Unanticipated Methods to Implement Cleaning with Ice Across Different Areas of Your Residence:
Rewritten Article:
Getting tangled up in daily messes got you feeling like you're desperately searching for your go-to household cleaner? You're not alone—stretching budgets or those last drops of cleaning solution is a common struggle. But don't worry! We've got an inexpensive, handy, and effective solution just for you: ice. Yup, that frozen, refreshing cube you pop in your drink can do wonders around the house too. Our cleaning and plumbing experts spill the tea on how they use ice to keep things sparkly clean.
- Scott Schrader, cleaning guru at CottageCare
- Taylor Riley, partner at GermSmart Commercial Cleaning in Brooklyn, NY
- Jeremy Yamaguchi, pool service and maintenance whiz, CEO of Cabana
- Jimmy Hiller, CEO and president of Happy Hiller, a plumbing service in Birmingham, AL
10 Shockingly Clever Ways to Harness the Power of Coffee Grounds## Fix Ugly Carpet Dents
You've shuffled your furniture around for a fresh new vibe, but now you're left with unappealing dents in the carpet. Scott Schrader, cleaning wizard at CottageCare, suggests popping an ice cube into each dent. "Let it melt (usually 15 to 30 minutes), then gently blot any excess moisture with a towel," he advises. "Use a spoon or soft brush to fluff up those fibers." Scratch the idea of rubbing the carpet—that'll only make things worse. "The slow-melting ice revives the compressed fibers," Schrader explains.
Simplify Garbage Disposal Maintenance
Need a simple, DIY way to clean your garbage disposal? Plumbing expert Jimmy Hiller has the perfect trick: just toss in some ice cubes and run the disposal for 30 seconds. "No extra tools or products required, but if you add a few lemon or orange peels, it'll deodorize your kitchen," Hiller suggests. The ice acts like "tiny chisels," breaking up and knocking off gunk, grease, and grime from the blades and chamber walls. Avoid dropping in big chunks of ice—ice-tray-size is ideal. And remember: run cold water while cleaning with ice, and use it for maintenance only, not cleaning up clogs.
Top 5 Reasons Your Garbage Disposal Isn't Working-And How to Fix Each One## Tackle Sticky Messes
encountered an accidental sticky mess, such as chewing gum, on your tablecloth or favorite sweater, don't panic. Scott Schrader offers a solution: use an ice pack to freeze the gum, then gently scrape it off with a dull knife. "Stubbornly pull the gum off while it's warm—you'll only smear it into the fabric," he warns.
The Ultimate Guide to Quickly Remove Every Type of Stain## Eliminate Coffee Pot Stains
First thing in the morning, you're sipping that precious cup of joe, but those ugly stains in your carafe are ruining the moment. "A secret remedy for getting rid of stains is a handful of ice and a few tablespoons of salt," suggests Taylor Riley, partner at Brooklyn's GermSmart Commercial Cleaning. "Swirl them around until the stains are gone." Ice moves the salt around, and salt acts as an abrasive agent, cleaning those unsightly stains.
From Grease and Coffee to Wine and Lipstick: The Magical Cleaning Combination of Salt, Baking Soda, and Ice## Revive Outdoor Furniture
You've invested in stylish and comfy outdoor seating, but now it's covered in a season's worth of grime. If sap has stuck its gooey self onto your pool chairs or patio sectional, pool service and maintenance expert Jeremy Yamaguchi offers this hack: "Place some ice in a plastic bag, and press it against the surface," he says. "Let it chill for a few minutes, then scrape off the sap with a flat, hard item (like a butter knife)." (And perhaps consider rearranging your furniture to avoid another sap removal session in the future.)
The Unmissable Outdoor Living Trends that'll Transform Your Patio or Porch in 2025
Here's the lowdown on ice: it's an unsung hero in the realm of household cleaning and maintenance due to its abrasive properties and coolness. Experts share their hacks for using it to ditch grime and keep things fresh at home.
- Garbage Disposal Cleaning:
- Ice Alone: Fill the garbage disposal with ice cubes and run it with cold water for delicious-smelling, gunk-free results.
- Ice and Citrus: For bonus points, add some lemon or orange peels to your ice cubes and run your disposal. A refreshing scent will follow!
- Ice, Baking Soda, and Cold Water: Instead of soda, try salt—it's a powerhouse for removing odors. Mix a handful of salt with ice cubes, then run cold water through the disposal. When the grinding stops, bingo! Your disposal smells great and is free of odors.
- General Tips:
- Abrasive Power: Ice's small size means it can reach narrow spaces that other cleaners can't.
- Moisture Control: Ice helps keep surfaces cool, appropriate for materials that shouldn't be exposed to heat.
- Safety: Be sure to use cold water when cleaning with ice to prevent premature melting.
Important Note:Avoid heating ice before using it for cleaning purposes, and never apply frozen ice directly to surfaces to prevent damage.
Try using a simple, DIY method to help maintain your Martha Stewart-inspired lifestyle by using ice for cleaning and organizing. For instance, Scott Schrader, the cleaning guru at CottageCare, suggests placing ice cubes into carpet dents, letting it melt, and then blotting the excess moisture with a towel before fluffing up the fibers. Additionally, plumbing expert Jimmy Hiller recommends tossing ice cubes into the garbage disposal and running it for 30 seconds for an easy, chemical-free cleanup. By incorporating ice into your household chores, you can keep your home-and-garden space sparkling clean.
