REAL SIMPLE Spring Sparkle KITCHEN COUNTERS Vinegar and a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle For stone counters: Warm water and a few drops of dish soap KITCHEN SINK Equal parts baking soda and lemon juices For fresh drains: use the same mixture and flush with hot water Sink grout: add a little hydrogen peroxide to the mixture and scrub with a toothbrush BATHROOM SURFACES Spritz surfaces with disinfecting cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth For tough buildup: equal parts tub-and-shower cleaner and soft scrub cleaner TOILET BOWL Drop in a few denture cleaning tablets and let sit for a few hours before scrubbing Stronger solution: use a mixture of salt, baking soda, and Borax BLINDS First wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove dust Then spritz your cloth with a mixture of one cup water, one cup vinegar, one cup witch hazel, and three drops of dish soap, and wipe For wood blinds: just vacuum with the brush attachment MATTRESS Twice a year, sprinkle baking soda on mattress, leave for a few hours, then vacuum it up Eradicate bed bugs: run a handheld steam cleaner over the mattress LITTER BOX Wash with soapy water, pour hydrogen peroxide onto a paper towel and wipe out box Use a litter box liner to reduce odors Sprinkle the box with baking soda every time you change the litter to help neutralize odors MIRRORS AND WINDOWS 50/50 solution of water and rubbing alcohol 4 tablespoons Castile soap or dish soap, 4 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, and 1/2 gallon warm water TRICKS OF THE TRADE Organic bamboo pot scraper CitraSolv Howard’s natural stainless steel cleaner TubShroom Scotch-Brite disposable toilet scrubber Telescoping lambs-wool duster
