February 6, 2015
What’s the Best….
I’m starting a little series here on the blog and on Instagram and it’s all about what YOU want to know. Most questions I get asked start with, “What’s the best…”
and they go on to ask questions such as:
- way to clean floors
- way to wash pillows
- bathroom cleaner
- natural disinfectant
- way to organize paperwork
- cleaner for mold
- vacuum for hardwood floors
- steam cleaner
Some of my favorite posts are ones where I’m answering your questions. So tell me – what do you want to know? Got a cleaning or organizing conundrum? I’ll do the research and let you know what I find out. Leave your questions on the ‘What’s the Best’ post on Instagram or here in the comments. I’ll be dual-posting the answers over the next few months (and hopefully beyond) on the blog and on Instagram. Follow me over on Instagram and subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss a single post!
Luci Says
I have your book, and have been making your recipes. In many of your posts, I have noticed that you are using purchased cleaning products instead of the DIY products from your book. Do you prefer to use those products because they work better or for convenience sake?
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Luci! I’ll answer this question here and I might do a post about it too 🙂
I love cleaning and trying out cleaning recipes and products. I try to show a variety of ways to do something, knowing not everyone tackles homekeeping the same way.
That said, I use my own cleaning recipes daily but I also use a handful of purchased products as well. That way when someone asks for a product recommendation, I have one. The most important thing for me is that a product is non-toxic and safe to use around people and pets. I hope this helps!
Happy Cleaning!
Susan Says
What’s the best way to get melted snow marks off tile and wood floors?
Robyn Says
What’s the best way to clean base boards and how often? Also, what is the best way to clean walls – flat paint?
Tracy Says
What works best for getting the sunscreen/chlorine/mildew smell out of a swimsuit and keeping it smelling clean?
Wanda Says
Have you tried using vinegar in your wash?
anna Says
Dish towels and dish cloths. I hate mine with passion and they are quickly becoming rags anyway. What kind is the best?
Stacy Says
I just went through replacing all of mine. After many poor purchases, I found that the William Sonoma 100% cotton are best. I was sure to not get anything with the color white this time around though.
Luci Says
I prefer cheaper ones so they are less heartbreaking to replace (I really hate using a stained towel on clean hands or clean dishes, and would probably implode if guests had to use a stained towel… ).
Lillian Says
What is the best way to get fingerprints off my kitchen and bathroom cabinets. I have tried store products as well as your recipes, but nothing seems to work.
Cleaninup Kate Says
Have you tried Universal Stone? My mom had a similar problem – something to do with the kind of paint on her cabinets, nothing else worked – but the Universal Stone worked like magic. http://eclothusa.com/Cleansers/
Stacey raymond Says
I noticed your cleaning bucket looks like it has dividers in it, mine is open and gets really messy, what brand is that?
Tota Soffia Says
what is the best way to clean crayons, pen and even paint marks of a wall?
Andrea Says
Whats the best way to clean my crock pot? Besides buying a new one each week!
Maureen Says
Some people use the Crock Pot Liners which work great, but may leach plastic into the food. Who Knows??? I like throwing a dishwasher tab into the crock which i have filled with water, putting the lid back on, and cooking on low! Done!
Stephanie Says
I spray mine with Pam before I add any food. It seems to really help prevent things from sticking.
Jelene Says
What’s the best diy cleaner for engineered hardwood floors? I just had new floors installed and Bona floor cleaner is the only cleaner I know of that won’t take off the finish. I keep thinking that there must be a delicious smelling, natural floor cleaner that exists or that I can make. Thank you!
Karen Says
i really would like to know the answer to this also.
michelle Says
What’s the best way to clean interior brick flooring? Ours is in the foyer and dining room, so they can get pretty dirty.
Karen Says
What is the best way to organize spices? I love spices and use a lot of them but don’t have a good system. I also order many of my spices bulk. I really do not have the counter space for a spice rack nor do I have drawer space.
Kathy O'Connor Says
I am using empty baby food jars. I am putting metal strip under bottom of cabinet. Using magnets attached to lids to stick them up
Cleaninup Kate Says
I have a small drawer that is deep enough to hold spice jars standing up. I label the lids so they’re easy to see. Meanwhile, I have a LOT of bulk spices in bags. I keep them all in their bags, in a plastic container in the freezer. The freezer keeps them fresh longer and they’re not taking up space on my counter.
Michelle Says
What is the best way to clean a stand alone ice maker? The last time I cleaned it with the cleaning liquid the manufacturer recommended it took quite a few times of rinsing to get all of the cleaning residue out of the icemaker.
Jenny P Says
i thought of vinegar, so looked it up, and found this: “Ice machines produce cloudy or soft ice when they need to be cleaned. Ice may also be smaller than usual. Minerals may deposit inside the ice maker, which decreases the quality of the ice. Manufacturers recommend cleaning products in ice maker manuals; however, other acids can be substituted for commercially made cleaners.
Vinegar is safe to use in ice machines, as it will not harm the nickle plating found in many machines. Vinegar is a weaker acid than commercial cleaners, so it may take a longer period of time or several repeat applications to see results. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the ice maker, but substitute full-strength vinegar for the commercial cleaner during that step. After cleaning the machine, discard the first set of ice that is made. Vinegar is safe to handle, economical and accessible.
Cleaning the interior of the machine can increase the length of time before the entire system needs cleaning. Wipe down the interior with a clean towel and warm water to dislodge any dirt or particles.”
Sarah Says
Love your book and your posts. Do you have a good recipe for eye glass cleaner that is safe for glasses with anti-reflective coating?
Thank you!
elma Says
I need help so bad with my glass shower!! I can NOT get the spots off!! Can you come and help me?? Oh and wood floors mine seem dull? I have just used soap and water and ring the mop really good.. Thanks for all you do!!!
Wanda Says
I have used a mixture of vinegar, dawn dish soap & hot water in a spray bottle. Spray the glass liberally with the solution and let sit for as long as you can if you have a lot of build up. Rinse with hot water. I got the recipe off pinterest, just search for DIY shower cleaner. For my hard wood floors I use vinegar & water only, they look great. Hope this helps.
Cleaninup Kate Says
I’m can attest that the dawn and vinegar solution works well. You should only have to do that once in a while then for general upkeep, just keep a spray bottle of vinegar with your bathroom cleaning supplies. Give the glass a quick spritz and then wipe.
For your wood floors, I read somewhere that adding a bit of hydrogen peroxide to the mop water (1/2 cup per gallon of water) will brighten your floors. I’ve tried it on my 140 year old pine plank floors with good results.
Climene Fernandes Brito Arruda Says
Hi Becky, I`m in love with your blog and the beautiful work you do! Congrats! Where do you buy those cute caddies you have?
Love,
Climene
Heidi Says
We have two dogs (a pug, and a labradoodle, fabulous family dogs by the way!) and it seems like our new house is starting to smell like dog!! They do get regular baths. I dont know what to do!? I don’t want to use toxic chemicals to deoderize my carpets and wood floors… what can I do??
Caitlyn Says
What’s the best way to clean memory foam pillows? I know I can’t throw them in the washer like normal pillows…
Jennifer Says
What’s the best way to clean the interior “slate” panel / ledge (bench) that comes out from my fireplace area? I just vacuum it but don’t feel it is really clean and sometimes guests tend to sit there if I have a house full. Thank you. 🙂
Kate B Says
what’s the best way to stay motivated? To keep up with your cleaning chores when you just don’t feel like it?
Michelle Says
How about how to get silly putty out of carpet….lol.
Cynthia Says
What’s the best way to clean cobwebs in the top corners of a vaulted ceiling? A regular step ladder with a broom won’t reach them.
I also have a kitchen stovetop that is surrounded by brick. It’s built-in inside a brick wall. How do I get years of grease & cooking grime off those bricks?
Cleaninup Kate Says
Following this in case someone has the answer for the brick.
Rebecca Says
What is the best way to sweep and then clean laminate flooring without dulling the finish? We just recently put in new laminate flooring throughout our house and it’s taking what seems like forever to sweep with a broom. I can’t imagine how long it will take when I have to clean them. I would like a steamer but the place we purchased the flooring from said no to steamers and said to just use a Swiffer type product with Bona. There’s got to be a quicker way.
Amy Says
What is the best way to clean carpets. Is a homemade recipe with manual rental carpet cleaner better than the conventional one you can buy when you rent? Is it better to hire out? I am curious about best stain lift and the least toxic method. I would like to try to do it myself yet I am baffled at how to do it.
Tracy Says
What is the best way to clean linoleum floors and have them shine when finished? Mine always look dull!
Ginny Says
What’s the best way to store clothes at season changes…winter clothes and summer clothes. Thanks!
Maritza Says
What is the best way to wash bath towels to make the “wet” smell go away? Can’t wait for the series!
Missa Says
What is the best printer to use for all the gorgeous printable you have?
Henriette Says
I have a question regarding Borax.
It’s not available here in Denmark anymore , but I’ve read that it’s possible to use Baking Soda instead.
So if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon Borax , how much Baking Soda should I use instead ?
Thanks
Cheri Says
How do I get wash rags clean? Bleaching doesn’t work. They look dingy and dirty after washing.
Thanks!
Jenna Says
What is the best cleaner and most efficient way to clean a tile shower? I have a large walk-in tile shower, and while it looks neat, I dread cleaning every grout line. Is there a good scrub brush for reaching high and using as a mop? I would like to avoid being on my hands and knees with a tooth brush. 🙂
Janet Cronan Says
What’s the best way to remove white marks from a wood table?
Cleaninup Kate Says
Have you tried the white t-shirt and ironing trick? We did this on my mother-in-law’s dining table at Christmas and it worked like a charm! http://www.finishing.com/102/75.shtml
Jenna Says
Is there a really good mop for hardwood floors? Everything I see is microfiber mop, but nothing really lets me scrub without me worrying about breaking it. I know you have posted about the casabella mop, but can you really scrub with it? I have two toddlers who drool and spill juice and through food on the floor. I have a lot of hardwood, so again, I would like to avoid scrubbing on my hands and knees.
Liz Says
I know casabella makes a scrubbing mop replacement piece, it’s microfiber on one side and scrubby on the other. I got mine at Bed Bath & Beyond. For tough spots I give it a good solid soak with the cleaning solution in the mop reservoir.
Janet Says
What’s the best place to buy your organizing supplies? (For example, I’ve never seen the cool tags like you have on your spray bottle as a label) What’s the best way to color coordinate everything in your home? Your pictures of how everything matches astound me! What’s the best/safest paint to use when repainting your bathroom?
Beth B Says
What’s the best way to clean shower tiles, grout, and tile floors?
Salley Says
I live under pine trees and my poor car is covered in pine resin. I’ve tried everything on the market but they barely touch it. Becky, do you have any suggestions?
Patti Says
What is the best way to organize blind corner cabinets? I have to climb in them and it’s not very easy to get things in and out.
Sherri I. Says
I also want to know the best way to stay motivated, and the best way to clean and mop laminate flooring…
Adore your site!
Amanda Miller Says
What is the best way to clean “black mould” from the walls in your home and have it NOT return?
Louise Says
What is the best way to get rid of cluster flies? I have tried fly traps, cloroxing the sink, cleaning out pantry, coffee area, bathroom, laundry room, the second bathroom. We do live in a very old house. Any ideas?
tired of flies. only in winter not in summer
Katrina Says
What is the best way to clean painted walls (satin or flat paint) without leaving streaks or shiny spots? What is the best way to deep clean carpets (steam, dry clean methods, etc)?
nat stepan Says
What’s the best way to clean stone bench tops? I have tried everything and it all seems to leave them dull and unclean with cup marks still present 🙁
Alix Says
How do I clean a broom? I mean really wash it, not just get some dust and hair out. Becky I’m just in love with your blog and natural cleaning recipes. Thanks for all your hard work!
Dawn Says
What is the best vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors that will pick up both litter and lots of cat fur?
Jessyca Says
Great question. I have been wondering the same thing!
Joann Says
Help what to use to clean a fiberglass tub have very hard water stains and shower doors to remove buildup. Thanks
humairaa Says
Hi, I would like to know what’s the best way to clean lime residue from my taps. Also do you have a way to get rid of ants. My house seems to be infested with them!
Thank you.
Jojo Says
Have you used a product called Nano cloths? They claim to be different than microfiber and I am looking for an unbiased comparison.
Jessyca Says
What is the best way to clean bamboo floors? Do you recommend a specific mop, broom, system, etc? Of all that I’ve tried, Bona is probably the best. Steam Cleaners have dulled my finish and made it a bit cloudy.
Jessyca Says
I am also curious about best cleaner for a large tile shower? Best vacuum for hardwood floors with pets and kids? How to clean the front of your kitchen cabinets that has the grimy greasy residue on it? Do you recommend those dust brooms like janitors use for hardwood floors? Thanks!
Liz Sheffield Says
I would also like to know about linoleum. I live overseas in base housing, and we have these awful faux wood linoleum floors that show every scuff and scrape. I clean them with either a steam mop, your floor cleaner recipe, or sometimes Murphy’s oil soap. But they just won’t shine. I’m not allowed to use any kind of cleaner for no wax floors (like mop n glo), not that I would anyway. Any ideas???
kate Says
What is the best way to clean granite floors? Mine always come out streaky.
tana Says
What is the best way to clean grungy man clothes. The ones they wear in the garage or at work on the oil rigs? Not only are the clothes stinky but have a nasty film. Curious what would work for a deep clean on these.
Denise Says
What’s the best way to clean unpolished hardwood floorboards??
Lauren Says
What’s the best way to clean the drip pans on an electric stove?
Amanda Says
What’s the best way to clean the outside of kitchen cabinets? Mine seem to just not come clean…there are water marks, oily residue from who knows what, and no matter what I have used, they never seem to look clean. I generally clean with only baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, essential oils, but have been desperate and tried magic erasers and 7th gen cleaning wipes as well as dish soap. Nothing has worked. The cabinets are cherry, if that matters. I even tried steel wool but it took too much of the shiny finish off.
Kara Says
My prefab shower has a little seat/place where we put all our shampoos, and my husband’s shaving cream cans have rusted and left a gazillion little rust stains. I’ve tried scrubbing with regular shower cleaner to no avail. Any ideas?
Lisa Says
I’m with many here – what’s the best way to clean laminate flooring, stove drip pans, and pillows? (of various types, poly, down, or memory foam) Also, how to clean cutting boards to really feel like you have gotten any possible germs off of there.
Thanks for doing this; can’t wait to see the series!
brenda kelley Says
Please give suggestions on how to get stains out of carpet. Have tried many things and they don’t work. Have 3 boys so you can imagine the stains. Please help!!!!
Daisy Says
Best non-toxic way to clean granite countertops?
Caroline Says
What’s the best kind of dryer ball to use…I have both the wool and the plastic ridged ones. Are they both equally good or is one better for certain items? Do you put both kinds in at the same time?
Becky Says
Post authorI just use one at a time – it really depends on personal preference 🙂
Danielle Says
I would love to know the best way to clean a stand up shower!
Carol Says
Is there any way to remove hard water stains from a glass shower door?
Becky Says
Post authorCheck out this post:
http://www.cleanmama.net/2015/01/clean-shower-keep-way-diy-recipes-clean.html
xo, Becky
Emily Says
I love reading your book and your posts here. I wonder if you can speak to cleaning in more temperate climates. We live in an extra rainy area of Hawaii, just moved into a remodeled home. I just noticed mildew growing on my shoes and ukulele case in my closet. It has no window and you go through the bathroom to get to the closet. I’ve never had to deal with mildew, I’ve even noticed it growing on the inside of some of our windows in other rooms. I would love to hear any advice you might have on cleaning mildew and also keeping it from appearing? Thanks so much!