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Here is an eclectic list of great domestic cleaning tips for an even cleaner home. These tricks of the trade ensure effective — and therefore speedier – cleaning, and put you a step ahead of the game. They all involved two items you probably have laying around in the back of a kitchen cabinet: vinegar and baking soda, used separately of course.

Vinegar Uses

The first nugget of know-how: Vinegar has grease cutting capabilities and can be used in many ways throughout your home. Here are just a few.

1. In the dishwasher: place a few tablespoons of vinegar in addition to your dish washing detergent in the dishwasher for sparkling dishes.
2. Windows: Use a mixture of vinegar and water instead of an expensive name brand cleaner like Windex in a spray bottle. Wipe with a soft clean cloth.
3. Greasy kitchen surfaces: use straight distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Scrub with a clean cloth.
4. Cloudy Drinking Glasses:Soak them for an hour or longer in slightly warm white vinegar. Then remove the film with a scrubber that won’t scratch (rubber or cloth).
5. Perspiration stains in clothing: soak in warm vinegar and water.
6. Stained coffee maker: pour straight vinegar into your coffee maker with it on as if you were making a pot of coffee. Repeat.
7. Hard-water and lime build-up in a teapot or kettle: pour in two cups of vinegar and bring to a boil. Let simmer for about 10 minutes then rinse well.
8. Shower curtains: wash with a pint of white vinegar on gentle cycle. If that doesn’t work it may be time to throw it out.
9. Smoke Odor: leave a bowl of vinegar sitting out.

Baking Soda Uses

Our other new friend is the odor eater, baking soda. Sprinkling baking soda in commonly smelly areas can help keep your home smelling fresh, which makes it feel cleaner. A few places baking soda can be helpful:

1. Sprinkled at the bottom of the trash can.
2. An open box behind the toilet in the bathroom.
3. Sprinkled at the bottom of the laundry basket.
4. In a bowl placed in the microwave between uses.
5. A small amount sprinkled down the garbage disposal. ( If you’d like to add a citrus smell send a lemon down through it as well.)