Make Your Own Box Fan Air FilterWith all the wildfires right now air quality has gone down throughout the west coast. Here's an easy way to make a room air filter out of a box fan and a furnace filter.
Make Your Own Box Fan Air FilterWith all the wildfires right now air quality has gone down throughout the west coast. Here's an easy way to make a room air filter out of a box fan and a furnace filter.
Disposable Sport Water Bottle to Hold Dish SoapIf you purchase dish soap in bulk, you'll know that the container is huge! It is heavy to pour out on a daily basis and it's not very convenient.
Extra Dish DrainerMost of the time, when I cook, I use a lot of pots and pans. Washing them can be a chore.
Washing a Sunbeam Heated BlanketI received a heated throw for Christmas and recently my kids spilled some food on it. I assumed that all I could do was wipe it with a damp cloth, but it turns out you can wash them! You do need to be careful when washing and drying and you can not wash as you would a regular blanket.
Cleaning In Tough Kitchen AreasI always have difficulty cleaning in those small spaces between the stove and the refrigerator and the stove and the counter top. You all know what falls between those areas.
Protecting Clothespin Bag Left on ClotheslineSoon begins the hanging laundry on the line season. I have a very nice cloth monogrammed bag that I like to keep hanging on the clothesline right where I need it. To protect it from the rain and sun I found a simple solution. After I emptied a large birdseed bag I cleaned it out and cut a hole in the top, slipped it over the bag and it is well protected with ease.
Removing Sticky Adhesive Residue from PlasticFill a container with pretty warm water (as hot as you can without it distorting the plastic container of course) and let it sit 5 minutes. This heats up the adhesive on the outside of the container. Don't get the outside (where the glue is) wet though. Dump out the water (still keeping the outside dry) and generously wipe the gluey spot with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil.
DIY Counter CleanerAt one point I started making my own kitchen/all purpose cleaner becuase I wanted to save money and use simpler ingredients.
Sort Laundry As You GoSo as to run full loads only in my washing machine, which is most efficient, I keep 2 popup hampers in my bathroom closet. One has a little hanging tag marked "Lights", and the other "Darks". As I take off my clothes, they are put into the appropriate hamper. When one is full, I do a load of laundry.
Prevent Mold and Mildew on Shower Curtain LinersIf you have a shower curtain or liner that comes in contact with the side of your shower stall or tub while it dries, you have probably noticed that where it makes contact is where you see mold and mildew. That's because it's not drying fast enough to keep those nasty critters at bay.
Making a Custom Bottle WasherI freeze my half and half, plus I make flavored water. When the bottles need washing, it's hard to get them clean.
Save Money On Toilet Bowl CleanerIn a recent post, I gave Dollar Tree's brand of household bleach a thumbs down. I'm back with a thumbs up for another of their products, toilet bowl cleaner.
Cleaning a Bedroom By YourselfSometimes, I like tackling a job by myself and the other day, I decided to clean the master bedroom. This is the dustiest room in the house. I guess it's from fanning the covers and the bed is where I fold clothes.
How to Care for Your SwimwearSwimwear goes through a lot more than your typical article of clothing. It gets in contact with chlorine, salt, sun lotions, and sprays. They're also way more elastic than your usual garment, so throwing them in the washer and dryer will only shorten its lifespan and kill its colour. Here is how I wash my swimwear to elongate its life and keep the quality pristine.
Restoring a Tarnished Gold BraceletI had a lovely Alex and Ani bracelet that tarnished. It was easy and quick to make it look like new.
Creative ClotheslinesI like to take advantage of warm weather to dry clothing outdoors. Even though I have a couple of drying racks, sometimes it was not enough. I did not want to invest in an outdoor clothesline that would have to be removed every time the lawn was mowed and when the winter came. I solved my problem in several ways.
The Chem Caddy - Cleaning Supply KitNot only will this keep all materials used to clean any area together, but it's easy to spot what needs replacing at quick glance; fluid levels, bristles on brushes, number of clean rags yet unused plus extra bags for wastebaskets. Sneak a look at that Magic eraser. Dilapidated enough yet to replace?
Use a Powder Puff to Clean Your Cell Phone ScreenI have found a use for the extra powder-puff I have been keeping. It is the type that goes in powder compacts that you would keep in a purse. They work really well at gently moving dust off of a phone screen ;)
Use a White Board Eraser for Window StreaksAfter washing windows or mirrors take a white board eraser and go over it with that. You'll be thrilled and amazed! We have all had fun trying to rid ourselves of streaking windows and mirrors. Sure newspaper works, but gets ink all over you. And coffee filters are small and it's tricky to keep it gliding smoothly over the surface of things. Just erase those pesky streaks away!
Using a Swiffer to Clean WallsDo you have high ceilings or hard to reach areas in your home to clean? I found that using a Swiffer with the dry cloths works well! When I run out of refills, I plan on using microfiber cloths, washing them and reusing.
Clearing a Clogged Sink DrainMy bathroom sink had been draining slowing for a while and it was finally time to figure it out. I found a recipe on ThriftyFun for homemade Drano, using salt, baking soda, vinegar and water. It didn't go quite as planned but we were successful in the end.
Adjusting a Dust Pan ClampI purchased this little dust pan at the grocery store. I have seen them at Walmart as well. It is made to clamp onto the broom handle, I would guess tight enough to stay in place which makes the dust pan very convenient. When you use a broom, you usually need a dust pan.
Add Vinegar to Dish SoapA doctor on a Japanese TV show mentioned adding a tiny splash of white vinegar to dish soap when washing up. It gives glass items an extra spotless sheen, and apparently it will help completely remove any soap residue on the dishes when you think you've got it all rinsed off, aiding in what you digest in the future.
Make Your Own Gutter Guard SweeperI have been looking for a curved brush attachment to go on my 12 ft. extension pole to use to sweep the leaves off our gutter guards. I can't find one so I made one myself.
Using Bread to Pick Up Broken GlassI recently dropped a dainty black light bulb on the kitchen floor. There were tiny bits everywhere! I swept up what I could see, but I was scared there were minuscule shards everywhere. I carefully pressed a slice of bread over the glass. The sponginess and little nooks sucked up all of the debris.
Cleaning Your Hair DryerDust can clog the motor, and shorten its life. I used a combination of a vacuum cleaner and an old toothbrush to clean mine.
Clean Fridge And Freezer Interior With PeroxideFor years I've used baking soda to clean inside my refrigerator and freezer. I've found something I think I like better. Peroxide.
Kitchen Scrap Trash CanCut the base out of a gallon water bottle and you can line it with small baggies you get from the grocery store (the ones for putting your produce or vegetables in). This light weight trash can that can easy move around your counter top.
Tips for Waxing CarsMy friend and I came up with this list after waxing his car and learning through trial and error (and success).
Removing Musty Smell from a Wedding Dress?Stored clothing can develop a musty odor over time. Hanging it near an open window can help air it out and potentially cause the odor to dissipate. This is a page about removing musty smell from a wedding dress.
Removing Candle Wax from HolderTo remove the candle wax, left over after burning a candle, I put the container in the freezer. When the wax is frozen, it's easy to pop loose leaving the container practically clean. All that's needed is a good washing.
Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Really Get Clothes Clean?This is a page about whether homemade laundry detergent really gets clothes clean. Many people are skeptical about whether homemade laundry detergents work as well as store bought ones. Here is some feedback and recipes from people that use homemade detergents.
How to Use Fresh Mint as an Air FreshenerIf you grow your own mint, you can gather the sprigs, crush them, and place in a bag or bowl to freshener the air in your home. This is a page about using fresh mint for an air freshener.
Use Recycled Oven Racks for a Drying RackIf you have extra toaster/oven racks, you can make yourself a drying rack. The oven rack is elevated and underneath you can put a towel to absorb the water.
How to Clean Fireplace Bricks?Soot and dirt can stain the bricks on a fireplace, but there are ways to get them surprisingly clean. This is a page about cleaning fireplace bricks.
Cleaning Dull Laminate FloorsLaminate floors can become dull from wear or the use of certain cleaning products. Many homeowners have had success cleaning them using steam or vinegar and water. They typically need to be dried to prevent water spots and streaks. This is a page about cleaning dull laminate floors.
Removing Mildew from LeatherLeather clothing, shoes, handbags, etc. can develop mildew while being stored. One method that can be successful is wiping down the item with white vinegar. No matter what you use, be sure to check colorfastness before cleaning the entire surface. This is a page about removing mildew from leather.
How to Clean Water Spots on MarbleMarble polish is one possible solution for removing water spots on a marble surface. This is a page about how to clean water spots on marble.
Drying Shoes Without the BangingI thought of this because I hate that banging sound of athletic shoes slamming around in the dryer. It's pretty simple as the pictures show. You need a long mesh laundry bag. This one is 2-3 feet long.
DIY Natural Wood Cabinet CleanerMake your own wood cabinet cleaner with a few simple ingredients, including olive oil, water, and vinegar. This is a page about DIY natural wood cabinet cleaner.
Washing Greasy Work Clothes?Ammonia is a great grease cutter, but never mix with bleach. Dishwashing detergent can also work well to remove grease. This is a page about washing greasy work clothes.
Pumice Stone for Removing Calcium BuildupOur cast iron bathtub is 50 years old and I have no plans of parting with it. When the water drains out of the tub, there is a spot near the drain where a little water settles and over the years, a brown circle developed in that area and I could not scrub it off. It was hard calcium buildup.
Removing Stains Above Toilet Water Line?To remove stains above the water line in a toilet there are a couple of good methods to try. Using a pumice stone may work. Also, shut off the water and fill the bowl to just below the rim and add a cleaner or vinegar, soak, and then scrub. This is a page about removing stains above the toilet water line.
Using Liquid Fabric Softener Instead of Dryer SheetsOne alternative to buying fabric softener sheets is using diluted liquid softener sprayed on a cloth or piece of interfacing that is added to the clothing in your dryer. This is a page about using liquid fabric softener instead of dryer sheets.
DIY Comb-top DustpanAttach a wide-toothed comb with hot glue to your dustpan in order to brush out all the debris and dust bunnies from your broom. This dollar hack is a copycat of a $25 dustpan I saw at the Home Goods store.
Coffee Container for Collecting Dryer LintI keep a Folger's coffee container on the clothes dryer to put lint in. When it gets full, I empty the lint into the trash.
Clean Your Earbuds with AlcoholUse rubbing alcohol to clean your earbuds frequently. They can get dirty just by handling and can accumulate earwax.
Why Is Dawn Detergent Recommended So Often?Original blue Dawn dish detergent has a wide variety of uses other than its intended one for cleaning dishes. They range from removing fleas from pets, ridding your plants of insect pests, to its inclusion in homemade cleaning solutions. This is a page about, "Why is Dawn detergent recommended so often?".
Dusting Ceiling FansThe blades and housing on ceiling fans collect a lot of dust when in use and even when not being used. Such high dusting jobs can be messy and difficult to reach. This is a page about dusting ceiling fans.
All Purpose Cleaning Solution With Sudsy AmmoniaAmmonia has been used to clean a variety of items for many years. This page contains instructions for making an all purpose cleaning solution with sudsy ammonia.
Cleaning Silver with Aluminum FoilIt's easy to clean silver using aluminum foil and cleaning agents you have in the house.
How to Keep Blinds CleanBlinds can be an easy place for dust and dirt to build up. Here are some ideas on how to keep blinds clean in your home.
How to Keep a Kitchen Sponge from Getting StinkyAllowing your sponge to dry out between uses will help keep it from developing smells. This is a page about how to keep a kitchen sponge from getting stinky.
Removing Stains from LeatherLeather is often quite resilient and relatively easy to clean. However, if you have a bad stain on some leather, it may be a chore to get it out. Removing stains from leather can sometimes require contacting a professional cleaner.
Cleaning Yellow Stains on an Old Porcelain Tub?If your porcelain tub has yellow stains in it, a strong cleaner and some elbow grease may be what is needed to get it cleaned up. Cleaning yellow stains on an old porcelain tub can be a tough job, but it is worth it to have a nice clean tub to use.
Unclogging a Drain with Vinegar and Baking SodaA natural solution for clearing a drain is using vinegar, baking soda, and boiling water. While effective on moderate drain clogs, you must make sure all of the baking soda is flushed from your drain or it can create an even worse clog when it dries and becomes hard.
How to Remove Deodorant Build-upDeodorant can leave an unsightly residue on clothing that can be difficult to remove. This is a page about how to remove deodorant build-up.
Cleaning Dog Pee Off a Cement FloorCleaning the stains and odor of pet urine off of concrete requires the right product and often some serious scrubbing. This is a page about cleaning dog pee off a cement floor.
Make Your Own Cleaning ProductsUsing simple household products you can make your own cleaners with fewer ingredients and often at a lower cost than buying commercial products. This is a page about making your own cleaning products.
Removing Burnt Smell From a MicrowaveWhen food gets burnt in a microwave it can leave behind a strong burnt odor that can be challenging to remove. This page shares advice about removing burnt smell from a microwave.
Cleaning a Canvas Patio UmbrellaAn outdoor canvas umbrella can get dirty over time from exposure. This is a page about cleaning a canvas patio umbrella.
Cleaning a Cast Iron SkilletA nylon brush and quick drying will keep your cast iron in great shape, but sometimes your pans may need some refurbishing. This is a page about cleaning a cast iron skillet.
Cleaning Yellow Stains on a Tablecloth?Yellow stains on your tablecloth could be the result of age and storage or from spills. Depending on the cause of the stains there are ways to try and remove them. This is a page about yellow stains on a tablecloth.
How to Get Cooked-On Grease Off Pans?Cooked on grease can be a challenge to clean off without damaging the finish on your pots and pans. This is a page about how to get cooked-on grease off pans.
Removing Hairspray Build Up on WallsUnfortunately while using hair spray to style your hair, the spray can get on walls and other surfaces. This is a page about removing hairspray build up on walls.
Thoroughly Cleaning a Cast Iron Fry PanIf your cast iron pan has food stuck to it, you may need to do a deep cleaning and then season it again. This is a page about thoroughly cleaning a cast iron fry pan.
Cleaning Chrome FixturesChrome fixtures can easily become spotted or show finger prints. This is a page about cleaning chrome fixtures.
White Vinegar for Removing Sticker Residue from ClothingWhite vinegar can be used for a multitude of cleaning purposes around the house, even removing sticker residue on clothing. This is a page about white vinegar for removing sticker residue from clothing.
How I Save Money By Keeping a Clean HouseThere are many money saving advantages to keeping a clean house from energy efficiency to reducing wear and tear on mattresses and electronics. This is a page about how I save money by keeping a clean house.
Removing Sap from ConcreteTrees overhanging your driveway, sidewalk, or patio can drip sap on to the concrete surface leaving you with a sticky mess to clean up. This is a page about removing sap from concrete.
Keeping Sheets on a MattressAs the pillow top mattress have become more popular, it may be difficult to keep your older linens in place. This is a page about keeping sheets on a mattress.
Removing Hard Water Deposits from FaucetsThe minerals in your tap water can leave unsightly hard water spots on your kitchen and bathroom faucets. This is a page about removing hard water deposits from faucets.
Easy Reusable Dryer Softener SheetsReusing wash cloths soaked in fabric softener, wrung and dried, you can make your own dryer sheets. This is a page about easy reusable dryer softener sheets.
Cleaning Dirty Glass Bottles?Cleaning the inside of a glass bottle can be problematic, especially if the neck is narrow or the bottle quite small. This is a page about cleaning dirty glass bottles.
Lavender Scented All-Purpose CleanerReduce the chemicals you use to clean your home by making your own inexpensive all purpose lavender scented cleaner. This is a page about lavender scented all-purpose cleaner.
Cleaning a Burnt Stainless Steel PanRemoving burned on food or burn marks from your stainless steel cookware can be difficult. There are products and techniques that will help and not damage the finish in the process. This is a page about cleaning a burnt stainless steel pan.
Keeping Your Dining Room Table CleanWhether your dining table is photo ready with a runner and centerpiece or a convenient horizontal dumping spot, there are some useful tips on this page for keeping it clean. This is a page about keeping your dining room table clean.
Cleaning Grease Stains on Suede ShoesThis is a page about cleaning grease stains on suede shoes. This kind of leather has a nap that can be powdered with corn starch to absorb the oil and brushed.
Cleaning Mineral Deposits from a Tea KettleVinegar can be a helpful natural cleaner to remove build up inside your water kettle. This page is about cleaning mineral deposits from a tea kettle.
Dealing With Foot Odor From Work Boots?Keeping feet dry, clean socks and the use of baking powder is how you can remove funky smells in your shoes. This is a page about dealing with foot odor from work boots.
Making a Chain Clothes Drying LineHere's a tip that can save you time drying your clothes. This is a page about chain clothes drying line.
Cleaning Greasy Fast Food Employee's Clothes?The fast food work environment can easily result in grease stained clothing than can be tough to clean. This is a page about cleaning greasy fast food employee's clothes.
Duggar's Homemade Laundry Detergent RecipeMany ThriftyFun members have asked for or shared the recipe that the Duggar Family uses to wash the laundry for their famously large family. This page features homemade homemade laundry detergent recipes like the one that the Duggar's use.
Using a Lint Roller for Cleaning Lamp ShadesA lint roller is an excellent tool for cleaning dust and lint from your fabric lampshades. This is a page about using a lint roller for cleaning lamp shades.
DIY Dry Laundry Soap for $20 a YearYou can save a lot of money by making your own laundry powder. This page contains a recipe for DIY dry laundry soap for $20 a year.
Removing Soot From Candle JarsSometimes candles can burn quite sooty. The black soot sticks to the inside of the candle jar, looking unattractive. This page contains ideas for removing soot from candle jars.
What Can I Use on Laminate Floors That Won't Streak?Laminate flooring is notorious for showing streaks after cleaning. This page offers some solutions for, "What can I use on laminate floors that won't streak?".
Use Dawn and Baking Soda to Clean a Smooth Top RangeA simple mix of Dawn dish soap and some baking soda can make an effective cleaner for many surfaces, even your smooth glass top range. This is a page about use dawn and baking soda to clean a smooth top range.
Using Baby Powder on Grease StainsThe crushed mineral talc in your baby powder may be effective in absorbing grease stains. This is a page about using baby powder on grease stains.
Mildew Smell on TowelsDamp towels can begin to grow mold and mildew resulting in a musty odor, even after washing. There are several products you can use in the wash to help eliminate the smell. This is a page about mildew smell on towels.
How to Avoid Pilling on Clothes and Sheets?Pilling on clothing and sheets can make them look unsightly and feel rough. This page has advice about how to avoid pilling on clothes and sheets.
Stain Remover for Tough Baby StainsStains on baby clothing can be really hard to remove without special treatment. This is a page about stain remover for tough baby stains.
Preventing Mold and Mildew on a Shower CurtainShower curtains are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. This is a page about preventing mold and mildew on a shower curtain.
Using Shampoo to Wash WoolCare for your wool items at home instead of paying for expensive dry cleaning. This is a page about using shampoo to wash wool.
Using Banana Peels for Shining ShoesBananas are not only a quick snack, they can also clean your shoes in a second. Learn how to use banana peels for cleaning shoes in this page.
Dawn and Peroxide Homemade Stain RemoverThese two ingredients combine to make a very effective stain remover. This is a page about Dawn and peroxide homemade stain remover.
Cleaning a Large Area RugThere are many methods for cleaning a large area rug, from steam cleaning, to power washing. Learn how to clean an area rug in this page.
Cleaning Buildup Off Hardwood FloorsCertain cleaning products can leave an unsightly buildup on your hardwood floors. This is a page about cleaning buildup off hardwood floors.
Using Vinegar as a Natural Odor EliminatorVinegar is a great odor eliminator, not only is it natural and non-toxic but it really works! Learn how to use vinegar as a natural odor eliminator in this page.
Cleaning Silver with MSGI once heard that monosodium glutamate (MSG) can be used to clean and shine any pure stainless metal, like gold and silver.