What if this spring, the secret to a sparkling clean home is hiding in plain sight? We’re letting you in on a little secret: forget the harsh chemicals and costly cleaners. This year, go back-to-basics with a few pantry hacks that turn everyday items into cleaning powerhouses.
Window Wonders with Coffee Filters
Tired of lint-covered windows? Coffee filters are designed to absorb liquids, making them very effective at soaking up cleaning solution and dirt. Spray your windows with a classic vinegar solution – 1 part distilled white vinegar to 1 part warm water and wipe with a coffee filter. The gentle texture ensures a scratch-free, lint-free shine. Dislike the smell of vinegar? Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Saje essential oils are a great choice! Proudly Canadian, all products are made locally and are 100% natural.
Crayon Catastrophe? Mayo to the Rescue
Little artists gone wild? Mayonnaise, with its oil-based solution, breaks down crayon wax effortlessly. Dab a small amount on the mark, let it sit for a few minutes and wipe away. Mayonnaise is a relatively gentle cleaning agent, making it safe for use on most wood furniture and floors. Looking to shop locally? Neal Brothers is Canadian-owned and has expanded its product line to include mayo. And, while Hellmann’s Mayonnaise is an American-owned brand, it has been produced in Ontario for over 75 years.
Lampshade Refresh with Lint Rollers
Dust and pet hair clinging to lampshades? A lint roller provides a gentle, versatile solution. By regularly removing dust and debris, you can help prolong the life of your lampshades. Plus, a clean lampshade brightens the room and reduces allergens.
Vase Revival with Rice
Long-necked vases can be a cleaning nightmare. But uncooked rice, acting as a gentle abrasive, scrubs away stubborn stains. Pour rice and soapy water into the vase and swirl. Uncooked rice, especially long-grain rice, has just the right amount of texture to act as a gentle abrasive. Remember to rinse thoroughly!
Vinegar Victory for Shower Heads
Mineral deposits clogging your showerhead? Fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the showerhead, and let it soak. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves buildup, restoring water flow. The soak time can be adjusted depending on the severity of the buildup. As a family-owned, Canadian company, Allen’s offers a selection of food-grade Cleaning Vinegars, made with all-natural ingredients, as well as natural scented options (lemon, lavender, pine).
Pet Hair Be Gone with Dish Gloves
Pet hair clinging to furniture? Slip on dish gloves and run your hands over the surface. The static electricity attracts hair, making it easy to gather and dispose of. This is a perfect solution for quick cleanups between vacuuming.
