Household Tips

If your clothes, towels and linens are coming out of the laundry stiff, in spite of fabric softener, you are probably using too much detergent. Don’t use more than the manufacturer says to use. It will not clean better. Add a cup of vinegar to the rinse water instead of fabric softener to cut the build up and soften your laundry. Don’t worry, it will not leave any smell. Vinegar will also remove deodorant stains from most fabrics. Just soak the stain with vinegar and wash as usual.
[tags]vinegar, stains, detergent,[/tags}

I had some really nasty stains on a beautiful canvas handbag and was looking to remove them without discoloring. I remembered using shaving cream (not gel) to get small stains out of clothes on trips, so I gave it a try. Started with a stain on the bottom where it wouldn’t show. Spray on the cream, work it in a little with your finger, and let it set for 30 minutes. Go watch a sitcom or read a few blogs! Rinse with a solution of 1 part vinegar to 7 parts water and blot with a cloth. This is a great remedy for stains on upholstered furniture and fabric lampshades also.
[stains, upholstery, lampshades, canvas, shaving cream,vinegar[/tags]

Ya’ll know that Sam’s & Costco are two of my favorite places to shop. Well imagine my excitement at finding a twelve pound bag of baking soda which is one of my favorite cleaning products. Had to share that as well as another baking soda tip. Baking soda on a damp sponge will remove the orange residue from storing chili, spaghetti, or other tomato based foods from those plastic food storage containers.

baking soda, Sam’s, Costco, food stain

To make an ice pack, pour 1 cup rubbing alcohol and two cups water into a 1 quart Ziplock bag. (Double for larger bags) Squeeze out all of the air and zip closed. Toss in the freezer for emergencies or to take to sporting events, or even to prepare for a medical procedure that will require ice packs. The alcohol will not freeze , so it will freeze slushy and conform to any body part. Label with a Sharpie and refreeze and reuse several times.

ice pack, Sharpie, Alcohol, Ziplock bags

Multipurpose cleaners

1. Pour one cup of ammonia, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda into a gallon of lukewarm water. Mix well and use in a spray bottle for a great all-purpose clean. Label and keep out of reach of children. No rinsing is necessary.
2. If you use washing soda use one full cup ammonia, 1 cup washing soda and warm water to make one gallon. Label and put in a spray bottle to clean counter-tops, tile, appliances, vinyl floors, painted woodwork and even some painted walls
[ammonia, vinegar, baking soda, multi-purpose cleaners

My two favorite cleaners are baking soda and vinegar. Not only are they cheap, they are amazing. Use baking soda for scouring powder, it is non abrasive and will even remove coffee & tea stains from countertops and sinks. It is great for cleaning the stove top.
Burn something to a pan, wet it, pour on baking soda and let it sit for a few hours. You can then scrape the mess away with a plastic scraper and scour the pan clean. Add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to the wash to boost cleaning power and have the freshest smelling laundry in town. I’ll give you more tororrow!

baking soda, vinegar, laundry, kitchen

You know how I love to share my favorite products. One of my favorite kitchen products is Pam!
When using your blender or food chopper, spray the blades with Pam before using. Clean up will be a snap. I also use Pam on the beaters when mixing , the grater, and my electric knife. It’s also great on the grill! (Indoor or outdoor type)

Pam, small appliances

I am such a product whore. When I find one I love I have to tell everyone. I usually feel the need to convince you to try it. One of these products is Goo-gone. It will remove the stickest tape residue from price tags and glass, plastic, and other things. Cover with a drop or two and use an old terry cloth, rub away then use the clean part of the clothe to get rid of the goo. I have removed crayon, marker, tar, scuff marks, and some unknown stuff from fabrics (test a small area, but if it is going to get tossed otherwise, give it a shot. Excellent to remove the stickers and decals that end up on car glass or bumpers