How to Clean With Vanilla Extract

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Vanilla extract is not just for cooking or baking--it can also be used as a cleaning tool for your refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker or accidental spills. Use a clean sponge for each project to avoid accidental cross-contamination.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Vanilla extract
Water
Sponge
Vacuum
Coffee maker
Cotton balls

Step1

Get a new, clean sponge and wet it with water. Wring out excess water so that the sponge does not drip.

Step2

Find some common vanilla extract in your kitchen cupboard. Saturate one of the sponge's sides with drops of vanilla extract. If you have a choice between artificial and natural vanilla extract, choose to clean with artificial vanilla extract because of its extra-potent scent.

Step3

Empty your refrigerator. Wipe your refrigerator's shelves and drawers down with the sponge. Pay special attention to areas of your refrigerator that contain strong-smelling foods.

Step4

Wipe the inside of a microwave with a sponge. Make sure to wipe corners and the microwave's top where food particles may accumulate.

Step5

Sponge up accidental spills with vanilla extract. The sponge absorbs the liquid and the vanilla extract neutralizes leftover odors.

Step6

Add a few drops of vanilla extract to your vacuum cleaner dust bag or filter so that carpets smell like vanilla every time you vacuum.

Step7

Put a few drops of vanilla extract in your coffee maker the next time you clean and cycle it. The vanilla neutralizes the scent of coffee and may also make your next batch less bitter.

Tips & Warnings

Place cotton balls drenched in vanilla extract in rooms that have just been cleaned. These cotton balls freshen rooms and add a great finishing touch after a rigorous cleaning.