Good tips, especially the vinegar cloth trick—I've used that myself a few times. A couple things I'd add from experience:
- Baking soda paste is great, but for stubborn rust spots, a little lemon juice mixed in can really help.
- If you're worried about vinegar dulling finishes, diluted hydrogen peroxide (just the regular 3% stuff) can be gentler and still effective.
- Agree on microfiber cloths—total game changer. Regular cotton towels just don't pick up residue as well.
Natural cleaners usually do the trick, but sometimes store-bought stuff saves time...depends on the mess.
Great points here, especially about the lemon juice and baking soda combo. I've had decent luck with it myself, though sometimes I find it a bit messy—maybe that's just me being clumsy, haha. The hydrogen peroxide tip is interesting; never thought of using that on appliances. I usually stick to vinegar diluted with water, but you're right, it can dull certain finishes if you're not careful.
Microfiber cloths are definitely a lifesaver. I used to think they were just a gimmick until I actually tried them. Now I can't go back to regular towels—they just smear stuff around and leave lint everywhere. One thing I've noticed though, is that microfiber cloths can lose their effectiveness if you wash them with fabric softener or dryer sheets. Learned that the hard way after ruining a whole batch of them...oops.
I agree natural cleaners usually do the trick, but sometimes store-bought stuff is just quicker and easier for tougher grime. Like oven cleaner—I've tried every DIY recipe out there, but when it comes to baked-on grease, sometimes you just gotta bring in the heavy hitters from the store. I try to limit it though, because the fumes can be pretty intense.
Speaking of stubborn messes, has anyone found a reliable natural solution for cleaning stainless steel appliances without leaving streaks? I've tried vinegar and water, even rubbing alcohol, but I still end up with those annoying streaks half the time. Maybe I'm missing something obvious...
I've had trouble with vinegar on stainless steel too...it always seems to leave streaks. Honestly, a tiny bit of olive oil on a microfiber cloth works wonders for me. Buff it lightly afterward—sounds weird, but trust me, it works.
I've actually recommended olive oil to clients before, and most are skeptical at first—but you're right, it really does the trick. Vinegar can be hit or miss on stainless steel, especially if you don't buff it out quickly enough. Another thing I've found helpful is diluted rubbing alcohol—it evaporates fast, so fewer streaks. But honestly, the olive oil method is surprisingly effective...just gotta make sure you don't overdo it, or things get slippery fast.
I've tried olive oil too, and you're spot on about the slipperiness—learned that one the hard way, haha. Diluted rubbing alcohol is my usual go-to for stainless steel appliances since it dries quick and doesn't leave residue. Vinegar's okay in a pinch, but I've had mixed results, especially if the surface isn't buffed immediately. Honestly though, sometimes store-bought stainless steel cleaners just save me time when I'm flipping a house fast. Natural methods are great, but when you're prepping multiple properties at once, convenience can win out. Still, olive oil definitely surprised me...just gotta remember less is more or you'll be ice skating across the kitchen floor.
