Power Up Your Cleaning Routine with...Caffeine?
—Jennifer Noonan
Many people enjoy a hot caffeinated beverage in the morning or a cold, bubbly cola in the afternoon, not just for the taste, but for the caffeine pick-me-up. But those caffeinated drinks can do more than just put perk in your step. They can clean everything from your windows to your floors. Check out these simple and—perhaps—unexpected ways to clean with caffeine.
1. Make Your Windows Shine with Black Tea
The tannic acid in black tea dissolves dirt and grease, making it a simple and accessible cleaning agent. Brew a batch of strong black tea by pouring about 8 ounces of boiling water into a bowl with 3 bags of black tea. Let steep until it is completely cooled. Then, pour it into a spray bottle and set to work.
Related: 21 Ways to Spring Clean Your Whole House— Naturally
2. Clean Your Toilet with Coke
Cut through nasty lime scale buildup—no traditional cleaners needed. That’s right—a can of Coke is all you need to clean your toilet. Just pour a can into the bowl and allow it to sit overnight. Use a toilet brush as you normally would, and flush several times to wash away scale—and any leftover sugar, of course.
Related: The Dirty Dozen: 12 Places You Probably Don’t Clean But Definitely Should
3. Freshen Your Fridge with Coffee
If your fridge is getting funky, set a bowl of fresh coffee grounds inside it to absorb the odors. It may also make you crave a cup of Joe when you open the door to grab a snack, but that’s better than smelling rotten eggs or fish, is it not?
Related: 16 New Ways to Store Kitchen Necessities
4. Refresh Finished Floors with Tea
Next time you mop your hardwood floors, try a spot of tea. Steep a large batch and allow to cool. Apply to the floor with a lightly damp mop or rag. The tannins in the tea remove dirt and grime, while softening the look of scratches and dings. As with any floor cleanser, be sure to first test a small, inconspicuous spot to ensure the results you want.
Related: 11 Ways to Care for Your Wood Floors
5. Remove Paint & Rust on Hardware
Rehabbing an old dresser or door? Remove old paint or rust from the hardware in a flash by dropping handles, knobs and hinges into a glass of Coke. Let it sit for 24 hours, then simply wipe away the leftover gunk with a stiff brush and rinse.
Related: 10 Cleaver Household Uses for Lemons
6. Clean Your Grill Grates with Coffee
Your leftover morning coffee could making cleaning the grill after dinner a snap. Just soak the grates in full strength coffee for about an hour, then brush away cooked-on grime and rinse.
Related: 10 Morsels of Grilling Wisdom from the Pros
7. Deodorize Your Carpets
If your carpets stink, sprinkle them with dry tea leaves. Allow the tea to sit for 20 minutes or more to absorb the odors. Then vacuum as you regularly do.
Related: How to Get Rid of Every Carpet Stain