Cleaning Tips – Skura Style

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KITCHEN


How to Get Rid of Stains on Your Wood Cutting Board
 
  1. Sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain
  2. Add kosher salt to the baking soda
  3. With your VERY SKRUBBY start scrubbing the spot. The baking soda and salt act as an abrasive. Keep scrubbing working the mixture into the stain
  4. Wipe the area with a damp Skura sponge
  5. If there is still slight stain, just continue scrubbing with your VERY SKRUBBY


 


Advice for Your Cheesy Baking Sheet
 
To clean a baking sheet with cheese residue, let it cool first. Scrape off excess cheese with a spatula or knife. Sprinkle baking soda over the affected areas and add a few drops of dish soap. Pour hot water onto the sheet and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the sheet with your VERY SKRUBBY or your Skura sponge. Good news, cheese will rinse right off of either!  Rinse thoroughly, and repeat if necessary

 


Top 5 Uses for Baking Soda
 

1. Kitchen sink drains. Pour a considerable amount down the drain with white vinegar! Let the fizzing begin. And then rinse with hot water.
2. Refrigerator shelves. Make a paste of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Apply the paste to shelf and allow it to sit for up to five minutes. Use a damp Skura sponge or WIPE ENVY to wipe away the paste and leave a sparkling shelf.
3. Oven interior: Mix baking soda with water or vinegar to make a paste. Spread the paste over the oven and then spritz with vinegar to further activate the chemical and lift grease and grime. Let it sit then wipe down with your Skura sponge!
4. Cutting boards: sprinkle some baking soda over the board, then spray it with vinegar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes while it bubbles up. Then rinse the board with a Skura sponge.
5. Stovetop: Make baking soda paste (three parts baking soda, one part water). Apply the paste to your stove top and wait about two hours. Then spray vinegar onto your stove top. Wipe clean using both your Skura Style sponge and a WIPE ENVY

 


Winter Wipe-downs!
 

Spray a WIPE ENVY with a disinfectant or equal parts water and white vinegar. Now get to work:  

  • Wipe down all door knobs around the house
  • Don’t forget handles on cabinets, closets and appliances
  • Countertops routinely get cleaned — but the disinfectant is important here
  • Go to every room with a TV. Now wipe down the remote controls
  • Consider lamps that get manually turned off and on
  • You should get in the habit of wiping down your phone and mobile devices several times a day at this time of year

 

Repeat daily if you can — until the tulips start breaking ground!

 


The answer to cleaning your dutch oven. A dishwasher pod.
 

Fill your dutch oven half way with warm water. Throw a dishwasher pod into the water. It can be the powder or the gel/powder combination. Boil the mixture for five to ten minutes. Then discard the mixture. Rinse the Dutch oven with warm water, using your Skura sponge or a VERY SKRUBBY scouring pad to finish the job.  


Remove Grease Build-up
From Kitchen Cabinets

1. Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of half white vinegar and half WARM water
2. Spritz your cabinets and let sit for a few minutes while the solution attacks the grease
3. Wipe away the grease build-up with your Skura sponge
4. Use a WIPE ENVY or other soft cloth to dry and shine


Keep Your Cookie Sheets Looking Like New

  • Sprinkle baking soda over the burnt and grimy areas
  • Spritz enough white vinegar on top to soak through baking soda
  • Allow to dry for about 8 hours (overnight)
  • Scrub with a VERY SKRUBBY scouring pad and some warm water
  • Repeat as needed
  • Do this on both sides and it will keep looking new

Clean Silverware FAST and Easy

 

1.   Line a glass baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure the shiny side is facing upwards
2.   Sprinkle 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda on the foil, then carefully pour about 2 cups of boiling water on top
3.   Immerse your silver (do NOT stack or overlap), let soak for 3 minutes, and remove with tongs
4.   Use your WIPE ENVY to buff and shine

 


Clean Your Oven With a Dishwasher Pod
 

1. Wipe up loose ashes and food
2. Soak a pressed powder dishwasher pod (not a gel pod) in a bowl of warm water for a few seconds, just until moistened
3. Use the pod like you would a sponge to wipe down your oven - including glass doors
4. You might need a VERY SKRUBBY for tough areas
5. Rinse and wipe clean with warm water and your Skura sponge


Caring for Your Kitchen Knife
 

Wash your knives by hand with warm water, soap, and your Skura sponge

Never put your kitchen knives in your dishwasher. Doing so will damage the handle

Rinsing or washing your knife after a task, while you’re cooking, helps to keep them clean and sharp. It also helps to minimize cross-contamination

Use your knife on a wood or plastic cutting board. It’s safer and keeps your knife sharper longer

Always wash your cutting board immediately after using

 


Kitchen Sink Refresh
 

Deodorize Your Disposal
Make a tray of ice cubes using white vinegar and small pieces of lemon put two down the disposal and turn it on!

Get Rid of Sink Odors
Run super hot water down the drain to flush it out then pour a cup of baking soda down it. Finish it off with about a cup of white vinegar. Let the fizzing begin and when it’s calmed down rinse with more hot water.

Stainless Steel Sinks Polishing
Wash and dry the sink. Sprinkle the the entire surface with flour (yup). Start buffing (with a WIPE ENVY) and watch how sparkly it gets. Rinse and dry.

Faucets
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the base of the faucet to tackle the gunk that can accumulate there. With an old toothbrush, work out the gunk. Rinse off and wipe. For the faucet, wet a WIPE ENVY with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar and wipe down (make sure the patina on your faucet can handle white vinegar). Polish the faucet with dry WIPE ENVY.

 


Cleaning a Stock Pot
 

A stock pot is not a Dutch oven. It’s a tall pot with a flat bottom that generally has a thin bottom. It’s used to cook stocks and soups as they can handle a large amount of liquid that need to be simmered for longer periods of time. Cooking soups and stocks can start with browning ingredients first and those browning bits can get stuck on the bottom of the pan.

Because these pots are thinner than regular pots, it’s necessary to be gentle with them and avoid heavy scrubbing.

Add equal parts of white vinegar and water to the pot filling it up about half-way. Then add two lemon halves and bring to a boil and simmer for half an hour. You’re basically making a cleaning stock! Let it cool and then use your Skura sponge to attack the food bits on the bottom to gently lift them off. Then wash.

 


Sock Mop Your Kitchen Floors
 

Make a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle

Put on a pair of thick socks that you won’t mind getting dirty

Spray the bottoms of them generously with the mixture

Turn on the music! We have a playlist you might want to check out to get your feet moving.

Start gliding those feet across the floor. Point your toes to get into the corners and edges of the floor.

Toss the dirty sock in the washer when you’re done!


Countertop Berry Stain Removal
 

Create a paste made from baking soda and a little water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit on the stain for a couple of hours. Don’t scrub the stain with the paste since it’s and abrasive and may scratch your countertop. Wipe off gently after you have let it sit with a WIPE ENVY.


Plastic Ware and Berry Stains?
 

If you use plastic storage containers to keep berries, they are likely to get stained from those delicious juices. Soak the container in distilled white vinegar making sure to cover the stain. Rinse clean. Don’t worry about the vinegar fragrance. It disappears. Or you can also make a paste of dish soap and baking soda and coat the stain. Use your Skura Style sponge to apply some pressure to rub the stain out. Rinse and repeat if necessary.


Berry Stain on your Berry Nice Table Linens?
 

Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stained area — the non-gel kind. Very gently rub in with your fingers, pressing it into the stain. Rinse with water. Gone!


Get Your Stainless Spotless
 

Stainless steel sinks and appliances can’t help but get annoying streaks and water spots. Make them shiny again with shaving cream! Simply dampen a WIPE ENVY microfiber cloth — make sure it’s not super wet. Just damp. Then apply shave cream to the cloth and rub into the stainless steel. With a dry WIPE ENVY polish off the residue to make it shine. You can also do this on your faucets!

 


Use Your Dishwasher for the Unexpected
 

While you’re running a load of dishes, add these items!

  • Toys (no batteries or glue). Bathtub toys, pool toys, play toys. Whatever will fit on the top shelf
  • Dog toys. Oh yeah. And these too
  • Flip flops. On the top shelf only
  • Golf balls. Love this one. Find a way to place where they won’t fall through. And keep these on the top shelf as well
  • Refrigerator shelves and drawers. Make sure they are at room temp before running the dishwasher so nothing cracks or breaks



Give Your Plastic Containers a Second Life
 

Plastic containers are great. But they can get to looking nasty and not so clean with the stains left from the food that was being stored. Here’s how to bring them back to life so you’re not tossing them out so fast.

Make a paste of baking soda and water and spread it over the bottom and sides of the container. The consistency of the paste should be like toothpaste. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then use a damp WIPE ENVY (or other soft cloth) to tackle the stains. Rinse and wash with dish soap and warm water.


The Skura Method for Washing Dishes by Hand
 

Washing dishes is our favorite pastime. And we find washing by hand (old school) is actually cathartic

1. Always rinse your dishes before washing them to loosen dried-on foods. Pre-soak pots and pans separately
2. Make sure the monogram on your Skura sponge is still visible. If not, toss and pull out a fresh one!
3. Fill the sink with hot, hot water. Add a couple of teaspoons of baking soda in the water along with your liquid detergent to help with stubborn messes
4. Use rubber gloves to tolerate the temperature - and save your manicure in the process!
5. Wash the cleanest and most fragile items first to avoid breaking or spreading germs and food particles
6. After a cleaning each piece, check for remaining residue. Use the scrubby side of your Skura aponge to eliminate the stickier particles
7. When rinsing dishes, continue to use hot water. It’s better at melting any grease and soapy residue away
8. Dry as soon as the items are clean to avoid exposure to bacteria. A clean TOWEL TA-DA! absorbs water and doesn't leave lint
9. Now use a clean TOWEL TA-DA! for drying and making sure glasses are lint free


Dishwashers Have Limits. Things You Should Wash By Hand
 

Your dishwasher might do more harm than good on a number of your dishes and pots and pans. Don't put these in your dishwasher:

- Anything wood
- Kitchen knives
- Copper
- Cast iron
- Air fryer basket
- China with metallic trim
- Antiques and other delicates
- Hand painted ceramic
- Crystal
- Aluminum cookware
- Printed measuring cups


Dishwashers Need Washing Too
 

We rely on our dishwashers to make our dishes sparkle, but these workhorses need some cleaning too!

1. Remove the bottom rack and check the drain area for debris; wipe the drainage area using a dampened WIPE ENVY
2. Pour one cup of white vinegar into a mug (or other dishwasher safe vessel) and place on the top rack of your emptied dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle. The vinegar will remove grease, residue and stubborn grime
3. Make sure to wipe the inside of the door as well
4. Wipe down the outside and make sure to get the buttons clean. For stainless steel, spritz a tiny bit of olive oil on a clean WIPE ENVY and polish the outside


The Refrigerator Refresher. In Just 15 Minutes

Cleaning your fridge does not have to be an overwhelming experience. In fact, it can be done in a jiffy.
Set a timer and see if you can get through this one in 15 minutes!

1. Remove all items, tossing anything that’s expired and your less-than-edible leftovers
2. Working from top to bottom, wipe out all crumbs
3. Spritz shelves/bins with a DIY mixture of half white vinegar, half warm water. Use your SKURA sponge with a little elbow grease to remove sticky spills. (You can always remove any bins or shelves
that need extra attention - and hand wash them in your sink)
4. Wipe down all surfaces with a dampened WIPE ENVY
5. Reclaim and reload that clean fridge! Organize like items (think milks and meats on the cooler bottom shelves, ready-to-eat items on top, condiments on door)

Don’t forget to add a new, open box of baking soda to absorb funky odors


Your Range Hood is a Must
 

Did you know that greasy range hood filters are a fire hazard and should be thoroughly cleaned?

1. Pop them out and drop in your sink with the drain plug closed
2. Pour boiling water, a squirt of dish soap and ¼ cup of baking soda on top of the filter(s). Swish around with tongs (or other utensil) and let them soak for at least 10 minutes
3. Make sure the water has cooled down and use a VERY SKRUBBY to remove the last bits of gunk
4. Rinse clean and dry. Pop back into the hood

We'll be reminding you to do this again in the fall!


Zap Your Microwave Clean
 

Does the interior of your microwave look like a Jackson Pollock painting? We’ve been there…

1. To remove messy spills and splatters from your microwave, combine 2 tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of water in a microwave-safe mug (for easy handling); place in microwave
2. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, and carefully remove the hot mug
3. Using the dense steam to loosen up the grime, grab your SKURA sponge and wipe all interior surfaces for a good-as-new shine


Give Your Sink a Deep Cleaning

We clean our dishes in the sink, but do we ever stop to think that it needs some sprucing up too?

1. Begin by running the garbage disposal or scooping out leftover bits of food from the drain stopper (ew)
2. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the garbage disposal along with 1/4 cup white vinegar. The combination will create some foaming. Let sit for a few minutes, then run warm water while running the disposal
3. Now generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire sink. Use a damp SKURA sponge to scrub the baking soda into the sink. The baking soda acts as an abrasive to give it a deep clean
4. Use the paste formed on the sponge to clean the sink rims and faucets
5. Rinse well, then wipe all areas dry with WIPE ENVY to eliminate water stains and make it sparkle


How to Unhate Your "Under the Sink" Cabinet
 
Does the theme to “Jaws” go off in your head when you open your kitchen sink cabinet? Time to deal!

1. Remove all items and give the space a good wipedown with a disinfectant spray and your WIPE ENVY
2. Check out your inventory and remove anything flammable - like oily rags and solvents. Toss anything that’s expired
3. Return remaining supplies, grouping like items
4. Consider a lazy susan to store items for easy retrieval

Kitchen Cabinet Wipe Down
 

Remove Grease Buildup from Kitchen Cabinets

1. Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of half white vinegar and half WARM water
2. Spritz your cabinets, and let it sit for a few minutes while the solution attacks the grease
3. Wipe away the gunk with your SKURA sponge


Clean And Disinfect Knobs and Handles
 

You might not like this because it's a lot of work and time consuming, but it's really the best approach to getting the hardware on your drawers and cabinets super clean

1. Remove the handles from drawers and cabinets. Screwdriver will be needed. Keep the screws
2. Make a solution of equal parts hot water and white vinegar. You will need enough solution to completely cover the hardware in your soaking container
3. While the hardware is soaking be sure to use a damp WIPE ENVY to wipe the screw holes on the outside and inside
4. Remove each knob or handle individually and use your SKURA sponge to wipe it down. Use the scrubby side to get any debris still on the handle
5. Rinse, dry and reattach to drawers and cabinet

FAMILY ROOM


Dirty Walls? Reach For a Can! 
 

Painted walls and the area around door knobs just can’t avoid getting lots of finger prints and dirty wear and tear. Get them looking fresh with — shaving cream. Yes, that stuff that is probably in your bathroom and gets used religiously. Here’s what you do:

- Dampen a WIPE ENVY
- Apply a dollop of shaving cream on the cloth
- Rub the shaving cream onto the spots and gently scrub away   the prints, smudges and marks
- Use a dry WIPE ENVY to wipe up the residue

 


A Foamy Solution to Carpet Stains 
 

Shaving cream is designed to lather up and penetrate an area and delivers moisture. This is great on on tough stains. So when you have a spot on your carpeting, apply the shave cream. Let it sit on the spot for at least 30 minutes. Then wipe/blot it with a damp Skura Sponge and then let it dry. If there is dry residue, simply vacuum.

 


How to Refresh Your Upholstered Furniture


It’s been another long winter and a lot of people are hanging around on the comfy couch or chairs

1. With a clean SKURA sponge, wipe the upholstery to pick up animal hair and lint. If there are fabric pills, use the scrubby side of the sponge to scrape them from the fabric. If you have white-ish fabric and you have dirt stains, try using an art eraser to tackle the stains
2. Remove the cushions and repeat the above to get the surface below the cushions clean. Feel free to keep anything you find
3. Vacuum the cushions
4. Fluff up and flip the cushions. Find a place to store the winter throws


Iron Out Water Stains
 

Your iron (you read that right) can remove water rings on your wood furniture (and floors). This will work well on stains that are still damp as it effectively pulls moisture from the surface.

Lay a clean cloth over the mark. We suggest a WIPE ENVY or the terry side of a TA-DA! Towel.   Make sure there is no water left in the iron and set it to a low temperature. Set the warmed iron on the cloth over the water stain. Lift the iron check the stain. If it's still there, repeat steps until the stain is removed.

 


A Nutty Way to Get Wood Furniture Looking Like New


Water stains are almost unavoidable. Get ready for this one!

1. Cover the stain with a clean, soft towel large enough to cover the stain and accommodate a clothes iron. A Towel TA-DA! would be ideal
2. Heat a clothes iron to a low temp. Make sure there is no water in the iron
3. Iron the towel (stain underneath) for several seconds. Let it cool
4. For tougher stains, you may need to repeat

Nicks and scrapes will happen. To get the wood looking like new do the following:

1. Reach for a nut. Not your significant other. A walnut
2. Rub the nut into the area that needs repair for several seconds. Let the oil do its thing with the wood for a few minutes
3. Buff the spot with a WIPE ENVY to polish the area


Clean Up TV Viewing
 

Your TV is probably just dusty - or perhaps has acquired some residue if you have a fireplace. But it's super-easy to clean. The biggest thing *not* to do is use a glass cleaner!

1. Dust the TV screen in a circular motion using a clean WIPE ENVY
2. Create a cleaning solution of warm water with a drop of dish washing liquid in a spray bottle
3. Dampen the WIPE ENVY with the solution and using the same circular motion, wipe down the screen one more time. Let it dry
4. Take the dry WIPE ENVY and dust the back if it’s accessible

Remote controls can be nasty. People rarely sanitize their hands before using it! So wipe down remotes with a WIPE ENVY that has been dampened with some white vinegar


Your Ceiling Fan Has Been Busy - Collecting Dust
 

Ceiling fans are dust collectors, but they also send that dust everywhere when they’re in use. Make sure you give them a good cleaning!

1. If there are pull chains, wipe them with a dampened WIPE ENVY
2. Affix a clean WIPE ENVY on your flat mop and spray with your fave all-purpose cleaner
3. Now glide your flat mop across the top and bottom of all blades to remove the dirt, dust and grime accumulation
4. You can add this to your regular dusting duty, using a dry WIPE ENVY


Wall Washing? Yes, It's a Thing
 

Did you know WIPE ENVY fits perfectly on your Swiffer?

1. With a dry WIPE ENVY attached, dust your walls. You may have to take down some wall hangings — but you can certainly work around them too
2. Create a mixture for the washing. In a bucket, combine 8 cups of really hot water. Add about three tablespoons of dishwashing liquid. Then add about 1/4 cup white vinegar. Get to work while the water is hot
3. Dampen a clean WIPE ENVY with the cleaning solution you just made and attach it to the Swiffer. Start mopping your walls. We always suggest starting with an area to test — in an inconspicuous place
4. Let them dry. What’s great about this is that not only are they clean — but they have a new fresh smell!

WINDOWS AND MIRRORS


Let the Sun Shine In
 

It’s time for the sun to shine in - through clean windows

1. Start by wiping off surface dirt and dusting with a dry WIPE ENVY (this will prevent a streaky mess once the cleaning solution is applied)
2. Prepare our fave DIY window cleaning solution: Combine 2 cups water, ½ cup white vinegar and ¼ cup rubbing alcohol in a clean spray bottle. (Adding rubbing alcohol helps to cut through any sticky residue on your windows, while creating a streak-free shine)
3. Now generously spritz and wipe with a WIPE ENVY to avoid leaving any lint on the windows. And while you’re at it, make sure to rub in multiple directions to prevent streaking

Note: Evaporation Rate - it’s a thing! Make sure you choose a cloudy day for this task since the window cleaning solution will evaporate rapidly on a warm sunny day, leaving behind streaks


Where the Real Dirt Lurks: Tracks and Sills
 
Your windows have been closed all winter long. Don't let out a scream when you open them up to find mounds of dirt, dust and dead bugs (ew)

1. Clean up the tracks and sills by vacuuming up as much loose grime as possible (which will make the scrubbing part easier)
2. Zap that remaining caked-on gunk with a generous squirt of warm soapy water
3. Maneuver into the crevices with an old toothbrush, loosening up the rest of that dirty residue

4. Rinse and allow the water to drain through the weep holes (they're the little holes in the corners of the windows which allow water to escape). Then wipe it all down with a WIPE ENVY


Mirror, mirror…Clean and All
 

We all want to look in the mirror and like what we see. We got you!

1. First, wipe surface dust from your mirror with a dry WIPE ENVY to prevent a smeary mess of dirt and glass cleaner
2. Opt for a cleaner sans added soaps and scents - they will leave behind residue-causing streaks. The best solution is a DIY mix of half white vinegar and water
3. Spritz fluid directly on your mirror, and wipe with a clean WIPE ENVY from side to side, starting at the top and working your way down


Don't Turn a Blind Eye to your Blinds
 

Let's bypass the old way of taking blinds down, soaking them and re-installing them. Instead, try this:

1. Grab your kitchen tongs and wrap a WIPE ENVY around each side of the tong by fastening with rubber bands
2. Spritz a DIY household cleaner of half white vinegar, half water to the cloths
3. Grab each individual blind with the tong and swipe all the way across; repeat on each slat

PATIO


Basket Makeover: Transform Your Picnic Companion!
 

Picnics are one of the pleasures of the summer months whether it's at the beach or a park. Spruce up your basket and get out there for a fun afternoon. Here’s how:

1. Grab a dry WIPE ENVY and wipe off surface dust from the inside and outside
2. If your basket is not picnic-ready just yet, dampen the WIPE ENVY with white vinegar and blot the basket weave gently to give it a deeper clean. Do not ever immerse the basket in water as it may remove the patina, or cause warping
3. Leave the basket to air dry completely before filling with goodies for your afternoon out
4. And always keep a WIPE ENVY and Skura sponge in your basket for clean-up



Clean Grill Grates —With An Onion?!
 

Cleaning BBQ grates is a messy job. However, this is an interesting and fun way to get them shining again - and ready for the next batch of burgers.

1. Heat your grill on high to burn off any remaining food on the grates
2. Cut a large onion in half and affix on the end of a grilling fork
3. Scrub the grates with the halved onion facing downwards to remove built up grit and grime. (The onion's acidity and fluids will help to release stuck-on food, dirt and greasy residue)
4. For super-stubborn messes, mix a paste of baking soda and water, and then scrub the cooled grates with your VERY SKRUBBY


A Dewy Way to Clean BBQ Grates
 

If you want great tasting barbeque, you need to keep the grill grates clean. This is an easy - and surprising - way to do it, especially if your grates have not gotten super greasy and grimy from your last grilling session:

1. Let the grates cool, and place them face down on the grass overnight (we kid you not!) The enzymes in the dewy grass will work to loosen up greasy residue
2. In the morning, hose them down. Grab your VERY SKRUBBY and scrub remaining stuck-on gunk away!


Great Grill Grates
 

You probably put the grill away last year with the grates needing a good cleaning. Let's kick off the season with clean grates for the FCOTS (First cookout of the season). We have a ‘grate’ way to get the grates sparkling before your next cookout

1. Mix a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water in a bowl
2. Using a VERY SKRUBBY and some elbow grease, get scrubbing. (It’s a messy job, so you’ll definitely want to wear your rubber gloves for this event)
3. Rinse clean, and dry (TOWEL TA-DA! is perfect here)


Patio Furniture Cushion Cleaning
 

Bring dirty wood or wicker furniture back to life with these tips:

Wood and Wicker:
1. Mix a mild oil-based soap (like Murphy Oil Soap) mixed with warm water and a few tablespoons white vinegar and one quart of warm water
2. With a SKURA sponge, wipe down the furniture--- getting between all of the crevices
3. Wipe dry with a WIPE ENVY to collect more embedded grime

Resin and Plastic:
1. Make a mild cleanser by mixing 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1-gallon warm water. You may need several gallons depending on the size and amount of your furniture
2. With your SKURA sponge wipe down the furniture with the solution
3. If you run into a stubborn stain, dampen a WIPE ENVY with white vinegar and use on the specific spot. If it's still there, apply baking soda to the spot and then use the vinegar cloth to work out the spot


Brighten Your Outdoor Lights
 

It’s so easy to restore the original shine to your outdoor lights!

1. Make sure the lights are shut off and remove the bulbs
2. With your WIPE ENVY dipped in a half white vinegar and half warm water solution, clean all glass surfaces, inside and out, making sure not to get any liquid in the light socket
3. Move on to the metal frame by cleaning with a WIPE ENVY dipped in warm water and dish soap. Avoid scrubbing metal areas with anything abrasive to prevent scratching


Concentrate on Your Concrete Patio
 

Before you head out to rent a power washer, try cleaning your concrete patio like this:

1. In a bucket mix one box of baking soda with two cups of vinegar. This will create a lot of foaming action which will settle and you will be left with a paste. Depending on the area you are cleaning, you may need to mix more
2. Spread the mixture over the concrete with a sponge mop. And let it set for at least 30 minutes
3. Scrub the concrete using a bristle scrub brush -- but one with a long handle
4. Rinse and then let the patio air dry before putting furniture back

GYM


Cardio Equipment Cleaning Care 
 

First, UNPLUG your treadmill, bike or elliptical machine before you start cleaning. Concentrate on the areas that are most touched — like the handles, buttons, screens and seats. Use a WIPE ENVY that has been spritzed with a disinfectant to make sure you are getting rid of germs as well as dust. Apply the disinfectant to the wipe and not directly to the machine. Wipe down the tread of the treadmill as well as bike pedals since they are the most susceptible areas for dirt. Always check your machine manufacturing instructions. When you’re vacuuming, use hand attachments to get dirt close to the machine and under it.


Get Your Sneakers Looking Like New-ish
 

It’s inevitable - your sneakers are going to get dirty. They’re on your feet, after all. But don’t start sneaker shopping just yet. Periodic hand washings will keep them looking (and smelling) their best. Here’s how to get them clean without damaging them:

1. Remove the laces. If they’re white, send them on a trip through the wash with some bleach in a mesh laundry bag. If your laces are colored, you can hand wash them with some mild detergent and water. Rinse and air dry
2. Back to the sneakers. Brush off surface dirt and dust with a dry brush or old toothbrush to get into all the little grooves
3. Make your own sneaker soap by combining 1 teaspoon toothpaste (the non-gel kind), 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon mild dish soap
4. Scrub the lower soles with a VERY SKRUBBY dipped into your cleaning solution. Get into all the nooks and crannies of the sides and bottoms working the sneaker soap into the shoe. Dry with a fresh WIPE ENVY
5. Using the same cleaning solution and a WIPE ENVY, wash the upper part of your sneaks and the insoles. Wipe with a clean and dampened WIPE ENVY and let them air dry. You’ll want to make sure that the insoles are fully dry before putting them back in the shoes, too!
6. If you still feel that your sneaks could use more work, some people recommend putting them into the washer, one cycle and cold setting, after this process has been followed. Let them air dry. (Do not do this if your shoes are suede)
7. Final/final. Once the process is completed, consider sprinkling some baking soda onto the insoles to absorb the new odors they will inherit


Give Your Yoga Mat a Bath. Literally.
 

Your yoga mat picks up oils from your skin, not to mention who-knows-what kind of bacteria and germs from the gym or studio. Wiping it down after each use is a good routine using a disinfectant wipe or a solution of water and white vinegar which can be applied with a WIPE ENVY. In addition though, you really should give it a good bath about once a month.

1. Roll your mat out into the bathtub
2. Add tepid to warm water (not hot) and a squirt of dish soap - but not too much soap - just a squirt will do
3. Let it soak for five minutes
3. Rinse with clean water
4. Then allow it to air dry


BEDROOM


Keeping the Linen Closet Fresh (smelling)
 

Here are a few ways to keep your linen closet smelling fresh - especially important in the summer months when things can get musty.

  • Baking soda. Keep an open box of baking soda (just like you do in your refrigerator) or put in a bowl in the back of the closet
  • Coffee grounds. They absorb odors. So put some grounds in a plastic container with a lid. Poke several large holes in the lid. You’ll want to replace this every 4-6 weeks
  • Vinegar and water. If linens have become musty, use an equal mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle to mist the linens and get them smelling fresh
  • Spray a favorite fragrance on tissue paper. Let the paper dry and then strategically place in the closet
  • Scented soaps and candles. Keep them stored in the linen closet and let their fragrance do their thing (Don’t light the candle, duh)


Making the Guest Room Bed Welcoming - Even When It's a Sofa Bed
 

Guests are coming! Here are some tips to create a cozy bed for weary travelers:

1. First thing's first: strip the bed down and clean up that mattress. Pour some straight vodka in a spray bottle (no, it’s not cocktail time). Spritz it directly on the mattress to disinfect it, then let it air dry
2. For an extra-special touch, iron some freshly-cleaned sheets and pillow cases
3. Now to make the bed: the first layer should always be an appropriately-sized mattress protector to guard against dust, spills, etc. Next, the fitted and flat sheets (brush up on your hospital corners), and then a blanket and cozy quilt or comforter (make sure these are freshly washed too)
4. Lastly, add extra fluffy pillows for coziness. Lightly spray them with a relaxing lavender mist to help your guests easily drift off to sleep


LAUNDRY ROOM


Clean your cleaning machine.
Your washing machine that is.
 
  1. Sprinkle 2 cups of baking soda into the drum of your washer and shut the door
  2. Run a wash cycle (Normal or Tub Clean indication on your dials) with the hottest possible temperature
  3. After that cycle, pour two cups of white vinegar into your dispenser trays. You can add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender) to the vinegar
  4. Run a second wash cycle. Again, on the hottest temperature using a Normal or Tub Clean indication on your dials)
  5. Finally, after both cycles have run, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Maybe make about one cup of solution.
  6. Spray the solution on the glass (inside the machine) of a front load washer. Wipe clean with a WIPE ENVY.
  7. Now spray the solution over the rubber gasket — underneath and on top. Wipe clean with the WIPE ENVY.

 

We recommend repeating 6 and 7 after every laundry routine. And leave the dispenser tray and wash door open to allow for drying and ventilation.


RECIPES


Super Bowl Nachos 
 

Scatter one bag of tortilla chips (4-5 cups) over the surface of a sheet pan
Cover the chips with at least two cups Monterey Jack cheese (or more for super cheesy!)


Scatter the following over the chips and cheese

  • Two cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 15 ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • Diced tomato
  • One small diced red onion
  • One jalapeño (seeded and diced)
  • One cup sour cream (dollops)

 

Bake until cheese is melted in 425 degree F preheated oven
Serve with salsa (your fav store bought), sliced avocado and slices of limes.




Our Favorite Cake. And It’s Sponge, Naturally!
 

This is a classic sponge cake recipe — and only 4 ingredients.  

6 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder

Beat 6 the eggs for 1 minute on high speed with an electric stand mixer. With the mixer on, gradually add 1 cup sugar and continue beating 8-10 minutes until thick and fluffy. (Aren’t you glad you’re not using a hand mixer!)

Separately, whisk together the flour and the baking powder and then then sift this mixture into beaten egg mixture one third at a time. Fold with a spatula with each addition just until it’s incorporated. Scrape spatula from the bottom to catch any pockets of flour and stop mixing when no streaks of flour remain. Do not over-mix or you will deflate the batter.’

Divide evenly between two prepared cake pans or a loaf pan. We recommend using parchment paper on the bottom for easy removal.  

Bake at 350˚F for 23-28 minutes for the cake pans and 28-35 minutes for the loaf pan. The top should be golden brown.

Remove the cake from pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool.  

Frost or don’t. Top with berries and whip cream. Toast a slice in the morning with your coffee or tea. YUM!

PRO CLEANING TIP: Immediately wash the cake pans in soapy water and use the scrubby side of your Skura sponge to get into the corners and edges of your cake pans.




Swedish Holiday Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar

  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • Confectioners' sugar

    Preheat oven to 300°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add syrup. Combine flour and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

 

Divide dough into eight portions. Roll each portion into a 9-in. log. Place 3 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cut into 1-in. slices. Remove to wire racks. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

 

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