I tuned into Rachael Ray today just in time to catch her segment on cleaning. I'm always looking for a shortcut or easy to use product. I will be the first to admit that housekeeping isn't my favorite or most practiced pastime. So, I was eager to listen but as it turns out the guest didn't address glass cook tops at all and her solution to the gas range they had on the show was unimpressive. The other things they cleaned were silver and LCD tv's. Now, I do own a tv but those are really not at the heart of my cleaning woes...and who really has a bunch of silver they use on a regular basis? Hence the second issue of "Kim's Favorite Cleaners".Starting on the right is 'Bar Keeper's Friend'. Weird name, awesome product. My Mom uses this for her stainless steel pots and pans (as do I) and it worked so wonderfully I started thinking of other applications. Of course, anything stainless steel, like my not so wonderful kitchen sink. It really can get the greasy, yucky food stuff and leave a beautiful shine. But the reason I LOVE this product is how it cleans my glass stove top. When we bought the house there were residule stains that I thought might be there forever but I just sprinkled the poweder on, drissled some water (making a runny paste) and presto the paper towel I scrubed with started turning black. That first time took a few rounds of this but it came clean and always has since. On a side note, it does not leave the glass top streak free. For this you do need to finish off with windex.
In the middle is 'Dreft Laundry Stain Remover'. I got turned on to this one from a friend when both our baby's were still producing yellow blowouts. I hated trying to get this stain out and like she said it was amazing. After a spray the stain just rinsed out. Amazing! I've come to assume that it is good for anything biological like spit up or blood. I have always struggled with getting blood stains out and this is truely incredible. On the down side, it was and is extremely difficult for me to find in stores. I just recently ordered a case on-line after searching every grocery store in Idaho Falls.
Finally we have 'Fresh Start'. This is also a hand me down from my Mom. I'm not sure it cleans better than other detergents but I love it because it doesn't smell (except for clean), it requires very little (way before this ultra-concentrated trend), and it even works in my front-loading washer (ie it is low-foaming). I really think it is great and very gentle!
Post comments about your favorite products...I'm always on the look out!
10 comments:
im reading your blog to distract me from drinking this orange gross stuff (glucose test) before i go to the doc and it is doing the trick. thanks for the fun informational post!
Our glasstop came with a cleaner from the manufacturer, but I've heard you can buy it at the store too. It works amazingly! It takes off all the burnt food, and pots/pans markings, and it does not leave a streak at all. It's called Weiman Cook Top. Good advice on the other stuff. I hate stains in clothes, I will have to try Dreft.
I love good cleaners they are my heart and soul :)! I love that you made this a post, your so great!
Hey, Sarah sent me your blog so I surfed on over today. I've never heard of Dreft - will have to try that. I hate those yellow stains! Hopefully I can find it out here.
My favorite cleaning tool has got to be the Mr. Clean magic sponge (or whatever it's called). This thing will take pen and crayon off walls, along with anything else that might be there. It also does a great job on the kitchen sink, and has a lot of other uses. I keep one handy in the kitchen and it's become my right-hand man (as the actual man of the house is often at sea!).
I LOVE chlorox wipes. I'm a lazy cleaner, so I like that I can just wipe it off and not have to worry about cleanser or rinsing or anything.
Also, as the family cleaning guru, I've been meaning to ask: Any advice on the yellow armpit stains on white cotton shirts? Does Dreft work on that too?
I'd love to hear if anyone has any advice for that one, but the only way I've found to deal with yellow underarm stains is to stop using anti-persperant deoderant. I'm not sure if it's the aluminum (although I've heard it is) or not, but something about it does that. I switched to Tom's of Maine and haven't had the problem since.
I've heard that about stains as well..it's not the sweat, it's the what you put on to stop the sweat. I use a natural deodorant. It is also better for those white streaks on the shirts.
My favorite stain remover is Spray and wash stain stick. I use it all the time for those nasty blow out diapers, among other things...it is like a large glue stick. I never have to try to scrub the stain out. I just spread that magical stuff on it, and throw it in the washing machine. The stain disappears. I also love the magic eraser. I've gotten permanent marker off with that before!!!
Thanks for the information. I have always had a gas stove until this house and have struggled to get all the stains off the glasstop and it has been driving me crazy.
They actually sell the Dreft stain remover at Wal-Mart. It is not in their detergent section--it is actually in the baby dept. At my local WM it is in the same aisle as the bottles, formula, and nursing supplies. Just wanted to let you know so you don't need to order it online next time...
Post a Comment