moisture with kitchen towels and place in bag, then dispose of responsibly. Cover the entire affected area with bicarbonate of soda not only to neutralize the smell, but to absorb any remaining liquid. Leave for at least 90 minutes then vacuum.
3. Cleaning Smelly, Dirty Trainers
For The Inside:
There is a trick to keep trainers or running shoes from beginning to smell in the first place; insert insoles, especially the odorless kind (made of charcoal) into your shoes when they're new and you could have odor-free shoes. Of course you have to remember to change the insoles regularly. If you haven't already done so, it is not too late. To treat older shoes, wrap some bicarbonate of soda in a strip of gauze, insert into shoes and leave overnight. Once this is done, use odor control insoles, look for the odorless ones, as the perfumed varieties smell worse than before when the sweat is mixed in with them.
For The Outside:
Check manufacturers' guidelines before putting them in the washing machine, but this is not a good idea for regular cleaning because constant washing like this damages small parts and the shape of the shoes. If you must put them in a washing machine, make sure that they are enclosed in a washing bag. Ultimately, the safest way to clean trainers is by hand.
For Hand Washing You Will Need:
- A hand-brush
- An old toothbrush
- A washing basin
- Bio washing powder
- Warm water
- Stain remover
- Small hand towel
Method:
Mix a solution of a stain remover like "Vanish" with water and pour into a bottle with a spray top. Shake well before spraying on shoes, then wipe soft plastic bits firmly with the towel. Wash off towel constantly in the bowl of warm soapy water as you proceed. Use the hand-brush to clean larger cloth and canvas parts, remembering to wash brush thoroughly as cleaning progresses.
Use the small toothbrush for small, hard-to-reach areas. Use the spray bottle on very dirty bits, as the stain remover will help to get rid of nasty stains. Brush until satisfied with results. Trainers can return to their former glory after just a few minutes of cleaning. Leave to dry in an airing cupboard, but ideally in the sunshine.
4. Cleaning The Kitchen Bin
The secret to a kitchen bin that doesn't smell is regular cleaning. Simply wash the bin weekly with a basin full of water mixed with a cap full of bleach. Air dry ideally, but if not, dry completely with an old kitchen cloth, (maybe one kept especially for this job). Always use a bin liner and empty it as soon as it's full to avoid nasty spillages around the edge of the bin.
If you prefer not to use bleach, just mix 100ml of white vinegar into a small basin of water (don't forget that if you've just used a piece of lemon, you can add the unusable skin to your solution). This mixture will work just as well for freshness.
5. Cleaning Pet and Human Feces Off Carpet
