Now now now, don't go getting all mad at your grannies. I think this is the kind of thing that no one really talks about because they just assume it's common knowledge. I bet a whole lot of you reading this right now already knew this. I didn't though, so I'm guessing there are quite a few people out there who don't know this super-amazing life-changing little tip either. OK, maybe not life-changing, but it's pretty neat!
This was my range hood after probably several years without a good cleaning. I know I haven't really cleaned it since we moved in a year and a half ago and who knows how long it wasn't cleaned before that. Did I just admit that? I mean, I wiped it off and stuff, but I never really got in there underneath where all the gunk is. I just figured it's getting replaced anyway, so why bother?
It's gross. That's why bother.
I had this random thought pop into my head the other day while I was looking at it. I used rubbing alcohol to clean some Sharpie off of something awhile ago and I wondered if it cleaned just as well on other things. Well, on grease it does!
So off to the Google-mobile I went! I had a feeling that this was some kind of cheap old-fashioned cleaning solution that I'd just never known about. I literally Googled "Did our grandmothers used to clean with rubbing alcohol?" Yeah, they did!
How did I not know about this? Seriously. I've always scrubbed and scrubbed and scoured and soaked greasy kitchen splatters to try to get them off. With the rubbing alcohol they just kinda melt away with no effort at all.
Here's my paper towel after I was done:
Awesome.
So, just a cautionary tale first before I go on about how exciting this is. I read that you shouldn't use this near flame or heat sources because it's flammable and it may light on fire. Um, so, I have a gas stove. Isn't the stuff that comes right out of it kinda flammable too? Wouldn't whatever small residue of alcohol that's left on the stove after me cleaning it just kind of burn off instantly? I've been cleaning my stove with it all week and it's been just fine. But just so you know, cleaners beware!
Fun fact: It only seems to break down the greasy messes and not the burned on food part. I'm sure there's some kind of science behind that.
Another fun fact: After only a few moments of wiping, my range hood now looks like this!
Ping! (That's the sound of the superior shininess of my range hood.) Try it out.
And, if you were clueless about this like I was, you're welcome!
Psst! If you need a tip for cleaning your microwave too, my friend Jessi has got a great one!
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20 comments:
You have the best tips and tricks! I'm can't wait to go clean my stove, I mean my neighbor's stove ;)
ha...I didn't know that trick! And I clean 3 houses (plus my own) every week PLUS I do a Tuesday Cleaning Post every week. You'd think I would have stumbled onto this trick sooner. I'm going to try this on A LOT this week! lol I'd love to link back to your post if I ever mention it, ok? I'm sharing on facebook, too :)
My dil laughed at me when I said this is how I clean the kitchen counters AND all the places in the bathroom people touch in this flu season. Works for me, a grandmother, who had to learn this on her own.
Fabulous idea! I have to add this to my tips and tricks Pinterest board!
Haha...I was totally clueless. Thank you! Now I have to go see what the situation is with my range hood. Wish me luck...
Well! Aren't you just the smartest cutie-patootie ever? I'm a 60-something great grani (yes, with an I) and I've never thought of it! You young whipper-snappers are just so smart!
P.S. Anyone know what a whipper-snapper is?
From Briana in Texas:
I discovered this accidentally last year when I was re-arranging my doo-dads on top of my kitchen cabinets. They were covered with a greasy-dusty film. The only thing that got that gunk off was the rubbing alcohol. As long as I had it out I went ahead and cleaned the upper cabinets and the stove hood with it. Worked beautifully. Everything looked new again.
Oh my heavens stroke of genius! I knew rubbing alcohol got rid of sticky residue, but this I am definitely going to try. Thanks!
Wonderful tip! I'm in my 70's and have never heard of this.
As for the flammability part, just be sure your burners aren't on and if you have pilot lights (most ranges have electronic ignitions now days) be very careful. Alcohol evaporates quickly so residue isn't a problem after a few minutes.
something I learned by accident that cleans things NOTHING else will clean is Orange hand cleaner and it smells good too!
Courteny...you are a genius! I am so doing this today! Thank you!
I need to go check my "over the stove" micro ... it gets pretty greasy on top. Thanks for the tip.
Audrey Z.
Timeless Treasures
I definitely need to become a new follower. Everytime Hometalk sends me an email with interesting stuff, I click over and it's always you with great ideas!
I found you from the Flaunt It Friday link up. I love using homemade cleaners, but this was a new one to me! I just started a new Saturday Spotlight Linky Party on my blog this week, and would love to have you stop by and share! http://angelshomestead.com/saturday-spotlight-1/
I didn't know this about rubbing alcohol, but I've heard that peroxide (the kind you use on cuts, etc.) is what doctors' offices use to sanitize counters & bathrooms, etc. I don't know how it might work on greasy stuff -- it would probably bubble like crazy! Thanks for sharing!
You can clean burned-on food with ammonia. Just soak a cloth and lay it on the food for a few minutes.
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I've been reading a lot about the wonders of a rubbing alcohol. It doesn't just disinfect and cleans out germs, but it's a good stain remover as well! I read somewhere that she used rubbing alcohol to remove the paint stain on her carpet. You know what happened? After rigorously rubbing it, the stain came right of! How great is that? Apparently, there's more to alcohol than being a disinfectant.
This is the first time I’ve heard of using rubbing alcohol for cleaning grease. Hmm… And yeah, just be careful with the stove and make sure it’s off before you start scrubbing it with the alcohol. I can’t wait to try this one. Thank you for sharing! I’m looking forward to seeing more cleaning tips. - German Zollinger
I love rubbing alcohol for cleaning. It's the best window cleaner if you have a lot of smudge problem (like on glass doors where the sun shines through and shows every thing). Use it straight up; I put a spray bottle sprayer in mine!
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