Clever cleaning tips

If you thought that the Times was just for reading, you might miss one of the cleverest cleaning tips out there for your spring cleaning list.

Newspaper ink is a terrific polishing agent that requires no water or liquid, so just crumple a piece of newspaper and rub, to polish your faucets, windows and more after youve read it all, of course.

For an extra clean window or mirror, use a simple solution of white vinegar, newspaper and a little elbow grease, according to cleaning experts at Good Housekeeping magazine. Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on the surface, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.

If you dont like the smell of vinegar, you can substitute straight lemon juice or club soda (dont dilute either in water). Just rub on the surface with newspaper.

Speaking of lemons, you can use fresh lemons also to clean your microwave. Cut one in half, put the pieces in a microwave-safe bowl with water to cover, and cook on high for two to three minutes. The steam will soften hardened food in the oven, and the citrus scent will provide an enjoyable fragrance. Then grate the lemon in the garbage disposal to eliminate any musty odor and greasy residue.

Many household items can be used for cleaning, saving money on expensive cleaning products, while also reducing the use of chemicals in your home. Check out the recipe for homemade all-purpose cleaner in this sidebar, and you may never buy a chemically-based cleaner again.

Sherri McArthur, owner of The Cleaning Authority in Fenton, has her own special way of cleaning stainless steel appliances, which often look smeary because of the oils from hands, plus constant use, especially if you have kids. To make your stainless steel appliances look brand new, I suggest a two-step process using products you likely have at home already, she said.

First, apply rubbing alcohol on the surface, wiping thoroughly using cotton cloths. Then, take baby oil and wipe the appliance down, going with the grain. It will look as if it just came brand new from the factory, said McArthur, who learned this trick from her mother. I do it every couple of months or if Im having company, I just wipe it down with baby oil and it shines.

The first step in spring cleaning, according to the experts, is to focus on one project or room at a time, so you dont get sidetracked or overwhelmed, and end up not accomplishing anything.

Use these clever household tips when you start your spring cleaning:

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Clever cleaning tips