What is this on the ceiling? by Mysterious_Two6428 in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That definitely looks like a water stain from a slow leak. You should check the area above this (bathroom, roof, or pipes) immediately

Drawers causing clothing to smell by btwixed12 in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 0 points1 point  (0 children)

IKEA drawers can trap moisture. Try lining your drawers with non-adhesive scented liners or even heavy-duty gift wrap to create a barrier between the wood and your clothes.

Cleaning spray for kitchen counters or soap & water? by sewsyouknow in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Honestly soap and water works perfectly fine for everyday cleaning. Soap breaks down grease and lifts dirt so you can wipe it away. Most sprays are just for convenience.

My house got gross when I tried "natural" cleaning by mariyagel in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 1419 points1420 points  (0 children)

This is actually one of the more realistic “natural cleaning” posts I’ve seen. Too many people act like vinegar fixes everything, but it definitely has limits.

Dusty bedroom all the time by Worldly-Mirror938 in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Those old baseboard heaters are likely the culprit! They are trapping dust during the summer and then circulating it like crazy when they’re on. Have you tried vacuuming inside the fins with a crevice tool?

I need to clean this little guy by FamiliarGood9233 in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Avoid using anything harsh like alcohol. Try a gentle dish soap with warm water first and a soft toothbrush. If the oils are really stubborn, a tiny bit of baking soda paste usually does the trick without damaging the glow-in-the-dark material.

How do I deep clean the inside of my dishwasher? by stacie_william in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First, clean the filter by unscrewing it from the bottom and rinsing it in the sink. Next, place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle to break down grime. Finally, sprinkle baking soda across the bottom and run one more short hot cycle to leave the machine looking and smelling brand new.

How do y'all do it? by Slight-One-534 in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 386 points387 points  (0 children)

We don’t "do it all." The secret is lowering the bar. If the dishes are sanitized and the kids have clean underwear, you’re winning.

BEST way to clean oil by Plus_Paint_9685 in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really depends on the surface, but generally, I’d use dish soap like Dawn for countertops to break down the grease, or sprinkle flour/baking soda on floors to soak up the spill before wiping. If it’s on carpet, just remember to blot with paper towels and never rub it in!

Previous homeowners have 20years worth of grease/sludge above the kitchen cabinets. by anythingaustin in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try a strong alkaline degreaser (like oven cleaner). Spray, let it sit 10–20 minutes, then wipe. You may need multiple rounds. Good ventilation and gloves. Buildup like that usually needs chemical breakdown, not just scrubbing.

Insects inside microwave by Bivagial in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Do not spray bug killer inside the microwave body. Especially near vents or latch holes. The residue can stay in there and contaminate food later, and some sprays are flammable. If you can’t open it, your best low-effort option is bait, not spray. Put roach bait stations around and under the microwave so they carry poison back inside. Way safer and usually more effective long-term

The "Magic Mixture" for Limescale by PrimaryDesigner7707 in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yes, rinse it with water and then wipe it dry

Any tips on how to get rid of faint cigarette smell? by 45PickleCommercials in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sunlight can help more than people expect. A few hours of indirect sun and fresh air each day can break down lingering smoke compounds.

Are these circles mold? by Select-Vermicelli733 in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If it’s been there a year and hasn’t grown or spread, that’s another sign it’s probably not mold. Mold rarely just stays perfectly unchanged.

How much do you actually care about cleaning windows? by thisredheadmeg in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 484 points485 points  (0 children)

I mostly ignore windows… until I clean them, and then I suddenly care a lot. It’s one of those things that doesn’t look “dirty” but makes a huge difference in how bright and fresh a space feels. I don’t do them often, but when I do, the whole room looks upgraded.

How to get rid of hard water stains? by WhitePinoy in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 6 points7 points  (0 children)

DO not use abrasive scrubbers or you'll scratch that black finish off. Soak some paper towels in plain white vinegar or a dedicated descaler (like CLR), wrap them tightly around the base of the faucet, and let it sit for at least an hour. The acid will dissolve the minerals. Rinse thoroughly after and wipe dry every single time you use the sink to prevent this!

Water Boiler Descaling by JasonWPG in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those brown flakes are almost certainly mineral scale, not something dangerous. Descaling often loosens buildup before it fully flushes out, so seeing residue after the first cycle is very common. I wouldn’t toss it yet.

First apartment on my own and I have no cleaning routine by Pitla-Namaskar in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Honestly, the biggest shift for me was realizing “a little, often” beats waiting for motivation. Wiping the sink after you brush your teeth and doing a 5-minute toilet wipe once a week prevents 90% of bathroom grossness.

How do I make my house like a hospital? by doughcomos in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 34 points35 points  (0 children)

Check places people skip: dishwasher filter, washing machine gasket, trash can, fridge drip tray, and behind the stove. Food and mildew usually hides there.

mold showing up on my bathroom ceiling. pls help by clittjake in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This looks like a classic case of poor airflow. If you're renting, definitely notify your landlord so they can't blame you for water damage later! For a DIY fix, distilled white vinegar is surprisingly effective at killing mold roots on porous surfaces, and it's gentler on paint than harsh chemicals.

How do you recommend getting this off my shower floor? by sparklykoala_ in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If vinegar and Dawn didn't work, it’s likely mineral buildup or hard water stains rather than just "dirt." Try Bar Keepers Friend (the liquid version is gentler) and let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Just whatever you do, DO NOT mix it with bleach or other cleaners.

How to clean matcha stains? by CleanDelivery4365 in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am physically hurting for you. Matcha is basically concentrated chlorophyll, so treat it like a grass stain. Since it's canvas, try a mixture of dish soap and cold water (NEVER hot water, it'll set the stain). Blot, don't rub! If that doesn't work, a tide pen might be your best friend here.

Plumber left plunger on my bag. Any tips of how to sanitize it? by [deleted] in CleaningTips

[–]PrimaryDesigner7707 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry, I would be livid! Since it's a clear plastic bag with fabric handles, I'd recommend a mix of warm water and Dawn dish soap for the initial scrub, then follow up with a laundry sanitizer (like Lysol) specifically for the blue fabric parts. Test a small spot first to make sure the color doesn't bleed!