From clogged drains, stains, permanent marker, and lots in between. In this article, we’ll show you some of our proven methods for removing even the toughest stuff.
1. Way To Clean A Burnt Pan
Have you ever cooked something and totally scorched the pan? The burnt remnants seem impossible to clean. Here’s one kitchen hack that will make it easier to wipe away the burnt-on grime: fill the pan with hot water, then add a little dish soap and a couple of dryer sheets. Let it sit for an hour and wipe it clean with a scrubbing pad.
Note: Once you’re done cleaning with the dryer sheet, use soap and water to wash the pan as usual.
2. Remove Tough Stains From A Coffee Thermos
Got stubborn coffee stains on a pot, thermos, or mug? Denture cleaner is the best cleaner we’ve ever found for these tough stains. Dissolve one denture-cleaning tablet per two cups of hot water. Pour it in the stained vessel and let it sit for several hours and then use a scrub brush to clean off the stains and all the loosened bits. Pour the solution out and rinse thoroughly.
3. Get Gum Out Of Carpet
When the gum freezes, it gets brittle and easily breaks apart. So, if you have gum stuck on your carpet, freeze it. Place a sandwich bag filled with ice cubes on top of the gum and wait about a half-hour. When the gum is frozen, break it apart and pull it out of the carpet. No trace was left behind.
4. Remove Stubborn Utility Hook
Accidentally rip off the pull tab of a utility hook? No big deal! You can still get it off damage-free. First, warm up the adhesive with a hairdryer. 30 seconds or so seems to be about right. Next, use dental floss or a fishing line to gently cut through the adhesive strip. Rub off any remaining adhesive residue, and the utility hook is ready to reuse!
5. Clean Hard-to-reach Spots
If you own a hummingbird feeder or tall flower vase, you know how difficult it is to clean inside them. A toothbrush is perfect for cleaning those hard-to-reach places. So, when your old toothbrush has retired from duty in your mouth, give it a new job!
6. Remove Crayon Marks From Walls
Have your walls been redecorated with some original crayon masterpieces? Don’t lose your cool. Just grab a rag, dip it in some baking soda and lightly scrub the marks. They will come off with a minimal amount of effort and give your young Picasso a fresh, new canvas.
7. How To Clean Off Sticker Residue
Reach for cooking oil next time you want to remove annoying sticker residue. Dab any type of kitchen cooking oi-olive, canola, or sunflower-onto a paper towel. Then lay the paper towel over the residue that refuses to budge. Wait a few minutes while the oil works to dissolve the stubborn glue. Finally, remove the towel and rub away the sticker residue with another clean paper towel.
A degree of caution is necessary when using this cooking oil method. This is because many oils can stain absorbent materials like clothing. If you are concerned about leaving a stain, test a drop of your chosen oil on an inconspicuous part of the object. And proceed only if the oil leaves no trace to remove glue residue.
8. Easy Super Glue Removal
Removing super glue is a hassle but if you act quickly you can reduce how long you’re stuck to yourself or the item you’re gluing. Soak the glue spot in warm soapy water as soon as possible to soften the glue, and then pat dry. Rub the glue with an acetone-based nail polish remover. And make sure the nail polish remover you use contains acetone. Acetone is the ingredient that will break down the adhesive agents of super glue. The glue will turn white and easily peel off.
9. Fix Wood Scratches
Simply rub a walnut over a scratch in wood several times. Then, with your fingers rub the scratched area. This will help the wood absorb the oil from the nut. Lastly, use a soft cloth to buff the area. Now the scratch is sealed and gone!
10. Clean A Cast-iron Skillet
To prevent rust and extend the life of a cast-iron skillet, it’s best not to use soap to clean it. Instead, use a tablespoon of coarse salt to scrub the pan after a meal.
The salt breaks up bits of stuck food and residue on the skillet. Then toss the dirty salt in the trash, rinse the pan with hot water and dry it with a clean towel. To further protect a cast iron skillet, rub a few drops of vegetable oil over the entire cooking surface.
11. Remove Hard-water Buildup With A Lemon
To get rid of hard-water buildup on a faucet, try this natural solution: Cut a fresh lemon in half. With one of the halves, use your thumbs to gently open up the center. Then press the lemon onto the end of the faucet. Put a small plastic bag around the lemon and secure it around the faucet with a rubber band. Be sure that the rubber band is cinched tightly and that the lemon is around the end of the faucet. Leave the lemon in place for a few hours to allow the citric acid to work its magic.
After you remove the lemon, you may need to use a gentle scrubbing pad to wash off any loosened hard-water buildup. Then wipe the faucet with a damp cloth to remove any leftover lemon juice, and your faucet will be squeaky clean.
12. Clean Upholstery
Use this handy hint if there’s a funky smell lurking in your couch or upholstered chair: Sprinkle a generous amount of regular baking soda onto the fabric and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. The baking soda will help to release odors and break up some light stains in the fabric. After about 20 minutes, remove the baking soda and the funky smell with a handheld vacuum or a hose attachment for your large vacuum.
