Podcast Summary: The Wirecutter Show - "Cleaning Hacks from Wirecutter Experts"

Release Date: April 2, 2025
Hosts: Christine Cyr Clisette and Kyra Blackwell
Producer: Rosie Guerin

Introduction

In the episode titled "Cleaning Hacks from Wirecutter Experts," co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisette and Kyra Blackwell delve into a comprehensive discussion on effective cleaning strategies and tips, drawing from the extensive expertise of Wirecutter's journalists. Despite producer Rosie Guerin's absence due to illness, the two hosts maintain an engaging and informative dialogue, ensuring listeners receive valuable insights on spring cleaning and beyond.

The Essence of Spring Cleaning

Christine kicks off the conversation by redefining the concept of spring cleaning. She emphasizes that while spring may be the traditional time for a deep clean, maintaining a clean home is a year-round endeavor.

Christine Cyr Clisette [03:32]: "Spring cleaning can be marketed at this time of year, but you don't have to do it right now. You could choose to clean at a different time of year or do little things over the course of the year."

Kyra adds that seasonal transitions often prompt people to refresh their living spaces, such as switching out clothing and outdoor furniture, which naturally leads to cleaning tasks.

Breaking Down the Cleaning Process

Christine advocates for a piecemeal approach to tackling cleaning projects, focusing on one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Christine Cyr Clisette [04:15]: "Personally, I kind of focus on one area of my home at a time... My best advice is to tackle it in pieces."

Kyra inquires about the logistics of this method, to which Christine responds by suggesting allocating specific weekends or setting aside dedicated time blocks to ensure consistent progress.

Overcoming Procrastination

When addressing procrastination, Christine shares effective strategies to kickstart the cleaning process:

1. Scheduling: Committing to cleaning sessions by marking them on the calendar.
2. Support System: Involving household members to share the workload.
3. Time Management: Breaking tasks into smaller time frames, such as 15-minute intervals.

Christine Cyr Clisette [05:11]: "Putting it on your calendar, like committing to the time that you're gonna do it... setting aside the time, making sure everyone knows that this is the time we're doing it and going for it."

Essential Cleaning Tools and Supplies

Christine outlines a condensed list of essential cleaning tools and supplies that facilitate effective cleaning without overcomplicating the process:

• Tools:
  • Good Vacuum: Essential for various cleaning tasks.
  • Microfiber Cloths: Ideal for dusting and polishing surfaces.
  • Old Toothbrushes: Perfect for detail work and scrubbing hard-to-reach areas.
  • Broom, Mop, and Bucket: Fundamental for floor cleaning.
  • Safety Gear: Masks (e.g., KN95) and safety glasses to protect against dust and debris.

Christine Cyr Clisette [08:05]: "One thing to know about cleaning your walls is that you want to take a very, very gentle approach... avoid anything abrasive like magic erasers unless you've tested them first."

• Supplies:
  • All-Purpose Cleaner: For general cleaning needs.
  • Bleach-Based Cleaner: For disinfecting and killing pathogens.
  • Vinegar and Dish Soap: Versatile for multiple cleaning applications.
  • Mild Abrasives: Such as baking soda and Bar Keeper's Friend for tougher stains.

Christine Cyr Clisette [08:26]: "You can make your own window cleaner with vinegar and water or you can just get Windex."

Expert Tips on Specific Appliances

1. Cleaning Coffee Makers

Doug Mahoney, an editorial director at Wirecutter, emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance to ensure optimal coffee flavor and machine longevity.

Doug Mahoney [13:09]: "Coffee is a very oily substance. It's gonna leave this kind of oily residue... which will give your coffee this kind of like musty old coffee flavor that you don't want."

Cleaning Steps:

• Daily: Rinse the filter basket and coffee pot after each use.
• Weekly: Wash removable parts with dish soap or place them in the dishwasher.
• Monthly: Descale the machine using a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water, running two cycles. Follow with several cycles of plain hot water to eliminate vinegar residue.

Doug Mahoney [14:24]: "Your kitchen will smell like vinegar, but it'll get rid of that scale. Best to do that cycle like twice."

2. Maintaining Ovens and Microwaves

Rachel Wharton, a senior writer at Wirecutter, shares strategies to keep these kitchen appliances clean and functional.

Rachel Wharton [17:05]: "You should clean your microwave because it's really disgusting if you don't. Nobody wants to see that."

Microwave Cleaning Tips:

• After Each Use: Wipe out the interior while it's still steamy to prevent splatter buildup.
• Preventative Measures: Place a bowl of water inside and heat it for a few minutes to loosen grime before wiping.

Oven Cleaning Tips:

• Routine Wiping: After each use, when the oven is warm, wipe the interior with a damp sponge.
• Deep Cleaning: Once a month, spray a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap inside, let it sit for 40 minutes, then heat the oven on low to help loosen grime. Wipe clean and use a mild abrasive like Bar Keeper's Friend on stubborn stains.

Rachel Wharton [21:29]: "Fill up a little spray bottle with a solution of half water, half dish soap, and then lightly mist the entire inside of your oven."

Christine adds that dish soap is a surprisingly effective and non-toxic cleaner for various applications, including ovens.

Christine Cyr Clisette [23:42]: "Dish soap is not toxic, you've got it on hand, it's easy peasy."

Addressing Overlooked Cleaning Areas

1. Walls

Doug Mahoney advises a gentle approach to prevent damaging paint surfaces.

Doug Mahoney [17:05]: "You want to take a very, very gentle approach. The main concern is that you could damage the paint that's on the walls."

Cleaning Steps:

• Basic Cleaning: Use water and a sponge for light dirt.
• Stubborn Stains: Add a bit of dish soap, but avoid abrasive tools unless tested in inconspicuous areas.
• Baseboards: Regularly dust with a damp microfiber cloth to maintain cleanliness.

2. Humidifiers

Tom Dunn, a staff writer on home improvements, highlights the health risks of neglecting humidifier maintenance.

Tom Dunn [26:10]: "Cleaning your humidifier is a crucial part of simply owning a humidifier... you can develop something that is called humidifier lung."

Cleaning Steps:

• Weekly: Empty the water, scrub the interior with a sponge, and allow it to air dry.
• Monthly Deep Clean: Use a hydrogen peroxide or bleach solution to kill lingering microbes, followed by thorough rinsing to remove any chemical residue.

Tom Dunn [28:21]: "Fill the humidifier up with your solution of hydrogen peroxide and water and let it sit so it kills all the stuff in there."

3. Outdoor Furniture

Harry Sawyers, a senior editor, shares best practices for maintaining patio furniture, particularly made from durable materials like Sunbrella.

Harry Sawyers [29:53]: "Sunbrella... I've come to believe they are nearly indestructible."

Cleaning Steps:

• Initial Cleanup: Use a leaf blower to remove loose debris.
• Surface Cleaning: Apply a dish soap and water mixture or an Oxiclean slurry for tougher stains.
• Detail Work: Utilize old toothbrushes for crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
• Protective Measures: Avoid using a hose directly; instead, spot clean to preserve material integrity.

Harry Sawyers [30:21]: "If you need to step it up a little, I'll make what I call an Oxiclean slurry... that has a kind of oxidizing bleach action too."

Additional Cleaning Insights

Christine and Kyra extend their discussion to other often-overlooked cleaning tasks, such as:

• Gutters: Especially after winter rains, to prevent flooding.
• Shower Curtains: Instead of replacing them, wash plastic liners and fabric curtains in the washing machine to remove mildew and stains.

Christine Cyr Clisette [34:31]: "You can actually wash these things in a washing machine... they'll look pretty much new oftentimes after you've washed them."

• Medicine Cabinets: Regularly check expiration dates on medications and cosmetics to discard outdated products.

Christine Cyr Clisette [34:39]: "Check expiration dates on medicine. Check that your makeup isn't super old. Get rid of the things that are old."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reinforcement of the "less is more" philosophy in cleaning. Christine and Kyra stress the importance of maintaining essential cleaning supplies, adopting manageable cleaning routines, and addressing often-overlooked areas to ensure a thoroughly clean and healthy living environment.

Christine Cyr Clisette [24:25]: "Less is more. Dish soap is a wonderful multi-purpose cleaning tool. It's cheap and you always have it on hand."

Listeners are encouraged to explore more detailed guides and subscribe to Wirecutter's "Clean Everything" newsletter for ongoing tips and product recommendations.

Notable Quotes

• Christine Cyr Clisette [03:32]: "Spring cleaning can be marketed at this time of year, but you don't have to do it right now."
• Doug Mahoney [13:09]: "Coffee is a very oily substance. It's gonna leave this kind of oily residue... which will give your coffee this kind of like musty old coffee flavor that you don't want."
• Rachel Wharton [17:05]: "You should clean your microwave because it's really disgusting if you don't."
• Tom Dunn [26:10]: "Cleaning your humidifier is a crucial part of simply owning a humidifier... you can develop something that is called humidifier lung."
• Christine Cyr Clisette [24:25]: "Less is more. Dish soap is a wonderful multi-purpose cleaning tool. It's cheap and you always have it on hand."

Final Thoughts

"Cleaning Hacks from Wirecutter Experts" serves as an invaluable resource for listeners seeking practical, expert-backed advice to enhance their home maintenance routines. By breaking down tasks, prioritizing essential tools, and addressing commonly neglected areas, Christine and Kyra provide a roadmap to achieving a cleaner, healthier living space with ease and efficiency.