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How to remove candle wax stains

by ChristmasCleaning Tips

Beautiful candles set the mood for a dinner party and give you that cosy feeling on a cosy night in, but there’s nothing charming about spilled wax. But do not despair, though; candle wax is relatively easy to remove and doesn’t take long.

Tabletops

To remove it from table tops and surfaces, cover the wax with kitchen roll or brown paper and then heat the wax with a hairdryer for several seconds, then scrape it off using a credit card, plastic spatula, or flexible dough scraper. You should be able to buff the excess away with a soft cloth and a drop of washing up liquid.

Or

To harden soft wax (from a fresh drip), place ice cubes in a plastic bag and rest the bag against the wax. The hardened wax can then be scraped away easily using your finger nail or a credit card.

Table Linens

Allow wax to harden before you attempt to remove it. When wax is frozen, it becomes even more brittle and is easier to remove, use ice to freeze the wax or place the item if it fits in the freezer. Once the wax is hard, gently flake it off with a dull butter knife. (Do not scrape since this may damage the fibers.) The dyes used in coloured candles may leave behind a stain so treat this use a stain remover.

Upholstery

First, let the wax cool on its own or speed up the process by placing an ice cube wrapped in plastic on top of it. Once firm, carefully scrape off as much wax as you can using your fingernail or the dull edge of a butter knife. If the wax is on a cushion cover that can be removed, take it off and cover the wax area with kitchen roll or brown paper and then apply heat using your iron or iron. The wax will be absorbed by the kitchen roll/paper. If you do have any lingering residue use an upholstery cleaner and then blot with clean paper towels.

As always, light candles only when the wick is a safe distance from flammable materials such as curtains or other loose fabrics. And before going to bed make sure you blow your candles out.

Rugs and Carpets

Candle wax on the carpet looks a lot worse than it is. The best thing to do it let it harden, then scrape up as much as possible with a blunt knife. Place a white cloth or paper towels on top, and run a warm iron over it but make sure the iron is on its lowest setting and work very gently. If any wax remains, try a carpet cleaning solution and spot clean using a white cloth.

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Christmas stains

by Christmas

Christmas can bring with it a lot of mess and one of biggest messes is stains, I have put together my Christmas stain busting guide so you can deal with those pesky stains quickly get on and enjoy the rest of your festive activities and plans.

Red wine

Probably one of the most common Christmas stains, this isn’t the easiest stain to remove and please do NOT chuck a glass of white wine over it as it will be a complete waste. The trick never works.

The key is to get these stains as soon as possible and use cold water to try and release the stain, hydrogen peroxide works well on carpets but do a patch test on your carpet first, ensure you dab and do not rub as the rubbing will make the stain worse. For clothes, liberally spray the stain with white vinegar and then after 5 minutes soak in cold water, chuck in a few ice cubes too so the water is really cold.

Failing this you will need to get yourself a bottle of wine no more, this product is yet to fail me.

Candle wax

Lighting a few candles is the best way to create Christmas ambience but can often drip. Wax is easy to remove, start by using a blunt knife and scrap off as much as you can. Next cover with brown paper or some kitchen roll and then apply heat. You can use your iron or hair dryer for this. Put on a mid-heat setting and heat over the covered wax. The wax will liquidise making it easier to remove.

This will also work if wax gets splattered onto your walls, after heating wipe off as much as you can and remove any left residue with soapy cloth.

Hot chocolate

We all love to curl up with a mug of tasty hot chocolate, a good film and a cosy blanket but it is really easy to spill that hot chocolate down your top or onto the carpet.

To treat hot chocolate stains on clothing, immediately rinse the garment under cold water, running the water through the reverse side of the stain to flush it out. Pre-treat the stain using a liquid laundry detergent, soak for 20 minutes and then wash as normal.

For the carpet, immediately blot up as much of the liquid as possible with a clean white cloth or thick kitchen roll and work from the outside in. To rinse the area, fill a spray bottle with cold water, spritz a small amount over the stain, and blot again. Using a cloth dipped into a mixture of warm water and a small amount of washing up liquid, blot the area until the stain is gone. Remove any soapy residue with a clean cloth dampened with warm water.

Lipstick

Christmas glam may leave your napkins stained, lipstick is normally easy to remove so don’t panic. If you have some micellar water for removing your make up then grab this and cover the stain, let it soak for 10 minutes then rinse away alternatively use your liquid laundry detergent again as a pre-stain treatment.

Soot

Nothing like a burning fire over the festive period. But ash and soot can make a real mess. To remove soot stains on your carpet sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and leave to sit at least an hour, this will hopefully absorb the staining. Then vacuum the area thoroughly. If the stain remains use a specialised carpet cleaner like the Dr beckmann one.

Food grease from cooking

Head chef over the Christmas period is bound to pick up a few grease and oil stains. Pop washing up liquid on the stain straight away as this is a degreaser and let it sit for 10 minutes, rinse with cold water and then wash as normal. Repeat if there are still traces of the stain. Remember: You should always confirm a stain is completely gone before drying. If you need to repeat add in a few drops of lemon juice to help fight the grease.

Cranberry sauce

Most likely to hit your Christmas table cloth rinse or blot with cold water, spray with white vinegar and rub in some washing up liquid, let it sit then blot, use a white cloth so you can see if the stain is lifting and then wash as normal.

Gravy

Over Christmas dinner there is bound to be a gravy disaster and if you are busy enjoying your dinner the chances of you dealing with it straight away are pretty slim. Scrap of as much as you can using a blunt knife. Then use warm water and washing up liquid, and it will easily remove.

Don’t forget my book – How To Clean Your House at Christmas: The ultimate how-to guide for cleaning your home, with an updated chapter to help at Christmas is available now.

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Queen of Clean Stain Busting Guide

by Laundry

Stains happen and that is just a fact of life but hopefully, my stain-busting tips will help you save your favourite top and freshen up your carpet.

My Top Tips

As soon as you spot a stain act as quickly as you can and remember if you are out and about, your hand sanitiser is a good place to start, rub some all over the stain and let the sanitiser get to work and then once home the stain will be much easier to remove.

If the stain is on your clothes, turn inside out and flush the stain out under the tap.

If you are using a stain-remover product, make sure you read and understand the instructions before using it. Stick to the measurements the brand has given you.

Never Mix Stain-removing Products

If you are removing a stain from your favourite top or carpet and you are unsure text a patch first, behind the sofa, under a table or if it is your top turn inside out or under the collar area.

Once you have got the stain out ensure you thoroughly rinse out the stain-removing product, pop clothes on a short wash and really rinse and blot dry your carpets and rugs.

Remember product takes time to work, it is very rare you get an instant result so be patient and give the product time to work but ensure you check regularly.

Before drying ensure the stain has gone as once dry the stain will be set even further into the fabric.

My Stain Removal Must-haves

Water

As simple as it sounds water is your first line of defence.

White Vinegar

A powerhouse cleaner and great stain remover: get some here

Washing-up Liquid

Really good at fighting oil-based stains due to its degreasing powers.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Practically great for mattress and pillow stains: get some here

Bar of Soap

Pure soap works well on bodily stains.

Rubbing Alcohol

Great for ink stains: get some here

Laundry Disinfectant/Cleanser

Can act as a great stain remover and odour destroyer: get some here

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is very mild and contains bicarbonate of soda, great to use on white trainers, cricket whites and removing scuff marks on walls.

Bicarbonate of Soda

Mixed with water can tackle most stains: get some here

All of these stain-busting ingredients can also be used to make amazing eco-friendly natural household cleaners: view recipes here

Download the guide here: Stain Buster Guide

A -Z of the Most Common Stains

Baby Stains

It isn’t easy keeping baby clothes and bibs clean; most babies will create stains and mess daily.

If you catch the stain quickly run the item under a cold tap from the reserve to flush out and rub in a little washing-up liquid. Leave it submerged in water until you put your next wash load on.

If you have missed the stain which is often very common when we have babies scrap off as much of the stain as you can using a blunt knife but be very careful not to rub the stain further into the fabric.  Once removed run under a cold tap add a spritz of white vinegar and some washing-up liquid, leave for 15 minutes to allow the products to work, and then rinse. Keep it wet until your next washing load.

Breast Milk Stains

Breast milk leaves a protein-based fatty stain, run under a cold tap, and rub into the stain a little of your liquid laundry detergent. Keep wet until you wash as normal.

Formula Milk Stains

Soak in cold water some oxi active non bio stain remover.

Baby Poop Stains

Rinse off as much of the poop as you can, using warm water. Mix a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with washing a tablespoon of washing up liquid and gently work into the stains using a soft bristle brush, leave the products to work before rinsing and washing as normal.

Butter

A butter stain is oily by nature so never rub in the fabric as this will only make it worse and spread all over the fabric.

Scrap as much as you can off using a blunt knife. Then using a piece of kitchen roll blot the stain to get as much of the oil out as you can.  Sprinkle the stained area with bicarbonate of soda and let it sit for 30 minutes, after this using your fingers and a tiny amount of water gently rub over the stain and again leave to sit, this time for 15 minutes. Rinse off and wash as normal.

Blood

With blood stains ensure you get to them as soon as possible and flush with cold water, NEVER use hot water with blood stains as it will cook the protein into the fibres making the stain much harder to remove.

If the blood stain is fresh after rinsing under cold water add some liquid laundry detergent rub in and wash as normal but if it is an older stain scrape off any crusted blood mix water with oxi action and keep submerged in water for at least 2 hours, then wash as normal.

Or if you would like a more natural approach add lemon juice directly to the stain, you can use fresh lemon or lemon from a bottle and add salt, rub the salt into the juice and the stain, and let sit for at least an hour before rinsing and washing

For blood stains on the mattress use hydrogen peroxide, add 30ml to a spray bottle, add a drop of washing-up liquid then fill the rest with water and liberally spray over the marks, scrub in, leave then blot dry using a white cloth.  Always use white cloths as this helps you gage how much of the blood you are removing.

Candle Wax

Waxy stains that candles can often leave behind are not pretty and not easy to remove.

If you have the caught wax drip early and it hasn’t quite hardened, pop an ice cube on the top to harden it quickly this way it is much easier to remove.

Once harden remove as much of the wax as you can using a blunt knife by gently scraping away.

Then cover the stain with brown parcel paper or cut a square out of a Primark bag, cover the stain completely, and then apply heat from either a cool iron or your hair dryer, the heat will lift the stain and it will stick to the brown paper, turn the paper and repeat until the stain has gone.

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the easiest stains to get rid of, use a blunt knife or credit card to scrap off as much of the chocolate as you can, flush under a cold tap and then rub in some washing up liquid.

Coffee and Tea Stains

If you catch the stain as you spill, grab a piece of kitchen roll, and blot out as much of the liquid as you can. 

Then for both fresh and older stains, rinse the stain under cold water, rub in some of your liquid detergent and pop it in the machine.  If the stain is on a carpet or your sofa, blot away first and then use a soft bristle brush to scrub gently with water and your liquid detergent.  Leave to sit in the stain for a while then blot dry with a cold wet cloth until it has vanished.

Deodorant Stains

For white t-shirts and shirts use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, bicarbonate of soda, and water then rub into the stain leave to sit for a while then wash as normal.

For darker colour tops liberally spray with neat white vinegar leave it to soak in, then after a while wash as normal.

Grass Stains

Grass stains are very common especially in the summer when the kids are playing out or enjoying a game of cricket.

If you do get grass stains on cricket whites then there is a really simple solution, dampen the stain using cold water, and then using a small soft brush scrub is some white toothpaste.  Leave this on as long as you can, rinse and then wash as normal.

For grass stains on other items just apply a bit of your regular laundry detergent, rub this in using your fingers, leave to sit, and then wash as normal.  There is no need to rinse.

Grease

Like butter stains, dampen the stain then sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda to soak up the grease, you can also use corn starch here which also works just as well, after 15 minutes rub it into the stain and leave again, rinse under a cold tap and wash as normal.

Lemon juice also can work well on grease stains.

Hair Dye

If you dye your hair from home, you may find it can get quite easily get on your clothes and even your carpet.  Best solution is to mix 3 ingredients together, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and washing up liquid along with water, mix and scrub in using a soft bristle brush.

Ice Cream

Like chocolate ice cream is pretty easy to remove, scrape off as much as you can if it has dried in, rinse with cold water and rub in washing up liquid, and let it sit before washing as normal.

Ketchup

A blob of ketchup can quickly ruin your favourite top or shorts.

Remove as much of the ketchup as you can using a blunt knife on the back of a spoon.

Flush from the reverse under a cold tap and then blot out as much of the stain as you, liberally spray with white vinegar, and then wash as normal.

Nail Polish

Ever painted your toes and spilled the bottle on your carpet?  If you, haven’t you have had a lucky escape, it is such a common stain.

There are a few solutions here you can try, if you use n acetone-based nail polish remover this usually works, if on carpet make sure you test a patch under the sofa/bed first as acetone can strip colour, if it is safe to use dampen with cold water and then apply the nail polish remover.  If this is on a top just test the acetone nail polish remover on the inside seem. 

After using the acetone nail polish remover ensure you thoroughly rinse and wash.

Alternatively, mix window cleaner with washing-up liquid, rub into the dampened stain, leave to work for 30 minutes rinse, and then wash as normal.

Oil Stains

With any type of oil stain happens, never rub or wipe it because that will push it deeper into the fibres of the fabric and make it set.

Dampen the stain and then sprinkle the bicarbonate of soda onto the stain and leave it to sit for at least 15 minutes, then brush away the bicarbonate of soda rub in some washing-up liquid, and wash as normal.

Alternatively cover with lemon juice and table salt, rub into the fabric let it sit and then wash as normal.

Paint Stains

Water-based paint stains easily come off with a cold-water flush and liquid detergent rubbed in, leave it to work and then add to the wash as normal.

If the paint is oil-based it is a little trickier, dampen the stain with cold water and then cover in a piece of kitchen roll.  Once fully covered you will need to use some paint thinner, saturate the area add a blob of washing-up liquid leave overnight and then wash as normal the following day.

Pet Stains

We all love our loveable pets but not always the stains and odours that can come from them.

Urine

Urine stains literally just flush out with cold water but it is the smell that can really linger, for clothing and carpets soak in cold water with a big splash of white vinegar, leave as long as you can and then wash as normal.

For carpets dampen with cold water and very liberally spray with white vinegar scrub in using a soft bristle brush, leave overnight and then rinse out in the morning.  The vinegar smell will disperse very quickly.

Faeces and Vomit

Lift and scrap off as much as you can using a blunt knife, flush out with cold water, mix some oxi active with water and rub into the stain. Leave to soak in overnight and then wash as normal.

If the stain is on your carpets on upholstery after scrapping, dampen the area with cold water and sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda then scrub in some hydrogen peroxide, leave, and then vacuum off after a few hours.

Red Wine Stains

The hardest stain to remove is red wine and the old-fashioned wives’ tale of chucking a glass of white wine over the stain, unfortunately, does not work.

As soon as you spot the stain act quick, blot off as much of the stain as you can using a piece of kitchen roll.

Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide and washing-up liquid and pour directly onto the stain, let it sit for as long as you with regular checks, then wash as normal.

Or dampen the stain with cold water and add sea salt, rub in and leave overnight and then wash as normal.

There is an absolutely fantastic product you can buy called RED WINE NO MORE, if you can get your hands on this the stain will disappear with ease.

Tooth Paste Stains

If you just add your stained toothpaste to the washing machine the stains will come out but if you are rushing out the door and spot a stain from brushing your teeth and have no time to get changed you need to dampen a cloth with cold water add some laundry liquid detergent and rub gently into the stains, blot dry with a different cloth and away you go.

How to Remove those Annoying Suncream Stains this Summer

I must get this question at this time of year up to 30 times a day. I do try to reply to you but sometimes a more in-depth write-up can give you so much more information than a quick answer.

Suncream can be a real pain to get out and the longer you leave it the worse it is going to get. If you are out and about when the stain occurs you are naturally going to wipe the stain with a tissue or a wet wipe but the heat from the sun and perspiration can activate the grease even more making it much worse.

Try to prevent Suncream stains always rub the suncream into your skin really well and wash your hands straight after application. If you are travelling with suncream always place it in a safe secure plastic travel pouch bag or place it inside two carrier bags and wrap it tightly. There is nothing worse than getting to your destination and opening your suitcase to burst suncream.

My Advice to Remove Suncream 

As soon as you can rinse the stain from the reverse under a cold water tap, this way the stain is being pushed out of the fabric and hopefully flushing out as much as the stain as possible.

Sun cream has an oil base so you need something to break that down, so one of your go-to products here is white wine vinegar. Cover the stain in the vinegar and leave a good 30 minutes to an hour to really allow the vinegar to work.

Another option is eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil is great for oily stains. Just cover the whole stain and leave for around 15 minutes.

Next, wash the garment at the hottest temperature that is safe for the fabric, and check for the stain again before you dry. Once the item has dried you won’t get the stain out. So if there is still a trace of the stain repeat this process again.  When an item of clothing has had a grease-based stain avoid the tumble dryer because if there is any trace of the stain it will then be permanent.

I would air dry on the washing line or on a clothes airer.

I hope this helps with some of those annoying Sun Cream stains.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Carpet Cleaning

by Cleaning Tips

1 – Before you start you will need to move out as much of the furniture as you can, this will then allow you to clean as much of the carpet as possible.

2 – Give the carpet a really good vacuum and use the nozzle on your vacuum to go against the skirting boards, and the vacuum doesn’t always go in tight against the wall and a dark line of dust can be left.

2 – Check for stains and furniture indents.

3 – If you have dents from furniture, pop ice cubes in these spaces and then leave them to naturally melt in. Once melted in rub your hand over the area and the carpet will bounce back to life and the dents will be gone.

4 – If you spot stains you need to pre-treat these first, when it comes to cleaning old stains on the carpet it is important you use a specialised carpet cleaning shampoo/solution. If you are using a carpet cleaning machine the solution for the machine will also act as a great spot cleaner if you don’t have a carpet cleaner to use buy a carpet cleaning solution and use this for the stains, always use cold water on carpets as hot water can shrink them and apply directly into the stain leave a while and then blot dry using a white cloth. The reason for the white cloth is so you can see if the stain is being lifted.

5 – If you are using a carpet cleaning machine ensure you read and fully understand the instructions before you start.

6 – Then begin the carpet clean, start in one corner of the room and then move across in straight lines. For stains, go back and over again for a more thorough clean.

7 – If you don’t have a carpet cleaning machine, then you can steam clean your carpets. Most steam cleaners you can buy come with a carpet glide that sits over the base. Gently steam over. The steam will break odours, lift out stains and refresh the carpet pile. When using your steam cleaning DO NOT put any solution in the machine all you need is the power of steam.

8 – Once complete, open the window and allow your carpets to air dry, and close the room off for a few hours to save anyone from going in.

If you don’t have much carpet in your home but have rugs and door mats, I highly recommend owning a handheld carpet cleaner then can clean up those mats, refresh and remove those accidental spillages, take a look at this one: 

Lynsey TVs Queen of Clean Handheld Carpet Cleaner

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How to remove suncream stains

by Laundry

Suncream can be a real pain to get out and the longer you leave it the worse it is going to get.  If you are out and about when the stain occurs you are naturally going to wipe the stain with a tissue or a wet wipe but the heat from the sun and perspiration can activate the grease even more making it much worse. Try to gently blot to absorb as much as the cream as you can or if you have your hand sanitiser with you, cover the stain and this will stop if from spreading.

This is a fantastic old school tip but If you are at the beach cover the stain with sand to dry out the stain.

Try to prevent Suncream stains always rub the suncream into your skin really well and wash your hands straight after application. If you are travelling with suncream always place it in a safe secure plastic travel pouch bag or place inside two carrier bags and wrap tight. There is nothing worse than getting to you destination opening your suitcase to burst suncream.

My Advice to remove suncream 

As soon as you can rinse the stain from the reverse under a cold water tap, this way the stain is being pushed out of the fabric and hopefully flushing out as much as the stain as possible.

White vinegar

Sun cream has an oil base so you need something to break that down, one of my go to products is white vinegar. Simply cover the stain in the vinegar then leave for a good 30 minutes to really allow the vinegar to work and wash as normal.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil has magical stain removal qualities when it comes to greasy marks – and it smells incredible.

Coat your stain in the stuff, leave for 15 minutes, then wash as normal.

If the staining was really bad then you may need to repeat but don’t panic as it will come out.

Sunshine

For light coloured clothes where the sun cream may have stained the fabric yellow, try hanging your clothes out in the sun to dry after the wash. The sun is great at naturally bleaching whites in a natural way. If the stain is really not budging, squirt some lemon juice on it first.

If you are due to travel soon then don’t forget my Holiday organisational planners which can help with your packing and ensure all those needed jobs are done before you travel.

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Upholstery Sofa Cleaning

by Cleaning Tips

Depending on how we use the sofa it can take a lot of wear and tear.. From eating TV dinner to watching a movie with your pet snuggled up against you. The couch can capture body oils, cooking odours, dust mites and allergies and they will be lurking in your sofa causing allergies and irritation to airways.Eating on your sofa really isn’t ideal, food particles, sticky finger marks and spilt drinks can all occur from enjoying a snack on the sofa.  Keep eating at the table. If you do like to indulge on your sofa you need to keep it clean or at least cover with a washable throw.

Hoover it daily and invest in a good upholstery cleaner or leather cleaner .  Take off cushion covers and wash these as often as you can. As well puff your cushions and lightly steam.

My Sofa Cleaning Tips

Bicarbonate of Soda  is great for a lot of things, including the removal of grime and embedded dirt in your sofa. Test the fabric first in an inconspicuous area, but Bicarbonate of Soda  is safe for most types of upholstery. You will need a couple of cleaning cloths, a a stiff brush, Bicarbonate of Soda and your vacuum cleaner with the smaller brush attachment.

  • Use the stiff brush to brush away crumbs, dust, and other debris.
  • Sprinkle the couch with bicarbonate of soda which you can also mix with an essential oil if you wish and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to thoroughly remove the baking soda or mixture.
  • If you have a steamer very lightly steam just to ensure your killing germs. Always hold approx 30cm away from the fabric
  • Finish of with a Dettol antibacterial spray of a fabric refresher.

For any tough stains that are still present mix together  3/4 cup warm water, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar and one tablespoon of washing up liquid and scrub the mixture in with a hard brush and then blot dry.

Other methods to try for stains which I have tried and tested are:

Teepol prespot treatment

Oxy power Fabric Cleaner

There are plenty more cleaning tips and home hacks so take a read

Now you know how to deep clean your fabric sofa so that it not only looks like new but smells fresh and clean.

Thanks for reading lynsey Queen of Clean xoxo

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Cleaning with White Vinegar

by Cleaning Tips

Chances are, you’ve got a big bottle of vinegar stashed away in your cupboard. While you may use it for cooking and salad dressings, did you know it’s actually one of the most powerful cleaners on the market? Cleaning with vinegar is not only cheap and 100% natural, and it is extremely effective. 

Vinegar is made from acetic acid, so this makes it a natural disinfectant for so many germs including salmonella and E Coli. It can be great for some kitchen surfaces and appliances, as well as in the bathroom. It’s a brilliant product to have in the store cupboard and avoids using store-bought abrasive cleaners.

It’s strong enough to kill bacteria and dissolve mineral deposits, grease, and dirt.

White vinegar does have a smell but don’t worry it does disperse very quickly.

Lastly, it’s cheap! So you can clean to your heart’s content.

Window and Glass cleaning

Our windows can look really dirty really quickly but all they need is a homemade vinegar and water solution to get them sparkling in no time. I keep a spray bottle filled with half vinegar, half water then wipe clean windows and mirrors with a lint free cloth , don’t forget to label your bottles when you are making homemade cleaners.

Lime scale and hard water build up

Limescale and hard water build up can be a real pain to get rid off and many of the cleaning products on the market just don’t seem to work very well. 

Soak shower heads in a bag of white vinegar, if your shower head does not come off drench an old tea towel in white vinegar and wrap around the head .

Spray neat onto shower doors, draining boards and taps, leave for 15 minutes and then rinse away.

Carpet Stains

We all spill drinks or find marks on our carpet from time to time. white vinegar mixed with.a little washing up liquid can really help at removing those unwanted stains.  Simply mix together and add to a spray bottle, use a soft bristle brush to scrub away at the stain and then using a white cloth blot dry.

Repeat the process if necessary and then rinse away using a damp wet cloth.

Descaling the Kettle

To get rid of that horrible limescale inside your tea kettle or coffee maker, pour the water and vinegar solution directly into the appliance or water tank.

This is a monthly task that needs adding into your cleaning routine.

Simply fill the kettle with half water and 30ml of white vinegar then leave to sit for 30 minutes.  Once the time is up boil the kettle, empty and rinse thoroughly.

This will keep limescale at bay and eliminates the need of using harsh chemicals.

Prevent Mildew in water areas

If you have any mildew patches in the bathroom, around the shower, bath, window or on the shower curtain then spray liberally with neat White Wine Vinegar  leave to sit for a while to allow the product to work and then rinse away.

Remove odours from kitchen sink

Another task to add into your monthly routine is to pour a scoop bicarbonate of Soda and then add 20ml of white vinegar the two together will cause a chemical reaction which will free up any blockages and can get rid of those nasty sink odours. But this will not kill bacteria as the two actually cancel each others cleaning power out!

Clean and deodorise microwave

Many of us forget to give the microwave a good clean every now and then and it can quickly become a bit stinky.

Using a microwave-safe bowl, fill with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1 cup water.  Place in the microwave pop on a high heat for 5 minutes.

Let it sit in microwave while it cools. 

You can then easily wipe down inside of microwave and  lingering odours should disappear. 

Cleaning the fridge

Mix a gallon of warm water and 2 cups of White Wine Vinegar to wipe down inside of refrigerator, including shelves, walls, and packaging. 

Your refrigerator will be clean and smelling clean without harming any food with harsh chemicals.

Freshen up laundry

If you feel your laundry is looking a little dull simply add 20ml of white vinegar into your washing machine. This will help brighten your colours and whiten your whites.

Grass stains

Make a mixture 20ml of white vinegar with 20ml of water. Apply the solution to the stain and blot with a clean cloth.

Repeat this process until you’ve removed as much green as possible, and then wash as usual.

Arm pit stains

A common stain which is so easy to remove using the power of white vinegar simply liberally spray under the arm of the garment, leave 15 minutes and then pop straight into the washing machine.

Cleaning your washing machine

Simply add two 100 ml into the detergent compartment or directly to the drum and then run a hot cycle to freshen up your machine. 

Wash fruit and veg

Vinegar will help remove bacteria and pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables, fill a bowl with water and add in 20ml of white vinegar, leave to soak for 5 minutes, remove then rinse. and dry off.

What Should You Not Clean with Vinegar?

There are many instances when you wouldn’t want to use vinegar, with such great power comes great responsibility!

Here are a few instances when you would want to avoid cleaning with vinegar.

  • Natural stone. Never use vinegar on your natural stone countertops or flooring including granite, marble, and quartz. It can react with the stone and defects in the surface, also causing the stone to become dull and lose its shine.
  • Hardwood floors. I know many people who use vinegar on their hardwood floors! In reality, over time it can dull the shine and sometimes void the warranty of newly installed hardwood floors.
  • Electronic screens. Vinegar can actually strip phones, TVs, and laptops of their protective coating which can enhance glare and even interfere with touch screens.
  • Knives and other metal utensils. Vinegar can corrode the metal and actually dull the knife edges, especially those made of stainless steel.

Poznan,,Pol,-,Jun,26,,2020:,Bottles,Of,Several,Global

Cleaning with Vodka

by Cleaning Tips

I love to make my own cleaning products using what I already have in the kitchen cupboards. bicarbonate of soda, salt, lemon and white wine vinegar are a few of my favorites along with a drop of essential oils but did you also know that Vodka makes a powerful disinfectant and makes a great degreaser? Plus you can use Vodka to make a great deodoriser too.

One of my favourite uses for Vodka is to tackle stains and loads of you have had great success with this across my social media channels. But I have listed below a few more ideas on how to use Vodka in your home not as a delicious cocktail martini but as a cleaning product instead.

Vodka Cleaning Tips 

Make your own line spray

Add vodka, water and your favourite essential oil to a spray bottle and then use to refreshen upholstery and fabrics within your home.  It’s always worth testing a small patch first but you should be absolutely fine.  Also don’t worry as you won’t get a horrible alcohol smell as the smell will evaporate quickly.

Room Diffuser

Using the same method as above you make a simple diffuser using an old one that has run out.

Soap scum and water marks

Use Vodka only in a spray bottle for shower doors, tiles, draining boards and taps. Allows leave for around 10 to 15 minutes before you rinse it off to allow the vodka to get to work.

Greasy cooking trays and pans

Add a few drops of vodka to greasy oven trays or pots and the vodka will cut right through the grease to make scrubbing a whole lot easier.

Sticky Labels

I always find it so frustrating when a sticky label won’t fully come off a new pair of shoes or the children have gone mad with a packet of stickers and stuck them all over their bedroom door.  Neat vodka on a cloth and a simple wipe will easily remove those left on marks.

Garden weeds

Mix vodka and water and a quick spray will kill those unwanted weeds.

Help keep your vases of flowers for longer

I always do this my Nan told me to be this years ago.  Add a drop vodka into your vase of flowers to help keep them for longer or to perk up wilting flowers.

Glass cleaning 

Neat vodka in a spray bottle will bring your glass up really shiny.

Chrome and Jewellery

Vodka works well when combined with a microfiber cloth and will shine up chrome and jewellery.

Stains

One of my favorite uses for vodka and this is why you should keep a small bottle in your laundry cupboard. Add neat vodka onto your stains, its brilliant at removing blood, grass, sick, and felt pens stains from clothing

I hope you have found this cleaning tips with Vodka useful. I have also put together some great tips on using Hair Spray in the home too

As always thank you for reading
Lynsey Queen of Clean xoxox

Child eating ice cream

Summer Stains

by Laundry

The summer months are for getting out and about and enjoying the lovely weather.  We all enjoy a good picnic in the park or a family BBQ. But with summer fun comes dirt and stains.  I have jotted down some of my quick stain removal hacks for you.

Grass is one of the biggest stains over the summer especially on children’s clothing

Grass stains on clothes can be removed with a toothbrush and plain white toothpaste; Squeeze a small amount of the toothpaste onto the stain, then dip the toothbrush in clean cold water and use it to scrub away the stain. Repeat this process as needed to treat all of the stain. Rinse the area and wash the clothing as usual.

Mud

Don’t rub mud because that only pushes the soil deeper into the fibres. As soon as possible, hold the stained areas under a tap of running cold water. Hold the fabric with the wrong side of the stain directly under the tap to force the mud out of the fibres. Then put a spot of washing up liquid onto the stain and wash as normal.

If your washing a muddy sports kits soak in a bucket of cold water along with a good squirt of washing up liquid and then put in the washing machine as normal.

Ice Cream

If your like me you will carry around antibacterial wipes or you will have my handy handbag cleaning pack so you can act quick with an ice cream stain, a quick blot with the wipes and the stain will be halfway out. Once home pop some washing up liquid onto the area and then wash as hot as possible to get the stain fully out.

Oil Off Bike Chains

We all enjoy a good long bike ride in the summer but there is always that risk that the chain may come off and then you are left you have to put this back on and get your hands all greasy which in turn can easily transfer onto your clothes. My advice is to not treat with plain water as this will help set the stain. Place the clothing face down on clean paper towels and apply a stain remover to the back, I like the vanish stain remover or the OXY plus from Astonish  is also a good choice. Let the clothing air-dry, then rinse. Machine wash, using the hottest water recommended for the clothing and this should hopefully come out for you.

Blood

We have all been there, a play at the park turns into a cut, graze of a t-shirt covered in blood!!  The joys of being a parent a fast fix is to wet and soak the fabric in cold water, then rub with a bar of soap as soon as you get home.  Then put in the washing machine on the hottest washing cycle your clothing will take.

Tea and coffee Stains

Beautiful sunny afternoon so lets meet for a coffee or a cuppa and oops someone knocks the drinks over.  Tea and coffee all over the table and all over you!  But don’t despair, The stain will come out with a little sugar.

Mix up a solution of heavily sugared water by stirring the water as you add sugar to it. Keep adding sugar until it no longer dissolves. Then submerge the stained area for several minutes in a small container of the heavily sugared water, then wash as normal. This is such an old fashioned cleaning tip and I remember my great Nan doing this to my Mum when I will a child and it worked like a treat.  Its so surprising that kitchen cupboard items can really help!

Well I hope this quick stain removal guide will give you a stain free and clean summer.

Enjoy the glorious weather and don’t worry about those stains too much as we will get them out.

see more of my cleaning tips and advice by clicking here

Thanks for reading.
Lynsey Queen of Clean xoxo

egg

The messiest stains at Easter Time

by Laundry

Who doesn’t love chocolate Easter Eggs?

The Easter weekend is a traditional a time to give out chocolate eggs and let the kids go crazy with Easter Egg hunts and mountains of delicious chocolate and Easter cakes.

As yummy as chocolate is, Chocolate will stain over the easter period along with other stains such as grass stains, mud, butter from delicious hot cross buns and sticky finger marks.  

If you catch the stains quickly they don’t tend to be a problem and my stain busting guide has most of them covered.

But when left untreated for a few hours they can become hard to shift as the stain will absorb itself into the fabric.

I have put together a few very simple tips to help you tackle those Easter weekend stains.

Grass Stains

To remove ground in tough grass stains from children’s clothes.  Simply add a Stain remover and leave to soak for at least 15 minutes before washing as normal.

 If you don’t have a stain treatment to hand then good old washing up liquid or using a liquid laundry detergent as a pretreat should work.  Once you have left the soap to soak into the garment then, get a toothbrush and gentle rub over the stain to work the liquid into the area. Finally add to your washing machine and pop on the highest temperature the garment will take.

If you are out and about when the stain hits, grab your hand sanitiser and cover as much of the stain as possible.

If your stain has not been completely lifted after washing, you may want to consider using rubbing alcohol or hairspray. The reason why is that the alcohol found in these products breaks down the green pigments in grass stains.

If you are using rubbing alcohol, dab a small amount onto a clean cloth, and gently sponge it over your stain. When you see the colour lifting, rinse your garment in cold water and continue with the usual removal process. 

To use hairspray, spray a liberal amount over your stain and wait for it to completely dry. Once it has dried, used a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush to scrub at your stain. When you notice the colour begin to fade, flush out the hairspray with cold water. 

Butter 

Hot cross buns are complimented perfectly when topped with a generous amount of butter. If you accidentally drop some butter on your clothing, don’t panic, simply follow these instructions. 

If your butter stain has been caused by a blob of butter, begin the removal process by using a butter knife or spoon to gently lift as much solid butter as possible.

After you have removed any solid bits of butter, use a clean white cloth, or paper towel, to gently dab the stain. Make sure that you are dabbing and not rubbing, as rubbing will cause your stain to set further into your clothing.

Once you have removed as much excess oil from the stain as possible, sprinkle a generous amount of either cornstarch, bicarbonate of soda, chalk or talcum powder over your stain. Allow your powder to sit on your stain for at least 15 minutes to give it an ample amount of time to absorb as much oil as possible. After 15 minutes, gently brush the powder off of your item. 

Next cover the stain with either your liquid laundry detergent or washing up liquid and gently work into the stain using your fingers.

Finally, wash your item as you usually would. If your stain has not been removed, repeat the process. 

Mud Stains

Pre-soak the garment as soon as possible in a bowl of cold water with 3 heaped tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda for approx one hour.  Then pop in the wash as normal with the highest temperature the garment will allow.

Chocolate stains

Gently wipe as much of the excess chocolate as you can, taking care not to push the stain deeper into the fibres. You can use a blunt knife or credit card for this. Then flush out as much chocolate as you can using cold running water from the back of the stain. Make sure that you are using cold and not hot water because hot water will only set your chocolate stain further into your clothing. 

Soak in a solution of detergent and warm water for at least 30 minutes before washing as usual at the highest temperature allowed.

Want to learn more crazy cleaning tips then then grab a copy of one of my books and I will show you how to clean your house and tidy up your life