Via California - May/June 2020 - 18

SMART HOME
Bathroom
Go beyond the typical sprayand-wipe
routine.
Kitchen
Making this room sparkle requires a
thorough approach, from the refrigerator
to the oven.
Empty the fridge. Check expiration
dates on food, including condiments,
and discard items as needed. Defrost
the freezer. " Use a sponge and a baking
soda solution to wipe the inside
of both your freezer and refrigerator, "
says Varney. Don't forget to clean the
outside, too.
Clean the microwave. In a quart-size
microwave-safe bowl, mix half a cup
each of water and white vinegar,
says Varney. Microwave on high until
the liquid hits a rolling boil. Once it
cools, use it to wipe away grime with
a sponge. Wipe down the exterior of
the microwave as well.
Clean the dishwasher. Soap residue
can build up and leave spots and
streaks on dishes. To remove old
detergent, run the dishwasher on
empty with a cup of vinegar and half
a cup of baking soda.
Wipe down cabinets. Use a disinfectant
on handles and knobs,
since these are frequently touched.
Clean the stove and oven. Attack
all surfaces, not just the greasiest
ones, with a spray or hot soapy water.
Run the oven's self-cleaning function
if it has one. " Remove the pot grates
and soak in hot soapy water, " Varney
recommends.
Scour the sink, toilet, and
tub. Use equal parts vinegar
and water or a bathroomspecific
product to clean the
fixtures. Spray a solution of
one part bleach to 10 parts
water on any areas with mold,
says Varney. " Let it sit for at
least five minutes and then
scrub it with a toothbrush, "
she says.
Wipe down surfaces. You'll
want to clean countertops,
the outsides of cabinets, and
frequently touched handles
and knobs. Clean mirrors and
windows as well.
Wash bath mats and shower
curtains. If there is mold
buildup on the shower curtain,
soak it in warm water
with bleach.
18 VIA | MAY+JUNE 2020
LEFT: KRISTIANSEPTIMIUSKROGH / ISTOCK; RIGHT: NEW AFRICA / SHUTTERSTOCK
Via California - May/June 2020

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