What’s the one spot in your home that you dread cleaning the most? Maybe it’s the toilet, or the greasy stovetop, or that moldy shower curtain. If the mere thought of these dirty, grimy messes is making you cringe, don’t worry, we’ve called in reinforcements. To figure out the best way to clean these tricky areas, we asked Debra Johnson, home cleaning expert at Merry Maids, and Donna Smallin Kuper, a certified home cleaning technician and author of Cleaning Plain & Simple, for their professional advice. Armed with their best tips and tried-and-true tools, these problem spots will sparkle in no time.
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A Messy, Greasy Stovetop
There’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, cheesy homemade meal—that is, until you look at the stovetop and realize the damage you’ve done. Grease and cooked-on mozzarella everywhere. Now what? If the mess just happened and the stovetop has cooled, now’s the time to act, says Debra Johnson of Merry Maids. All you need is warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth. “The microfiber cloth is the best way to absorb the grease. It is important to rinse the cloth after each wipe to allow the food or grease to release from the cloth and tackle more with the next wipe,” she advises.
And what if the stove and the cooked-on grease has already cooled? The task is tougher, but still not impossible. Donna Smallin Kuper recommends dipping your sponge in hot, sudsy water, and then squeezing it over the spot. “I let it sit for a few minutes to soften (usually while I am loading the dishwasher or washing pots and pans) and then I give it a quick scrub with the scrubby side of a sponge and wipe it up with the sponge side,” she says. Johnson also believes in letting the spot soak. She suggests letting a degreaser product sit on the area for three minutes, then wiping it off with a microfiber cloth.
To buy: Brillo Estracell No-Scratch Sponge, $9 for three; amazon.com.
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Streak-Free Windows
Both Johnson and Smallin Kuper agree: A microfiber cloth is essential for a streak-free window, because it won’t leave behind lint like a paper towel or another type of cloth. They also both believe that the wrong product, and too much of it, is the main reason for streaky windows. “The majority of people make an assumption that if a little product is good then more product is better. Wrong!” says Johnson. Instead, spritz lightly and use a homemade solution. Johnson mixes up one part water and one part white vinegar in a spray bottle, while Smallin Kuper prefers plain old H20 for a chemical-free shine. Finally, fold the microfiber cloth several times so you have multiple clean sides to use as you wash the window.
To buy: Microfiber Glass-Cleaning Cloths, $13 for eight; amazon.com.
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A Stinky Dishwasher
If your dishwasher smells when it’s full, food particles are the most likely culprit. To prevent the stench, scrape off food and rinse your plates and glasses before loading them in the dishwasher. “If you don’t run the wash cycle every day, do run the ‘rinse and hold’ cycle to remove food particles,” Smallin Kuper says.
If your dishwasher continues to smell even when it’s empty, it’s time to run a wash cycle. With the dishwasher completely empty, place either a dishwasher-safe cup of white vinegar (Smallin Kuper’s pick) or a small bowl of lemons cut into quarters and covered with water (Johnson’s recommendation) on the top rack, then turn on a cycle. Either method helps to eliminate odor. For an even more thorough washing, wipe down the walls with a baking soda paste before using the lemon-water method.
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A Spill-Stained Rug
We’ve all been there: You’re eating the messiest food possible (a meatball sub, a plate of buffalo wings), when you accidentally drop it right on your living room rug. Don’t panic—and definitely don’t try to rub it clean. Instead, blot the spot with a clean white towel, Smallin Kuper suggests. She also only recommends using stain-removal products certified by the Carpet and Rug Cleaning Institute, such as Simple Green or Spot Shot. “The wrong type of spot remover may initially clean the spot, but leave a film that will attract dirt so that the stain will seem to reappear,” she warns.
If you don’t have a store-bought stain remover on hand, you can whip one up, Johnson says. For the safest solution, mix together one teaspoon dishwashing liquid, two tablespoons white vinegar, and one cup water. Blot the solution on the spot, then blot dry or place a fan near the area.