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A Clean Sweep
Tips and Tricks for Quick Cleaning By Kelly Burgess
) to help her remember them and to share them with others. Here are a few of her personal favorites:
Bathroom odors: Place an opened box of baking soda behind the toilet to absorb bathroom odors.
Carpet stains: Baby wipes are miracle-workers on carpet stains. From motor oil to blood, they remove almost anything!
Crayon on walls or washable wallpaper: Spray with WD-40, then gently wipe, using a paper towel or clean cloth. If the mark is stubborn, sprinkle a little baking soda on a damp sponge and gently rub in a circular motion. If the WD-40 leaves a residue, gently wipe off with a sponge soaked in soapy water; rinse clean; blot dry. Another method is to use a hair dryer it heats the wax and wipes away instantly. If the color remains, like red usually does, wet a cloth with bleach and wipe.
Fish or other food odors: Place a bowl of white vinegar on the counter for a few hours. The odor will disappear for good.
Pet urine on carpet: First, blot up what you can with paper towels. Then, with warm, soapy water and a clean cloth, blot the area clean; rinse with clean water; blot until dry. Next, combine 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup water and dab it on stain; rinse with clean water; blot until dry. Once the area is totally dry (at least 24 hours), sprinkle entire carpet with baking soda or rug deodorizer; vacuum after a few hours.