Tag Archives: green

My dryer is a sock thief!

Posted on by Posted in Cleaning Tips .

My dryer loves to eat socks.

I don’t know why. Maybe they taste good; but it seems like every time I wash a load of laundry I lose a sock.

What do you do with your misfit socks? I keep mine with my cleaning products and use them as dusting cloths around the house. They work pretty well, actually.

Last week, I used a few to clean mini-blinds and they were perfect for the job. (Thank you for the idea, Pinterest!) I thought that with spring in the air and thoughts of cleaning in the back of your minds, I would share my secret to clean blinds.

I’m sure if you are an avid reader of my blog, you’ve heard me mention my “everything” cleaner. I’m not lying. I really do use this stuff for everything!

My “everything” cleaner is fruit peels fermented in vinegar for two weeks. I know it sounds gross, but it is super easy to do and works on everything! (Place fruit peels in a mason jar. Fill the jar with vinegar. Tighten the lid and let it sit for two weeks.  Pour one cup of the solution in a spray bottle and fill the spray bottle with water.)

Back to my blind cleaning extravaganza.

I took an old sock and put it on my hand like I would a sock puppet.  Then, I sprayed the “everything” cleaner on what would be the sock puppets mouth. Take the sock puppets mouth and clean one blind at a time using the sock to clean both front and back of the blind. Start at the top and work your way down for beautiful shiny blinds. Check it out!

Photo: Does your dryer have a habit of eating socks? I know mine does! Next time you lose a pair of socks, don't throw the misfit away. Save it to use as a duster around your house. I used them to clean the top and bottom of the blinds, like this.

 

Is your kid the smelly kid in class?

Posted on by Posted in Cleaning Tips .

Do you smell?

 

I mean, do your clothes smell?

 

You may not notice, but washing machines have a tendency to smell bad due to their design. Water sits in certain components, which then become a breeding ground for mold and mildew causing unpleasant odors.

 

If you live in a humid climate, constant moisture in the air prevents the water from completely evaporating.

 

So, how do you fix it?

 

By cleaning your washing machine.

 

It makes sense. You use your washing machine to get your dirty clothes clean, so let’s talk about ways to make your washer more efficient.

 

TOP LOADING:

 

1.)                Set washer to run on the hottest water and largest load setting. Do not add clothes or detergent. Once the wash bin is full, add 4 cups of vinegar to the water and allow the machine to agitate for one minute.

2.)                Add ½ cup baking soda and agitate washer for one minute.

3.)                Stop washer and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to one hour. Take this time to wipe the top of the washer, the knobs, and any dispensers.

4.)                Allow washing cycle to resume until the water begins draining.

5.)                Use a clean cloth to wipe the inside of the wash bin, the lid, and any other parts you did not get during the initial clean.

Remember to leave the lid open after each load, so the washing machine can dry completely.

 

FRONT LOADING:

 

1.)                Set washer to run on the hottest water and largest load setting. Do not add clothes or detergent. Once the wash bin is full, add 1 cup white vinegar to the water (via the dispenser) and allow the machine to agitate for one minute.

2.)                Wipe down door gaskets, seals and door interior with a soft cloth soaked in a separate 50/50 vinegar and water solution after the wash cycle finishes.

3.)                Rinse the door gaskets and seals after cleaning them with the vinegar solution to prevent deterioration and damage of the seal.

4.)                Make sure doors, gaskets and seals are completely dry. Leave the door slightly open to allow the wash bin to air out.

 

There you have it. A safe way to clean the appliances that keep you clean.

 

Maybe you’re wondering… “I’ve never washed my washing machine and I’m fine.”

 

Maybe.

 

But as put by University of Arizona microbiology professor Charles Gerba, “There is about a tenth of a gram of poop in the average pair of underwear.”

 

Fecal matter can carry different germs like E. Coli and salmonella. Underwear and towels are the worst culprits.

 

The acidity of the vinegar helps dissolve soap residue in the wash bin and is helpful in dissolving lime deposits in pipes. Baking soda cleans soap scum and deodorizes.

 

Want to see before and after pics of my washing machine? Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Miraclean

 

Don’t forget to ‘like’ our page while your there!