5 Household Items You Can Replace With Dishwasher Tabs | Houses and gardens

We've all been there: a dishwasher full of dirty dishes and no tablet to do the job.

But what do you do in this case? Now, before you start cleaning everything out and frantically washing your hands, there are some household items you can substitute with detergent if you're caught without clothes.

Here we spoke to professional cleaners to get advice on how to make your own dishwashing detergent and how to get it working again without tablets.

5 household items you can replace with dishwasher tablets

As Diana Ciechorska, CEO of Park Slope Cleaning , says, "Running out of dishwasher tablets doesn't have to ruin your day. With a little creativity and the right household items, you can achieve sparkling clean results without losing track.

"From vinegar to baking soda, these simple substitutes are inexpensive, effective and readily available."

1. White vinegar

(Image credit: Future/David Parmiter)

There are so many things in the house that can be cleaned with vinegar and, according to cleaning expert Ciechorska, it can also replace dishwasher tablets.

She says: "It works because white vinegar is a natural degreaser and helps break down food particles, leaving dishes clean and streak-free." It also acts as a polishing agent and prevents stains on glassware.

To use it, Ciechorska recommends simply pouring 1/2 cup of white vinegar, like Great Value Distilled White Vinegar, available at Walmart , directly into the base of your best dishwasher before starting the cycle.

"This allows the vinegar to mix with the water, ensuring optimal cleaning performance," he adds.

You can also effectively clean stainless steel pans with vinegar , making it a useful cleaning product to always have on hand at home.

2. Lemon juice

(Image credit: Future)

Using lemons in the dishwasher not only makes plates and glasses shine, but is also a suitable replacement for traditional dishwasher tablets.

Professional cleaner Ciechorska explains: "As an alternative to dishwasher tablets, I like to clean with lemon juice . Natural citric acid effectively dissolves grease and food residue and leaves a fresh, clean scent.

To do this, simply squeeze a lemon and pour the juice into the bottom of your dishwasher, or mix it with a tablespoon of baking soda for extra cleaning power. If you don't have fresh lemons, lemon juice like Great Value 100% Lemon Juice available at Walmart is a convenient alternative.

There are other things around the house that you can successfully clean with citric acid . For example, Punteha van Terheyden , Director of Solved at H&G, recently tried removing stubborn limescale from faucets with lemon juice by mixing a 1:1 solution of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and was thrilled with the results.

Dishwasher safe

Zulay Kitchen 2 in 1 Metal Lemon Squeezer

Specifically designed to efficiently juice lemons and limes in seconds, this juicer features sturdy, durable bowls and an ergonomic handle.

Juice about 30 whole lemons

365 Whole Foods Market Organic Lemon Juice

This lemon juice is ideal if you prefer to buy it organic. It is 100% pure and can be used immediately for cooking or cleaning.

Adjustable beam

Plastic spray bottle equivalent to 8 ounces.

This handy spray bottle features a convenient two-finger trigger with adjustable spray from mist to spray.

3. Baking soda and dish soap

(Image credit: Michael Clifford)

If you have any of these household and pantry staples on hand, Karina Toner, professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless , recommends cleaning with baking soda and dish soap (with caution) instead of dishwasher tabs.

She says: "Dish soap is formulated to remove grease and grime, while baking soda improves cleaning and reduces suds." This combination provides effective cleaning power without the risk of excessive suds, as long as only a small amount of dish soap is used.

So add two to three drops of liquid dish soap, such as Dawn Platinum Ez-Squeeze Liquid Dish Soap, available at Target , to the detergent compartment of your dishwasher. Then fill the rest of the compartment with baking soda, such as Great Value Baking Baking Soda available at Walmart , to suppress foaming and run the dishwasher on the normal cycle.

"Do not use more than a few drops of dish soap, as too much can cause excessive suds, which can lead to damage or leaks in the dishwasher," warns Toner.

Hundreds of applications

ARM & HAMMER Pure baking powder

This baking soda can be used for cooking, baking, cleaning and deodorizing and is a versatile odor eliminator without harsh chemicals.

4. Borax

(Image credit: Roundhoue Design)

Borax is one of the secret laundry ingredients that cleaning pros swear by , but it works just as well as a replacement for dishwasher tabs, says Professional Cleaner Toner.

"Borax is a natural mineral compound that deodorizes, disinfects and softens water, making it a very effective replacement for dishwashing detergent," he explains. Simply add a tablespoon of powdered borax, such as: B. Pure Original Ingredients Borax, available on Amazon , and run your dishwasher as usual.

But be careful not to overdo it with borax, advises Toner, "as excessive amounts can leave a residue on delicate items like fine glass."

Like lemon juice, you can also use borax to remove hard water stains and even kill carpenter ants and get rid of cockroaches .

5. Castile soap

(Image credit: Photography: Jon Day / Styling: Claudia Bryant / Floral Design: Juliet Glaves)

Finally, why not use all-purpose Castile soap as a replacement for dishwasher tablets, recommends cleaning expert Ciechorska.

She says, "Castile soap (like Yoken Pure Castile Organic Liquid Soap, available on Amazon ) is plant-based, biodegradable, and highly effective for gentle but thorough cleaning.

Mix a teaspoon of liquid castile soap with a tablespoon of baking soda before pouring the mixture into the laundry compartment and starting the wash cycle. Castile soap is also used in the best homemade window and kitchen cleaners , making it a clear winner when it comes to homemade laundry detergents and cleaning solutions.

Organic and fair trade certified

Dr. Bronner's – Pure Castile Liquid Soap

With no preservatives, detergents, or synthetic foaming agents, Ciechorska recommends this pure castile soap as a "natural and versatile cleaning solution." It is also available in mint, citrus and lavender scents as well as in this fragrance-free version.

Frequently asked questions

Does a dishwasher work without a tablet?

It's not that your dishwasher won't work without tabs: it will still work at spraying and rinsing dishes, but won't clean or disinfect them thoroughly.

That's because dish soap is necessary to kill bacteria and remove grease and grime, and it works even more effectively if you know how to load the dishwasher properly .

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Cleaning expert Ciechorska reminds us: "Although these substitutes work well in a pinch, they are not intended as long-term replacements for certain dishwashing detergents. Always avoid products that produce too much foam as these can damage your machine.

So it's always worth stocking up on tabs, and in addition to using them in the dishwasher, there are a number of surprising things that you can clean with a dishwasher tab around the house, from jewelry to showerheads to stains on upholstery.

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Do These Viral TikTok Cleaning Products *Really* Live Up to the Hype? -YouTube

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Beat the GA cold this season. These winter hacks could save thousands on heating bills

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Regular maintenance and proactive measures will help ensure a warm and comfortable temperature at home this winter, even when it's not exactly cold outside.

Stop using vinegar on windows as another kitchen item leaves a “better streak-free finish.”

Window cleaning can be one of the longest and most tedious tasks. Many often turn to white vinegar as a natural alternative to chemical window cleaning sprays .

However, many don't do well with using white vinegar or get the desired results from this kitchen staple, as one cleaning enthusiast discovered.

On the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, Lisa Jones said: "Hello everyone, I'm in desperate need of some great window cleaning tips. "I tried using white vinegar and a damp/dry cloth. I tried window cleaner. I bought an octopus from B&M. I only leave footprints! Very frustrating.

Many of Ms Hinch's fans rushed to offer their recommendations, suggesting using black tea to clean windows to avoid streaks.

Julie Megan wrote: "Cold black tea and a microfiber cloth. It's incredible. Rebecca Garrod said: "Cold black tea is the best I've ever had. »

Eileen Chapman said: "Sorry it's boring but cold tea and paper towels don't stain, they have lots of shine, they're my favourites."

"I just use a tea bag in a pot, pour about half a liter of boiling water over it in cold weather, pour it into a small spray bottle and clean my mirrors and windows.

"I suppose you could double it if you need more." I only live in a very small apartment, so unfortunately I only have three windows. I hope it works for you if you try it.

Claire Tippen said: "It sounds like you need to use cold black tea. I thought my windows were clean when I used vinegar, then I used this and have never had a better streak free finish.

Linda Gallagher commented: "Someone said they put cold tea in a spray bottle, I tried that. That's all I use on any glass now and I just wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. To like."

The tannic acid in black tea helps break down grease and dirt on your windows, leaving you with a crystal clear finish. The tea leaves a natural shine on the glass, without any chemical residue.

To further reduce costs, store leftover tea bags in an airtight container before making a batch of cleaning solution.

After cleaning, be sure to clean regularly to avoid a large accumulation of dirt, which will make cleaning easier and more effective.

After applying the tea to the windows, you can clean the glass using a microfiber cloth in a circular motion or a squeegee.

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6 Tips to Prevent Your Bird Bath From Freezing This Winter

It's nice to see many different species of birds visiting your feeders at any time of the year. But birds also need water all year round to stay healthy. "All birds need water to drink and to regularly clean and preen their feathers," says Curtis Smalling, executive director and vice president of Audubon North Carolina . "Feather care is a very important part of a bird's life and is essential during the migration season."

In dry areas, and especially in winter, a birdbath or water source can be as important to local birds as food and shelter. "Bird baths ensure that birds have access to water even when local water sources are frozen, which is particularly important for migratory birds who need to rest and recharge while traveling," explains Smalling.

However, if you live in the Upper or Mid-South or are expecting a cold snap, your birdbath may freeze over from time to time, leaving the water inaccessible to birds. While some species such as the crow, blue jay and most woodpeckers will peck through a light layer of ice, this may not be possible for other birds.

Here's what you should do to ensure your birdbath is bird-safe even on the coldest days:

• Curtis Smalling is CEO and Vice President of Audubon North Carolina.

Make sure your birdbath is accessible

Birds prefer shallow baths, the deepest part of which is no deeper than 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters. If it is too deep, place a layer of rocks on the bottom to make it easier for the birds to use.

Keep your birdbath clean

Like bird feeders, bird baths should be kept clean to prevent the spread of disease among wild birds, says Smalling. Clean them weekly by scrubbing with nine parts water to one part vinegar and then rinsing. Avoid soaps as they can strip essential oils from bird feathers.

Change the water regularly

Every other day is ideal to keep it fresh and clean, says Smalling.

Opt for stone or concrete bird baths

Although not formally studied, observations have shown that stone or concrete baths that have been used for centuries retain some heat, delaying freezing, especially if the baths are placed in a sunny location. "In addition, the typical gentle slope and open design prevent the bucket from bursting, even in severe frost," explains Smalling.

Keep the water moving

Use a small device inside the birdbath to agitate the water and prevent it from freezing, or choose a bubbling stone that will keep the water bubbling and give the birds a place to perch. Some devices require electricity, others are powered by batteries or solar energy. The movement of the water also prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs in the birdbath during warmer months, Smalling says.

Invest in a heated birdbath

A heated birdbath works best in colder climates and ensures the water doesn't freeze. There are also additional heaters that can be used on any birdbath. Some types are thermostatically controlled and therefore only turn on when the temperature drops below freezing.

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Pros explain how to clean outdoor spaces, from balconies to patios - ABC News

Professionals for cleaning outdoor areas, from balconies to backyards

• By Anna Chisholm

• ABC lifestyle

• Topic: House and Home

9 hours ago 9 hours ago Friday, November 29, 2024 at 4:01 am

Cleaning an outdoor entertainment area can be a daunting task. ( Adobe Stock )

Whether it's a balcony, porch, or patio, your outdoor areas will likely be dirtier than expected after the colder months.

To help you prepare for your summer vacation or simply enjoy your outdoor space, two experts share the quickest and most effective ways to solve the problem.

Order first

Tidying up should always be the first step when cleaning, says Kate Croukamp. ( Adobe Stock )

Kate Croukamp is a cleaning business owner and shares tips on her social media account Clean Like A Pro from the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language region.

She recommends tidying everything up before any type of cleaning . She says that if you feel overwhelmed by the task, it can be helpful to start cleaning up the mess.

"When it's outside, the things that accumulate are often unwanted things that you probably left outside and wanted out entirely," he says.

Removes dust and dirt accumulated on surfaces.

Jason Shipway runs a cleaning business and lives in Bunbury, Western Australia, on the traditional lands of the Noongar people.

Shipway, winner of a national quick-cleaning competition in 2024, says: "If you have access to a pressure washer, it is really easy " to remove accumulated dust and dirt in greenhouses or gardens. You can also rent them from some hardware stores.

Ms Croukamp agrees that "pressure washing is the best solution".

First, remove any items that cannot withstand water and pressure , such as certain fabric cushions or patio furniture covers.

Croukamp says the next best option is a pipe . A nozzle that gives you some control over the pressure and direction of the spray is best, as is a broom with stiff bristles for scrubbing outdoor floors.

The easiest way to remove built-up dust and dirt is with a pressure washer, says Jason Shipway. ( Adobe Stock )

This is not so easy on an apartment balcony , where a high-pressure or high-pressure cleaner runs the risk of soaking all the balconies underneath.

"Before adding any type of water to an area like this, you need to vacuum or sweep away dust, dirt, leaves, and anything else that has accumulated ," he says.

Next, use a bucket of water and a broom or brush to wash the dirty surfaces.

Get rid of the cobwebs

Shipway says a good cobweb brush or broom can remove cobwebs quickly and easily.

From some of his recent work, people wanted to get their house ready for summer and "80% of the job is eradicating all the cobwebs, so a really good cobweb broom is essential."

A flathead screwdriver wrapped in a cloth will also help remove cobwebs and debris from tight corners.

Stubborn stains on paving stones and concrete

For stubborn stains on tiles, pavers or concrete, Croukamp recommends: "You need a good degreaser ."

This is especially true if the mark is under a grill where grease often falls off, he says.

"Mold growth can also occur on floors such as outdoor pavers if there are a lot of plants on the pavers or if there is not much sun and it is humid," says -She.

Spray on a mold cleaner or degreaser , let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse and scrub.

Glass windows and doors.

If your outdoor space has glass windows or doors, cleaning them will "make a big difference in the space," according to Shipway.

He recommends using a cloth-covered squeegee (usually microfiber) and a bucket (a rectangular one works best for the squeegee) filled with dish soap and hot water.

"Apply a coat to the window to remove all the dust, then go over it again and then scrape it off and you don't have to do anything else."

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Published 9 hours ago 9 hours ago Friday, November 29, 2024 at 4:01 am , updated 7 hours ago 7 hours ago Friday, November 29, 2024 at 5:40 a.m

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NCDHHS Offers Food Safety Tips to Ensure a Healthy Holiday Season | Free Iredell News

Specifically for IFN

RALEIGH – As North Carolinians prepare to gather with friends and family this holiday season, the North Carolina Department of Health recommends following food safety guidelines to ensure a healthy and enjoyable time for everyone. Whether you're preparing meals for family dinners or meals for larger group events, following basic food safety practices can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Each year, one in six Americans contract a foodborne illness. In North Carolina, outbreaks have increased during the holiday season in recent years.

NCDHHS wants to make sure you protect your family and friends from foodborne illnesses at holiday gatherings.

Safety tips

NCDHHS recommends the following food safety tips:

♦ Hygiene first: Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Clean hands are the first line of defense against the spread of harmful bacteria.

♦ Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from cooked and ready-to-eat foods to prevent the spread of bacteria. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.

♦ Cook carefully: Use a food thermometer to ensure meat, including game like wild boar and bear, is cooked to a safe internal temperature. For example, poultry should reach a temperature of 165 F and ground beef should reach a temperature of 160 F. Proper cooking kills harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.

♦ Proper food storage: Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours to slow bacterial growth. Eat or throw away leftovers within three to four days to avoid spoilage or foodborne illness.

♦ Regular Cleaning: Clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces, cutting boards, utensils and all equipment such as grills before and after use to avoid cross-contamination.

♦ Cooking for large crowds: If you are preparing meals for large gatherings, e.g. At events such as potlucks, religious ceremonies or community events, avoid touching food with bare hands as much as possible. If you have recently been sick or are caring for someone who is sick, ask someone else to prepare and serve food to prevent the spread of germs.

♦ Avoid raw oysters: Consuming raw, lightly cooked or undercooked oysters can pose a risk of illness, especially for pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. For those using oysters in traditional dishes such as stuffing, it is particularly important to source oysters from reputable suppliers and ensure they are handled and cooked correctly to minimize risk.

If you experience diarrhea or vomiting that does not go away after eating, contact your doctor as this could be a sign of a foodborne illness. This is especially important for young children, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems, as they may experience worse outcomes.

Learn more

For more information about foodborne illnesses and their prevention, visit the NCDHHS Public Health Division website. You can also find more information about food safety at cdc.gov/food-safety .

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How to Clean Your Bedroom Quickly, According to an Expert - Southern Living

TikTok influencer and Charleston resident Clara Peirce has 1.1 million followers on the video platform. His most viral clips aren't those of twenty-somethings strolling through the Holy City, dining in its impeccable restaurants and shopping in its pretty alleys. Instead, people flock to her account to watch her cleaning vlogs, which feature Peirce tidying her house from top to bottom while washing and drying the linens. She calls her routine "Sunday Reset" and with videos that have more than 2.2 million views, she's definitely inspiring someone, including me. On my best Sundays (let's face it, some weekends are made for rotting in bed) I also throw my sheets in the washing machine, tell myself to "walk like Peirce" and silently promise myself that the sheets will come back get dressed in bed, my cleaning day is over.

However, sometimes when I can't spend several hours cleaning, tidying my room is almost as good. Starting and ending the day with a clean room immediately creates a sense of achievement. Who doesn't want to start the day checking off at least one thing on their to-do list?

For more tips on how to quickly tidy up your bedroom, I spoke to Gabriela Fluerariu. With 50 hotel rooms that rotate daily, Fluerariu knows how to clean a room from top to bottom quickly and efficiently.

Gabriela Fluerariu , CEO of Rivet House in Athens, Georgia

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

What is the best first step to clean my room?

Finding the motivation to start cleaning is the first step, and to be honest, sometimes it's the hardest part. Fluerariu says to start by arranging and cleaning, then remove the sheets to make the bed. "I feel like the room will be cleaner once the bed is made," she says.

For super-fresh, wrinkle-free sheets, you don't need a steamer or iron. "My advice is to use a spray bottle with a few drops of fabric softener and water and spray it onto the sheets. From there, you smooth it out and tuck it in tightly so it looks nice and comfortable," he says. Then think strategically about surfaces. Start higher and work deeper so the dust falls slowly to the ground. Finally, clean and vacuum. According to Fluerariu, the key is to have a specific order of operations that works for you. "If there's no set order, it takes longer."

Use a spray bottle with a few drops of fabric softener mixed with water and spray it onto the sheets.

Can I clean my room effectively without using harsh chemicals?

The short answer is: yes! More natural solutions like baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils can replace traditional household cleaners, or you can stick with the big, well-known brands. Just like a typical hotel room, your room likely needs to maintain many surfaces, and there are products for each of them. However, you can streamline the process by using multi-purpose products where appropriate. This saves time and storage space.

Fluerariu recommends avoiding products that contain bleach to avoid strong odors. Additionally, all-purpose sprays are not a solution to all cleaning problems. "For example, when applied to glass, it can leave streaks, resulting in double cleaning. So make sure you have a window cleaner handy," he says.

You know that cleaning products are chemicals, but everyday chemistry extends to everything you can touch or taste. Jamie Grill/Getty Images

What are the daily habits to keep my room tidy?

It's often said that it takes 21 days to form a new habit, which actually isn't that long! You can start by doing simple tasks every day to keep your room tidy. In addition to making your bed as mentioned above, try to put things away in your own home every night. Dirty clothes belong in the laundry basket; Jewelry is placed on a plate or stored in a box and shoes are organized.

In the morning, after you've dressed for the day, do the same and remove any nighttime items like water glasses and sleep masks from your bedside table. I like the five minute timer trick. I set a timer for exactly five minutes and spend that time cleaning up. I often find myself finishing the room before the timer goes off or spending a few extra minutes after the alarm goes off to finish.

Set a timer for exactly five minutes and spend that time cleaning up.

How often should I deep clean my room?

A true deep clean is needed seasonally. Think about it in quarters and try to do a hard reset every three or four months. During this time, you'll want to do regular tasks like washing bedding and mopping, but also vacuuming the mattress, organizing closets and drawers, and dusting windows, fans, and other hard-to-reach surfaces.

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Stay warm: HVAC experts share tips for winter – KRTV

GREAT FALLS – As temperatures drop in Great Falls, demand for HVAC services increases. Technicians work hard to respond to heating emergencies, but homeowners can take a few steps to avoid major problems and costly bills this winter.

Stay warm: HVAC experts share tips for winter

The emergency services have priority
Kole Chartier, HVAC technician at Kindred Plumbing, said emergency calls are a priority during cold snaps. "The non-emergency things are delayed a little bit... because we like to go to those emergencies, you know, people who are out of heat," he said.

Simple DIY Solutions for Homeowners
Before calling a technician, owners can try some basic troubleshooting steps:

• Check the thermostat batteries: Dead batteries can cause your heating system to stop working.
• Check and change filters – Dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause system problems.
• Check your breaker box: If the heater stops working, the cause could be a tripped circuit breaker. Turning the circuit breaker off and on could temporarily restore heat while you wait for professional help.

Chartier explained, "When we get [a call], the first thing I do is make sure the thermostat is on and the batteries are working…Then we go to the boiler and check the filter. If it's dirty, we have to." I recommend changing it.

When should you call an expert?
For problems beyond these quick fixes, it's best to call an HVAC technician. A common complaint is loud noises coming from the furnace, often a sign that the motor is failing. "People often wait until no one calls us. But if you call us early, we can be there and fix the problem before your heat goes out," advises Chartier.

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In the event that parts need to be ordered, Kindred Plumbing provides temporary heaters to ensure families stay warm while repairs are completed.

Preventive maintenance is key
Chartier emphasized the importance of scheduling regular furnace maintenance before the cold season begins. "The best way to avoid a furnace failure in cold weather is to call ahead and have us perform maintenance," he said. Common problems such as dirty flame sensors and condensate buildup are often corrected during these routine checks.

24/7 emergency service
Kindred Plumbing and other local companies offer 24-hour emergency service. "If you ever have an emergency, we're happy to come out that night and take care of it," Chartier said.

By remaining proactive and addressing potential problems as quickly as possible, homeowners can keep their heating system in good condition all winter long.

To contact Kindred Plumbing, call 406-761-8001.

How to Clean Your LED Face Mask at Home to Avoid Breakouts – Woman&Home

You've bought the must-have celebrity gadget and now you're searching Google for "how to clean an LED face mask." With a price tag of over a hundred dollars, it stands to reason that consumers want to know how to keep their latest investment in top condition and ensure it lasts as long as possible. And when dust and dirt builds up in the back of a drawer, it can actually do more harm than good to your skin.

The best light therapy devices promise it all: From increasing collagen and elastin production to reducing redness and hyperpigmentation, LED masks can improve skin health in just a few weeks. That is, if they are cleaned between uses. Like all beauty devices, phototherapy devices also come with their own user manual that explains how to get the best results from an LED facial mask .

One aspect that should not be overlooked is mastering how to clean an LED face mask. Of course, not all of these tools are made of the same material. Therefore, it is important to note that some may require different care depending on individual instructions. But according to skin experts, there are certain do's and don'ts when cleaning a beauty tool. They'll explain everything to you later...

Here's how to clean an LED mask, according to experts

Why it's important to clean your LED mask

Before we get into the "how," let's talk about the "why." "It is very important to keep your LED face mask clean to ensure it functions optimally," says Dr. Edel Woods , aesthetic doctor and founder of ORA Skin Clinic . "If products like lotions, serums, or your best moisturizer are in the LED interface, they can interfere with the effectiveness of the light."

Basically, these products can prevent light from penetrating the skin, negatively impacting results. "Cleaning the LED mask also helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures the treatment is safe," adds Dr. Woods added.

Dr. Maryam Zamani , oculoplastic surgeon and renowned facial aesthetics doctor, agrees: "Cleaning [your LED mask] will help kill any bacteria you may have acquired from contact with your skin, which if left behind, will cause the skin to die contact outbreaks ." .

How to clean an LED mask

According to Dr. It is important to Woods not to spray any substances directly onto the LED face mask. "You should clean all parts of the mask, including the control panel, the LED interface, and the outer plastic or neoprene cover, with a soft cloth or towel," he explains. "You can use anionic cleaning solutions like Clinell that you can apply to your cloth or towel. However, avoid alcohol-based sprays as they can damage the mask."

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After cleaning, be sure to remove excess moisture with a microfiber cloth. Dr. Zamani recommends avoiding anything too harsh (such as kitchen or appliance cleaners) so that it doesn't damage the mask material or your skin the next time you use it. "Never immerse the mask in water or apply too much liquid as this can damage the electrical systems," he says. Your advice? "Use your best cleansers and makeup removers on a soft towel because if it's safe for your skin, it's safe for your LED mask."

How often should you clean your LED mask?

Experts agree that you should clean your mask after each use to avoid cross-contamination and ensure it remains hygienic at all times. "With regular use, you should clean it at least once a week," says Dr. Zamani. And remember: "Always turn the device off completely before cleaning," advises Dr. Woods.

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