CLEANING TIPS
Have a cleaning condundrum? Get cleaning advice from Domestica! We have tips for every corner of your house – it’s what we do best!
** CORONAVIRUS CLEANING TIPS **
The CDC recommends disinfecting and cleaning high-touch areas daily.
These areas include: Keyboards, phones, light switches, doorknobs, handles, counters, toilets and sinks using:
- 1/3 cup bleach to one gallon water
- Four teaspoons bleach per quart
- 70% alcohol solution
- EPA-registered household disinfectant
Clean the area first with any household cleaner before disinfecting.
PLEASE READ OUR LATEST POSTÂ for more tips to keep you and your household safe during this uncertain perios.
In the Bathroom
If you have just had remodeling or contstruction work done, please call our office at 503-222-2334 or send an email [email protected] and we will be happy to provide you with a custom estimate.
OVENS
Use baking soda to sprinkle and cover the bottom of your oven. Spray the baking soda with water until very damp, and keep moist by spraying every few hours.
Leave overnight. In the morning, remove the baking soda and grime with a spatula. Rinse the oven well. Washing soda can be substituted for half the baking soda for really tough jobs but requires more rinsing and is caustic (wear gloves).
Note: Washing soda, made by Arm & Hammer, is found in the laundry detergent area of some grocery stores.
DRAINS
Pour one cup baking soda or 1/2 cup washing soda down the drain followed by three cups boiling water.
WINDOWS
Many commercial window cleaners leave wax buildup. The first time you clean windows before using our recommended cleaner, you should wash them with a solution of 1/2 teaspoons vegetable-oil based soap (such as Dr. Bronner’s), 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar and two cups warm water in a labeled squirt bottle. Shake to blend, then spray on windows and wipe clean using a cotton diaper.*
CARPETS
For general cleaning, use soap-based, no-aerosol rug shampoo and vacuum when dry.
To neutralize carpet odors, sprinkle baking soda over entire carpet. Leave on overnight. Sweep off as much as you can, vacuum the rest.
Spills: Blot quickly with cotton towels. Club soda or clear water is effective on some stains, including alcoholic beverages, coffee, or tomato-based food. Pulverized chalk will absorb grease.
Urine: A solution of equal parts white vinegar and water may be sprayed or sponged onto the stain. Let stand for about 10 minutes before blotting with sponge or paper towel.
FIBERGLASS STAIN REMOVER
Squirt Domestica’s Tub & Tile Scrub onto the area and spread with a sponge. Let sit two hours or overnight and rinse.
VINYL FLOORS
Damp mop using one cup vinegar in two gallons warm water.
WOOD FLOORS
For unvarnished floors, damp mop using Domestica’s All-Purpose Cleaner. We recommend White Pine for a fresh, clean scent.
For varnished floors, damp mop using one part vinegar to 10 parts water.
Source: The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds.
REMOVING BLACK HEEL MARKS
Rub a small portion of Domestica’s Tub & Tile Scrub on the scuff mark using a white-backed scrubbee sponge and rinse well.
If the floor finish is removed, you may be able to restore it using 1/2 cup cornstarch and enough water to make a paste. Rub this mixture into the spot, let dry, then buff to a polish.
Source: The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds.
BLEACH
For laundry, try: 1/2 cup 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice added during the rinse cycle, or 1/2 cup washing soda added to warm- or hot-water wash cycles. Note: Washing soda, made by Arm & Hammer, is found in the laundry detergent area of some grocery stores.
METAL POLISH
Use natural acids such as vinegar and lemon juice to clean aluminum, bronze, brass and copper.
Combine three teaspoons salt, one tablespoon flour and enough white distilled vinegar to make a paste. Scoop paste onto a clean sponge and polish bronze, brass or copper. Rinse with hot water and buff dry with a soft cloth.
Rub white toothpaste into silver, and then polish with a soft, clean cloth. Apple cider vinegar may be used to clean chrome. Polish chrome using club soda.