Cleaning your dishwasher may not be a task that you think about often, but it’s important to keep it clean to ensure that it functions properly and lasts for many years. A clean dishwasher also helps to prevent odors, and can improve the cleanliness of your dishes. Here, we’ll cover some tips on how to clean your dishwasher effectively.

1. Remove any large debris

Before you start cleaning your dishwasher, it’s important to remove any large debris such as food particles, broken glass, or utensils that may have been left behind in the dishwasher. This will ensure that the cleaning process is more effective and prevent any damage to your dishwasher.

2. Wipe down the dishwasher interior

Using a damp cloth or sponge, wipe down the interior of your dishwasher, paying particular attention to any areas where food and debris may have accumulated, such as the dishwasher door, the racks, and the sprayer arms. Be sure to remove any debris that you find.

3. Check the dishwasher filter

Most dishwashers have a filter that traps food particles and debris. Over time, this filter can become clogged and affect the performance of your dishwasher. To clean the filter, remove it and empty out any food build up then wash gently with Dish Soap. Then simply place the filter back into its holder.

4. Clean the dishwasher spray arms

The spray arms in your dishwasher are responsible for spraying water onto your dishes to clean them. Over time, these spray arms can become clogged with food particles and debris. To clean them, remove them from the dishwasher and use a toothpick or small brush to remove any debris that may be blocking the holes.

5. Run a cycle with vinegar 

To deep clean your dishwasher, run a cycle with vinegar. Simply add 1 cup of vinegar and ½ a capful of Cleaner Concentrate to the bottom of the dishwasher and run the empty dishwasher on a regular cycle. The vinegar will help to remove any built-up grime and eliminate any odors. Do not add dishwasher detergent!

6. Finish with baking soda

To finish off the cleaning process, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher and run another hot water cycle. You may also consider adding 3 drops of lemon essential oil. This will help to deodorize your dishwasher and leave it smelling fresh!

Cleaning your dishwasher should be done regularly to keep it running smoothly and to ensure that your dishes are clean and odor-free. With these simple steps, you can clean your dishwasher effectively and efficiently, leaving it in top condition and working for years to come.

Thanksgiving Stain Guide

Turkey, cranberry sauce, and pie, oh my; don’t let those pesky stains make you cry! 

Here are some helpful steps; to ensure your Thanksgiving outfit isn’t a mess. 

From Oxygen Brightener to Stain Spray, you’re sure to wear a smile instead of dismay!

Add hot water to Oxygen Brightener to make a paste that will tackle tough stains.

Food Grease
Put dish soap on the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before laundering with cold water, or spray down with Stain Spray and wait 15-20 minutes. Repeat if there are still traces of the stain. Remember: You should always confirm a stain is completely gone before using the dryer.

Pumpkin and Sweet Potato
Scrape off any excess with a dull knife and run the fabric inside out under cold water to flush out as much of the stain as possible. Pretreat with Oxygen Brightener Stain Remover or soak down the stain with your Stain Spray, then wash the fabric in hot water.

Cranberry Sauce
Rinse the stain with cool water. Add 1 scoop Oxygen Brightener Stain Remover to cool water. Blot the solution on the stain with a clean cloth until the spot has disappeared. For heavier stains, soak in Oxygen Brightener solution before laundering.

Red Wine
It happens to the best of us! Blot away excess liquid  with a paper towel or clean dish towel. Cover the stain with distilled white vinegar to neutralize red and purple pigments found in red wine. Sprinkle table salt generously over the stain and allow to dry. Put the garment over a bowl or sink and pull taught (if safe to do so). Pour clean, boiling water over the stained area from approximately 12 inches above the stain. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed. Launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric and check the stain before drying. If the stain persists, make a hot water and Oxygen Brightener paste and apply to stain. After 30 minutes, launder again and repeat as needed until the stain is gone.

Chocolate
Remove any crumbs or hardened chocolate with a dry, clean toothbrush or dull knife. Add 1 tablespoon dish soap to 2 cups of warm water and apply the mixture using a microfiber cloth, gently dabbing the stain. Do not rub, which can work the stain deeper into the fabric. Repeat a few times before soaking up the solution with a clean towel. Before laundering, allow to the stain to soak in your Stain Spray or Oxygen Brightener for 30 minutes.

Gravy
Dab the gravy stain to remove any excess liquid. Do not rub! Create a paste using your Oxygen Brightener and warm water and rub it into the stain. Allow this mixture to soak into the stain for approximately 30 minutes before laundering as normal. If the stain does not go away, spray your Stain Spray and repeat laundering until the stain is gone! 

And remember: always read product labels and clothing care labels before taking action!

We hope you enjoy quality time with family and friends around the Thanksgiving table; knowing that you can be thankful for the confidence to tackle those pesky stains so they don’t ruin your holiday! 

And don’t forget – for the easiest clean up yet – make a multi-purpose spray with our

Cleaner Concentrate! Planning on cleaning up before AND after your  guests arrive? Check out our guide on the endless number of ways you can use Cleaner Concentrate in your home!

Want to learn more Stain Removing Tips and Tricks?
Check out the CLEAN PEOPLE Ultimate Stain Guide

Subscribe to Oxygen Brightener Stain Remover for our best price and ensure you never run out!

For most people, one of their least favorite items to clean is the toilet, but it’s one of those items that needs to be cleaned more often than not. You probably grew up thinking that a toilet was only clean if it had been bleached or cleaned using other harsh, harmful chemicals; however, we are here to encourage you that your toilet can be just as clean using CLEAN PEOPLE products that are free of harmful ingredients. We want to show you how to clean your toilet effectively using three of our most popular cleaning products.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets

The easiest way to keep your toilet bowls sparkling clean and rid of odors is to drop in a Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablet once per week. This tough little tablet dissolves quickly, working to remove hard water stains, rust, limescale buildup and odors without the harsh chemicals found in many toilet cleaners, leaving nothing but a sparkling bowl behind. Just drop, brush and flush!

Cleaner Concentrate

CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate can also be used to clean your toilet bowl, simply add ¼ cup of the concentrate to the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush. Let the cleaner sit in the bowl for approximately 30 minutes before flushing. Repeat if necessary if you feel that your toilet bowl needs extra care! 

Our Cleaner Concentrate can be used for wiping down the seat and other surfaces on your toilet. Grab an empty spray bottle and mix the concentrate with water at a 1:32 ratio. For example, if your spray bottle is 16 fl. oz. then add 1 TBSP. of the cleaning concentrate to the bottle and fill the rest with water. Spray it on the surfaces and wipe the germs away! 

Sink & Bath Scrub

The next helpful product to successfully clean your toilet, is CLEAN PEOPLE Sink & Bath Scrub. This abrasive powder is the perfect cleaning companion for removing hardened materials and stains that would otherwise need a lot of elbow grease to clean! Because it is made with Baking Soda and Lemon Oil, it is also fantastic for brightening the bowl and outsides of the toilet. For routine cleaning, simply sprinkle a scoop or two of the powder directly into your bowl. After letting it sit for 15-20 minutes, scrub the bowl down, flush, and enjoy a sparkling toilet!

If your toilet bowl is in need of some deeper cleaning, mix our Sink & Bath Scrub with 1 cup of vinegar or hydrogen peroxide in the bowl and let the mixture sit for approximately 30 minutes before scrubbing and flushing.

Oxygen Brightener

The fourth, and final, product in our toilet bowl lineup is our CLEAN PEOPLE Oxygen Brightener. This powder is also an abrasive powder that is perfect for brightening the your toilet bowl and removing any stains that make it appear dull and dingy from years of use. To effectively use the Oxygen Brightener, sprinkle 1-2 scoops into your toilet bowl and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, scrub the bowl down and flush. Repeat as needed to achieve a bright, sparkling toilet! This powder can also be used for toilet surfaces that may be in need of a little brightening! 

Pro-Tip: You may be thinking that your toilet and toilet bowl are in need of disinfecting power to get rid of harmful bacteria, but the truth to a truly disinfected item is regular, effective cleaning so that nasty germs and bacteria are not encouraged to grow; therefore, applying these steps regularly can achieve a clean space free from harsh chemicals and harmful bacteria! 

We hope you found some of this information to be helpful, and checkout out some of our other helpful blogs for more cleaning tips: 

Top 10 Uses for the Oxygen Brightener Stain Remover 

How to Use Clean Concentrate to Clean Everything in Your Home

Mysterious discoloration or bleach spots on your colored clothing, towels, and fabrics after washing…what’s the culprit and what do you do about it?

Have you ever pulled your favorite sweater out of the washer and been horrified to find it has discolored splotches or a gooey substance stuck to the front? Have you noticed your towels look like they’ve been bleached, but you’ve never used bleach on them?  

What could be happening?  Is it the detergent?  Is the washer broken?  Or is it something else entirely?  We’ve done the research and have found the culprit!

Sneaky Bleach

We all know not to pour chlorine bleach directly onto colored fabrics, but did you know bleach can linger in the dispensing tray from a previous cycle and secretly sabotage your next wash? We recommend ditching the chlorine bleach altogether for an eco-responsible option such as our Clean People Oxygen Brightening Powder that won’t ruin your fabrics. It’s safe with colored and white fabrics and is just as effective at boosting your detergent’s cleaning power as regular chlorine bleach. When using our brightening powder, it is important to remember to wash your laundry with the hottest water temperature possible for your fabrics, since hot water helps the powder dissolve best.  

Also, watch out for bleach and harsh chemicals in your household detergents and cleaning products. Some of these chemicals can linger on your towels and cause bleach spots to occur on other items being washed together (they also tend to be quite irritating to the skin and respiratory systems). Make sure you’re using a detergent that is free from chlorine bleach, like our Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets and Ultra Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent Pods, and try to swap out harsh household cleaning products for our Cleaner Concentrate to prevent unwanted bleaching or fading.

Another source of those sneaky bleaching chemicals can be found in personal care products! Benzoyl peroxide-containing acne medications, peroxide teeth whitening gels, and whitening toothpastes can all have a bleaching effect on clothing and towels. Be sure to read the labels of these products and avoid spilling them on colored fabrics. If you do spill them on a hand towel, for example, rinse in cold water to remove as much of the product as possible. Then make a paste of baking soda and water and apply this to the stained area.  Allow to dry, then brush off any remaining baking soda. Wash normally, and it’ll be like the bleach was never there!

Detergent Deposits & Stains

Detergent is supposed to clean your clothes, but sometimes it can be the reason for those stains you’re seeing. Some of those discolored spots you’re seeing are actually from undissolved detergent. As tempting as it can be sometimes, try to avoid overloading the washer and allow enough room for water and clothing to tumble around, which is part of the magic that cleans your clothes! Also, if there’s no room for water to move completely through the clothing, the detergent may not be washed out properly, resulting in residue and stains left behind. We recommend never filling your washer drum more than ¾ full!

If using detergent sheets or pods, always place them in the bottom of the drum first and then put the clothing on top. The water is usually pumped into the drum via the tiny holes in the bottom of the washer, so you want the detergent to be closest to the water source in order to properly dissolve.  

If you do end up with detergent stains on your laundry, don’t worry, we got you!  Just soak the item in a sink or bathtub with a solution of 4 cups of water to 1 cup of white distilled vinegar. First, agitate the stain by wetting it in the solution and rubbing it against the rest of the fabric. Then allow the fabric to soak for one hour then rewash alone or with a small load. Check the garment prior to putting it in the dryer. If the stain remains, repeat the soaking step, but don’t dry, since drying will set the stain. 

Fabric Softener Stains

Fabric softeners can also have the same effect as detergents when they either don’t get washed away properly, or in the case of dryer sheets, get pinned against a garment in an overstuffed dryer. You’ll know it’s a fabric softener stain, because it will feel waxy or oily. If you catch the stain right after washing, add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar directly to the washer drum, and rewash with a small load. If you didn’t catch the stain until after it came out of the dryer, then soak the item overnight in a solution of 2-3 scoops of Clean People Oxygen Brightener Powder and hot water. In the morning, ring the fabric out and put directly into the washer. Don’t rinse! Run a normal wash cycle without detergent or fabric softener. Oxygen Brightener is not for use on wool, leather, or silk, but any other white or colored fabrics you can clean in the washing machine are good to go!

Cold Water Washes

If you’re someone who washes your clothes in cold water only, you may not actually be getting them clean. That’s right! Dirt, germs, sweat, hard water minerals, and even skin particles (yuck!) are not likely to be fully removed in cooler water temperatures. These particles tend to build up on fabrics and also in your washer over time, producing a “sludge” in your machine.  Sometimes this sludge can dislodge and enter the wash cycle, appearing as gray marks on your laundry.  Use warm or hot water occasionally if the fabric allows and also try adding a ½ cup of vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser tray to help boost the effectiveness of your cold water wash cycle.

To stop the washer sludge before it ruins your new jeans or favorite shirt, perform regular cleaning cycles on your washer.  We recommend using our new Clean People Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets  once per month for maintenance, but if you’ve had issues with mysterious staining or your washer has a bad odor, you may need to run up to 6 consecutive cleaning cycles to completely dissolve and wash away that buildup.

How to Run a Sludge Busting Cleaning Cycle with Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets:

1. Open the convenient single tablet packet and place the tablet in the empty washer drum. Do not put the tablet in the dispensing tray! You can also use a half dose of detergent if you don’t have Cleaner Tablets yet.
2. Run a washing machine cleaning cycle if the machine has one; and if not, run a regular wash cycle with hot water.
3. Once the cycle is complete, gently pull back the rubber door seal and wipe down with a towel or sponge. 
4. Repeat the cycle up to 6 times depending on severity of odor and staining occurring.
5. Once done, clean the detergent drawer with a soft cloth or long handle brush soaked in a solution made of equal parts vinegar and water, and a ½ capful of Clean People Cleaner Concentrate. Pay special attention to the top where the water comes from.  

We hope these tips and tricks will help you identify where the mysterious stains are coming from, so you can stop them in their tracks before they come between you and your favorite fabrics! 

How to Use CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate to Clean Everything in Your Home!

Why we love our Cleaner Concentrate:

• Great for Multi-Purpose Cleaning, Bathrooms, Floors, Countertops, Baseboards, and much more!
• Hypoallergenic Ingredients keep your home clean while keeping your family safe
• Vegan & Cruelty Free
• Great Value! A 4oz bottle of Cleaner Concentrate can make approximately 8 x 16oz multipurpose sprays!
  
  
  

Air Conditioning:

• First turn off the power and pop off the front panel. Remove the spongy filter* and soak it in the sink in equal parts warm water and white vinegar with 1 capful of Cleaner Concentrate. Let soak for an hour and then air dry. 
• Also, mix 1 Tbsp with 2 Cups of water in a bucket and wipe down the vent covers and slats on both sides.
• Replace the filter once dry and turn on power again.
• *Not for Disposable air filters. These must be replaced but still follow vent cover cleaning instructions.

Baseboards:

• If it’s been a while, use a broom or dry rag first to remove built up dust.
• Mix 2 capfuls of Clean Concentrate with 2 Cups of water in a small bucket. Use a sponge to wash, then a dry rag to finish.

Blinds Cleaner:

• If it’s been a while use a dry rag to remove built up off dust.
• Mix 1 capful Cleaner Concentrate with 1 cup water and ½ cup white vinegar and use a soft sponge or rag to clean each slat.

Carpet Stain Cleaner:

• In a spray bottle or bowl mix 1 capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate with 6 cups of water. Apply in a blotting motion with a cloth or paper towel to the stain and repeat until stain is gone.
• Always spot test fabrics first before stain treating. Test in an inconspicuous area for compatibility.

Crayons:

• Apply 3 drops of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate and 3 drops of Lemon Essential Oil on a damp rag. Use this rag to wipe down walls with crayon marks.
• Alway spot test in an inconspicuous area for compatibility. Not for use with textured wallpaper.

Ceiling Fans:

• If it’s been a while, Use a dry rag to first wipe off dust. Then in a spray bottle mix 1 capful CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate with 2 cups water. Spray down the fan blades and fixtures then wipe down with a cloth. Rinse the cloth and repeat as needed. Finish with a dry cloth to remove any remaining dampness.

Dishwasher:

• Locate the drain and filter area of your dishwasher. Remove the filter and empty out any food build up then wash gently with regular dish soap. Check all the spinning arms, and jet holes for debris or buildup and wipe down anything you find. Then add 1 cup of vinegar, ½ a capful of Cleaner Concentrate, and 3 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil to the bottom of the dishwasher and run the empty dishwasher on a regular cycle. Do not add dishwasher detergent!

Faucets:

• In a spray bottle, mix 1 tablespoons vinegar, ½ capful CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate, 3 drops Lemon Essential Oil and 2 cups of water. Spray down faucets and let sit for 3 mins. Using a damp cloth wipe clean and finish with a microfiber towel to dry and buff your faucets to a shine.

Garbage Disposal:

• Pour ½ cup baking soda into your drain then add a capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner. Let this sit for 3 minutes then add a ½ cup white vinegar. Finish by pouring 6 cups of boiling water down the drain then running the disposal with the faucet running.

Glass Cleaner:

• In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1 capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner. Spray onto glass and mirrors then wipe away with a cotton or microfiber cloth.

Hardwood Floor Cleaner:

• In your mop bucket, mix 4 cups water, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons Golden Jojoba Oil, and a capful CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate. You can also add a few drops of Pine Essential Oil if you love that clean pine scent!

Interior Car Cleaner:

• Our CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner concentrate is great for detailing cars! Mix 1 Tablespoon of Cleaner concentrate with 3 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray down dusty vents, crusty cup holders, and wipe down your dash.

Kitchen Super Scrub:

• For especially grimy cleaning, mix ½ capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate and 1 tablespoons of  baking soda. It should create a paste-like consistency so adjust the mixture as needed if its too thin or thick. Use a sponge to apply to your sink, countertops, or stove top in a circular motion, then wipe down with a damp cloth once grim and build up is removed.

Kids’ Toys – Legos, Toy Kitchens, Anything Plastic: 

• In a spray bottle, mix ½ capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate with 4 cups water. Spray all over any plastic or metal then wipe again with a damp cloth or rinse with water.
• For Legos or other small multi-piece plastic items, fill your sink with 8 cups of water and a full capful of Cleaner Concentrate and let items soak for 20-30 mins. Rinse and set out to dry!

Laminate Tile or Floors: 

• In a bucket, mix 2 Tablespoons CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner with 64oz of warm water. You can also add 2 Tablespoons vinegar for an extra boost!

Microwave: 

• The best way to clean a microwave is to use it! Take a glass or plastic container that is microwave safe and add 1 Cup of water and 1 Capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate and set inside your microwave. Microwave for 2-3 minutes and let the steam do the work! Use a rag or paper towels to wipe down the inside once it is done. 

Oven: 

• In a mixing bowl add 1½ Capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate to 3 tablespoons baking soda to make a paste. Apply this paste to the bottom of the oven and scrub. Put vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the paste and allow it to bubble. Scrub remaining grime and stuck on debris with a sponge. Finish by wiping off the leftover paste and liquid with a rag, and rinsing the area one last time.

Reusable Bottles: 

• Take out any plastic gasket around the mouth/neck of the bottle. Pour ½ capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate into the bottle and add ½ cup of warm water. Use a bottle brush to scrub the inside and let sit for 10 mins. Rinse with water then let parts sit in the sun to dry.

Stainless Steel Cleaner: 

• Make the outside of appliances shine like a mirror!
• In a spray bottle, mix ½ capful CLEAN PEOPLE  Cleaner, 1 cup of water, 1 cup of vinegar. Spray the cleaner on surfaces then buff with a damp, lint-free cloth.

Shower Heads: 

• In a plastic bag or silicon bag, mix 1 Capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate and 1 Cup vinegar.  Attach the bag to your show head – use rubber bands if needed. Leave for 60 minutes then remove and scrub with a coarse brush to remove any final build up immediately. Run the shower head to flush.

Trash Cans: 

• Empty trash can and spray down edges with water. Pour 1-2 capfuls of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate directly into the can (1 capful for a small can, 2 for a large one) and fill the bottom with a few inches of water. Using a brush or rag lightly scrub the bottom and edges of cans then fill the remainder of the cans and let this sit for 45 minutes. Empty the cans, rinse, and set them out to dry in the sun.

Upholstery Deodorizing Spot Cleaner: 

• Mix 1 cup of baking soda with ½ cap of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate in a bowl. Let the mixture sit overnight then sprinkle lightly over furniture and wait 1 hour.
• Use a brush and back-and-forth motions over the stained or smelly area of fabric then vacuum up the excess.
• Always spot test fabrics first before stain treating. Test in an inconspicuous area for compatibility.

Wood Cabinet: 

• In a spray bottle, mix 5 drops Pine Essential Oil, with ½ cup olive oil, ½ cup of water and ½ capful of CLEAN PEOPLE Cleaner Concentrate. Spray cabinets, then wipe with a damp cloth.
• Do not let mixture sit in a spray bottle for more than a month. Olive oil can go rancid when left for long periods.

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