Trouble-Free Ways to Tackle Tough Messes

Life is messy. And spills always seem to happen at the worst possible times — like when you’re getting ready to leave or you’re already exhausted from hosting a dinner. Am I right?? Well, cleaning up even tough messes is about to get easier. That’s because we’ve got a list of trouble-free methods for cleaning up after…life.

1. Spilled Flour

Oh man, you were making muffins and had an accident? Instead of grabbing a wet sponge right off the bat, brush it off the counter first with a broom, then get your wet rag or sponge. This way, you’ll avoid making a gummy mess with flour and water.

2. Sticky Syrup

So the cat knocked over a bottle of syrup? Whatever you do, don’t put water on it. Instead, go for some flour or salt to sprinkle on the spill. You’ll create more of a paste that can be scooped up with a spatula. Then use your all-purpose cleaner.

3. Splattered Stove-Top

Did you have something boil over? Got a splattery mess on the stovetop from dinner last night? Make a paste with baking soda and water, and spread it on the area. Take a load off for a few minutes while you let it sit, then wipe it up with a damp cloth.

4. Burned Cookie Residue

After a cookie-baking mishap, the best way to handle your cookie sheets is to put them in the sink with a dryer sheet. No joke! Just fill your sink with warm water and add the cookie sheet and your dryer sheet, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, it’ll be much easier to clean.

5. Stained Food Containers

Plastic food containers are notorious for winding up stained — especially with tomato sauce. But removing the stains really is easy! On a sunny day, simply put the stained containers outside and let the sun bleach them. Anything that’s left can be removed with lemon juice or baking soda. Easy peasy! Another method is to use denture tablets. Really!

6. Carpet & Upholstery Spills

The worst! The last thing you want is a stained couch or carpet. Oxygen cleaners work well on most carpet and upholstery stains, so give that a try. But the best thing I’ve seen is called Folex. It’s also great for pre-treating laundry stains.