Why isn't the dishwasher...well...washing the dishes?

October 22, 2010

So, call us a little lazy. We rinse our dishes so well that they often look fit to return to the cupboard. However, we do not usually rinse our tea glasses or coffee mugs as thoroughly. Months of staining liquids dripping into the dishwasher left the appliance looking filthy all the time. The door and basin of the dishwasher were simply not coming clean.

I began feeling embarrassed about the condition of my dishes and flatware as well. The clean dishes were coming out cloudy, chalky, and covered in a gritty film. I would never want a guest to feel like the dishes they were eating off of were dirty!

My mother-in-law was coming to town...what's a better incentive to get this taken care of?!

I began doing some light research online, and discovered many people talking about the wonders of cleaning your dishwasher with "tang" or "kool aid." I didn't have either of those powdered drinks on hand, but I had some powdered gatorade. What's the difference, right? So, I tried the powdered gatorade on the "pots and pans" cycle. It sounded like a freight train was wooshing through my house, woke the baby, and didn't remove the stains. Awesome.

On a quick trip to Target, I decided to try and find some Tang and give it a try. Apparently, Target doesn't carry Tang. Who knew? My last option was to try kool-aid. I had nothing to lose, so I purchased two packets - tropical punch and lemonade. The more I thought about it, the more nervous I became about the tropical punch variety - who wants a pink dishwasher?! Not me! So I went with the lemonade variety, again on the pots and pans cycle. Again, lots of noise and no stain removal.

Now I'm pissed. Don't MAKE ME get on my hands and knees with a toothbrush! I was talking with my mother-in-law about my dishwashing woes. She said that she happened to have the same problem and recommended a very inexpensive solution. Lemi Shine. This product is carried at Wal-Mart and other grocery stores for around $3.50. Lemi Shine is a dishwasher cleaner and can be used in every wash, or on a regular basis for the removal of hard water and other mineral build-up that make your dishwasher dirty looking, and nasty acting.

I tried Lemi Shine, using the "4-8 hour soak" they recommend, and my dishwasher looks like new! My dishes are coming clean and there is no film.

A few things you might want to know:
1. I was ready to toss the dishwasher and get new if this didn't work, so I spent around $10 on a more expensive POWDER detergent, the Lemi Shine and a bottle of Jet Dry. Less expensive than new, I figure!
2. I learned in my research that liquid dishwashing detergent contains bleach that can weaken the seals of your dishwasher, shortening it's life. It also contains a material that makes it congeal - this material tends to make your dishes filmier looking.

Give Lemi Shine a try - you would spend $3.50 on nearly anything else without batting an eye, right?!

Suck it up!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

As I was cleaning today, I was reminded of something very close to my heart: my vacuum cleaner! Next to my family and my label maker, she is my favorite appliance! Don’t worry – I’m not a psycho Kirby vacuum saleswoman, I have a Simplicity Vacuum!

When we decided to install laminate flooring throughout the living spaces in our house, I knew it was time to upgrade our vacuum. I have spent years spending $150 here and $150 there trying to find the vacuum that would get the job done. I wanted my floors to stay clean and shiny, so I knew I was going to have to upgrade our vacuum.

For years, I have been envious of my Mom’s Simplicity vacuum and it’s durability. She has had her Simplicity vacuum for over 12 years and counting. My Simplicity is three years old, has survived two chocolate labs, a baby and a messy husband and she hasn’t let me down yet!

Simplicity vacuums aren’t exactly an inexpensive purchase at around $500, but they are an excellent investment versus spending $150 on a cheap vacuum every year.

My Simplicity vacuum is from All-Vac located in Plano, Texas at Parker Rd. and Independence Rd. Purchasing a Simplicity vacuum is akin to purchasing a new car. Colors, styles, gadgets, extensions, and features are among the things you must choose while selecting your vacuum.

Wheelin’ and Dealin’? You bet! Want them to throw in some extensions and tools? A belt? How about a year’s worth of vacuum bags? What about some fragrance tablets to toss into your vacuum bag? Just ask! All-Vac is excellent about customer satisfaction and helping you select the best vacuum for you.

Of course, a test drive is also part of the selection process! They will sprinkle some dirt, synthetic pet hair, cheerios, crumbs, etc. down on the floor for you to vacuum over and see the result of each vacuum. One vacuum I tested seemed to blow the synthetic pet hair around. I knew immediately that this was not the vacuum for my furry friends! The vacuum that I purchased did not blow dust, dirt, or dander around, but sucked up the dirt with ease.

Allow Simplicity to let you in on their secret! You will be more than satisfied with your purchase.

Burned Up

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Cleaning the oven, or the glass cook top, can be a source of frustration, an eye sore and take some serious elbow grease! Let me help ease your frustration with some commonly sold products designed to lessen your workload.

When we moved into our home in 2007, the glass cook top had not been properly taken care of in years. Each time you cook, the splashes, spatters, and cooked-on food can pile up into a huge problem. I went to my local Lowe’s home improvement store for help with the nastiness that was my stove. They carry a product called “Cerama Bryte” that is the consistency of soft scrub, and this product comes with a “scraper” of sorts. You apply the runny paste using a rough sponge (provided with the scrub) in a circular motion all over the top of your stove. Use the scraper for areas that need special attention. Then, using paper towel, wipe the paste off of your stove. Like car wax, the last pass with the paper towel will buff your cook top clean and shiny. This product is SO awesome, and I use it each time I clean the kitchen, and after I cook a particularly messy dinner. Be sure your cook top is completely cool or the runny paste turns into a flaky mess as it “cooks” to your stove!

Ever set a Styrofoam plate or plastic bread bag on top of a burner that you didn’t know was warm?! Me too! Cerama Bryte takes the mess right off.
As for the inside of your oven, Wal-Mart makes a store brand version of Easy Off Bam. This is a fumeless foaming spray designed for Self-Cleaning ovens. BE SURE that the can says “designed for self-cleaning ovens”!

My personal experience, and one that provides the best end result is: 1. Remove your oven racks. 2. Clean your oven using the self-cleaning feature first. Allow yourself 3 hours or so for this process, as it is HOT and STINKY! 3. Use your vacuum hose to suck all of the burned flakes and ash out of your oven. 4. After the oven has cooled, spray Great Value Oven Cleaner all over the inside of your oven and door. Close the door and let the foam sit for an additional 1-2 hours. 5. Once this time has passed, you can wipe your oven clean using paper towel and it will look brand new!

The can of Great Value Oven Cleaner boasts that it is fumeless. This is a half-truth because it does have a chemical/perfume odor. The odor isn’t strong, but it is distinct, that’s for sure.

You will feel so good having your oven completely cleaned and looking great!