The phrase “mayo for cleaning” sounds like an oxymoron, because the product is a champion at creating stains. And yet, there are times when the sauce can remove them. “Has a family member neglected to use a coaster and left a moisture mark on the coffee table? Here’s how to clean wood surfaces with mayo – apply a little to a paper towel, lay it on the mark, let it sit for an hour, then wipe away the residue with a dry cloth,” advises Jill.
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There are unusual cleaning products, and then there are… Well, the expected ones. It is obvious that salt is an excellent scrub, which is why housewives have long used it to, for example, clean cast iron pans. “Pour half a cup of salt into the bottom, then use a sponge or paper towel to remove dirt, then rinse the pan and wipe it dry,” advises cleaner and space organizer Caroline Solomon.
Sometimes the cleaning benefits of food are obvious: even those who have almost completely forgotten their school chemistry program probably know that acids dissolve fats, which is why lemon juice or vinegar are good for removing oil stains from the stove or dishes. But did you know that black tea works the same way?
That’s because it contains tannic acid. “It naturally removes grease and gives surfaces a shine,” explains Caroline. The substance makes tea an excellent glass cleaner – brew a weak brew, pour it into a spray bottle and use it to remove dirt and fingerprints from mirrors, windows, glass tabletops, tables and glasses.
