Back on February 2, good ol’ Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter. There are a couple other lesser known groundhogs around our gorgeous country who are saying something different though. Georgia’s General Beauregard Lee did not see his shadow; thus, he thinks Spring is right around the corner. I say either way it’s time for Spring Cleaning. What better way to tackle any job than with a couple hacks to hopefully make the job a little easier.
Personally, I absolutely love baking soda. Who’d a thought that little box we use to freshen our refrigerator/freezer had so many other uses.
CLEAN YOUR MATTRESS, RUGS AND CARPETS
Pour 1 cup of baking soda into a container with a lid. Add 4 drops of your favorite essential oil (I’m a lavender fan myself). Cover and shake to mix. Using a kitchen strainer (not a colander) sprinkle the mixture over the entire mattress and let sit for at least 1 hour. Pull out your vacuum thoroughly vacuum the mattress, rugs or carpets. If you don’t have the attachment just vacuum the mattress the old-fashioned way, which is what I do. Tada; you are left with a fresh smelling mattress, rugs and carpets.
GREASY STOVE HOOD FILTER
Many of us don’t look check out the stove hood filter, believe me when I say those little buggers are nasty gross if you don’t clean them regularly. It’s kind of an out of sight out of mind thing. To clean it grab your trusty box of baking soda.
Pull out your biggest pot and fill it with water. Bring to a boil and very, very slowly add ½ cup of baking soda. I’m serious here you really want to go slow with this or it will fizz up and your pot will boil over and then you’ll have two messes you’re trying to clean up. After you’ve added all your baking soda, vertically submerge your filter. About ½ of it will be covered by the water and let the boiling water do it’s magic. After about 15 minutes use a pair of tongs pull the filter out. If it looks clean flip it over and if your water isn’t too disgusting, start on the other end. However, if it is dirty, dump the used water into an old sealable container and throw it away. Remember this water is full of grease so do not put it down your sink/toilet/tub (any type of drain). Once the filter appears clean run it under warm water until the water runs clear. Let the now clean filter dry out for the rest of the day and return it to the vent.
GLASSTOP STOVE
All you need is hot, soapy water, an old cleaning rag and baking soda. Pour a heavy amount of baking soda over your stovetop. Next you want to make a paste, so take your soapy rag out of the water and squeeze it over the baking soda on your stovetop. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub the paste (think wash on-wash off), wipe down to rinse off and dry. Spritz with a little vinegar and viola, your stovetop is all shiny at a fraction of the price you would have paid with a commercial cleaner.
CLEAN ALMOST ANYTHING
All you do is sprinkle some baking soda on a wet sponge and use it in place of chemical laden commercial cleaners
MY ALL TIME FAVORITE USE
Weekly exfoliate your skin. Make a paste and apply to your skin, scrubbing in a circular motion. Your face will be baby soft. Follow this with a high-quality olive oil for moisturizing and you’ll be shocked at your results. If you’re in Grand Junction I recommend going by Bella Basalmic and The Pressed Olive in beautiful downtown to get your olive oil. Once you try their oils and vinegars you’ll never use big box store brands again.