Freezer Cleaning Tips

View fullsize

The freezer is a long-term food storage appliance where it is easy to forget what is in there. Most people are excellent at cleaning the refrigerator but tend to forget about the freezer.

Minor leaks and spills mostly go uncleaned for an extended period and accumulate in the nooks and crannies of the freezer. Leftover foods from dinner parties and other occasions are usually thrown into the freezer which results into bad odor over time. It is important to set aside time to freshen up the freezer once in several months if it does not fall into the house cleaning routine.

Cleaning out the freezer can be quite challenging especially where there is a large amount of frost build up. However, with the more modern freezers, you are likely not to encounter this problem.

You will need at least a day’s planning depending on the size and contents of the freezer to simplify the process. Outlined below are a few freezer cleaning tips that should consider following.

1. Remove all the food

You can put some of the food from your freezer in the refrigerator if there is enough room. You can also create more space by throwing out some stale and unrecognizable elements in the fridge. If there still isn’t enough space for all your foodstuffs, you will need to prepare several larger coolers. Place a layer of ice at the bottom of all the coolers. Proceed to relocate all the food into the coolers and place another layer of ice on the food. If you think the cleaning process will not take much time, you can place the food on the kitchen counters while you clean.

2. Switch off and unplug the freezer

Ensure the freezer is fully disconnected from any power source. This will prevent any occurrence of an electric shock during the defrosting and cleaning process. Also, it will speed up the melting of the ice in the freezer. Additionally, you should move the freezer to avoid damage to the floors during cleaning. Where necessary, place old towels or newspapers under the freezer.

3. Defrosting the freezer

Every freezer is designed differently. As a result, you will need to refer to the instruction manual for defrosting guidelines. If you cannot locate your manual, you can visit the manufacturer’s website for a digital copy. If you are pressed for time, there are two ways to speed up the defrosting process.

• a. Put hot water in a larger bowl and place it inside the freezer. Close the lid to allow the hot steam to melt the ice in the freezer. Depending on the amount of ice and frost, you may need to change the hot water several times.

• b. Use a hair dryer set at low heat. Carefully direct the warm air on the interiors of the freezer. The melting ice should at no point come into contact with the dryer to avoid electrocution.

4. Clean

A lot of water will have accumulated at the bottom of the freezer from the melted ice. Use a container to remove most of that water. You can also use a towel to wipe out the remaining water in the appliance. If there are any removable shelves, take them out of the freezer. Use warm soapy water to clean and scrub any tough stains with a sponge. Rinse the shelves thoroughly and allow them to air dry. Make a warm solution of vinegar or baking soda and detergent to clean the walls of the freezer. Dip a soft towel in the solution and gently wipe the inside of the appliance. You can also place the solution in a spray bottle. Spray small amounts of the solution as you wipe down with a cloth. Repeat this step severally until to remove stains. Use a toothbrush to scrub out stubborn food gunk. Rinse the interior of the freezer with clean water. Use the warm soapy water also to clean the exterior walls of the freezer.

5. Dry the appliance

Use microfiber cloths or paper towels to dry the interior walls of the freezer. Remove all the moisture to prevent ice from forming.To eliminate any unwanted smells, place a bowl of activated charcoal in the freezer and close the lid.

6. Turn on the freezer

Many manufacturers recommend the deep freezer should run for at least six hours before placing any foods. Once this period has expired, you can begin to place all the frozen food in the freezer. Organize the food according to those with a longer frozen shelf life which should be placed at the bottom.

There is really no easier way of cleaning the freezer. However, you can shorten this process by cleaning the appliance three times a year.

How to Make Your Home Smell Great

Don’t you just love it when you walk into your home, and it smells good? Or better yet, when a visitor compliments the smell of your house? Some of these smells bring back great memories, for example, the distinctive smell in your grandparents’ home.

The simplest and cheapest way to make your house smell good is to open the windows and doors. Fresh air removes bad odor from the house leaving it smelling fresh and clean. However, this method is not effective during extreme weather such as winter and summer.

Fortunately, there are various other inexpensive ways to make your house smell great. The first step to ensuring that your house smell great is to remove any bad odor. You can make use of some of the tips and tricks discussed below to get that fresh scent in your home.

1. Carpets

Carpets soak up unwanted odors from other house smells, kids or pets. You can quickly remove by cleaning the carpet with some baking soda and cinnamon. Mix these two equal portions of these ingredients in a container, preferably a spray bottle. Spray this solution onto the rug and let it sit in for roughly twenty minutes. Proceed to vacuum your carpet as usual. This will leave your carpets smelling fresh. You can also use some commercial carpet clean to eliminate the foul smell.

2. Make some stovetop potpourri

Stovetop potpourri is an excellent way to freshen your house at any time. Chop some slices of lemons, oranges, apples, cloves, herb of choice and place them into a pot of water on low heat. Keep adding a little amount of water to the pot after every thirty minutes. The steam will spread the sweet scent throughout your home. This is a great trick when expecting guests.

3. Essential oil diffuser

Diffusers have become quite popular now especially if they contain essential oils. They are easy to use because all you need to do is fill it with water, add several drops of essential oils and switch it on. The diffuser creates a mist that spreads the scent of the oils in your entire house. The essential oil you use will determine the scent of your home. You can begin by trying out different fragrances until you achieve the desired smell. Also, you can combine several essential oils at a time to get a customized home scent.

4. Cook something delicious

Cooking some foods makes the house smell so great. Onions are an example of such foods. If you are expecting guest for dinner, begin by frying some onions before people start to arrive. All your guests will be welcomed with an aromatic smell of a home-made meal. You may also consider baking some bread or cooking which will add a warm, delicious scent in your house.Try to avoid greasy foods such as bacon or those with heavy scents such as garlic.

5. Do the laundry

One of the best scents in the house is that of freshly done laundry. If you want the house to have a pleasant smell, start doing laundry. To enhance the scent, you can combine the laundry with some scented dryer sheets. This will do the trick.

6. Clean the house

House cleaning goes a long way to eliminate bad smells in a home. Use some scented detergent with a few drops of vinegar to clean all surfaces such as furniture and kitchen counters. You can also spray some fabric freshener on your couch and curtains leaving them smelling fresh and lovely.

Part of cleaning includes throwing out old rugs, removing damp towels from the bathroom and decluttering the house. Also, ensure that the bathroom is thoroughly attended to which prevent the growth of mold on the wet door and windowsills.

The kitchen can be a major source of odor which is why the garbage disposal should be cleaned regularly. A solution of vinegar and baking soda poured down the garbage disposal drain will leave the kitchen smell clean.

7. Introduce plants into the house

Plants not only beautify and add life to a space but also naturally purify the air. Some plants have pleasant smells and are fit to be indoors. Lilies, oregano, orchids, Arabian jasmines, eucalyptus are some of the plants that can be placed in the house. Moreover, adding a few fresh herbs in the kitchen such as mint can be heavenly.

Apply some of these tricks to add some freshening to your home. Remember to constantly air your house frequently too.

Cleaning Your Baby Stroller

When your baby stroller becomes contaminated, possibly with food, milk, saliva or other substances, you should clean it immediately. It is essential for your child's health. The nasty stroller is the perfect place to grow harmful bacteria, both for your child and for anyone. But, mainly, regular cleaning and maintenance will prevent a significant decrease in physical condition and guest value.

Materials

• A vacuum cleaner

• 2 towels

• Small bucket of water

• Some soap/detergent

• Sponge

• Scrubbing brush

• Toothbrush.

(Remember that you should not use any bleach or whitening materials, as they can fade out of the nursery tissue.)

Cleaning the Fabric

To clean the baby stroller fabric, it must be completely emptied (we recommend doing this outside).

1. Removal: Remove all that can be removed from the stroller: trays, napkins, blankets, and pillows.

2. Mold check: Check for mold or fungus. If you find mold or mildew in the stroller, place some vinegar on the affected area and spray it with a small amount of baking soda and wait about an hour, or a mold cleaning agent (follow instructions on the cleaner.

3. Scrub: Using a scrubbing brush, get areas where food is sticking. You may have to use Goo Gone, Goof Off, or another cleaning agent to remove gum/hard candy.

4. Wash the fabric: Wash the fabric in the washing machine. Typically, it’s washer safe, but check manual to make sure.

5. Dry the fabric: Check the stroller manual for drying instructions. Typically, after washing, you transfer the fabric to the dryer and dry on a normal setting for approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

6. Repeat: Repeat, if necessary.

Cleaning the Stroller Body

1. Vacuum the body of the baby stroller methodically.

2. Use a towel to clean the body, and a scrubbing brush to remove tougher areas stained with food.

3. Rinse with a hose.

4. Dry.

5. Inspect the body.

6. Repeat, if necessary.

That’s It!

There you have it. This is my method for cleaning a stroller, and it works just fine. Of course, there are thousands of methods out there, and a ton of strollers are different. Please feel free to share your tricks and tips with Out of Sight Cleaning.

What is a deep house cleaning?

We all know those areas we avoid cleaning until it is absolutely necessary. When the oven starts making smoke signals. When the inside of your microwave looks like a competition of kids finger painting project. When you have such a greasy situation, the payoff is huge- its time you stop putting aside those deep cleaning tasks! Deep Cleaning entails cleaning or washing down your doorframes, baseboards, cabinets, windowsills, carpet, and doors. You also need to clean fan blades, light fixtures, blinds, and perfume a detailed kitchen and bathroom cleaning.

General House Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

It is highly beneficial to deep clean the entire house at least once every year to remove all debris and dust and debris completely for a cleaner home and to enhance a healthier environment. However, deep cleaning each room of your house can turn out to be a tedious task and if that the case, you can always hire the services of professional home cleaners to effectively clean every inch of your home. These professionals understand the hassles of everyday life where everyone is so busy with work, family, and social life, barely leaving no time to clean your house properly. Typically, deep cleaning covers areas that are not traditionally covered by spring or regular cleaning. These areas include:

• Behind kitchen appliances such as washing machine, oven, and cutting through the grimes that build up beneath the sink.

• Full and deep dusting all the corners of the rooms for cobwebs

• Inside of patio doors and window frames

• Inside your oven and don’t forget the oven door glass

• Outside and inside of all windows

• Scale removal from all kitchen tiles, bathroom tiles, taps, shower heads, and more

Deep Cleaning the Entire Home checklist

The key aspect to keeping a healthy and happy home is maintaining a well-cleaned home and you can’t achieve this without a thorough deep house cleaning. Typically, this is what deep house cleaning entails:

Dust and vacuum cleaning: Hard-to-reach places, ledges, light fixtures, windows, and above the cabinets need to be cleaned thoroughly. Typically, you need to remove obstacles and clean all the areas that tend to be too hard to reach during a normal cleaning routine.

Cabinets or Drawers: Empty your cabinets and drawers one after the other and wipe them with a clean cloth. Then give them a vacuum, and you can also use favorite cleaning spray. Not forgetting where your eyes land, don’t forget to wipe down your cabinet faces as well.

Couch and Chairs: Take out all cushions to allow you to vacuum the creases where cans, pet hair, and snack debris, popcorn love to call home. Also, you can move the couches to clean behind it if it sits against the wall and underneath where most dirt particles lay.

Carpet: carpet cleaning is the centerpiece of your deep cleaning. You need to clean spots, stains, and dust in your carpet to ensure that the whole family is healthy and that they enjoy a cleaner interior environment

Blinds: deep cleaning is not complete without giving your blinds a thorough cleaning by spraying them with some vinegar and scrupulously scrubbing them down.

Faucet: Wipe your faucets and showerheads with vinegar and remember to also clean out the aerators.

Windows: Vacuum your window tracks and windowsills and try to remove bugs and cobwebs from the window screens.

Vent Covers: Remove your HVAC vent covers and clean them thoroughly in a sink with luke-warm soapy water.

Garbage Cans: Sanitize and wipe out garbage cans, your recycling bins, flowerpots, and wastebaskets.

Doors: ensure that you wipe down your doors as well as doorframes for all the dust, fingerprints, and smudges.

Ceiling Fans: dust and wipe down the ceiling fan blades

Kitchen: you can use vinegar and baking soda clean the sink, microwave, oven stovetop, cabinets, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher. Also, remember to remove fire hazard at the bottom of your toaster.

Bathroom: Remove your shower curtains and wash them. Also do a thorough cleaning to your toilet, toothbrush holder, and grout.

Bottom line

The best way to avoid a strenuous deep cleaning is by practicing continual upkeep. If you clean your home regularly, the next time you confer with the above Deep Cleaning checklist, your house will be in a right place.

Carpet Care & Maintenance Guide

How long your carpet will last and appeal depends on the care it will receive. Cleaning and maintain your carpet will keep it looking great, help improve the indoor air quality and keep your carpet warranties intact.

A dirty carpet is likely to wear out more quickly, and you will be obliged to cover the expenses of a premature carpet replacement. Besides, when you keep a dirty carpet in your office, it will negatively affect your business environment by sending the wrong message to your valued customers and guest. Carpets trap micropollutants including bacteria allergens, and dust mites, which may impede the ability of your company to sustain a healthy workplace environment. Here are five carpet care tips that are essential for proper maintenance of your carpet.

Vacuum cleaning

Effective vacuum cleaning is an integral part of proper carpet maintenance. A carpet needs to be vacuumed once every week and more often if you have heavy traffic. Vacuuming frequently will prolong the lifespan of your carpet by preventing a massive buildup of gritty particles, which cut carpet fibers. When vacuuming you need to pay close attention to the areas where your visitors sit and place their feet. Vacuum these areas using a crisscross pattern and overlapping strokes to better trap the dirt particles. You can use baking soda to help fight odors. Besides, if you have new carpets or newly cleaned carpets, you can apply a soil retardant with professional equipment using the recommended application techniques.

Regular spot removal

The most common stains (water-based) can be easily removed using a clean cotton cloth or a plain absorbent paper and lukewarm water. For oil-based stains, you need to treat them with the appropriate carpet-cleaning agent. Ideally, it’s recommended to remove the stain as soon as possible by following the directions on the container, but first, test it on a concealed part to avoid damaging your carpet.

If the stain is not entirely removed, you can repeat the treatments after drying until the stain is gone (avoiding excessive rubbing). Typically, the secret to successful stain removal is to react as quickly as the spill occurs. Here are additional tips to help preserve your carpet and minimize the need for premature replacement:

• Remove ink with water and follow it up with a solvent spot remover.

• Remove coffee using warm, mild detergent solution and a solvent spot remover.

• Use a sponge or a piece of cloth to apply solvents or solutions.

• Treat spots by working from the outside and move towards the middle.

• Rinse the spot thoroughly after using a water-based solvent.

Thorough Cleaning Calls For The Pros

Have you been busy with your life that you thought there isn’t enough time to get everything done? When life gets this crazy busy the last thing you can focus on is cleaning your carpets. A busy week turn into a busy month and after it all, you may be looking at your carpets in despair wondering, “how on earth did my carpet become this dirty and stained?” Well, when dirt and stains are building up faster than you can vacuum and clean them, calling for professional help is essential. Having your carpet cleaned and maintained by a professional regularly, 3-4 times a year, can go a long way in keeping your carpets fresh, clean, and durable.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions

Carpets are quite delicate and need to be treated like other textile product. The best way to do this is to learn from their makers. Be sure to read the maintenance and care instructions provided by your manufacturer because different styles, fibers, and finishes have their unique guidelines. Following the directions not only keep your carpet beautiful, durable, and inviting for many years to come but it will also be a source of pride and comfort for you and your guests.

Avoid Heavy Weight And Sunlight

Placing heavy furniture on your carpet can ruin it. Furniture crushes or compresses the carpet pile leaving noticeable indentations that are not discovered until you move them. So rearrange your furniture from time to time to avoid the damage. Also, any carpet that is near patio doors or windows is often subjected to harmful sun rays, which deteriorate the carpet’s appearance and the ability to withstand wear. To avert the problem, you can use window treatments that offer protection against sunlight.

Carpet cleaning is an essential part of home maintenance. If left dirty, your carpet will lose its original beauty and luster thus creating a lesser appeal than they should.