Surprising and Unexpected Uses for the Products You Already Love

Published On: March 31, 2020|Categories: Cleaning, DIY Crafting Projects, Home Improvement, Tips, Life Hacks & How-to|Tags: Brillo Pad in Shower, Cleaning, cleaning hacks, Cleaning Life Hacks, Cleaning Tips, Cleaning Tricks, Dish Soap for Mirrors and Windows, Fabric Stain Removers Countertops|

We all know what we’re supposed to do with our OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover Spray and our Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover; the former takes tough stains out of garments, the latter lifts grout from tile and bathroom surfaces. But did you know that the stain remover you use for fabrics can do wonders for set-in discolorations on your countertops, and your mildew remover can be a great last ditch resort for your clothes’ most stubborn stains? Here are some unexpected uses for the products you probably already have under your sink.

Fabric Stain Removers on Countertops

OxiClean actually advises customers to go ahead and use its stain fighting products on bathroom countertops. Per the company’s directions, you can spray OxiClean’s Laundry Stain Remover on tough counter stains and let sit for 10-15 minutes, rinsing when finished. Not surprisingly, other commercial spray laundry stain removers are also effective at lifting counter stains. These stain fighters are also a great alternative to bathroom spray cleaner if you just want to give an already clean counter an added shine before you have company. Just spray the surface generously and wipe with a moistened paper towel or rag. (Added bonus: that “freshly washed linens” scent is greatly preferred over the bleachy smell that bathroom cleansers leave behind.)

Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover on Fabric Stains

Commercial stain removers from companies like OxiClean or Tide are pretty effective at removing tough stains without damaging the fabric. However, if you have a fabric with a deeply set-in stain that refuses to fade despite any laundry treatments that you try, consider Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover. This method results in a case of “your mileage may vary,” as the Tilex will either lift the stain or leave you with a discolored garment. However, if you are on the verge of saying goodbye to that shirt forever, give the Tilex a go before you toss the garment in the trash. One woman saved a white blouse that she was positive was a goner by applying Tilex to the affected area, letting sit overnight, and then rinsing in cold water before washing.

Dish Soap Pads in Showers

Don’t bother with a whole roll of paper towels and a half-bottle of shower cleaner for those stubborn soap scum stains. Take a damp, unused soap-scouring pad (such as Brillo) to soap scum in your shower, and you’ll get better results with half the effort.

Dish Soap for Mirrors and Windows

Out of glass cleaner and need to make your mirrors or windows sparkle in a pinch? Create a mixture of two-thirds water and one-third dish soap (such as Dawn or Gain). This is the only household cleaning product besides glass cleaner that you can use on mirrored or glass surfaces without leaving streaks. (Tip: This works best if you substitute your typical paper towel for a sheet of newspaper. The fibers in towels run in multiple directions, which is one of the main culprits behind streakiness. Newspaper sheets contain fibers that run in one direction, which minimizes the marks left after cleaning.)

Are You Thinking of Buying a Home in Dubois County?

Use our site to search homes for sale in Jasper, Dubois, Spencer, Martin and Davis counties and all of our surrounding areas. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, at Sell 4 Free Welsh Realty our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated with new homes every hour. By signing up for New Listing alerts you can stay on top of the newest homes for sale and get price change alerts so you can stay ahead of other buyers and beat them to the hottest deals!