In the shower:

• Rain·X - it works wonders on your car windshield, and it can do the same for your glass shower doors.  Use this product just as you would on your car to reduce the signs of hard water and soap scum on your shower doors.  They even come in handy pretreated wipes now.
   

• Dryer Sheets - soap scum just can't stand up to a nice wet dryer sheet.  Try a scented dryer sheet to get that shower clean and smelling great.
   

• Car Wax - do you have trouble areas in the shower with build-up or mildew?  Try using a spray car wax/paste in those areas to help shed and repel the water before mold and mildew even have a chance.
   

• Lemon juice - problems with hard water/calcuim buildup can be solved with a little lemon oil or lemon juice. Try to keep the juice on the area as long as possible to avoid excess scrubbing. Once clean, try the car wax method above to create a barrier against future build-up. You can even spray a light coat of the wax in your marble sink to help dirt and dust slide right down the drain!
   

• Cascade - to ensure years of stress-releasing Jacuzzi tub baths, you need to clean the “gunk” out of the jets. Use about 1/3 cup of Cascade LIQUID (not powder and not dish soap like Joy!) in the tub after every other use before you drain the water. Make sure the water level is ABOVE the jets when you get out. Run the jets for 5 minutes or so to let the liquid circulate.

Stainless Steel:

• WD-40 - Try this method for perfectly shiny stainless steel, clean as normal and then apply a VERY thin coat of WD-40 onto the surface with a paper towel.  Don't spray directly on the stove as this is a HUGE FIRE HAZARD!  Also, remember to keep away from food preparation areas.
   

Trouble with carpet or kitchen odors?

• Baking Soda - Did your pet have an accident on the carpet?  After cleaning you still notice a smell, leave baking soda in and around the area overnight to remove any smells.  Ladies, this also working the bathroom for those messy boys!!  Also try using a baking soda and water combination to remove grease, food, and other junk from your kitchen cabinets.  Once again, leaves a nice clean smell in the kitchen.  Don't forget to keep a box in your fridge to absorb food odors as well.

In the kitchen:

• Stains? - There are a variety of stain cleaning methods.  1.  Try a 50/50 water and hydrogen peroxide mix.  2.  Baking soda, mentioned above, is a mild abrasive 3. Shaving creams also lifts many stains.
   

• Dishwashers - They clean our dishes, but somehow still manage to get dirty themselves. Try a combination of Tang (yep, the drink mix) and disk soap.
   

• Microwave - Put a 1/2 glass of water inside the microwave and zap for 2 minutes.  The steam will loosen stuck on food for easy removal. 
   

• Sink - While many people like bleach to remove the garbage disposal smells, it doesn't usually do the best job on your sink.  Use boiling water and a cup of baking soda, plus a scrub brush to clean internally.  To freshen the disposal, drop in a 1/4 of a lemon cut into 2 pieces and run the disposal for a fresh clean smell.

Quick Tip from the Monte Hewett Homes Service Department, Addie Cunningham CHANGE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER FILTERS TODAY! When was the last time you changed out those air conditioner filters?  This can be a simple and easy way to keep your home clean.  Filters can remove anywhere from 10% to 90% of the dust and dander floating around your home.  Also consider cleaning your ceiling fan blades often.