Vacuuming TipsHate to keep unplugging the vacuum cleaner as you go around the house? Add an extension cord. Also, spray some perfume on a tissue, tear it up and then vacuum it up it.
Baking Soda Paste for StainsThis works great! Make a paste of soda and a little water and apply to stains on clothing. Let sit for a while and launder as usual. Not good for all stains, but apply while the stain is fresh and it disappears like magic!
Washing Clothing With StainsMachine-wash your whites in cold water, using a detergent and washing soda mixture. Hot water sets the stains, instead of removing them.
Use Less Fabric SoftenerWhen using fabric softener in the wash, I use a fraction of the amount suggested on the packaging and add water to make up the difference. The wash comes out just as soft and nicely scented.
Frugal Liquid Fabric SoftenerIn a recent Reader's Request (one of our other newsletters) we published a reader's request for frugal fabric softener ideas. Below is one of the responses we received.
Borax for Cleaning SocksTip for cleaning socks with Borax. I learned a trick when parenting newborn twins. I use either cold or warm water in the washing machine.
A Bar of Soap for SocksI've used a bar of soap to wash my children's and grandchildren's socks for years and then throw in washer.
Save Your Paper TowelsI recently read a tip from a reader who rinsed out her paper towels to see if she could use them a little more before reaching for another towel. I believe I can do her one better. I save the old towels, washcloths, dishcloths, etc. that are too thin or ragged for their original use.
Use Saline Solution to Clean Contact LensI love the all in one solutions that clean and remove deposits on my contact lenses, but boy are they expensive! To save money I use plain saline solution to rinse my lenses after storing in the all-in-one solution.
Cleaning With Baking SodaBaking soda can clean just about anything around the house. It's great for the bathroom and kitchen and it's a lot less abrasive than commercial cleaning products. It's also nontoxic, enough so that it's found in many brands of tooth paste.
Washing Windows for LessWhen washing your windows mix equal parts vinegar and water to use as a cleaner and then use newspaper to dry. Cuts dirt on glass much easier and doesn't leave streak marks. Works inside or outside.
Cleaning Animal UrineUse vinegar and water to clean animal urine accidents from carpet. It will smell of vinegar only temporarily, but neutralize the pH level and discourage animals from having an accident there again.
Cleaning Your Pyrex PanDo you have crusted stuff you want off the bottom of a Pyrex pan? Just fill it halfway full of water, put in about 1/4 cup baking soda, let come to a boil on the stove. Turn it off, forget about it for about 2 hours. Go back, and voila, it's clean!
Removing Soap Build Up from LaundryFrom time-to-time it is a good idea to check and see how much soap is left in your clothes. You might be surprised!
Discarding Unneeded ItemsOnce a month go through all of your drawers and closets for discards. Put discards in a box for donation or to sell at a garage sale. If for a garage sale, make sure you price things as you pack them. It will make your sale much easier.
Keep a Rag Bag for CleaningWe have a "rag bag" by the laundry in the basement, full of cut up old socks, old towels, old flannel shirts, etc., which make great dusting and cleaning cloths. The rags get washed with the laundry after being used.
Getting Kids to Help With CleaningThis is a tip to get your kids to help with cleaning. Every evening, I set a timer for 10 minutes. Everyone in the house has to clean for the whole 10 minutes. It's amazing how much you really get done in that short amount of time!
Preventing Rust in Tool BoxPlace a piece of chalk in your tool box to prevent rust. It attracts moisture.
Save Energy and Money When Doing LaundryWhen washing, to save on electric and detergent, use 1/2 cold water and let clothes soak (reduce detergent and add baking soda). Do something else while they soak. They will come out just as clean.
Uses for Baking SodaPut baking soda in your kitchen sink, then add vinegar, after it stops fizzing it smells better. Also use baking soda to brush your teeth and under your arms for odor control.
Spots on CarpetHere's hint/tip on a homemade all-purpose carpet cleaning solution. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and water (half & half). Spray then lay down paper towels on the spot. It will help lift a lot of spills.
Cleaning Your Carpet During Mud SeasonTo clean mud from carpet easier, let it dry then scrape what you can up with a brush, and vacuum.
Removing Seafood OdorsTo remove seafood odor from your hands after dealing with boiled shrimp, crab, fish, etc., simply sprinkle salt onto wet hands, rub and rinse. No more odors.
Vanilla Balls to Freshen FridgeTo get rid of nasty smells in the fridge or freezer, dirty ashtrays, and musty closets, and/or smoky cars or trucks, soak a cotton ball with vanilla and let sit over night. This really works.
Cleaning Your Sink But Allergic to Cleaning ProductsIf you are allergic to cleaning products, use baking soda to clean your sinks with. It works great!
Cleaning Brass with KoolAid!Today on the Happy Garden list, one of our list members,
Nanette, mentioned a way to polish brass she learned from
her husband. Soak them in KoolAid. She tried it and it
worked like a charm.
Removing Smells from CoolersCrumpled up newspapers placed inside of musty smelling coolers will remove the smell.
Saving Water: Hand Dishwashing TipHere's a water saving idea I have used over the years. Rather than filling the sink to the top with water, put in only a couple inches of water, and then rinse your dishes with a small stream of hot water, over your sink of suds.
Fighting Mildew with BleachFighting mildew? Bleach and water! Just put it in a spray bottle. We recently had a severe mildew problem on all of our walls and windows. A spray bottle with a little bit of bleach and lots of water did the trick and got in those tough corners, too.
By Mara
Rooting Outdoor Bushes or ShrubsPull the branches down away from the bush so they will lay on the ground. Do not cut but scrape away the bark where it touches the ground.
Cleaning Tools to Keep by the SinkThe following "tools" I keep at or near my sink and use regularly: toothbrush (old) - for extra scrubbing in hard to reach places.
Bibs for Protecting ClothesMy husband is so smart. After hearing me complain about how our 9 and 12 year old boys are constantly getting food stains on their clothing during meal times, he really came up with a brilliant idea. He made several sets of napkin/bib clips just like the dentist uses.
Polishing Counter TopsSeveral weeks ago, I posted asking for help with restoring the shine to my counter tops. I took the advice of a respondent and used auto compound. I used a product with light grit and they turned out beautiful.
Cleaning Fiberglass TubsMy fiberglass bathtub has a nonskid bottom that is terribly difficult to get clean. I have found that the best thing is to scrub it with baking soda. It also seems to stay clean for a long time after I do this.
Kitchen CabinetsIf you leave the cabinet doors open when you wash dishes, etc. you won't be dripping water on the cabinets below. No matter how careful you are, water drips happen and it affects the cabinet finish.
Newspaper for Refrigerator OdorsFree your refrigerator from odors by placing a folded section of your newspaper on a shelf for five minutes. The newspaper absorbs all the odors and doesn't cost anything.
Stretch Dishwashing LiquidWhen you buy dish washing liquid, pour half in an empty bottle you've saved, and fill each bottle with warm water. Turn upside down a few times to mix. Works just as well and you get double for your money.
Keeping Bowls Upside Down in DishwasherIn the top section of our dishwasher we were having trouble with the plastic bowls turning right side up and filling with dish water.
Stove Drip Pan TipSprinkle baking soda under your stove's drip pans to easily clean up any messy spills.
Perspiration Stains on Dark ClothingDo your darker clothes have perspiration stain marks on them? To remove them add 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water, soak offending garment for half an hour and then either wash or rinse as usual - the stains magically disappear!
Wrinkle-Free Clothes!I have found that when clothes are wrinkled from sitting in the dryer too long, that if I put them in a damp towel and run the load for five minutes all wrinkles will disappear.
Save Money on Dry CleaningHere are some tips for saving money on dry cleaning.
Sprinkle Salt on "Out of Control" BubblesHave you or your kids ever added too much laundry detergent to
your washing machine, and found that the bubbles were beginning
to overflow?
Getting Tar Off a Vinyl FloorThe problem I had is someone tracked tar onto your vinyl floor. The solution was to rub some butter or margarine on the tar, then wipe it up with a dry cloth.
Characteristics of AluminumAluminum is a light-weight metal with a bright silvery luster. Small amounts of other metals are added to aluminum to make harder alloys for most uses. Its affinity for oxygen makes it resistant to corrosion and attack by most chemicals.
Freeze Stains with HairsprayCarry a travel-size can of hair spray in your purse. It doesn't take up much room. If you accidentally stain your clothes with an ink pen, wine, lipstick or practically anything, spray the stain with the hairspray.
Clean Windows with Windshield WashI clean my windows and mirrors with cheap windshield wash. It is about $1.00 for a gallon and I use it full strength.
Cleaning Spills on Flat Top StoveWhen cleaning a very bad spill (from boiled over sugar to spilled baked beans) off of a flat top stove do not invest in the very expensive cleaners made for these stoves, they do not work. Spray on a little oven cleaner, turn on the burner for a few seconds, let cool and then wipe clean.
By Traci in Indiana
Keep a Spray Bottle of Vinegar and Water HandyI keep a spray bottle filled with vinegar and water. I use it after I take a shower by spraying the shower down. I also use it to clean up throughout the house. Sometimes on walls or baseboards, on counters, sinks, and bathroom sinks as well.
Homemade Marble Stain RemoverThis will work on many stains.
Inexpensive Rinse AgentDon't waste money on expensive rinse agents for the dishwasher. Just fill the reservoir with plain old vinegar for spot-free dishes!
Put Cornmeal on Carpet StainsIf you spill coffee or tea on carpet or upholstery, immediately sprinkle corn meal on the spot, making it twice as large as the original stain. Do NOT vacuum up the corn meal until the next day when the spot has totally dried.
Remove Soap Scum from Fiberglass FixturesTo remove soap scum from your fiberglass fixtures, apply a paste of baking soda to the entire surface. Allow it sit for several hours before rinsing.
By Billie Joiner
Keep Baby Wipes Handy in Your CarI keep a container of baby wipes in the car for quick cleanups -- the dust that accumulates on the dash board, spilled juice, muddy puppy paws. Saves on time and stress (from constantly looking at a dirty car interior). - Marcia Passos Duffy
For Really Greasy DishesPut a 1/4 cup of vinegar in your dishwater or a 1/2 cup of vinegar in your dishwasher when you have really greasy dishes. Vinegar cuts through the grease.
Use Oven Cleaner to Remove Lawn Service Chemicals from WindowsWe recently were cleaning our windows and found that chemicals from the lawn service were on some of the windows and would not budge with normal cleaners.
Oven cleaner sprayed on did the trick and we now have nice clean windows.
Color-Matching NylonsGood nylons that don't have a match can be made the same color by boiling them a few minutes in a pan of lightly salted water.
Make Your Own Laundry Soap With Dish SoapI use Ajax, Dawn or Joy dish soap to wash my clothes. It's cheaper than Tide. Mix it 7 to 1 (Water to dish soap) in your empty laundry detergent bottle.
Vinegar for OdorsThe cheapest way to remove odors from a room is to place cups of white vinegar in the room. It works 24/7 and all you have to do is refill when it evaporates. I use old candle jars that have been used up so that it does not interfere with the decor of each room.
Warning About Fabric Softener BallsI have used a softener ball for about 1 year but I have come to find out the ball has been slowly chipping the porcelain tub causing rust stains on white/light colors.
Yellow Creases on Stored DressesDid you ever put clothing items away i.e., like an heirloom wedding dress or a christening outfit only to find out that the creases had turned a bit yellow? Well I have a solution for you but only if you can be real patient.
Starching Dark ClothingWhen starching dark clothing, starch the inside instead of the visible side of the clothing. This will prevent any streaking that may occur from being visible.
Whiter Whites with Borax RinseAdd a teaspoon of Borax to the final rinse when washing white clothing. Make sure the Borax doesn't have any clumps in it so that it will dissolve quickly.
Use That Bucket of Soapy WaterAfter you've hand-washed your vehicle, don't pour out the bucket of soapy water solution just yet-there's still a lot of cleaning power in those suds; pour it on dirty spots on your patio, carport/gargage floor, picnic table, you-name-it! Scrub the dirty spots with a stiff broom, then rinse with clean water. Voila! You've gotten double duty from your bucket of detergent!
By Becky
Soaking Pans With Cold WaterIf your in the habit of "soaking" cooked on food in your pots or bowls, in "hot water"! Stop immediately! Never, never use "hot" water! The food thinks it is still cooking and will just about stay "stuck on".
Dusting Hardwood FloorsIf you have hardwood floors and dogs, it is difficult to contain all the dust and dog hair, so what I do is take a dust sweeper (less than $3.00 vs. the disposable brand names) and open a window and have a fan blowing out.
Dish Soap and Boiling Water for Pans If you are having trouble getting off tough, dry, crusty food stains off of pots and pans, I have an easy, quick solution for you! Take the troublesome pot/pan and fill it with hot water.
Keep Your Shower Curtain Clear!I found that if I spray the plastic shower curtain liner about once a week with a tub and tile foam cleaner, it will look almost new. I use the Dow Scrubbing Bubbles - just spray on the inside of the shower liner, wait a couple of minutes and wipe off with a sponge or spray with the shower head.
By Melna
Wax Your Dust PanPut a coat off wax on your dust pan. The dirt, dust and dust bunnies will slide off more easily.
Keep an Empty Bag in the Bottom of the Waste BasketAfter unloading groceries, I put the empty bags in the bottom of the wastebaskets all over the house. When I throw one out that is full, an empty one is right where I need it.
Folding TowelsWhen folding towels, fold long-ways first. That way, when you hang them on the rack, you don't have to unfold them completely to hang them up!
By Becki in Indiana
Skin-So-Soft on Shower DoorsI use Avon's skin-so-soft in a spray bottle on my glass shower doors. Spray on doors and wipe off with a paper towel, your doors will be clean and the bathroom will have that fresh scent of skin-so-soft, repeat about once a week.
By Donna
Use Alcohol to Remove Pen Ink in DryerTo remove ink use rubbing alcohol. Put some rubbing alcohol into a small cup. Using an old toothbrush dipped in the alcohol, gently scrub at the ink. Once you have remove the ink, wipe up any excess alcohol.
Tell the Dry Cleaner Everything About Spots on ClothingIt is costly to ruin an expensive piece of clothing by cleaning it improperly. If you have tried to remove a spot before taking the garment to a dry cleaner, make sure you let the cleaners know what you have already tried.
Follow Care Instructions on ClothingBecause of the different finishes and dyes used by clothing manufacturers, it is difficult to generalize about which fabrics can be hand washed. Follow the manufacturers instructions.
Reduce Dishwashing Water Use with Three Sinks or TubsDishwashers use from 9 to 16 gallons of (very) hot water. You can wash your dishes using three sinks/tubs and 3 to 5 gallons of water.
Hypoallergenic Garni Bag Air FreshenerI am allergic to a lot, and with my pregnancy, smells drive me crazy, even ones that make life a bit more pleasant, like air fresheners in cars. I don't normally smell them but they are needed due to occasional trips with the dog.
Window Cleaner for Sprucing up the Bathroom Faucets and MirrorsKeep window cleaner and paper towels in each bathroom so you can give the faucets, mirrors, and porcelain a quick wipe whenever the mood strikes you., which may not be often, but at least you'll be prepared!
Cleaning Glass for LessUse regular rubbing alcohol. Just a couple drops on a cotton ball, paper towel, or rag will clean any glass squeaky clean with no streaks for less than pennies per use.
Store Cleaning Supplies on Each FloorIf you live in a multi-story house, make sure you have the appropriate cleaning supplies on each floor, so there's less need to run up and down stairs to grab something you forgot.
Wipe Off Tea Kettle When HotWipe your stainless tea kettle shortly after it has boiled. It's easier to wipe kitchen grease off it while it's still hot. Just be careful not to burn yourself.
Use Goof Off to Remove Ink from DryerTry using a product called Goof Off available at home improvement stores. It has removed ink from my dryer several times.
Cleaning Cookware With Oven CleanerTry using an oven cleaner on cooked-on, burnt messes in the bottom of stainless cookware. It works better than scrubbing with SOS pads!
Shower MaintenanceWipe down your shower each time with a chamois cloth and you will have a sparkling shower every time. Only a gentle cleaning is then necessary once a week if you do this.
Donna
Saving Soap PadsYou can store your used soap filled steel wool pads in the freezer to prevent them from rusting. Rinse them, then squeeze out excessive water, and place in small leak proof plastic bag. When it's time to use, wet it. It will thaw out in a short amount of time.
Naval Jelly for Rust StainsTo get rust stains out of sinks and around drains, use NAVAL Jelly, which can be found in the automotive section.
Homemade Steamcleaner Solution for Oil StainsMy husband is a mechanic and sometimes he tracks oil into the house, forgetting to remove his shoes. I have found that degreaser (like Havoline) at Walmart or the dollar store works on carpets. I add a capful of it to very hot water in the well, then I add 1/2 cup of Pine-sol.
Cleaning and Polishing CopperTo polish up copper pots and statues I use lemon and salt. Take the lemon (cut in half) and sprinkle salt on to it. Scrub the bottoms of your pans and they will be like new afterwards.
Battery Operated Toothbrush for StainsWhen trying to remove a stain from clothing, use an old battery operated toothbrush to work the pretreatment into the fabric. If the stain is small, you can dip the toothbrush in the pretreatment solution and keep your hands clean.
Rinsing out the Dish Detergent Bottle Cleans My SinkThe place that accepts my recyclables also requests that we rinse plastic out. One day, when I was rinsing out a bottle of automatic dish detergent, I noticed that as I began to rinse the water and soap residue out of the bottle, my stainless steel kitchen sink began to look freshly cleaned, and it left a fresh scent, too.
Handwashing a Wool SweatersIf you don't have any Woolite handy or would like a cheaper alternative, try this.
Avoiding IroningThis tip may not save a lot of money, but it definitely saves time. Ever have a dryer full of clothes that you didn't get hung up or folded right away?
Freshen PotpourriTo freshen potpourri that I keep in a dish in the bathroom, I just spray it with Fabric Refresher and it keeps the room smelling fresh.
Let Your Blender Clean ItselfWashing my blender used to be a dreaded task. Not any longer! Now, I squeeze a little dish soap and warm water in the blender and let it run until it's clean. Then rinse and let dry.
By M. Day, Ohio
Alternative to Cascade Plastic BoosterI really like using Cascade Plastic Booster in my dishwasher. It does an excellent job at removing red stains like tomato sauce. I was wondering if any one had any ideas for a homeade version?
Removing Skunk Smell from ClothingThere is nothing worse than smelling like a skunk. To remove the smell, soak you clothing in baking soda and water or vinegar and water. Use a half cup of vinegar or baking soda for each gallon of water. Let soak for several hours before washing as you normally would.
Clean Grill Rack and Oven While You SleepLay a barbecue grill rack on the lawn overnight--the dew will combine with the enzymes in the grass to loosen any burned-on grease. Try it with messy oven racks, too.
Homemade Dry Carpet CleanerI have found that by mixing a ratio of 5 lbs white cornmeal and 2 lbs of cornstarch together will make a very nice carpet cleaner. I sprinkle it on using my small mesh strainer and scrub it in with a long handled brush.
Freshening Your Old RefrigeratorWhen refrigerators get old or have been in storage for a long time they can take on a stale odor, making it a less than appealing place to store your food. Often what happens is mold grows and creates the bad odors. Use the following recipe to help remove the mold and the odor.
Line Dry for Longer Lasting ClothingI very rarely dry my cotton clothes, (jeans, t shirts, or any other non-permanent press items) in my dryer. I hang them on the line, and find that they last much longer that way. I have t-shirts that are ten years old and still look new.
Dawn Power Dissolver for Colored StainsTo get those horrible red koolaide, ketchup or any color stain out of your white countertop - spray on Dawn Power Dissolver - let sit a few minutes, if stubborn use Dawns twirling dish brush and wash up. That easy. It has been wonderful find. Love Dawn.
By Prov31Wise
Prevent Grease From Building Up In Your OvenYou can prevent major over cleaning by periodically wiping the inside of your oven down with straight white vinegar and removing any debris. Then you don't have to introduce nasty commercial oven cleaners or homemade oven cleaners (like ammonia) into your house.
