Household Hints - Cleaning Hints - Easy Lemon and Boiling Water Trick to Clean the Microwave

This is my new favorite way to clean the microwave. And it's so easy and all-natural, with no chemicals for cleaning!

1. Pop a quarter or half lemon into a microwave safe mug or bowl filled with water. (Whatever old lemon you have left in the fridge will work just fine.)
2. Set power to high and microwave for about 5 minutes or so - long enough to get a good boil happening.
3. Let the steamy bowl or mug stay in the microwave for about fifteen to twenty minutes without opening the microwave door. All of that glorious steam will make cleaning the microwave super simple later on.
4. Dunk the lemon into some salt or baking soda and use as a little scrubber in the microwave to remove any burnt on bits of food. (Be careful - the lemon will still be a bit hot!)
5. Finally, wipe all the gunk and mess away with a moistened sponge or cleaning cloth. And enjoy your beautifully clean new microwave oven!

Want more housecleaning hints? Visit http://www.happyslob.com for the Happy Slob's Guide to No-Hassle Housecleaning...Housecleaning for the rest of us.

Household Hints - Pets - Making Cat Litter Cleaning Easier

Here are some helpful household hints to make cleaning the cat litter easier!

1. Clean the litter everyday. It's far easier (and a less yucky) job if you clean the litter on a regular, consistent basis.
2. Use scoopable litter - it makes your job simpler AND it seems that most cats prefer the feel of the softer scoopable litter on their paws than the old-fashioned gravel type litter.
3. Sprinkle soda - baking soda that is! After you've completed the cat litter box cleaning, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the litter to absorb odors. It's a natural air freshener.
4. Lampe Berger to the rescue! I use my Lampe Berger to clean the air everytime I've cleaned the cat's litter box. It works unbelievably well and completely soaks up odors and leaves things smelling pleasant. Love it!!

Household Hints - Cleaning Hints - Making Your Own Natural Cleaners

Many families are making their own natural, organic cleaners to replace the harmful chemical varieties they've used for years. Why? Making your own simple cleaners is not only healthier for you, your family, and your pets, but it's better for the environment. Here are two of my favorite resources for natural cleaning recipes, and all of these are FREE recipes:

http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/cleaningrecipes.html
http://www.happyslob.com/cleaningrecipes.html

Included are all-purpose cleaners, tub and tile cleaners, natural air fresheners and much more.

All of our Baking Soda Hints and Tips and Uses

P.S. If you're looking for all sorts of ways to use baking soda around the home, check out the list I've compiled so far at: Baking Soda Hints Database ...Enjoy!

Household Hints - Baking Soda Uses - For Bee and Wasp Sting Relief

Here's an email I just received from Renee...

Hi,

Here's something you might consider adding in your Baking Soda Database.

For bee and wasp stings, make a thick paste and apply. Stops the stinging almost immediately.

I'm told it works for ant bites too but haven't tried it myself.

Love your website! Renée :-)

Household Hints - Removing Odors and Stains from Carpets

1 bottle hydrogen peroxice
1 T. baking soda
1 T. dish soap

Mix together, put on area where smell is. I rub it with a scrub brush and then blot with a towel.So far, I have had a great experience with it. And I used it on bright blue carpet and avocado green carpet, no problem.

Thanks to Laura for sending in this great tip on removing carpet stains and odors! For more natural cleaner recipes, visit http://www.happyslob.com

Household Hints - Natural Cleaning Tips - Baking Soda Cleaner

One of my very favorite natural, non-toxic cleaners that you can find right in your own pantry is baking soda. Of course, there are many uses for cleaning with baking soda (many of my favorites are listed at: Baking Soda Uses on HappySlob.com) but one very easy use you can try right away is to replace your harsh, chemical powdered cleansers with good old baking soda.

It's especially great for cleaning out pots and pans, scrubbing the bathtub, or cleaning out sinks. Just sprinkle the baking soda on, scrub it with a scrubby sponge, and rinse away the gunk and goo. :) It'll look great!