Lola Clean Freaks

As the heart of your home, the kitchen is where you prepare food for your loved ones, host gatherings, and make memories. However, it’s also a place where germs and bacteria can flourish, especially if proper hygiene practices are not followed. But what is the dirtiest thing in your kitchen? The answer may surprise you.

According to studies and research, the dirtiest thing in your kitchen is not what you’d expect. It’s not the cutting board, the sink, or even the garbage can. It’s actually your kitchen sponge or dishcloth.

Kitchen sponges like Pot Brite, Nylon Net & Terry Sponge and dishcloths are porous, making them the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. In fact, research has shown that kitchen sponges and dishcloths contain more bacteria than the average toilet seat. This is because they are constantly being used to clean up spills and wipe down surfaces, and they do not dry out completely, allowing bacteria to grow.

To prevent the spread of germs and bacteria in your kitchen, it’s important to regularly clean and sanitize your kitchen sponge and dishcloth. One effective method is to microwave your sponge for 1-2 minutes on high heat, or to clean it in the dishwasher. Cellulose Sponge Cloths aka Swedish Cloths are super absorbent and dries super fast, thus does not breed bacteria. Just rinse clean to reuse.

It’s also important to practice good hygiene in your kitchen, such as washing your hands before handling food and regularly cleaning and sanitizing kitchen surfaces. This will help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, keeping you and your loved ones healthy and safe.

The dirtiest thing in your kitchen may not be what you think. By understanding the role that kitchen sponges and dishcloths play in the spread of germs and bacteria, you can take steps to keep your kitchen clean and hygienic. Regular cleaning and sanitizing, along with good hygiene practices, will help you keep your kitchen free of harmful germs and bacteria.

Cleaning is an essential task that keeps your home or office looking fresh and hygienic. With so many cleaning products on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth your money and which ones you can do without. In this article, we'll go over some of the cleaning products that every household should have.

All-Purpose Cleaner

An all-purpose cleaner is a versatile product that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including countertops, sinks, stovetops, and more. Look for a product that is free of harsh chemicals and can be used on a variety of surfaces.

Glass Cleaner

Glass cleaners are a must-have for keeping your windows and mirrors streak-free. Many glass cleaners also work on other surfaces, such as shower doors and tile, making them a useful addition to your cleaning arsenal.

500 Brushes

Toilets require regular cleaning to maintain hygiene and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. NO LIQUID CLEANER NEEDED – w/ 500 Brushes your toilet is cleaned as you brush w/ built-in blue cleanser tablet. No more searching around for expensive liquid cleaner or just moving dirty water around. Each cleanser tablet, activated by water, contains BLEACH, keeping your toilet bowl clean, sanitary and odor free, while removing rust & calcium deposits with ease!

Furniture Polish

Furniture can become dull and lackluster over time, but furniture polish can bring it back to life. Look for a product that contains natural ingredients and can be used on a variety of surfaces, including wood, leather, and metal.

Sponge or Scrub Brush

A good scrub brush like Iron Handled Scrubber or sponge such as Pot Brite Scour N’ Sponge is an essential tool for cleaning stubborn stains and grime. Make sure to choose a product that is durable and can be easily cleaned after each use.

Mop

A mop is a must-have for cleaning floors, whether you have hardwood, tile, or linoleum. Lola Pro Amazon Sponge & Scrubber Roller Mop is durable and will not tear easily even under the toughest usage. It is a large circumference sponge that absorbs an abundant amount of water during use making cleaning your floors much faster than expected. A great mop for Vinyl, Tile, Marble, and Ceramic Floors.

Trash Bags

Trash bags are a must-have for keeping your home or office clean and hygienic. Look for bags that are strong, durable, and easy to use.

Having the right cleaning products on hand can make cleaning your home or office a breeze. Whether you're tackling tough stains or simply keeping your surfaces clean, these essential cleaning products will help you get the job done. So, make sure to stock up on these items and keep your home or office looking its best.

Cleaning brushes are often overlooked and undervalued when it comes to household cleaning, but they can make a big difference in getting your home spick and span. Here are some cleaning brushes that you may never have known you needed.

Glass & Jar Brush

This small and affordable brush is a great bottle and glass cleaning brush to use at your kitchen or bar sink. It easily cleans most glasses and cups with one motion, making cleaning a breeze. 

500 Brushes

This brush is perfect for cleaning your toilet bowl! NO LIQUID CLEANER NEEDED – w/ 500 Brushes your toilet is cleaned as you brush w/ built-in blue cleanser tablet. No more searching around for expensive liquid cleaner or just moving dirty water around. Each cleanser tablet, activated by water, contains BLEACH, keeping your toilet bowl clean, sanitary and odor free, while removing rust & calcium deposits with ease!

Iron Handled Scrubber

This heavy-duty bath and tile scrubber with an ergonomic handle, will make scrubbing much less of a chore. You can clean large areas with ease. Scrub tile, bathtubs and other surfaces.

The Original Dishwashing & Vegetable Brush

Our Lola dishwashing & vegetable brush is perfect for cleaning all types of vegetables, clean dishes and much more! Safe on fine china and coated cookware. Most of all, it’s eco-friendly!

Bottle Brush

This brush has a long, strong neck and is flexible making reaching into and cleaning bottles, glasses and even pitchers a breeze. The bristles are very tough scrubbers getting caked on specs off kitchen gadgets but gentle enough allowing for use even on crystal stemware. It is dishwasher safe.

Scrub Brush

Lola Large Scrub Brush is great for scrubbing floors, tile, grout and cleaning car rims and tires. It helps to get rid of molds, mildew, soap scum as well as dirt and grime.

In conclusion, these cleaning brushes can help make your cleaning tasks easier, faster, and more effective. From small, hard-to-reach areas to heavy-duty cleaning projects, these brushes are essential tools for keeping your home looking its best. So, the next time you’re at the store, be sure to pick up a few of these cleaning brushes and see how they can help make your life a little easier.

Removing gum from clothing can be a frustrating and time-consuming task, but with the right techniques and materials, it is possible to get rid of the sticky residue effectively. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to remove gum from clothes:

Freeze the gum

The first step in removing gum from clothing is to freeze it. This will make the gum stiff and easier to remove. Place the clothes in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

Scrape off the gum 

Once the gum is frozen, use a blunt object such as a butter knife or a spoon to scrape off as much of the gum as possible. Be sure to scrape in the direction of the grain of the fabric to avoid damaging it.

Use vinegar or rubbing alcohol 

If there is still some gum residue after scraping, try using Pot Brite™ Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge soaked in vinegar or rubbing alcohol, then dab the affected area. The solvent should dissolve the gum and make it easier to remove.

Apply heat

Another method to remove gum is to apply heat. Use a hair dryer on low heat and hold it about 6 inches away from the gum. The heat will soften the gum and make it easier to remove. Be careful not to overheat the fabric as it can cause damage.

Use a commercial gum remover

There are commercial gum removers available in the market that can effectively remove gum from clothes. Follow the instructions on the product and apply it directly to the gum. Allow it to sit for the recommended time, then scrape off the gum and wash the clothes as normal.

Wash the clothes

After removing the gum, wash the clothes in cold water to remove any residue. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the gum to melt and make it harder to remove.

By following these steps, you can remove gum from clothes and keep them looking good as new. However, if the gum has been on the clothes for a long time or if the fabric is delicate, it may be best to take the clothes to a professional cleaner.

Outdoor furniture is an important addition to any outdoor space, as it can add style, comfort, and function to your patio, deck, or backyard. But over time, outdoor furniture can get dirty, faded, and damaged from exposure to the elements. To keep your outdoor furniture looking its best, it is important to clean and preserve it regularly.

Here are some steps to help you clean and preserve your outdoor furniture:

Clean the surface 

Before you start preserving your furniture, first, clean the surface thoroughly. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris by wiping the furniture down with a damp Jumbo Microfiber Cloth. You can also use a mild soap and water solution to remove any stubborn stains or grime. Be sure to rinse the furniture thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Sand and repair 

If your furniture has any rough spots or splinters, use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. You can also use wood filler to repair any cracks or holes in the furniture. Let the filler dry completely before sanding it smooth. After sanding, don’t forget to sweep the floor using Angle Broom with Dustpan to remove dust.

Apply a protectant

To preserve the color and finish of your outdoor furniture, it is important to apply a protectant. There are several different types of protectants available, including waterproof sprays, UV-resistant stains, and clear finishes. Choose a product that is suitable for the type of wood or material your furniture is made from, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.

Seal the furniture

Sealing your outdoor furniture will help to protect it from water damage, decay, and UV rays. Choose a sealant that is compatible with your protectant, and apply it evenly to the surface of the furniture. Let the sealant dry completely before using the furniture.

Store the furniture properly

When not in use, store your outdoor furniture properly to protect it from the elements. Store the furniture in a dry, covered area, such as a shed or garage. If you don't have a covered area, use a furniture cover to protect the furniture from rain and sun.

By following these steps, you can keep your outdoor furniture looking its best for years to come. Regular cleaning and preservation will help to prevent damage from the elements and keep your furniture looking great for your next outdoor gathering.

It's imperative to keep your homes neat and orderly, but it’s no secret that most of the time, it’s hard to do this consistently. Having a clean home encourages a nice atmosphere; however, it is difficult to get rid of the clingy dust and germs. And you're not alone if you find it exhausting to try to keep your entire house tidy all the time. In addition to the sinks and toilets, there are a ton of undiscovered spots that need cleaning.

Luckily, the internet is a great source of cleaning tips and tricks and we consolidated some of the best hacks straight from the professionals!

Use a pillow case for your ceiling fans

Perfectly cleaning a ceiling fan is a difficult chore. However, a creative approach might work wonders in helping you achieve your cleaning objectives. A pillowcase can be an excellent tool for cleaning all dirt and dust off ceiling fan blades. To thoroughly clean the length of the blade, drag the pillowcase's open end. It will make it possible for the dirt to be kept inside the casing. Use this trick to obtain a miraculous outcome without endangering the fan.

Remove furniture marks with steam

A small ding in furniture can significantly impact how well-kept the rooms in your home are. The ideal method is to utilize the advantages of steam to get rid of any stains or blemishes from the furniture. Take a damp piece of cloth and iron it for a few minutes. Use a fork or spoon to apply the cloth to the designated mark. The mark will miraculously disappear.

Create your own DIY grout cleaner

For a quick and efficient homemade grout cleaning, use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in equal amounts. Those filthy tiles won't stand a chance against your natural cleaning abilities.

Soak your showerhead in a bag of vinegar

Searching for a hands-free method to thoroughly clean your shower head? Low water pressure and irregular water streams might be brought on by mineral buildup and filth on your showerhead. Shower heads can be thoroughly cleaned without needing to be removed. Simply use a rubber band to fasten a bag of vinegar to the showerhead. Make sure the vinegar covers every hole before letting it sit for the night. You may expect a mineral and gunk-free showerhead.

Mark your old sponges to avoid cross-contamination

Kitchen sponges should be replaced frequently since they are a haven for bacteria –luckily, Lola Products has a wide range for your sponge needs! Before discarding them, you should clean your home's dirtier spaces like the bathroom or floors with old dish or countertop sponges. Cut a corner off your kitchen sponge the next time you determine it is too filthy to use on dishes or surfaces. This will identify it as a utility sponge forever, preventing accidental usage on sanitary items.

Use pumice stone to remove stubborn stains

Making your bathroom sparkle is one of the most difficult tasks in house cleaning – probably because of its reputation of being excessively filthy. Removing all lingering water stains from the entire bathroom is a difficult task. Use this trick to get rid of the yellow water stains and finish the cleaning job successfully. Wet a pumice stone, then rub the stains with it. Wash the area with fresh water after a little while. Surprisingly, all strong marks will disappear.

It is a clear reality that keeping your home tidy is no laughing matter. Although engaging some skilled cleaning professionals can make this process simple and hassle-free, knowing a few simple cleaning hacks straight from these professionals would also benefit you in the long run.

It can be a lot of fun to host a holiday celebration for friends and family, but it can also be very difficult. The holiday season will be much more memorable if you have the chance to provide guests with tasty cuisine, a cozy environment, and energizing drinks for one evening.

One must take into account the significant amount of work necessary to organize the entire event before choosing a date for a holiday gathering. The effort needed before, during, and after a party is one of the most underestimated components of hosting a party, aside from costs. Holiday dinners frequently result in a large number of dishes, which will keep the host working in the kitchen well after the guests have left and gone home to bed. Not fair at all, is it?

But good news! There are certain tricks you may use to cut down on dish duty at your upcoming holiday party.

Use effective sink management

A large-scale dish-washing operation will go more smoothly if your sink is kept spotless and uncluttered from stacks of dishes, utensils, and glassware. To ensure there is enough space to actually wash items, stack dirty pots, pans, and dishes next to the sink rather than in it. It will also assist to lessen the likelihood that something will get broken or damaged if you put things that need to be washed next to or close to the sink.

Use the appropriate sponges and scrubbers for the task

When washing dishes and cookware for special occasions, specialty sponges and scrubbers, chainmail scrubbers, and bottle brushes can be of great assistance. As part of your holiday dinner preparation, stock up on these dish aids as well as high-quality dish soap, extra dish towels, cozy dish gloves, and heavy-duty hand lotion so you have them on hand when you need them. It would also be efficient to keep a Lola® 2-Way Cleaning Sponge Pad on hand as it is a versatile dish scrubber.

Keep dish and paper towels available

Dish towels are essential, yet it's a mistake to ignore their significance. Think about how many dish towels you'll need (the Lola® All-Purpose Cloth would be a great choice), then multiply that amount by two so you have plenty on hand to spread out on a countertop to serve as a draining station and as well as towels for drying hand-washed things. 

Before washing, grease-covered serving ware and pans can be removed using the Reusable & Biodegradable Wowables® Paper Towels. They can also be used to dry pots and pans after washing that may have a little amount of greasy residue.

Follow a dishwashing sequence

There is an order to washing dishes, albeit you don't have to adhere to it exactly. Glassware, including crystal and glass plates, plates, flatware, and service pieces, serving dishes, and pots and pans should all be hand-washed in that order. 

Washing related items together is a smart idea no matter what order you wash them in. By washing smaller objects first, you free up space for larger, more uncomfortable pieces like roasting pans and greasy serving platters to be washed, dried, and stored.

Rescue scorched pots, sheet pans and baking dishes

Try this simple approach to quickly remove food that has been stuck to surfaces without the need for intense scrubbing. Place a generous amount of baking soda in the bottom of the pan, add a few inches of water, and heat it on the stovetop until it begins to boil. After that, turn off the heat and let the pan cool before giving it a hot, soapy water wash. Food that has been stuck on or burned will come off with very little scrubbing using a Lola® Pot Brite™ Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge.

Use a degreaser to clean baking utensils and sheet pans rather than elbow grease. First, remove food by scraping it off and/or rinsing it off. Next, lightly sprinkle an all-purpose cleaning spray on the sheet or pan's surface. While washing other objects, put the pan aside so the all-purpose cleaner has time to go under any grease or stuck-on messes. Lastly, wash as usual using hot water and soap.

Dry immediately

Ideally, you will ask someone to act as the designated dryer when it comes to washing a huge mess of holiday dishes. If there aren't any extra hands available to assist with the drying, wash and dry the dishes in batches, and the Lola® Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth might just be the help that you need for this task.

These are just a few easy actions you may take to reduce your dishload. Consider accepting assistance from individuals who offer to clean up in addition to these suggestions. A little can go a long way, reducing the amount of time spent in the kitchen while also providing a wonderful setting for engaging in worthwhile conversation.

It's the perfect time to organize your home now that Christmas is over and the New Year has arrived, after the tree and other decorations have been taken down, of course. Here are 12 New Year's resolutions you absolutely must keep if you want your house to function at its best in 2023.

1. Clean out the cabinets in the kitchen. Restock all of your essentials, including flour, sugar, condiments, and canned foods, but when you do so, throw away anything you won't use before Christmas. Use it up now or lose it; the New Year is not the time to stockpile unfinished jars of cranberry sauce or mincemeat. Donate any food or non-perishable items that are still good but that you no longer need to your local food bank. Create a simplified approach by decanting your ingredients, from rice to pasta, to organize your kitchen cabinets.
2. Never lose anything by storing 'like items' together. Use one straightforward principle to overcome the difficulty of finding a place for gifts and special Christmas items: store "like with like." For ease the next year, keep all decorations in one location (e.g., attic, garage, loft). Label everything. Sort related toys and games, as well as scarves, jewelry, socks, and underwear, in the children's bedroom. Basically, develop the practice of being organized; it will make life at home lot simpler. 
3. Avoid doubling up since. Make a commitment to check your cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other household essentials before you buy more. Your cabinets will become a mess if you keep too many of the same thing, and you'll spend more money. Make a note of the things you actually need to replace on a memo pad and keep it in the utility or kitchen.
4. Keep your boots and shoes in check. Keep dirt outside as much as you can when cleaning. This entails providing a room for shoes and placing doormats at the entrances. 
5. Put your post in one place. Avoid letting papers pile up on desks and tables, including letters, bills, and circulars. All posts should go in one location, which should be used as a "holding area." Make it a goal of yours to schedule some time, twice a week, to sift through the pile, handling important issues right away and filing the remainder. You won't have as many heaps of opened and unopened mail if you develop this behavior.
6. Each season, declutter the home. Make it a practice to clean thoroughly on a regular basis and to declutter each room of your home in the spring, summer, and fall. As it can be intimidating to think about decluttering the entire house, take it on room by room. Start with the smallest room first; remember to take tiny, manageable steps.
7. Set up a recycling routine. Consider making this the year you master recycling. Put trash cans and bags in a convenient location, and if there aren't any nearby collection points, try your neighborhood recycling facility. By purchasing recycling bags with labels, you can easily separate your household waste.
8. Find a simple filing method. Avoid making things too complicated this year if paperwork and critical documents scare you. Simply label each card document wallet with a category, such as "gas," "electricity," "broadband," or "school," from a pack of them. Find a convenient location to store them all and file each letter or bill in the appropriate file. Even better, choose paperless billing wherever it is practical. Keep only what you absolutely need, arrange your files alphabetically, and, if you can, color-code your documents.
9. Make a washing system. Invest in a set of drawstring cotton laundry bags to hang on the back of each bedroom door in place of the bathroom's laundry pail. Since the bags can be washed, this prevents filthy clothes from accumulating on the floor and is also more hygienic.
10. Plan maintenance and renovation work. Now that the holiday season is over, consider the maintenance tasks you need to complete to get your home in order, from simple tasks to larger ones. Consider the associated costs and potential savings before undertaking any significant changes. After making a to-do list, prioritize the tasks that need to be done immediately and give yourself a realistic deadline.
11. Make cleaning simple for you. Keep a basic kit (use a caddy or bucket) in every room in the house, including the bathroom, kitchen, and utility room, as having access to cleaning supplies makes it easier, for example, to clean the bathroom. Additionally, you'll save time and effort, which will make maintaining a household routine much less of a hardship.
12. Establish a weekly schedule. All family members should pitch in to keep the house running properly. Hold a family gathering so the children can decide on a variety of tasks that are age-appropriate and can be completed at a particular time each week. To make sure that everyone keeps to their responsibilities and jobs, choose a family planner and post it in a visible location for everyone to see. It's ideal for adding a touch of order to a hectic family and home life.

Every January, you make a resolution to spend more time with your loved ones, save more money, or lose weight. Yet what objectives do you have for your house? The aforementioned goals will improve your home's aesthetic appeal, functionality, cleanliness, and environmental friendliness throughout the upcoming year.

Fun fact: Dishwashers are undoubtedly one of the kitchen gadgets that the majority of us cannot live without. And with good reason—using them is so simple after any meal or culinary occasion. Unfortunately, if the dishes are still damp after the wash cycle, drying a complete rack of them can be tiresome and time-consuming. Most dishwashers are very good at washing dishes, but they aren’t so great at drying dishes.

We scoured the world wide web to find the best solution for this, and luckily, we found a dishwasher-drying maneuver that is an actual real-life timesaver, courtesy of Babs, a popular TikTok grandma with 2.7 million followers. Grandma Babs has her ups and downs, but generally, her kitchen tips and lifehacks are truly remarkable. She is no stranger to dishwasher hacks, and this dish-drying trick is just one of them:

Dishwasher hand drying is a waste of time and effort. Just grab a terry-cloth dish towel (or a Lola® All-Purpose Cotton Cloth). After the cleaning cycle is complete, place the dish towel inside the dishwasher door and shut it. The dishes will be completely (almost) dry and ready to be put away after just five minutes of waiting!

Side note: The Reusable & Biodegradable Wowables® Paper Towels would also be great for this simple kitchen hack.

So how and why does this work? After washing and automatic drying are complete, the dish towel will absorb the steam that is still present in the washer, preventing it from condensing on your dishes. While this hack will not result in "no hand drying necessary" because a dish towel, no matter how absorbent, simply cannot absorb pooled water from a few inches away, it is still considerably preferable and will require less effort as compared to drying every single dish by hand.

Now that you know how to dry your dishwasher dishes faster, feel free to try this on your next dishwashing cycle.