Lola Clean Freaks

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.

We’ve all been there before, haven’t 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!

There’s nothing better than a freshly painted white wall, but it can be tough to keep them looking brand new if you don’t know what you’re 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 you’ve 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 manufacturer’s 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 you’re tired of seeing dirt and stains on your white walls, try the tips above to get them looking bright and dashing again!

Whether you’re embarrassed by the stench of your teenage son’s bedroom or you accidentally peed on your brand new mattress, there’s 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.

If you’ve 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 don’t 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, we’ll 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 you’re wrapping presents or working on your latest project, chances are, you’ve 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.

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.

Don't you want to mop your floors with a clean microfiber mop head every time? You certainly do! A microfiber mop is essential for keeping your floors sparkling, whether you're scrubbing sticky messes on your kitchen floor or sweeping dust from hidden corners of your home. While cleaning tools with built-in sprays and disposable pads are convenient, nothing beats a traditional microfiber spin mop at picking up dirt and grime. And if you're looking for the best and most affordable spin mop in the market, you are in the right place!

Presenting... The Revolution™ Microfiber Spin Mop System by Lola®. It is a simple, yet effective, spin mop made with braided microfibers that can help you achieve shiny floors without using harsh chemicals because the brush is made with millions of fibers to capture fine dust particles. It's great for any hard floor surfaces, and polishes them as you go! Moreover, the microfiber head is capable of 180° swivel action, which makes it easier to clean tight corners, underneath your furniture, and other difficult-to-reach surfaces.

Equipped with a built-in wringer spin-cycle technology, it also comes with a Washer/Dryer Bucket Spinner System which allows for complete control of the drying and wringing out of the mop to your desired moisture level. Simply soak the head in the soapy water side and immediately spin it dry on the spinner side. The dirty water is collected at the bottom of the bucket and released using our simple-to-use drain plug. And speaking of the spin mop bucket, it's also built with a self-balancing feature to prevent spilling of water while you're on the move. These features are definitely worth every buck, right?

That's not all! When the brush head begins to show signs of wear, simply toss it in the washing machine for a quick refresh because the microfiber head is machine washable for up to 300x! This means that it may take a while before you would need The Revolution™ Microfiber Spin Mop Refill. Affordable, indeed!

So what are you still waiting for? Head on to the Lola® website, and don't miss out on this amazing product! No more cleaning with a dirty mop, and your hands will never touch a mop head again! 

You might be surprised to know that most people would rather take on any other household chore (say, scrubbing the toilets, doing laundry, and taking out the trash)—than to do the dishes. Yes, you read that right! Dishes with hard stuck-on food, plus those grimy old sponges, aren’t exactly something that most people look forward to engage with. 

But whether you like it or not, your dirty dishes are not capable of cleaning themselves. Good news! There’s a lineup of Lola® products that might just help you tackle those piles of dishes with ease and in style:

• Lola® Dish Brush, with Scraper. This product may appear like a standard grocery store item, but if you look a little closer, it has a few key features that make it one of the best tools out there for your kitchen. It’s made of durable, poly-fiber, odor-resistant, non-scratch bristles. It has a built-in scraper that removes caked or stuck-on items, thus saving you from having to press down and flatten the bristles. It has an easy to hold handle that won’t slip even with wet or soapy hands. Definitely, this is your basic but highly effective dish brush.
• Eco Clean™ Bamboo Bottle Brush. This is a non-scratching poly-fiber bristle brush specifically intended for cleaning glasses, jars, coffee pots, vases, and blenders. Its ergonomic bamboo handle is very sustainable and durable, and has a hole in it for easy storage in the kitchen.

• Eco Clean™ Vegetable Brush with Comfort Bamboo Knob. This is a poly-fiber bristle vegetable brush with an hour-glass knob that comfortably fits the palm of your hand. The handle is made of natural bamboo, and perfect for cleaning all types of vegetable.

• Lola® Soap Dispensing Dish Wand, with Changeable Sponge Head. An amazing product with a refillable soap dispensing handle and a heavy duty food scraper for added cleaning power. Its super absorbent sponge head is strong when it comes to scrubbing surfaces with baked on messes. You can literally clean your dishes with soap and detergent without having to constantly reach for the soap bottle when in need of more. Indeed, a dishwasher that you hold in your hand!
• “The Original” Tampico Vegetable and Dish Brush. A multi-purpose kitchen brush with bristles made from natural Tampico fiber, and a handle made from high-quality, eco-friendly, sustainable hardwood. It’s generally safe to use in most surfaces; just apply softer pressure for vegetable, fruits and coated cookware, while you may go a bit harder on other dishes, pots and pans. Aside from its usefulness, since it’s made from plant fibers and wood, using this can help create less waste. In addition, it can also last for a long time—unlike traditional sponges, they won't succumb to stains, stuck-on food bits, or warping.

The above dish sponges and brushes may just be some of the best choices for your specific kitchen tasks. There’s no guarantee that the best dish sponges and brushes will make you enjoy doing the dishes, but they can certainly make dish duty a little bit easier and bearable!

As the weather gets warmer, many of us begin to look forward to outdoor activities like grilling and swimming. But some of us dread the end of the school year because it means spending countless hours cleaning our homes to make them sparkle again before our families and friends return from vacation. If you’re looking for ways to streamline your cleaning routine, here are 5 tips that will leave your home sparkling all summer long!

Why clean your home during summer?

You’re probably looking at me like I’m crazy. Why would you want to clean your home during summer? Because it’s actually easier and more refreshing than cleaning when it’s cold outside. The best part is, there are lots of ways to keep things cool while still getting a sparkling clean home. 

Here are some great tips for how to do just that:

Declutter!

Decluttering can seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier if you take things one section at a time. Start with small items around your home and make note of what you don’t need. Take five minutes each day to do a quick tidy up. You can make a gift basket out of smaller items, or donate them to local organizations. Then move on to bigger items such as kitchen appliances or toys, and find ways to use those in different rooms of your home. You’ll be amazed at how much less time you spend on deep cleaning when there is less stuff lying around!

Start with the biggest messes first

Everyone has areas of their home that get dusty or grimy faster than others. When you’re not sure where to start with your summer cleaning, just start with those areas. If there’s a room in your house where people walk through after being outside, you can bet it needs a thorough cleaning. If there are cobwebs hanging from corners or boxes stacked on top of each other, prioritize these places. Start by sweeping and wiping down the area so you can make more headway when scrubbing. Be cautious around items such as electronics, books and anything fragile. It’s also important to pay attention to spills and clean them up as soon as possible so they don’t seep into the carpet or wooden floorboards. And never forget about making the bed! Even if it means spending 15 minutes every day making your bed, trust us—it'll be worth it when guests arrive.

Dust more often

During summer, letting the sun shine through your windows will fill your home with beautiful, natural light. Unfortunately, it's also the main perpetrator for filling your home with dust! Being around dust can trigger an allergic reaction, which can prevent you from enjoying the summer. To prevent this from happening, make it always a point to dust more regularly during the summer with the Swiffer® 360° Extender Duster Comparable Starter Kit by Lola®. If you have a serious pet hair problem in your house, the Lola ® Rola Sticky Mop™ will surely work wonders on any surface at home.

Summertime is supposed to be a season to enjoy the warm weather and bright sunshine, but this won't be the case when there's so much clutter and dirt in your home. Take note of the tips above so you can leave the stress of cleaning behind and make this a fun-filled summer season!

Your oven might be an integral part of your kitchen, but it’s also one of the hardest to clean. There are so many surfaces, places where dirt and grease can hide, and hard-to-reach areas that cleaning your oven will require a little more effort than cleaning other parts of your home. A dirty oven can be unsightly and dangerous, not to mention gross and smelly. There are several ways to clean an oven, but you’ll want to make sure you go about it the right way if you want your oven to remain in good shape and thoroughly clean without damage or risk of harm to yourself. The following are five easy steps on how to thoroughly clean an oven.

Step 1 - Remove as much gunk as possible

The first step to a clean oven is removing as much grime and gunk as possible. This means taking everything out of the oven, including the racks, and giving it a good scrub. Start by spraying down the inside of the oven with a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner and letting it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a sponge or scrub brush like the Pot Brite™ All-Purpose Scrub Sponge to remove any caked-on food or grease. 

Step 2 - Soak with ammonia

If you have any particularly stubborn spots or hardened dirt, you may want to use ammonia -- a very effective cleaning agent, but it can be dangerous if used improperly. Be sure to open all the windows and doors in your kitchen before starting, and wear gloves and a mask while you work. Soak a Lola® Natural Cellulose Scrub Sponge in ammonia, then gently apply it to the inside of the oven. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then wipe away the grime.

Step 3 - Scrub off residue

Make a paste out of baking soda and water. Next, apply the paste to the oven surface and let it sit for about 15 minutes. After that, use a Lola® Scrub N' Wipe Boss to scrub off any residue. Finally, rinse the surface with warm water and dry it with a Reusable & Biodegradable Wowables® Paper Towel. For tough stains, mix dish soap and baking soda together into a paste before applying it to the oven surface.

Step 4 - Deodorize, deodorize, deodorize

You may be surprised to learn that there are a few simple household ingredients that can effectively clean and deodorize your oven. Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon are all great options. Simply mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar together to form a paste, then spread it on the inside of your oven. Let it sit for a few hours, then wipe it away with a damp Lola® Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth. For extra deodorizing power, you can add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the mixture.

Step 5 - Prevent buildup from happening again

The best way to prevent a mess is to avoid it altogether. But since that's not always possible, here are some tips for cleaning your oven and keeping it clean: 

• Use oven liners. These can be found at most hardware stores and will catch drips and spills, making them much easier to clean. 
• Wipe up spills as soon as they happen. The longer they sit, the harder they'll be to clean. 
• Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your oven. They may seem like they're doing the job, but you're only hurting yourself in the long run. They could leave residue behind and cause more work later on.
• Keep your oven shiny by wiping down the walls regularly with soap and water.

Cleaning an oven isn’t the most fun activity in the world, but it can be made easier with the right tools and techniques. With the effective, yet simple, steps above, you can clean your oven thoroughly. So, get started!