1. Prepare and Heat: Mix 1-2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar (and optional lemon juice) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 3-5 minutes until it steams.
2. Let Sit and Wipe: Keep the microwave closed for a few minutes to let steam loosen the grime. Carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth or sponge.

Clean Turntable and Finish: Wash the turntable separately with soapy water, then dry everything with a microfiber cloth for a shiny finish.

Ultimate Stove Cleaner Solution Bonus: (From Step 6 but its the best for stoves) Combine 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup salt, ½ cup borax powder, and 15 drops of lemon essential oil or a tablespoon of lemon juice with a bit of water form a thick paste. Use it for stove tops, ovens, oven racks and pots.

1. Maintain Instantly: Very quickly wipe down your stovetop with a heavily damp cloth when ever you spill liquid or food on it to prevent the majority of it from burning on.

2. Avoid Abrasive Tools: Use non-abrasive sponges or cloths to prevent scratching the surface. Steel Blades to scrape are ok but steel wool isnt, Just make sure to spot test areas before scraping.

3. Use a Stove Guard: Line areas around burners with a stove guard or tin foil to minimize grease buildup around the kitchen during cooking.

4. Wash Warm: Burnt on grime on induction stove tops can be cleaned easier by heating up water or a cleaning solution from this list. Simply turn on the stove top for 10-30 seconds while watching the solution so it doesnt start burning. Do not leave after turning the stove on, keep your hand on the temperature control so you don't leave it on by accident.

5. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia, which can damage the surface.

6. Its Really BURNT On There: Combine 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup salt, ½ cup borax powder, and 15 drops of lemon essential oil or a tablespoon of lemon juice with a bit of water form a thick paste, apply to stubborn burnt on spots, let sit for 10-15 minutes, if its on the element then heat it up for a few seconds and scrape off with a razor blade scraper if a cloth or plastic blade doesn't work.

7. Dish Soap and Hot Water: Mix dish soap with hot water to cut through grease splatters in your kitchen effectively with a Swedish dishcloth, soft sponge or rag.

8. Scraper Blade: Keep a blade scraper tool or small sharp razor blade where the knives are incase anything gets burnt onto the stovetop. Try any of the mixtures on this list and gently scrape away the burnt spot with a very sharp angle. Remember to spot test your stove top and be careful not to scratch it.

9. Over Night EZ Clean: To clean a really dirty stove top, combine baking soda, a little bit of dish soap and water to form a liquid paste, apply to the whole stove top, cover with plastic wrap, let sit overnight, then scrub or scrape away gently.

This top-to-bottom dusting method prevents repetition & ensures thorough cleaning by systematically covering every surface, and saves time by not needing to clean the same thing over and over again.

1. Begin with Ceiling Fixtures:

Use a long-handled duster or microfiber cloth to clean ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents.

For stubborn grime, lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with water or a gentle cleaning solution.

2. Move to High Shelves and Wall Decor:

Dust the tops of shelves, cabinets, and picture frames.

Pay attention to the crevices of decorative items, using a small brush or a microfiber mitt for precision.

3. Clean Walls and Blinds:

Use a microfiber duster with an extendable handle to clean walls and corners.

For blinds, close them in one direction and wipe with a microfiber cloth, then close them in the opposite direction to clean the other side. Or use a specialized blind duster.

Did You Know? You can use a floor mop with a new, clean microfiber cloth to wash large areas of walls just like the floor. Professional cleaners use this technique when there are high spots on walls or many walls to be cleaned. Just make sure to spot test a small non visible area to make sure your solution doesnt dissolve the paint or leave wash marks, check in sunlight on an angle after its fully dried to see if it does.

4. Address Mid-Level Surfaces:

Dust furniture surfaces like tables, desks, and chairs. If you use a damp microfiber cloth, make sure to use an S motion to gather all dust into the cloth and leave no streaks.

Don’t forget to move items like lamps, books, or knick-knacks to clean underneath.

5. Finish with Low Surfaces and Floors:

Dust baseboards using a damp microfiber cloth.

Vacuum or mop the floors to capture any fallen dust and complete the cleaning process.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Prep Work: Clean up any toys, decor, plants or anything that you dont need to dust. You can use a blanket and put everything in the middle and use it as a make shift bag/cover. This also helps with de cluttering and keeping things clean.
• S Wipe: When wiping anything with a cloth like counter tops, shelves, stoves, cleaning in a large S-shape/Zig-Zag instead of a circular motion to get every last bit of dirt in the cloth and leave no streaks after cleaning
• Clean the room in a clockwork motion: start from one corner of the room and continue in a circle until youve reached the corner again. This prevents jumping from one area to another and wondering if youve cleaned that area.
• Use the Right Tools: A microfiber duster or cloth attracts dust better than feather dusters, which can scatter it.
• Dampen Cloth Slightly: A lightly damp microfiber cloth traps dust more effectively without spreading it.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

• Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Spread it on the inside of the oven and let it sit for a few hours. Then spray vinegar to activate the foam and wipe it clean.
• Affordable, uses common household items, and doesn’t involve harsh chemicals.

Steam Cleaning with Water and Lemon

• Place a heatproof dish filled with water and a few lemon slices in the oven. Heat at 450°F (232°C) for 30-60 minutes. The steam loosens grime, and you can easily wipe it off when the oven cools.
• Great for light to moderate cleaning and leaves a fresh scent.

Soak Oven Racks in a large plastic tub or bathtub

• Remove racks and soak them in hot water mixed with dishwasher detergent or baking soda. After an hour, scrub with a sponge or brush.
• This saves time and effort compared to scrubbing racks inside the oven.

Dish Soap and Vinegar Spray

• Mix equal parts dish soap, vinegar, and water in a spray bottle. Spray the oven’s interior, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

Regular Maintenance

• Clean your oven often to avoid tough buildups. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild soap after use can keep grime at bay.
• Saves time and effort in the long run.

Use Oven Liners

• Place a reusable oven liner at the bottom to catch spills. Simply remove and clean the liner instead of scrubbing the oven.
• An easy preventive measure for those who cook frequently.

Avoid Self-Cleaning Function

Using the self-cleaning feature can cause premature wear due to high temperatures. Opt for manual cleaning methods to extend your oven's lifespan.

1. Break It Down: The "5-Minute Rule"
When starting feels impossible, just promise yourself five minutes. Set a timer, do what you can, and if you feel like stopping after, fine—but most of the time, you’ll find the momentum keeps you going.

2. Use the "Micro-Task" Method
Big cleaning projects can feel like climbing a mountain, so chop them into tiny tasks. Think “pick up five toys” or “wipe this one shelf.” It’s amazing how small steps make a big job seem manageable.

3. Visualize the End Result
Close your eyes and picture that clean, calm space you want, a clutter-free room or a sparkling kitchen. It’s motivating to remember why you’re doing this: for peace and a fresh start.

4. Gamify the Process

Turn cleaning into a fun challenge. Race against the clock, rack up points for tasks, or see if you can beat your last “score.” Turning chores into a game makes them less of a burden and more of a little competition.

5. Play Upbeat Music or a Podcast
Pop on your favorite playlist or an engaging podcast, and suddenly, cleaning doesn’t feel so lonely or dull. It’s like turning your chores into a mini dance party or storytime!

6. Imagine Cleaning Someone Else’s House
Sometimes pretending your mess belongs to someone else helps. Think about how much easier it is to clean for a friend or guest, it’s a mental trick to shift your perspective and emotionally detach from the mess. 

7. Start with the "Easiest Win"
Tackle something simple first, like making your bed or clearing one small spot. That quick success gives you a boost of confidence to take on the next task.

8. Use the "Visible Progress" Trick
Focus on spots where you’ll see the biggest difference, like countertops or the floor. Seeing that immediate improvement keeps you motivated to keep going.

9. Adopt the "One Thing In, One Thing Out" Rule
Every time something new enters your home, make it a habit to remove something else. This little rule keeps clutter from building up and makes cleaning easier.

10. Set Up Cleaning Triggers
Tie cleaning to something you already do. For example, while your coffee brews, spend two minutes tidying the counter. Linking chores to routines makes them feel more natural.

11. Give Yourself Permission to Be Imperfect
Don’t aim for perfection, aim for done. Some days, just getting a little bit cleaned is a win, and that’s okay. Let go of the guilt and just start.

12. Use the "Future You" Mindset
Think of cleaning as a gift to yourself tomorrow. A tidy space at the end of the day means you wake up to calm instead of chaos. Trust me, future you will thank you!

13. Try the "Decluttering Jar"
Write tiny cleaning tasks on slips of paper and pull one out when you’re stuck. It adds a little surprise and takes the guesswork out of deciding where to start.

14. Remove Distractions First
Before you begin, silence your phone, turn off the TV, and make sure nothing will pull your focus away. Staying in the zone makes cleaning quicker and more satisfying.

15. Invite Accountability

If you need extra motivation, tell a friend you’re cleaning or invite someone over. Knowing someone’s expecting a tidy space lights a fire under you like nothing else!

A homemade all-purpose cleaning solution is not only cost-effective but also safe and eco-friendly. Here’s a tried-and-true recipe for a versatile cleaner that works on most surfaces like countertops, sinks, floors and bathroom tiles.

Ingredients:

White vinegar - 1 cup (cuts grease, deodorizes, and acts as a natural disinfectant)

Water - 3 cup (dilutes the vinegar for safe use on most surfaces)

Lemon juice - 2-3 tablespoons (adds a fresh scent and boosts cleaning power)

Liquid dish soap - 1 teaspoon (helps cut through grease)

Essential oils (optional) - 5-10 drops (e.g., tea tree, lavender, or citrus for scent and added antibacterial properties)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
2. Shake gently to mix.
3. Spray onto surfaces and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or sponge.

Tips for Use:

• Test First: Always test a small area to ensure the solution doesn’t discolor or damage the surface.

• Avoid on Granite or Marble: The acidity in vinegar and lemon juice can damage natural stone surfaces. For these, use a solution of dish soap and water only.

• Storage: Store the cleaner in a cool, dark place and shake before each use.

1. Effective Germ Killing

To effectively disinfect a surface you should let the cleaning product sit for 5-10 minutes in order to kill 99.9% of germs.

2. Vinegar

is one of the best ways to get rid of lime scale. See tip 8 to know how to use it better.

3. Scraper Tools

You can use a plastic or razor scraper tool with some dish soap for most flat kitchen surfaces with any really stubborn dirt like stoves and counter tops. Just make sure to spot test and be careful to not damage it.

4. Lemons Are Natural Cleaners

The acidity of lemons can cut through grease, remove stains, and even disinfect. Use half a lemon sprinkled with salt to clean cutting boards or polish copper.

5. Baking Soda Deodorizes Everything

Baking soda doesn't just clean, it absorbs odors! Sprinkle a little it in shoes, refrigerators, or carpets and rub it in dry to neutralize unpleasant smells.

6. Dryer Sheets Aren’t Just for Laundry

Used dryer sheets can remove soap scum from glass shower doors and dust from baseboards. They also repel dust when used on electronics.

7. Cleaning Tools Need Cleaning Too

Dirty cleaning tools spread germs. Wash sponges, rags, mops, sweepers and rinse your vacuum filter through water to maintain efficiency. Just make sure its 100% dry before re attaching as it can break your vacuum (I know it can for sure :( this can take a day or more but you can speed it up with a hair dryer or by putting it on a heating vent.

Vinegar is one of the best ways to get rid of lime scale and calcium build up. Use it as a spray for anything that cant be soaked in a container like glass shower doors or sink faucets. Soak shower heads, bath tubs, reverse osmosis tanks, and anything else in large plastic tub or even a bathtub to clean all things with a calcium buildup in one go to avoid wasting vinegar.

Use an appropriate amount of vinegar to the amount of warm water you are using. You don't need much but a general rule is a 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water for smaller volumes like a spray bottle or container, use more water in really large volumes like a bathtub. Let it sit for 1 hour then scrub off any remaining limescale easily.

Hard Water Ways

If you have really hard water like us with a rating level of 13, try using a higher concentration of vinegar like a 6%, 8% or even higher like a 40%. You can also add more vinegar instead of water or out right use vinegar. Use hot or warm vinegar solution to clean even more effectively than room temperature vinegar with any of these methods.

For anything that cant be submerged in a solution spray vinegar heavily and then wrap in paper towels soaked in vinegar and let sit for a few hours. You can then use the paper towels or a stiff brush or scrubber to easily clean the soaked, soft limescale.

For extreme measures, spray the area heavily and wrap a plastic shopping or garbage bag and and use a rubber band or tape to seal so its air tight. It works even better with warm or hot water. Let sit for a few hours or over night and come back to easily scrub it off.

If none of these worked (?) and you want to invest in fighting limescale, try a citric acid powder instead or combine it with the vinegar. Buy a small test amount first because it can come in huge tubs, but if it works, a large amount would be much more cost effective.

Dish Sponges

1. Microwave Method (Quick & Effective)

• How to Do It: Soak the sponge in water (to prevent it from catching fire), then microwave it on high for 1–2 minutes.
• The heat kills 99% of bacteria, including E. coli.
• Caution:
• Ensure the sponge is completely wet before microwaving.
• Avoid microwaving sponges with metallic scrubbing pads.

2. Dishwasher Method (Convenient)

• How to Do It: Place the sponge in the dishwasher on the top rack during a hot wash cycle with a heated dry setting.
• The heat and detergent disinfect and clean the sponge thoroughly.

3. Boiling Water Method (Natural Option)

• How to Do It: Submerge the sponge in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove with tongs and allow it to dry.
• High temperatures kill most bacteria.

4. Bleach Solution (Deep Clean)

• How to Do It: Mix ¾ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Soak the sponge for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
• Bleach effectively kills bacteria, mold, and mildew.

5. Vinegar Soak (Eco-Friendly)

• How to Do It: Soak the sponge in undiluted white vinegar for 5 minutes, then rinse with water.

Microfiber Cloths

Why Clean Them: They trap dust, grease, and bacteria.

• Best Cleaning Method: