Use Microwave to Help Remove RX LabelsAfter many times of trying to remove labels from empty pill bottles to remove my identity from them before discarding them, I hit on a new way tonight. I was standing at my kitchen sink, next to the microwave. I filled my empty pill bottle with water, sat it in the microwave, heated the water in the micro for a few seconds or minutes.
Removing Adhesive Labels from Glass JarsI paint glass jars and find at times the labels are nearly impossible to remove without using chemicals. I found a much easier way and it's far less frustrating.
Cleaning Wax Off CountertopsAnyone who's ever said "just wait for it to dry and chip it off" has never actually tried to clean wax off a nice shiny countertop. I spilled candle wax and it wasn't the kind of wax that gets hard.
Removing Jar And Bottle Label GlueSaving that jar or bottle for that special use you've found can be nice until you try getting all the label glue off it. Then it can be a pain. Not any more!
Fix for Sticky RubberWith time, some plastic and rubber can get a sticky, gummy feel. I had an umbrella like this. I made a paste of baking soda and water, rubbed it over the affected area with my hands, rinsed and dried. It worked so well and now I don't need to replace the umbrella.
Removing Labels from PlasticWhen I need to get labels off of plastic bottles, I put them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. The labels come right off.
How to Remove a Jar LabelI removed this jar label by holding it over the spout of my kettle of hot steaming water. Within a couple of seconds, it loosened the glue and I was able to peel the label a little at the time. It took only a few seconds to remove the whole label. Easy as pie.
How To Reuse Ziploc BagsI don't know about you but we go through Ziplocs like crazy! So what with how much we use them and how expensive they are, we've been rewashing ours. Now granted, after about 3 washes I would say it's about time to throw them away depending on what brand you use. But a few more uses for just one Ziploc gets you a long way!
Magnetic Screen DoorScreen doors are easily $100 & up - not including labor/or any other pieces that may be needed. This magnetic screen would be a cheaper alternative for an average of $20. I purchased mine awhile ago on Amazon. I improvised this magnetic screen door made for a sliding door for a regular door by folding both edges accordion style to fit my door. Then, I secured the all edges (except bottom) with spaced out nails that were included.
Removing Permanent MarkerTo clean permanent marker (Sharpie) from any non porous surface (table, floor, sink..etc), you can buy a tiny little bottle (1/2 inch square glass jar) of Testors Thinner #1148 from any hobby shop. Not the bigger bottle, it's different! Dip a Q-tip into the bottle and rub it on the marker, then wipe off excess with a tissue!
Clean Sticky ScissorsMy scissors are sticky from everyday usage (especially cutting adhesive and stickers, etc). You can easily clean your scissors with a little bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton oval pad. Wipe the scissor blades down carefully.
Clean Sap From Hands with Coconut OilIf you get sap on your hands when moving firewood or stoking the wood stove, it can be easily removed with coconut oil.
Give Silk Plants a ShowerI take my silk plants into the shower and rinse them off while I shower. Most silks these days are polyester. I then lay them upside down for the water to drain out and air dry them. No special cleaner is needed. I have been a professional floral designer and we just hosed them off!
Highlighter to Remove Pen From SkinSometimes we don't notice that a part of our hands, face or arms has been marked with pen. Since I am a secretary, this happens often; labelling on a folder or writing schedules or appointment with my boss. So, I keep getting messed up with these pens.
Cleaning Prescription GlassesI got a refresher course at my eye doctor's office this week. I've been doing it wrong. Here's what she recommended:
Removing Permanent Marker on WhiteboardI love writing on a whiteboard, especially if my boss always had an errand for me, or for his schedule of meetings, but one thing that I forget is the difference between the permanent pen and the whiteboard pen, because I always end up picking the permanent pen.
Two Pairs of SneakersThere was a terrific sale on sneakers after Christmas, so I decided to buy two pairs. One pair is only for inside, and the other is only for outside. I never realized how much dirt accumulates in the sneaker treads. The inside sneakers remain as clean as the day I bought them.
Clean and Freshen Artificial Flowers and...I like the look of plants, so I decorate other areas with artificial flowers and plants. They get dusty, and then they look horrible when dusty.
Cleaning an Old Easel BoardI check out some of the other email postings. I recently received an easel board from another family member - they had a lot of writing with grease markers on it, and they don't know how long it was on there.
Getting Super Glue Off GlassesI used nail polish remover and the Super Glue came right off my eye glasses. Any ordinary nail polish remover will work.
Furniture Polish for Removing LabelsI realized that if I just spray a coat of furniture polish on the jar and let it sit, the label and all the sticky glue comes right off with the wipe of a towel.
Making Lens Wipes Last LongerI've found that paper lens wipes don't have to be used only once. So I keep a small air tight "film can" in the box with the lens wipes. When I tear open a new one and use it to clean my eyeglass lens, I can then just wad it up and stuff it into the little film can.
Heat Candlesticks to Remove WaxTo remove wax from a metal or glass candlestick, turn on oven and place item on tray lined with baking paper.
Keep Baking Soda Handy And DryI use a lot of baking soda at the kitchen sink. My hands were always wet when reaching for the box of soda. The box would get wet and the soda inside would get lumpy.
Use Febreze to Clean Artificial PlantsI spray Febreze generously onto the whole flower/foliage arrangement, tree, etc. This works just as well as commerical cleaners made specifically for silk flowers. Just spray, no wiping necessary.
Use Rain for Cleaning Throw RugsI found out by accident the best way to clean my old throw rugs. I washed them and hung them on the clothesline outside. Then it rained, and rained and rained. To my surprise, they were cleaner then when I first hung them out.
Softsoap for Cleaning EyeglassesMy optician in Houston suggested that I use liquid hand soap to wash my eyeglasses. When I am preparing for a shower I use Softsoap for my glasses then leave them on the sink while I am showering.
Use Gasoline to Remove Sticky Duct TapeI've recently experienced the same problem. I used a little bit of gasoline and it came right off, worked great!
Removing Sharpie from CD or DVDUse hand gel! Put a little on the disc and wipe away. Easy.
Hand Lotion for Cleaning a Dry Erase BoardI have an old whiteboard with difficult-to-remove markings. I grabbed my bottle of Jergen's hand lotion and applied a little to a rag. The board is now like new!
Use Acetone to Clean WhiteboardI tried all the other methods listed and none were satisfactory. I put some acetone on the white board and everything from sticky residue to caked-on ink came off immediately without streaking.
Polish Remover To Remove TapeI tried fingernail polish remover and it worked super easy and fast.
Cleaning Flip FlopsI live in Florida on the beach, where flip flops are pretty much a uniform. When mine get dirty and sort of unmanageable, I either throw them in the wash or put them in the dishwasher.
Goo Gone AlternativeYou can make a Goo Gone alternative that works very well by mixing two parts vegetable oil with one part baking soda. The oil loosens the glue, and the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to wipe it away.
Mayo for Removing Labels from JarsSoak the jar and, after removing label, add a dab of mayonnaise. Let it set a few minutes, then rub. The glue will come off with no effort.
Cleaning Hair AccessoriesFirst of all I keep 2 containers for my hair accessories, one for clean ones and one for used ones. I "never" mix the two.
Newspaper and Ashes For Ecofriendly Fireplace Glass CleaningSimple, no cost. Take damp newspaper and dip in cold wood ashes. Rub on glass until creosote and film come off. Repeat as needed; finish with window cleaner. Works better than anything I buy.
Cleaning Hair TiesHere is an easy way to keep your hair ties clean. Once a month or so place all of your hair ties, aka elastics and cloth headbands in a dirty sock. Tie the top of the sock into a knot and toss it in with the rest of your wash.
Clean a MousepadOur mousepads are the basic, inexpensive type, made with a rubber-type base, covered with synthetic (I think) cloth. After a year or so of just normal use, they had dirty smudges around the edges (from our hands and wrists).
Baking Soda for Gas SpillsFor gas can spills in the car, wipe up as much as you can then generously sprinkle baking soda over the spill. Leave overnight (or two days) then sweep away or vacuum. Soaks up the gas and the smell!
Sanitize Your ToothbrushA friend of mine puts her toothbrush in the dishwasher about twice a month to clean it, top rack only. Also soak it in about a tsp. of peroxide and rinse. Vinegar also will work as to soak overnight; be sure to rinse.
Denture BrightnerIf you wear dentures you know how easily they stain. I used to use two tablets without much improvement and it gets expensive. I have found that if you add some hydrogen peroxide to the bath along with a cleaning tablet the dentures just sparkle!
Use Oil Spray to Keep Candle Holders CleanThe easiest way to avoid a problem with cleaning any of your candlesticks or candle holders of any type is simply spray a small bit of "Pam" onto the bottom of your candle holders whether they are sticks or votive holders, tea lights, etc.
Removing Labels from Plastic ContainersUse a hair dryer. Move it over label for a few minutes on warm, then turn dryer off. Start to peel from one corner. It should peel easily. If there is any residue left, use a cotton bud with a little eucalyptus oil.
Cleaning EyeglassesIf they are glass and do not have a no-glare coating they can be cleaned with just about anything that you would use on a water glass. If they are plastic, it is best to just clean them with water and polish dry with a very soft cloth.
Signal the Trash Has Been Picked UpWhen I bring my trash container to the curb I pull one of the garbage bag ties (usually red or orange colored) to the outside of the side of the container so I can see it from my window.
Removing Labels from Products After PurchasingSmall items I just soak in Dawn detergent and hot water. For larger items like a windshield, or mirror, or window, etc. I use Avon's Skin So Soft. Apply it to the sticker, let sit, and peel off, or use a paper towel to rub off. Then use detergent to wash the oil off, simple and painless.
Towel Bar To Store Cleaning SuppliesI have a small bathroom so I had to use a small round towel holder for my cleaning supplies. I am going to install a long towel bar in the hall closet for hanging my cleaning supplies.
Cleaning Eye GlassesTo remove hairspray and greasy perspiration, I use rubbing alcohol. It cleans the lenses really well and it can be used on either plastic or glass lenses.
Liquid Soap on the Outside of Camping PotsCover your pot sides and bottom with liquid soap before use. This makes the soot wipe off easly. As you fix the meal, put a pot of water on the fire/camp stove to heat.
Cleaning A Down PillowFluff down pillows daily. They can be washed and dried in you washing machine and dryer, if great care is taken. Check for any tears in pillows before placing in the washing machine.
Making Cleaning Ashtrays EasierMy husband smokes and the ashtrays are not fun to clean. A long time ago I heard that if you lightly spray a clean ashtray with furniture polish and allow to dry, it will make the surface of the glass or ceramic slippery and it will be a cinch to clean.
Clean Dry Erase Board with Nail Polish RemoverI use fingernail polish remover to clean the dry erase board. Works like a charm, and gets all old ink off immediately.
Cleaning ScissorsUse WD-40 to clean gunk off of scissors. It is also great for removing label gunk.
Use Liquid Hand SanitizerLiquid hand sanitizer works well to clean a dry erase board.
Use Spray Household Cleaner For Dry Erase BoardI simply use household cleaner spray (409 in my case). Everything comes off easily. A few spots might need a little scrubbing, but not much. And the board comes out sparkling white.
Removing Gunk from Scissors BladesAfter using my heavy shears to cut duct tape, the blades were all sticky with the glue. It suddenly occurred to me that hand sanitizer gel might just cut through the crud if rubbed with a paper towel or old washcloth.
Lighter Fluid for Sticky Stuff RemovalLighter fluid for cigarette lighters (Ronsonal, Zippo, or store brand) is wonderful for removing sticky stickers or labels. It even works on fabric! Just a little bit will dissolve the messy sticky residue.
Remove Adhesive Tape Residue with Baby OilI had some surgery on a toe and had to use a latex free bandage to wrap it. When I removed the band-aid, I got some of the residue on my thumbnail. I decided to try a drop of baby oil and it came right off.
Thrifty Scouring PadWe can get a little extra use from aluminum foil before we discard it by wadding it up to make a scouring pad. This will even work to polish steel sinks and aluminum ware.
Easy Votive Candle Wax Clean UpIf you're going to put a candle in a glass holder, put a few drops of water down into the glass before you burn it. When the candle melts it won't stick to the glass, and will be easy to remove.
Using An Iron For Candle Wax CleanupI always do the same thing no matter where the wax has dripped; once on expensive speakers. Let the iron heat up to a medium/light setting and have many paper towels ready.
Cleaning Paint RollersI clean my paint rollers and remove them from the arm of the roller. Paint still remains of course. So, I put the roller in a large plastic Ziploc bag and freeze it. The next time I need a roller, I let the bag defrost or take the frozen roller and put it in hot water.
Cleaning Very Dirty Records with SoapFor records that are in really bad shape, you can use dish soap and a cotton cloth. Pour some soap on the record and run the cloth around the record with the grooves.
Freeze Candle to Remove from VotiveI had a small votive I wanted to redo with a candle of my own. It had melted in the back seat of my car on the way home. Knowing that candles freeze and then last longer, I thought "what do I have to lose"?
Removing Glue ResidueYou probably won't believe it, but the best thing I know to remove sticky residue from labels and tags is fly spray! Yep, your everyday, garden variety fly spray. Spray some on a paper towel and rub the sticky area.
Cleaning With ToothpasteEvery time I get my teeth cleaned, my dentist gives me sample toothpaste. I also have extra tubes that no one liked the taste of. I love these tips for using toothpaste:
Using Salt to Clean Artificial FlowersTo clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!
Cleaning With BeerUse leftover beer to clean a greasy gas or electric stove. Also works well for cleaning glass windows. Just soak a thin cotton fabric with beer and scrub! Follow up with a clean cloth.
Hand Sanitizer Gel on White BoardsWhen your white boards get dull and need a really thorough cleaning, squirt some of the 60% + alcohol hand-sanitizer gel onto a washcloth or rag and wipe away. I tried this out of desperation and it worked!
Petroleum Jelly to Remove TarSometimes you can get tar from walking on the beach here in California - either on your shoes or on your bare feet! I had just read that applying petroleum jelly to grease would help get it off, so I used it on the white soles of my boat shoes. Voila! The tar was removed.
Coffee Grounds for Clearing DrainsCoffee grains are great for compost, but they're also great for clearing drains. So don't throw them away, but flush them down your sink. It's really worked for me. I haven't had a problem with blocked pipes since a friend recommended this tip.
Removing Kool-Aid Stains Around MouthWith summer on its way, this will come in handy after your small children have Popsicles or drink Kool-Aid and have the "Kool-Aid smile. You can easily remove this color by washing their mouth and lips with warm water and a tarter control whitening toothpaste.
Using The Dishwasher For Household CleaningUse the dishwasher to wash baseball caps. Place caps on the top rack and wash them without losing their shape. Don't use your dishwasher's heat drying option. Allow caps to air dry.
Keeping Bags from Falling into the...I try to recycle whenever I can and use the plastic bags that merchandise and food come in from stores for liners in my smaller garbage pails. I found that putting a rubber band around the rim, helps hold the bag from slipping when items get thrown in.
Baby Oil to Remove AdhesiveTo remove gum, labels, or stickers, use baby oil. Soak a cotton ball in oil and apply to the sticky area and heat with a hair dryer. When adhesive softens, it can easily be removed.
Hand Sanitizer to Clean Book CoversI use the library extensively and love to read. I have noticed that the books looked dirty. I can imagine all the people handling them, no wonder they are dirty. So, I grabbed my hand sanitizer and squirted it on the library books, took a paper towel and rubbed it in.
Baby Oil to Add ShineAfter cleaning my stainless steel sink, I realized it wasn't looking as shiny as it did years ago, when it was new. I remembered a old tip from a friend years before, so I got a nice clean soft rag and put some baby oil on the sink and rubbed the baby oil all around it.
Use Vinegar For Removing Chewing GumTo dissolve chewing gum, saturate the area with vinegar. Heated vinegar works faster.
Wash Silicone Cell Phone Cases In DishwasherIf your silicone cell phone case is dirty, toss it in the dishwasher if it is a one piece case. Plastic cases with multiple, glued-on parts might come apart if you give them the dishwasher treatment.
Clean Glass Coffee Carafe With Used FilterI just spoke with one of my sons and he gave me a great tip. He uses an auto drip coffee maker. When he empties the carafe, he rinses the filter and uses it to scrub the inside of the glass carafe. He tells me the glass shines like new money.
Cooking Oil to Remove LabelsI make a lot of presents using jars that have those darn sticky labels on them. Then I found this, it works wonderfully!
Put Old Clothes in Bottom of Garbage CanI have started placing my old t-shirts, night shirts, and any other cotton clothing that is no longer fit to wear on top of my dryer to place in the bottom of the kitchen garbage can. My laundry equipment is in the corner of the kitchen so it is convenient.
Scraping Up Spilled Candle WaxSpilled candle wax can be scraped up by using a plastic coated, slick business card.
Clean with ToothpasteTo clean a steam iron, use cheap toothpaste (don't use the gel type) and wipe with a clean cloth. Toothpaste also whitens the rubber of tennis shoes, polishes leather shoes and chrome...
Alka Seltzer to Clean ThermosTo clean a thermos easily, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets and let soak 1 hour or more, then rinse.
Preventing Wax Residue in Candle HoldersI used to have the kindest neighbor who I would visit often. She always put a little bit of water in the bottom of the glass votive before putting her candle in to prevent the wax from sticking to glass votive and she was right!
Cleaning a Feather DusterTo clean a feather duster, place it in a paper or plastic bag and then add a box of cornstarch. Hold it tightly, so it's securely closed and then shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds, preferably outside.
Salt and Turpentine to Brighten PorcelainTo brighten old porcelain, try rubbing with a solution of salt and turpentine.
Use Beer to Clean Gilded Picture FramesClean gilded picture frames with beer. Dip a soft cloth in beer and wipe.
Cleaning Smoke Stained WoodworkTo clean kitchen woodwork stained by smoke, spread a mixture of cornstarch and water on the woodwork and allow to dry. Remove with a soft brush or cloth, taking away the stain with the cornstarch.
Deodorize Dish Scrubber with Hand SanitizerTired of buying new dish scrubbers because someone forgot to rinse them after using and now they smell worse than your garbage? Take heart, there's a simple and inexpensive solution!
Clean Whiteboard With WD-40For teachers, cleaning a whiteboard of all its remnants can be near impossible, but if you used WD-40, it will look new again!
Cleaning a Can OpenerTo clean and disinfect the wheel of a can opener, just use white vinegar and an old tooth brush. Dip the toothbrush in the vinegar and scrub clean. Swish in hot soapy water and rinse.
Removing Oil Based Paint On SkinRemove oil based paint from skin with baby oil instead of turpentine.
Washing Brushes and CombsTo clean my combs, brushes, hair picks, etc., in the morning I fill a large empty Cool Whip bowl (or you can use any bowl not used for cooking) with hot water and dishwashing detergent.
Use Beer To Clean Up Shoe PolishWhen you spatter liquid shoe polish on the bathroom sink, pour a little flat beer over it. The polish comes right off even after it's dry.
Removing Ink From Vinyl DollsTo get ink stains off a vintage baby doll, pull back the doll's hair and remove clothing to keep them from getting bleached. Liberally apply 10% benzoyl peroxide acne treatment cream to any areas with ink.
Cleaning Sponges and LoofahsTo clean sponges and loofahs, soak them overnight in distilled white vinegar and water solution to remove the dirt and slime. Rinse several times with cold water and let air dry (in the sun if possible). The mixture should be two parts vinegar to one part water.
Cooking Spray to Remove Grease and Paint from HandsYou can use PAM cooking spray to remove grease and paint from your hands while working on the lawn mower or painting in your house. Just buy an extra can for the garage or workshop.
Clean Fireplace with VinegarRemove fireplace soot and grime with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Use a brush to scrub then blot the wetness and dirt off with a towel.
Cleaning Vinyl RecordsTo clean the grooves of old records, Dip a shaving brush in a mixture of equal parts distilled water and triple distilled vodka. Brush the mixture into the grooves of the record and dry with a tack cloth.
