Housekeeping Tips...help....

[kittygilchrist]

This thread is for exchange of housekeeping questions and tips. Let's start with: what do you use to keep fingerprints off stainless appliances? don't say gloves. :laugh:

[Rosie53]

This thread is for exchange of housekeeping questions and tips. Let's start with: what do you use to keep fingerprints off stainless appliances? don't say gloves. :laugh:

You can by wipes that are specifically for stainless appliances. I got mine in Publix.

[pooh]

Polish with a good wax....that might help....well, at least a little.... :D

I have a black fridge with a shiny, slick surface and car wax seems to help with that.

[Phanatic Luvr]

Sprayway for Stainless Steel. Just use a little bit, it goes a long way. I spray on a cloth and wipe.

[Sagitarius 6]

This thread is for exchange of housekeeping questions and tips. Let's start with: what do you use to keep fingerprints off stainless appliances? don't say gloves. :laugh:
Just wipe it down with Pledge. It works great. Recommended by sales man in appliance dept. at Home Depot. Thats what they use.

[redwitch]

I use a stainless steel cleaner from Sam's Club. Doesn't keep the prints off but certainly removes them. Use very sparingly. One can lasts me for about a year.

[kittygilchrist]

good ideas for stainless....what's the best cleaner for tile floors and type of mop?

[redwitch]

Steamer; Swiffer.

[kittygilchrist]

you mean a steam cleaner? what chemical do you use with Swiffer?

[redwitch]

Yes, a steam floor cleaner (I like the Shark the best). Since you have pets, I wouldn't use the spray that comes with the Swiffer Wet Jets, just the wet pads. Supposedly, there's a chemical in the wet spray similar to anti-freeze (the pads don't have this).

[senior citizen]

This thread is for exchange of housekeeping questions and tips. Let's start with: what do you use to keep fingerprints off stainless appliances? don't say gloves. :laugh:

First of all, it is impossible to keep fingerprints off of stainless steel appliances. I have an entire kitchen filled with them. Never again.
Beautiful when printless, but not as easy to maintain as the black, white, you name it colors of yesteryear..........

Perhaps if one lives alone, does not cook or eat....and has no visiting grandchildren or very short toddlers/ grandbabies.....or teenagers, you might be o.k. (or a snacking husband raiding the frig)......

The appliance store suggested NOT using "Windex" when they delivered all the appliances.....but I have "in a pinch" and it works. Nothing happened that was detrimental to the frig, etc. or other appliances.

I purchased "CERAMA BRYTE" Stainless Steel WIPES which are a cleaning polish and conditioner in a dispenser can.

One can of 35 wipes goes a long way. They also have a spray.

Cerama Bryte contains "mineral oil"....so I guess that would work as well.

The pre moistened "wipes" are good for range hoods, dishwashers, refrigerators, wall ovens, microwaves........anything that is stainless steel.
Barbecue grills, etc.

The mineral oil helps protect from future spots and leaves a protective shine. If you can't find it in your store, you can get it at amazon.com

Contains no phosphates.

************************************************** *********

For the tile floors I use my I-Robot "Mint"......or the Shark Steamer.
Will NEVER get tile floors again (except in the bathrooms) .

Ditto, no more stainless steel appliances.

[kittygilchrist]

thanks to all for the suggestions. both redwitch and your housekeeper have cleaning businesses, so listen up when they talk!

[2newyorkers]

I use Pledge for specialty surfaces on my faucets and stainless steel sink. Does anyone remember Jubilee? My mom used it on all the appliances.

[angiefox10]

Yes, a steam floor cleaner (I like the Shark the best). Since you have pets, I wouldn't use the spray that comes with the Swiffer Wet Jets, just the wet pads. Supposedly, there's a chemical in the wet spray similar to anti-freeze (the pads don't have this).

No... That's a myth

snopes.com: Swiffer WetJet Pet Danger (http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/swiffer.asp)

I just put water in my steamer.... Works like a charm!

[redwitch]

Thanks, Angie -- never even thought to check Scopes on this. Always had my doubts but figured better to be safe than sorry.

[kittygilchrist]

Dee loves animals....I'm glad you'd be safe about that too if in doubt. she petsits too, and is a natural at relating.
So for the tile I have to buy a steamer and a swiffer or sponge mop and use just water till it needs vinegar. nasty smell but a great idea. Furn polish didn't work on my fridge but it's offbrand.
I can't find the mineral oil so I might try wd40???

[kittygilchrist]

I like these ideas. if I find the mineral oil around here I'll try it. Moving is really fun, guessing where I put stuff.;)

[raynan]

I've used the Swiffer, then the Shark steam cleaner on my tile floors. They work ok but skim over the grout. Then, on hands and knees, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser worked on the grout. Will I do this again?? NO!!! Now I bought McCullough floor steam cleaner online at Walmart.com for $119.99 with free shipping. This machine is like a canister vac with vac hose. It steams by pressing button on hose (like the Shark) but has a locking mechanism for continuous steaming. Also comes with 2 washable pads and a lot of attachments like a litte brush that attaches on end of hose to do grout standing up. No more sore knees. This is put out by the company McCullough that makes chain saws. I've only had this for a month but I'm a happy girl.
I saw on the Today show to clean stainless steel appliances and then wipe on mineral oil to protect from fingerprints.

[mikeandnancy1112]

Kitty,

I have always used W-D 40 but recently found Super Tech Lubricant in Walmart in the Automotive Section. It does a great job and a lot cheaper.

I just spray it on and use a soft cloth to wipe off.

[ssmith]

I am not in Florida but...

I love my Hoover Hard Surface Floor cleaner on my tile. It combines the wet cleaning and vacuuming all in one step!!!

[kaydee]

love the Bona Starter Kit I bought at Ace Hardware for my laminate & tile floors. the starter kit comes with a feather duster pad and a microfiber moping pad. I made a solution of vinegar, water & just a couple drops of Dawn dish detergent in a spray bottle. Works wonders for both the tile & laminate. Naturally I only lightly spray the laminate.

[skyc6]

love the Bona Starter Kit I bought at Ace Hardware for my laminate & tile floors. the starter kit comes with a feather duster pad and a microfiber moping pad. I made a solution of vinegar, water & just a couple drops of Dawn dish detergent in a spray bottle. Works wonders for both the tile & laminate. Naturally I only lightly spray the laminate.

I use a stainless cleaner called WEiMAN's found at Publix. It works great. They make a spray for stainless, a cream for glass cooktops, and also wipes for leather that work great on furniture that is leather.

[kittygilchrist]

smooth stove cooktop. steps to clean and chemicals to use/not use?

[senior citizen]

smooth stove cooktop. steps to clean and chemicals to use/not use?

Are all of these questions because you are writing a book on how to become a "Domestic Goddess" or because you've never had these type of appliances prior to moving to THE VILLAGES???????

I've used everything on my glass cooktop and nothing has harmed it.
Just make sure the electric is shut off.

In my "next life" I'm going to just hire the "Merry Maids" or some such cleaning service.

[kittygilchrist]

:1rotfl:
Me, a Domestic Goddess? I'm trying to become a better person.
you've tried everything on the range...what works best?


Are all of these questions because you are writing a book on how to become a "Domestic Goddess" or because you've never had these type of appliances prior to moving to THE VILLAGES???????

I've used everything on my glass cooktop and nothing has harmed it.
Just make sure the electric is shut off.

In my "next life" I'm going to just hire the "Merry Maids" or some such cleaning service.

[senior citizen]

:1rotfl:
Me, a Domestic Goddess? I'm trying to become a better person.
you've tried everything on the range...what works best?

Do not know what type of cooktop you have, but the GE Profile series of ceramic cooktops, such as we have, came with the sample cleaner which you can buy at your appliance store or perhaps at the supermarket or for sure at amazon.com.........they also include a little razor gizmo to scrape up burned on food from the glass top.......I've copied and pasted from the GE site.
See Below:




GEAppliances.com (http://www.geappliances.com/)
close window (javascript:window.close();)
Print (javascript:window.print();)
Range - Glass Cooktop Cleaning Instructions

Cleaning with the cleaning cream after each use of the cooktop will keep the cooktop looking new and easy to clean. Ceramic cooktop cleaning creams are the best.


CeramaBryte® (WX10X300 - 28 oz bottle) is the recommended cleaner. Scrub vigorously. Dry with a soft cloth.

Most GE Profile™ Series and GE glass cooktops and ranges come with a sample of CeramaBryte® Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner. It is available through GE Parts (http://www.geappliances.com/shop/prts/index.htm), (WX10X300)

You can purchase CeramaBryte® pads (WX10X350 - 4 pads), Cerama Bryte Wipes - 35 wipes per canister (part number - WX10X305) or purchase a CeramaBryte® Kit (WB64X5027 - Includes cream and cooktop scraper).

We also offer a three-piece kit Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaning Kit which includes Cerama Bryte cooktop cleaner, a Cerama Bryte cleaning pad, and a scraper. Part # WX10X117GCS.

Burned spots and spills require special treatment listed below.

View a short video about cleaning your glass cooktop:
Play Video (http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1910171499001?bckey=AQ~~,AAABAWGODxk~,hLHEX2t m6AFlgSDzRIBPGX7yjI__nHLT&bctid=1973978127001)

Warning: Use of sponges or cleaners other than those recommended can result in damage to the cooktop.

Heavy, Burned-On Residue
Allow the cooktop to cool.
Spread a few drops of Cerama Bryte® over the entire burned-on area.
Hold a razor scraper at approximately a 45º angle against the ceramic glass surface and scrape soil. It will be necessary to apply pressure to the razor scraper in order to remove the residue.
Keep small amount of cream on the residue as you scrape.
After scraping with razor scraper, use the scrub sponge to remove any remaining residue.
For additional protection, after all residue has been removed, polish the entire surface with the Cerama Bryte® and a paper towel.
Note: The razor scraper (WX10X0302) is available to purchase through GE Parts (http://www.geappliances.com/shop/prts/index.htm). The razor blade is packed inverted for safety reasons. Prior to use, the blade must be rotated and reinserted into slot. Do not use a dull or nicked blade.

Water or White Marks

If there are areas with a metallic sheen, they are caused by mineral deposits from evaporated water and food. You can remove them by cleaning with Cooktop Cleaning Cream.
Metal marks and scratches

Be careful not to slide pots and pans across your cooktop; it will leave metal markings on the cooktop surface.
These marks are removable using the cleaning cream with scrub sponge and/or razor scraper.
If pots with a thin overlay of aluminum or copper are allowed to boil dry, the overlay may leave black discoloration on the cooktop.
This should be removed immediately before heating again or discoloration may be permanent.
Warning: Carefully check the bottom of pans for nicks, gouges, or any rough area as these types of imperfections will scratch the cooktop.
Potential For Permanent Damage From Sugary Spills and Melted Plastic

Our testing shows that if you are have a spillover from high sugar mixtures or melted plastic you should:
Turn off all surface units. Remove hot pans.
Wear an oven mitt.
Use the razor scraper to move the spill to a cool area on the cooktop.
Remove the spill with paper towels.
Any remaining spillover should be left until the surface of the cooktop has cooled.
Do not use the surface units again until all residue has been completely removed.
Plastic or Porcelain from a Teapot

If any plastic, or porcelain from a teapot, melts/hardens onto the glass it usually can not be removed because it bonds to the glass. The cooktop glass will have to be replaced.

"IF" the plastic has not already hardened, you may try gently removing it (no promises here). If this is unsuccessful, service will be necessary.

Note: If pitting or indentation in the glass surface has already occurred, the cooktop glass will need to be replaced. GE Service (http://www.geappliances.com/geac/schdl_rpr/index.htm) may be scheduled on-line.

[Rosie53]

Yes, a steam floor cleaner (I like the Shark the best). Since you have pets, I wouldn't use the spray that comes with the Swiffer Wet Jets, just the wet pads. Supposedly, there's a chemical in the wet spray similar to anti-freeze (the pads don't have this).

I have the Shark steam cleaner and dust mop combo. Works well. I go it in Wal-Mart for about $120.00

[kittygilchrist]

Great video and post on cooktop cleaning. thanks.

[kittygilchrist]

one more....I think these are ceramic sinks. can I scour or should I use soft scrub or what?

[getdul981]

Use WD-40 on the stainless steel and wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel.

[kittygilchrist]

love that, greg. I've got duct tape and 40. all set.

[mikeandnancy1112]

Unless it has changed, TV told us when we moved here in 2004 to only use Soft Scrub or anything non abrasive, such as Chlorox Cleanup until I found Great Value (Walmart's Brand) Multipurpose cleaner with Bleach. It is much cheaper and works just as well. I use both sometimes.

[kittygilchrist]

thanks abunch...

[jojo]

Unless it has changed, TV told us when we moved here in 2004 to only use Soft Scrub or anything non abrasive, such as Chlorox Cleanup until I found Great Value (Walmart's Brand) Multipurpose cleaner with Bleach. It is much cheaper and works just as well. I use both sometimes.

What is this recommendation for?

[tghoul]

Use a small amount of baby oil on a paper towel (or cloth rag). Then take a soft, lint free towel and buff. No harsh chemicals, easy, and a money saver.

Mrs tghoul

[kittygilchrist]

What is this recommendation for?

ceramic sinks.

[OhSuzannah]

Merry Maids :>)

[kittygilchrist]

re stainless appliance cleaners, I treed what I had on hand. mineral oil was ok, but streaked. WD 40 is a finer distillate, and worked perfectly to obliterate prints and spread easily over the surfaces. Lucky me, I like the smell of it...

[gomsiepop]

I went to a craft show last spring where one of the vendors was selling "Holy Moly" cloths. She demonstrated the cloth and cleaned glass and mirrors with a wet "holy moly" cloth and dried the glass and mirror with a dry "holy moly" cloth. It seemed amazing and I thought the worst that could happen would be I would lose $10.00. The cloths sold for 1 for $5.00 or 3 for $10.00. I purchased three and I couldn't believe the results. I no longer use windex or any other glass cleaner. Just hot water and a "holy moly" cloth. They also work great on stainless steel. No more cleansers, just "holy moly" cloths. There is a website called holymolyconcepts.com that sells these cloths, but, it is more expensive than what I paid. Still well worth it, honestly!!

[Debfrommaine]

I used the Shark on my tile but it turned the grout a dirty color - so had the husband repaint, by hand, the kitchen, livingroom and hallway tile. Yes, he's a SAINT - and the grout looks wonderful. Now I just use a regular mop on the tile.

[Love2cruise]

I like these ideas. if I find the mineral oil around here I'll try it. Moving is really fun, guessing where I put stuff.;)

I used a stainless cleaner the builder left me, sprayed it on a cloth and it left terrible streaks. Used olive oil and fixed the problem. Can't tell you the name of the cleaner, threw it in the trash!

[patfla06]

I use Barkeepers Friend on my stainless-works great.

[samhass]

WD40 on stainless. It's great.

[kittygilchrist]

I love 40, but it streaks...what kind of cloth do you use?

[lovinganimals]

Kitty:
I found mineral oil at Bed Bath and Beyond near the wood cutting boards.

[asianthree]

I went to a craft show last spring where one of the vendors was selling "Holy Moly" cloths. She demonstrated the cloth and cleaned glass and mirrors with a wet "holy moly" cloth and dried the glass and mirror with a dry "holy moly" cloth. It seemed amazing and I thought the worst that could happen would be I would lose $10.00. The cloths sold for 1 for $5.00 or 3 for $10.00. I purchased three and I couldn't believe the results. I no longer use windex or any other glass cleaner. Just hot water and a "holy moly" cloth. They also work great on stainless steel. No more cleansers, just "holy moly" cloths. There is a website called holymolyconcepts.com that sells these cloths, but, it is more expensive than what I paid. Still well worth it, honestly!!

It's worth a try I hate my stainless fridge

[eremite06]

I know it's an old thread but....want to surprise the wife with a spotless shower stall and clean oven interior.

What do I use to clean both without asphyxiating myself.

[ssmith]

I have a new fav cleaner....not sure if you can use it on your shower stall but I use it on mine.

I go to the pharmacy and buy 91% rubbing alcohol ( it near the normal 3& rubbing alcohol) then I put it in a spray bottle and dilute it with equal parts of water. This is the best cleaner ever and works wonders on anything glass.
I love it on windows....it cleans without streaking because it dries fast (It is also easy to use on outside windows when it is cold outside or when the sun is shining on it....no streaks). Well I use it also on all my appliances and stainless steel sink....I remember using something similar at the hospital when we had to clean sinks.

[kittygilchrist]

I know it's an old thread but....want to surprise the wife with a spotless shower stall and clean oven interior.

What do I use to clean both without asphyxiating myself.

Isn't the oven self-cleaning by using heat of the oven? Supposed to be able to wipe it out with detergent when done. I remember that nasty oven cleaner chemical...I don't think that's done anymore...?

Scrubbing bubbles for the shower...if you have soap scum and lime buildup, use a lime away type product first...

[graciegirl]

I would like to take the prints off the refrigerator and ovens without applying something oily or gummy. Sometimes soap and water does the job and sometimes it looks all streaky. Stainless steel appliances are made of different stuff, my last group weren't so challenging.

[OBXNana]

Our self cleaning oven doesn't clean the glass. I asked the sales person at Sears how to get it clean. Since it isn't actually glass (didn't know this) he told me to use bar keepers friend like I use on the stove top. I used the stove top scrubber with the bar keepers friend, and the glass was spotless. If you don't have a self cleaning oven, I would guess you would also need to clean the glass differently than the walls of the oven.

You're a terrific husband!

[l2ridehd]

OK, I have read enough. Now I am going to give you all the secret.

Tile. Use a steam cleaner with a tablespoon of white vinegar in the water and make sure you dry the tile immediately after with a dry microfiber cloth or paper towels. CHANGE and wash the pads often, if you don't your just pushing dirt around. I have about a dozen pads for mine and change them as soon as they start to show any dirt.

Windows, including glass shower. I use a 5 gallon bucket 3/4 full of water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Wash windows or any glass with a microfiber cloth and this now soapy solution. Use a squeegee to remove all water from the glass. I dry my squeegee with a dry microfiber between swipes. This is fast and your windows will sparkle with zero streaks after.

Stainless anything. Same solution as above with the dawn and white vinegar and eliminate the squeegee. Just use the wet and dry microfiber cloths. They will come out spotless and stay that way far longer.