Lola Clean Freaks

Tips to Clean Your Brick Walls

Tips to Clean Your Brick Walls

Despite being resilient, brick walls can still accumulate dirt, dust, and stains. This goes without saying that they still need to be cleaned regularly. Although both interior and exterior bricks of your home require maintenance, they cannot be cleaned in the same way! You wouldn’t want to use a pressure washer inside your home, would you?  Interior brick walls often require less maintenance than exterior ones since they are not subject to as many external elements. Events like rain, snow, wind, dust, and pollution can quickly dirty the exterior walls of your home, necessitating additional time spent cleaning. Brick walls indoors are more likely to collect dirt in areas like the kitchen, where they may get splattered with oil or other cooking chemicals.

So, whether you want to revitalize the outside brick walls of your house or make your inside brick accent wall appear brand new, it’s a good thing that we have some of the best tips for you. In no time, if you follow the directions, your brick will shine.

What you need

Interior cleaning:

Exterior cleaning: (In addition to the materials above)

  • Pressure washer
  • Detergent
  • Bleach
  • Rubber gloves
  • Goggles

How to clean a brick wall indoors

The first step in this simple task is to use the broom to dust and remove any obvious dirt and debris on your brick walls. You can begin cleaning the wall once the top layer of loose dirt has been removed. To wash the wall, create a cleaning solution by combining water, your favorite dishwashing soap, and some table salt. Spray this mixture onto your brick walls to remove any oil that has built up over time. Use the scrubber to brush, and then wipe it away with a cloth wet with warm water.

How to clean the brick wall outside

Let's now learn how to properly clean the exterior of a brick wall, which is considerably more prone to collecting dirt. The top layer of dust, cobwebs, and debris that managed to accumulate on the surface should be removed first. The simplest approach to do it is to carefully sweep the area using a broom. Depending on your preference, you may select from the following methods for cleaning your exterior brick walls:

  • Naturally, you can use the cleaning solution we previously described for interior brick walls cleaning, which is created from water, mild dishwashing liquid, and table salt, along with a sponge. Before you start scrubbing, let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  • Another option is to use a high-pressure water cleaning. You should adjust the machine such that the maximum flow pressure is 700 psi to avoid damaging the wall. Don't forget to use a mild detergent safe for bricks as well.
  • If your walls have mold and mildew, you may need to use some bleach solution. Don’t forget to wear a pair of gloves (or even goggles) for extra protection while cleaning.

Bricks are one of the strongest construction and finishing materials out there and can provide you with excellent service for a very long time. It’s imperative not to disregard them, so it’s best to set aside some time to check on their cleanliness both inside and outside of your home.

Useful Tips to Easily Clean Your Humidifier

Useful Tips to Easily Clean Your Humidifier

If you have allergies, you may already use a humidifier in your home to help reduce your symptoms and make breathing easier. Unfortunately, many people are often too busy or forgetful to clean the humidifier on their own, which can result in mold and bacteria buildup that not only ruins the aesthetics of your home but can also damage your health and make allergies even worse. And let's admit it, cleaning a humidifier can seem like a difficult task, especially if you dont know where to start. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take, and readily available household items you can use, to clean your humidifier so that its as clean and sanitary as possible. 

Why should you clean your humidifier?

Cleaning a humidifier will not only make it more efficient, but also extend the life of the unit. A humidifier works by drawing in cold air, mixing it with water and then blowing warm, moist air into the room. The minerals and contaminants in tap water will build up over time on the inside surfaces of the humidification unit and may also grow mold if left unchecked. This will eventually lead to decreased efficiency as well as increased energy use due to higher than necessary humidity levels. 

What should you do daily and weekly?

On a daily basis, simple towel-drying, and filling the humidifier's tank with fresh water are enough to stop the formation of mold and other impurities. The tank and the base's well require a more thorough cleaning and sanitizing once every week. In accordance with the manufacturer's recommended timetable, replace filters and wicks.

What do you need and how to use them?

Easy! You only need the following:

Step 1: Remove the tank from the base

To the well of the base, add either 1 cup of white vinegar or 1/2 cup each of water and vinegar.

Step 2: Use the gentle cleaning tool

Scrub scale out of nooks and crannies in the well. Rinse until there is no more vinegar odor. Towel dry with the microfiber cleaning cloth.

Step 3: Add vinegar solution into the tank

Pour 1 cup each of white vinegar and water into the tank, then cover it. After covering the tank, leave it to soak for 20 minutes while occasionally swishing or shaking. Remove solution from container and rinse until odor is gone. Do the final towel drying with the microfiber cloth.

Humidifiers can be great for keeping your home or office from feeling too dry during the winter months, and to some extent, they are a necessary comfort item already. But like everything else in your home, youll need to clean them regularly to maintain their cleanliness and performance over time since they can become filthy, moldy cesspool if regular cleaning and maintenance are not performed. You wouldn't want to be breathing in that kind of stuff. With the simple steps above to easily clean your humidifier, you are definitely on track to keep it running smoothly all year long.

6 Ways to Make Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets a Breeze

6 Ways to Make Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets a Breeze

Kitchen cabinets can accumulate years of dirt, dust, and grime over time, making them not only unattractive but also unsafe to use. Unfortunately, cleaning out your cabinets can seem like an overwhelming task if you dont know where to start! Luckily, weve put together this handy guide to help you clean your kitchen cabinets in no time at all. Cleaning kitchen cabinets doesnt need to be hard! With these methods and tips for cleaning kitchen cabinets, youll have them looking as good as new in no time at all.

Remove all the items on your cabinets

First of all, take everything off the cabinets and wipe them down with an all-purpose cleaner and paper towels, or you may also resort to using the Lola® Anti-microbial Clean N' Wipe™ Cloth for that instant cleaning and disinfection.

Clean your cabinets with soap and water

There are many ways to clean the inside of your kitchen cabinets, but one of the simplest and most effective is using soap and water. Mix a generous amount of dish soap with water in a bucket or large bowl. Dip a Lola® Nylon Net & Sponge Cleaning Pad in the soapy water and then use it to wipe down the surfaces of your cabinets until they're clean. If you have grime on the cabinet handles, use another cloth dipped in soapy water for these hard-to-reach areas.

Scrub with baking soda

As one of the best cleaning supplies out there, baking soda is also great for kitchen cabinets. Mix baking soda with water in a spray bottle. Shake well before using and spray on cabinets until they're wet. Let sit at least five minutes before wiping down with a damp Wowables® The Reusable & Biodegradable Paper Towel.

Use a steam cleaner (if you have one)

If you have a steam cleaner, use it! You can use it on all the cabinets in your kitchen, as well as any drawers and shelving. It will take all the grime out of those cabinets without having to scrub. 

Polish cabinet doors using vinegar, salt and water

Vinegar and salt are great for removing water spots from your kitchen cabinets and shelves. To remove water spots, mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of salt in a bowl. Dip a Lola® Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth into the mixture and wipe down the cabinet doors. Rinse well with water and dry off with another towel.

Make sure items are wiped clean and dry before putting them back

Before placing things back in your cabinets, you should wipe them down with a high-quality, reusable cloth, and the Lola® Cellulose Sponge Cloth (aka "Swedish Cloth") may just be the best bet for this task. 

Cleaning and organizing kitchen cabinets can seem like an intimidating prospect if you have never done it before or are not sure where to start, but with the useful tips above, youll find that cleaning your kitchen cabinets doesnt need to be difficult at all. Follow along with these helpful steps and you will soon have clean cabinets that look great and make cooking more enjoyable!

Cleaning Tips and Hacks from the Pros!

Cleaning Tips and Hacks from the Pros!

If you despise cleaning with all your heart and would rather do anything else but — I feel you! There is something to be said, however, for knowing a few cleaning hacks to help make the task a little bit easier. We have scoured the world wide web for some of the best hacks and tips from cleaning professionals, and have listed them down here for your reference.

What tools and products you need

Making sure you have the right tools for the job is the best way to ensure cleaning success. The good news is that you don't need a lot of expensive cleaning supplies to keep your home clean. Making a caddy out of a few basic and dependable items is your best bet.

1. Microfiber cloths are an essential cleaning tool. Microfibers not only clean surfaces better than sponges, paper towels, and the like, but they're also machine washable and quick-drying, which means they're far less likely to harbor germs. Microfibers can also kill up to 99% of bacteria with just water and are three times more effective than traditional cleaning cloths, which is why many hospitals have switched to microfiber cloths, towels, and mops. The great news? Lola® has a variety of the microfiber cleaning products ranging from a simple Lola® 2-Way Cleaning Sponge Pad to the powerful The Revolution™ Microfiber Spin Mop System.

2. Make a cleaning caddy filled with supplies. In addition to multi-purpose Lola® Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, a glass cleaner, a mildly abrasive cleaner, an all-purpose cleaner, and a pair of latex gloves should be in your cleaning caddy before you begin any home cleaning.

How to clean your kitchen

During the day, the kitchen is the epicenter of messes, but there are simple ways to keep this room from overwhelming you.

3. Throughout the day, keep an eye out for spills and messes. 'Clean as you go' should be your mantra. Clean the kitchen on a daily basis to keep things under control. Making quick work of the daily accumulation of clutter and mess will also help you avoid germ cross-contamination.

4. Perform simple tasks frequently and quickly. "Don't procrastinate!" -- This is the key to making kitchen cleaning easier. Sweeping your floor with the Lola® Pro Amazin™ Sponge & Scrubber Roller Mop at the end of the day, staying on top of surface messes and buildup, and tidying up daily clutter will keep your kitchen looking clean without taking hours.

5. For tougher messes, try baking soda. While a microfiber cloth is ideal for quickly cleaning up small messes on kitchen counters and appliance surfaces, larger food-related messes may necessitate the use of baking soda. Wipe down any grease-covered areas with a cloth dusted with baking soda. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping the area with a Lola® Anti-microbial Clean N' Wipe™ Cloth to remove the residue.

How to clean your bathroom

A lot happens in your bathroom, and it's critical to keep it as germ-free as possible. These pointers will assist you in gaining control of this heavily trafficked area.

6. Clean high-traffic areas at least once a week. Maintaining your bathroom on a daily basis, similar to the kitchen, can make deeper, less frequent cleanings much easier. Creating consistent and simple cleaning habits in your bathroom will save you from having to deal with a much larger mess later on. To make regular weekly cleanings easier, squeegee your shower after each use, and wipe down the toilet and toothbrush holders twice a week.

7. Pay special attention to the smaller, often-overlooked areas of your bathroom. Remember to clean often-overlooked areas in the bathroom to ensure that everything is thoroughly clean. These frequently overlooked areas can include faucet aerators and toothbrush holders. The best way to clean those nooks and crannies, including around your faucet, is to use Lola® Scrub Brush with warm water.

How to clean your living room

People spend a lot of time relaxing in the living room, so make it as comfortable, clean, and dust-free as possible. 

8. Keep dust at bay by concentrating on hidden areas in your living room. Because the living room is where you, your family, and any guests will spend the majority of your time, you should pay special attention to it. Moving your furniture as you go is the best way to ensure you hit every spot. Before moving the furniture back, move it around so that you're dusting the floor underneath it.

9. To deal with dust, use the proper tools. Feather dusters may be cute, but they're not very practical. They primarily move dust around rather than remove it. Use a Lola ® Rola Sticky Mop™ to effectively remove dust in the living room. It is made of a specially formulated sticky paper that picks up all types of dirt, dust, debris, hair, and much more!

10. Regularly clean dust-collecting textiles. While you may not want to clean your curtains, it is necessary in order to keep your home clean and your family healthy. Curtains should be washed twice a year at the very least.

How to clean your bedrooms

We all want our bedrooms to feel like an oasis, but we don't want to spend hours cleaning them. Checking off these simple tasks will help you get your bedroom in order quickly. 

11. Concentrate on laundering linens and pillows. Weekly sheet washing is more important than the rest. It's the most effective way to keep germs and allergens at bay, especially considering how many hours you spend sleeping in bed each week.

12. Make your bed and tidy up for 10 minutes every day. As soon as you wake up, make your bed. It may not appear to make much of a difference, but this is the focal point of your room. Making your bed can instantly make the entire room look cleaner. Making your bed every day allows the cleaning process to become ingrained in your daily routine. Clean up the surfaces after making your bed in the morning to keep your bedroom feeling like a peaceful retreat. Place any clothing that has been left out in the hamper or drawers. Doing these simple tasks on a regular basis will quickly become a habit, making weekly cleanings much easier.

Keeping our homes clean and tidy is a simple way to reduce daily stress, but the act of cleaning itself can be stressful for some of us. Feeling unsure of where to begin or how frequently we should perform certain household chores can put us off track. Fortunately, the cleaning professionals' suggestions above are some of the most effective ways to get and keep your home sparkling clean!

Common Household Cleaning Myths Debunked!

Common Household Cleaning Myths Debunked!

Cleaning your house is unavoidable, whether you enjoy it or despise it. Home remedies, hacks, and myths have been passed down from generation to generation to make this chore less of a chore. But, when all is said and done, did you do more harm than good to your humble abode? Perhaps it's time to clear the air about some commonly held cleaning beliefs.

Myth #1 - Feather dusters remove dust. 

Traditional feather dusters have long been promoted as the best option for removing daily dust buildup in the home. Do you remember the ratan feather duster? Hopefully, it was only used for dusting. Otherwise, it's about as useful as politely asking the dust to leave. Most dusters, feather or otherwise, merely move dust around rather than absorb it. Unless you use a wet cloth (which may be more work), make sure your duster is made of microfiber or lambswool (like the Swiffer® 360° Extender Duster Comparable Starter Kit by Lola®), as these materials pick up and hold dust.

Myth #2 - Bleach can be used for everything. 

When cleaning your bathroom, you may instinctively reach for bleach, believing it to be the most powerful, all-purpose cleaner. However, bleach is a disinfectant and stain remover rather than a cleaner. While bleach is useful for removing tough stains or whitening your clothes, it can make removing stains from certain surfaces more difficult. The chemical is not suitable for degreasing, and you'll be better off using a proper cleaning product or even baking soda. 

Myth #3 - Newspapers give windows a streak-free finish

Many of us are used to wiping down our windows with newspapers. This hack is supposed to leave no streaks on the glass. But this is old news now! With today's newspapers, it is no longer possible. Newspapers are now printed on thinner paper, which disintegrates easily when wet with glass cleaner. It may not only stain your hands with ink, but it may also leave a nasty paper residue on your windows. Instead, dilute some dishwashing liquid with water and spray it on your windows before wiping them down with a Lola® Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth! For the second round of cleaning, use a glass cleaner to give it an extra shine.

Myth #4 - Washing machines clean themselves

It is not clean simply because it washes things! Lint and wash cycles that require cold water are two examples of factors that contribute to bacteria remaining in the washing machine. Soiled sheets, after all, pass through your machine on a weekly basis. This, combined with the humidity levels, would make things prone to mold. So, clean your washing machine on a regular basis to keep it running smoothly and to prevent bacteria buildup. Fill your detergent dispenser with a 4:1 mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Then, on the hottest water setting, run an empty load. When you're finished, leave your washing machine door open to dry!

Myth #5 - More detergent = Better cleaning

It would appear logical to believe that the more laundry detergent you use, the cleaner your clothes will be. However, more is not always better, and this 'hack' may be doing the opposite. When you use too much detergent, soap residue may be left on your clothes and irritate your skin. Excessive soap residue will accumulate in your washing machine over time, resulting in mould and mildew. Not to mention that you will have to buy new detergent more frequently, wasting your money!

Myth #6 - Cleaning products work instantly

A common misconception is that cleaning products work instantly; all you have to do is spray and wipe! However, if you use this cleaning method, you may be disappointed with its ineffectiveness and wonder why your stains are not fading. Germs and grime cannot be broken down so quickly, no matter how powerful your product is. Wiping off your cleaning products too quickly leaves grime on your surfaces and is a huge waste of product.

While these household cleaning hacks have been passed down through the generations, they are not the most effective. With your newfound cleaning knowledge, you are now prepared to tackle even the most difficult cleaning days! You'll know what to do the next time you see someone grabbing a wad of newspaper to wipe the windows or unintentionally pouring a large amount of laundry detergent into their washer!

Simple and Powerful Cleaning Hacks You Have to Try Right Now!

Simple and Powerful Cleaning Hacks You Have to Try Right Now!

If you absolutely despise cleaning, raise your hand. Yes, I think we can all agree to that. Nevertheless, cleaning your house doesn't have to be a hassle owing to these helpful and quite clever cleaning tips. The best part is that most of these hacks employ everyday materials and do-it-yourself cures that you already have in your household.

Bowl of Water and a Lemon. A combination of these items can be used to quickly clean and deodorize your microwave. Simply slice a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into a microwave-safe bowl, and then add the water. After about three minutes in the microwave, wipe down everything. In addition to being chemical-free clean, the steam and lemon juice will also leave your microwave smelling lovely and fresh.

Cream of Tartar. Give this a try if you've ever purchased cream of tartar—that white powder you likely acquired for a baking job in the past—and wonder when the heck you'll ever use it again. Pick up your scratched plates and tableware, liberally sprinkle the area with cream of tartar, and then add water to produce a paste. With a Lola® Cellulose Sponge Cloth, rub it all in. Use soap and water to remove the residue.

Milk. No need to freak out about a red wine stain on your carpet when all you need is a fridge staple. Dab up as much of the wine as you can, then pour the milk directly over the stain and leave it to absorb the wine for about an hour. Finally, wet the affected area with water, and use a Reusable & Biodegradable Wowables® Paper Towel to dry the wet area. The milk effectively tricks the wine into absorbing into *it* rather than the carpet.

Mayonnaise (or a Hair Dryer). Have you ever wondered how to get rid of those pesky water rings on wood? Try some mayonnaise in your fridge. Simply apply a generous dollop of mayo to the water stain and set it aside. After about 15 minutes, wipe up the mayo with a Lola® 100% Cotton Cheesecloth, and the stain should be gone. But in case you've run out of mayo, simply take a hair dryer and blow it directly on the water rings. Be patient and keep the dryer close to the table's surface. It may take 10 to 15 minutes of drying time for the rings to come out, but with some patience, this trick will prove to be a lifesaver!

Black Tea. Homemade black tea can be used to clean glass surfaces such as windows and mirrors. Allow a few bags of black tea to steep in a mug of boiling water before allowing the water to cool. Then, pour it into a spray bottle. Because of its acidic content and high tannin content, black tea aids in the removal of grime, dirt, and smudges. Next, spray the glass with your cooled black tea, then wiping it down with paper towels or the Lola® Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth.

Weve all been there before, havent we? Even if we do have everything we need on hand to get our cleaning job done quickly and easily— it still takes us forever to actually do it because our laziness prevails. Luckily, the tips and tricks above are so simple and effective, even someone who's really lazy will want to try them right now!

From Dusty to Dashing: An Effective Guide to Cleaning White Walls

From Dusty to Dashing: An Effective Guide to Cleaning White Walls

Theres nothing better than a freshly painted white wall, but it can be tough to keep them looking brand new if you dont know what youre doing. When the walls exhibit every evidence of use and abuse, it is challenging to keep a house appearing new. But before you go off and hire someone to clean your white walls for you, take some time to read this step-by-step guide on how to clean white walls yourself with the safest and most effective cleaning products, tools, and methods possible.

Part 1 - Before You Begin

Cleaning white walls may seem like a daunting task, but don't worry! We're here to help. Before you begin, you'll need the right tools. So, gather your supplies! You'll need a ladder, soft cloth or feather duster, a bucket of warm water, a mild soap or detergent, a sponge, a dry cloth, a microfiber towel, and some elbow grease. Once you have everything you need, follow these simple steps and your walls will be shining in no time.

Part 2 - The Best Practices

Start by dusting your walls with Swiffer® 360° Extender Duster Comparable Starter Kit by Lola®. Pay special attention to any nooks and crannies, as these are often hotspots for dust accumulation. Once youve dusted, move on to washing your walls with a mild soap and water solution, and the Lola® Scrub Boss™ should do the trick. Rinse thoroughly afterwards and allow your walls to air dry completely. The most important thing is to make sure you take your time and not be too aggressive with scrubbing! Remember that if it seems like there's too much residue left behind after wiping down, all it means is that more elbow grease is needed next time around.

Part 3 - The Aftermath

After you've given your walls a good scrub, it's important to take a few extra steps to make sure they stay clean. First, use a lint-free cloth to remove any water spots. Next, go over the walls with a clean Swiffer® Sweeper® Compatible Dry Sweeping Cloth to pick up any lingering dirt or debris. Finally, give the walls a once-over with the Lola® Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth to buff them and make them shine. These final touches will leave your white walls looking as pristine as ever!

Bonus Tips & Tricks!

Start with a damp cloth to avoid spreading the dirt and grime. Work in small sections and be sure to rinse your cloth often. For tougher stains, you may need to resort to using a small amount of bleach or other strong cleaner. Be sure to test in an inconspicuous area first and always follow the manufacturers instructions. To prevent future stains, consider adding a fresh coat of paint or sealant.

Cleaning the walls in your home may seem like a tedious task, but when done consistently, it can have a major impact on your space and the people who live in it. If youre tired of seeing dirt and stains on your white walls, try the tips above to get them looking bright and dashing again!

The Nasty Reality of Pee Smell (and How to Get Rid of It)

The Nasty Reality of Pee Smell (and How to Get Rid of It)

Whether youre embarrassed by the stench of your teenage sons bedroom or you accidentally peed on your brand new mattress, theres no denying that the smell of urine can be absolutely foul, and it can linger on a mattress long after it has dried. What we are here to do is tell you how to get the pee smell out of your mattress should you ever have this problem in the future.

Why mattresses have this problem

Few things are as off-putting as the smell of urine. Unfortunately, mattresses are often the victim of bedwetting accidents and unless you have a mattress protector, it's almost impossible to keep your mattress from getting peed on at some point. And here's the unfortunate reality: because they're made of absorbent materials, they can harbor the odor long after the accident has happened. 

What you might be doing wrong

The most common mistake people make when it comes to dealing with a smelly mattress is assuming that the problem will just go away on its own. The thing is, urine contains ammonia, which is a very strong odorant. So, unless you take care of the problem right away, that ammonia smell is going to linger for a long time.

What you can do right now

You'll need baking soda, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, a gallon jug or large bowl and some plastic wrap. Here's how to get rid of that pesky pee smell:

  1. Fill the jug or bowl with enough water to completely submerge the urine-soaked part of the mattress. 
  2. Add 2 cups of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and stir it around so it gets completely soaked into the material; make sure no dry spots remain. The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar will help eliminate any lingering odors from your mattress. 
  3. Let this soak for at least 24 hours before you dispose of it in an outdoor trash can or dumpster. 
  4. Next, mix up a solution made up of 2 cups each of hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a small bowl. Put on gloves and saturate the affected area with this solution, then scrub away any stubborn stains with the Lola® Scrub Brush. Take care not to let the mixture drip onto other parts of the mattress—you don't want to spread the odor! Once all traces of urine have been removed, pour 1⁄2 cup of dish soap or powdered detergent onto a clean cloth and wipe down the surface thoroughly. 
  5. Rinse out your cloth and repeat as necessary until all surfaces are clean. 
  6. Finally, cover both sides of your mattress with heavy-duty plastic wrap while they air out. Check periodically during drying time to make sure mold doesn't form where there is condensation.

No one wants to think about the realities of urine, but it's something we all have to deal with at some point. When you're already faced with the problem, keep in mind the tips above and remember to always act quickly -- because the longer urine sits, the harder it will be to remove the smell.

Incredible Ways to Remove Tape Residue Instantly

Incredible Ways to Remove Tape Residue Instantly

If youve ever tried to remove tape residue, you know that it can be an incredibly difficult task. Even worse, some of the methods suggested in how-to books simply dont work as well as advertised, leaving you frustrated and with permanent adhesive on your hands or clothing. Luckily, there are some ingenious ways to remove tape residue that will leave you stunned at how easy the process can be if you use the right materials! In this article, well cover everything from tape residue on clothing to removing tape from carpeting so that you can make sure the job gets done perfectly the first time!

Alcohol

Believe it or not, alcohol is one of the most effective ways to remove tape residue. All you need is a clean cloth and some rubbing alcohol. Soak the cloth in the alcohol and then rub it over the sticky residue. You should see the residue start to dissolve instantly. Continue rubbing until the residue is completely gone. The Lola® Anti-microbial Clean N' Wipe™ Cloth can also do this job really well.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is also terrific solution for removing tape residue. Simply apply the lemon juice to the sticky area and let it sit for a few minutes. After a few minutes have passed, use a Reusable & Biodegradable Wowables® Paper Towel to wipe away the residue. For tougher residue, you may need to scrub a bit more vigorously. But be careful not to damage the surface beneath the residue.

Sugar

If you have sugar, you can make a paste to remove tape residue. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a bowl and mix until the sugar dissolves. Wet a clean cloth with the mixture and gently rub it over the residue. The sugar will act as an abrasive and lift the residue away. Rinse the area with warm water and dry it off.

Toothpaste

Grab a tube of toothpaste and squeeze out a pea-sized amount onto the residue. Then, using a clean cloth, rub the toothpaste into the residue in a circular motion. The toothpaste will act as an abrasive and break down the adhesive, making it easy to wipe away.

Ice

Just grab some ice cubes and put them on top of the area where the tape was just peeled off. It should work like magic and those pesky sticky remnants will be gone in no time at all! Then, clean it off with a Lola® Cellulose Sponge Cloth.

Nail Polish Remover

Acetone nail polish remover is also great for removing tape residue. Simply apply a small amount of acetone to a cotton ball and rub it over the residue. The acetone will dissolve the adhesive, making it easy to wipe away. You may need to use a little elbow grease to remove stubborn residue, but overall this method is very effective.

Whether youre wrapping presents or working on your latest project, chances are, youve had to use tape at some point. Removing tape residue from your walls can be time-consuming and frustrating, with no guarantee of the result at the end of your efforts. But thankfully, the simple tips and tricks above can make it easier for you to achieve that excellent outcome.

Bring Back the Shine! How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier

Bring Back the Shine! How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier

Few things in life are as beautiful and relaxing as a crystal chandelier. Any room gains an air of luxury when crystal chandeliers are present. Modern abstract designs in acrylic, glass, or real crystal have replaced many conventional fixtures' teardrop-shaped crystals. But like any other jewels, it will eventually be tested by time. Whatever the style or construction of your chandelier, it will eventually become soiled and dusty.

Although cleaning is typically simple, it takes time and effort. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the task because you probably want to do it all at once. Here are six tips for cleaning a crystal chandelier:

Tip 1 Before disassembling your chandelier, take photos of how it looks like. This may seem weird, but taking photos from different angles will be a life saver when you're done cleaning and you need to re-assemble your chandelier.

Tip 2 Start by removing any crystal pieces from the frame of your chandelier and placing them in a small box or other container. Then use a soft-bristled brush or a gentle duster like the Swiffer® 360° Duster Comparable Starter Kit by Lola® to initially remove any visible dust or dirt from each individual piece.

Tip 3 Next, spray the entire chandelier with a glass cleaner to remove any dirt and debris that has stuck to the metal parts. Pay special attention to the joints where the frame meets the arms and the tubing that houses the electrical wires. Avoid spraying the glass pieces themselves; instead, wipe them with a soft cloth like the Lola® Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth.

Tip 4 After you've cleaned the metal parts of the chandelier, it's time to remove all of the dust and dirt from the glass panels. You can do this by hand or by vacuuming the panels with a soft brush attachment. Be sure to turn the vacuum on the lowest setting to avoid damaging the glass. An alternative to this step is to also use the Swiffer® Sweeper® Compatible Dry Sweeping Cloth Refills by Lola® to completely remove any residual dust or dirt in from each glass panel. If you have a lot of time to kill, you may also opt to wash each crystal using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse well with cool water and dry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.

Tip 5 Once the chandelier is clean, it's a good idea to apply a protective sealant to the metal frame. This will help prevent future dust and debris from sticking to the surface.

Tip 6 Finally, you'd be glad that you did not skip Step 1 above. Replace the crystal pieces in the frame and hang your chandelier back up on the wall. Admire its beauty and relax in your newly sparkling room!

Expert tip: Dust your chandelier regularly to prevent heavy dust accumulation. When dusting your chandelier, try to do so while it's turned off so that you won't knock any of the glass pieces out of alignment or damage the electrical wires. Also, avoid using harsh cleaning solutions (like ammonia-based cleaners) on your chandelier, these chemicals could damage the delicate crystal pieces and dull their shine.

Crystal chandeliers have come a long way from the days as traditional, stately pieces only enjoyed in the most formal of spaces and positioned to impress guests in the dining room or the foyer. More crystal means more cleaning, but it does not have to be too taxing. By following  the simple guidelines above, you can keep your crystal chandeliers looking their best all the time.