Tips About Cleanups,This and That
Tips Page 2

Fabric colors hold fast in salty water wash.

Soak your clothes line in salt water to prevent your clothes from freezing to the line;
likewise, use salt in your final rinse to prevent the clothes from freezing.

Rub any wicker furniture you may have with salt water to prevent yellowing.

Freshen sponges by soaking them in salt water.

Use equal parts of salt and soda for brushing your teeth.

Sprinkle salt in your oven before scrubbing clean.

Soak enamel pans in salt water overnight and boil salt water in them next day to
remove burned-on stains.

Soak stained hankies in salt water before washing.

Sprinkle salt on your shelves to keep ants away.

To fill plaster holes in your walls, use equal parts of salt and starch, with just enough
water to make a stiff putty.

Mildly salted water makes an effective mouthwash. Use it hot for a sore throat gargle.

Dry salt sprinkled on your toothbrush makes a good tooth polisher.

Use a mixture of salt and lemon juice to clean piano keys.

Pour a mound of salt on an ink spot on your carpet; let the salt soak up the stain.
Clean greasy pans with a paper towel and salt.

Mix salt with turpentine to whiten you bathtub and toilet bowl.

Use salt for killing weeds in your lawn.

Eliminate excess suds with a sprinkle of salt.

Before using new glasses, soak them in warm salty water for awhile.

Boil clothespins in salt water before using them and they will last longer.

Soaked discolored glass in a salt and vinegar solution to remove stains.

 A tiny pinch of salt with egg whites makes them beat up fluffier.

Soak wrinkled apples in a mildly salted water solution to perk them up.

Remove offensive odors from stove with salt and cinnamon.

Soak toothbrushes in salt water before you first use them; they will last longer.

Use salt to clean your discolored coffee pot.

Sprinkle salt between sidewalk bricks where you don't want grass growing.

To remove grease stains in clothing, mix one part salt to four parts alcohol.

Salt and lemon juice removes mildew.

Salty water boils faster when cooking eggs.

Sprinkle salt in milk-scorched pans to remove odor.

Polish your old kerosene lamp with salt for a brighter look.

Remove odors from sink drainpipes with a strong, hot solution of salt water.

If a pie bubbles over in your oven, put a handful of salt on top of the spilled juice. The
mess won't smell and will bake into a dry, light crust which will wipe off easily when
the oven has cooled.

Boil mismatched hose in salty water and they will come out matched.

Salt and soda will sweeten the odor of your refrigerator.

Cover wine-stained fabric with salt; rinse in cool water later.

Eliminate Static Electricity from Tv--Since Bounce® is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television (or computer) screen with a used sheet of Bounce® to keep dust from resettling.
 

Dissolve Soap Scum from Shower Doors--Clean with a used sheet of Bounce®.

Freshen Air In Home--Place and individual sheet of Bounce® in a drawer or hang one in the closet.

Prevent Thread from Tangling--Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce® to eliminate the static cling on the thread before sewing.
 

Eliminate Cling to Pantyhouse--Rub a damp, used sheet of Bounce® over the hose.
 

Prevent Musty Suitcase--Place an individual sheet of Bounce® inside empty luggage before storing.
 

Freshen Air in Car--Place a sheet of Bounce® under the front seat.
 

Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sand papering.A used sheet of Bounce®will collect sawdust like a tack cloth.

Eliminate Odors using Bounce®--Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper.

Deodorize shoes or sneakers by placing sheets of Bounce® in them.

Sheet Shortcuts--Make changing the sheets a breeze, after washing, fold all the clean sheets and pillowcases that are part of a set into a pillowcase. You'll only have to grab one item when going to make the bed and everything will match.Slip a Bounce® sheet into the package.Smell so good!!!!!
Note:I've done this for years and believe me,it is a step saver.
 

Eliminate Odors in Wastebaskets--Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket.
 

Collect Cat Hair--Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce® will magnetically attract all the loose hairs.

Eliminate Dust from Venetian Blinds--Wipe the blinds with a sheet of Bounce® to prevent dust from resettling.

*(Bounce is a registered trademark ©1999 Procter and Gamble

*freshen guest rooms, bedding and towels without rewashing everything by spraying Bounce Fabric Refresher the day before your guests arrive

*save money by spraying your carpets and rugs instead of buying a carpet steamer

*refresh your bathmats instead of throwing them in the wash  spray your dirty laundry so that it smells fresh sitting in your closet

*spray your garbage cans to eliminate odors

*avoid costly curtain and drape cleanings by spraying with Bounce Fabric Refresher

*spraying your pets' bedding and toys will not only eliminate odors but freshen them too

*offer the best for your baby - spray the diaper bin and his/her carpet for freshness

*save money by freshening your upholstery and furniture with Bounce Fabric Refresher instead of paying for a cleaner

*avoid that musty basement smell by spraying Bounce Fabric Refresher around once a week or once a month

*get rid of that stale smell in your car with a quick spray of Bounce Fabric Refresher

* keep your lingerie smelling fresh and clean

*spray your home before people come over for a clean, fresh scent

*spray your clothes before you go out so you smell like your clothes came right out of the dryer

*spray your apron to get that greasy cooking smell out without washing every day

*spray your off-season clothes to keep them smelling fresh, and spray your winter coats when it starts getting cold... it'll feel like you're wearing new clothes!

General Kitchen   Cleaning and Tips

Hate cleaning your grater? Before using, rub on a little salad oil and it won't hang onto all those little bits and pieces so easily.

Or, use an old toothbrush to get out that cheese or lemon rind or whatever you grated.
 
 

1. Kill grass on walks and driveways.

2 .Kill weeds. Spray full strength on growth until plants have starved.

3. Increase soil acidity. In hard water: one gallon of tap water for
watering rhododendrons, gardenias, or azaleas.

4. Deter ants. Spray vinegar around doors, appliances, and along other areas where ants are known.

5. Polish car chrome. Apply full strength.

6 .Remove skunk odor from a dog. Rub fur with full strength vinegar; rinse.

7. Keep cats away. Sprinkle vinegar on areas you don't want the cat walking,sleeping, or scratching on.

8 .Keep dogs from scratching his ears. Use a clean, soft cloth dipped in diluted vinegar.

9. Keep chickens from pecking each other. Put a little in their drinking water.

10. Tenderize meat. Soak in vinegar over night.

11. Freshen vegetables. Soak wilted vegetables in 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of vinegar.

12. Boil better eggs. Add 2 tablespoons water before boiling eggs. Keeps them from cracking.

13 .Soothe a bee or jellyfish sting. Dot the irritation with vinegar and relieve itching.

14. Relieve sunburn. Lightly rub white vinegar; you may have to reapply.

15. Condition hair. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to dissolve sticky residue left by shampoo.

16. Relieve dry and itchy skin. Add 2 tablespoons to bath water.

17. Fight dandruff. After shampooing, rinse with vinegar and 2 cups of warm water.

18 .Soothe a sore throat. Put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, then swallow.

19 .Treat sinus infections and chest colds. Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer.

20. Feel good. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, with a bit of honey added for flavor, will take the edge off your appetite and give you an overall healthy feeling.

21. Deodorize the kitchen drain. Pour a cup down the drain once a week.

Let stand 30 minutes and then flush with cold water.

22. Eliminate onion odor. Rub on your fingers before and after slicing.

23 .Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards. Wipe with full strength vinegar.

24. Remove fruit stains from hands. Rub with vinegar.

25. Cut grease and odor on dishes. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to hot soapy  water.

26. Clean a teapot. Boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the teapot. Wipe away the grime.

27. Freshen a lunchbox. Soak a piece of bread in vinegar and let it sit in the lunchbox over night.

28. Clean the refrigerator. Wash with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.

29. Unclog a drain. Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain and add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Rinse with hot water.

30. Clean and deodorize the garbage disposal. Make vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold water through.

31. Clean and deodorize jars. Rinse mayonnaise, peanut butter, and mustard jars with vinegar when empty.

32. Clean the dishwasher. Run a cup of vinegar through the whole cycle once a month to reduce soap build up on the inner mechanisms and on glassware.

33. Clean stainless steel. Wipe with a vinegar dampened cloth.

34 .Clean china and fine glassware. Add a cup of vinegar to a sink of warm water. Gently dip the glass or china in the solution and let dry.

35. Get stains out of pots. Fill pot with a solution of 3 tablespoons of vinegar to a pint of water. Boil until stain loosens and can be washed away.

36 .Clean the microwave. Boil a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave. Will loosen splattered on food and deodorize.

37 .Dissolve rust from bolts and other metals. Soak in full strength vinegar.

38. Get rid of cooking smells. Let simmer a small pot of vinegar and water solution.

39. Unclog steam iron. Pour equal amounts of vinegar and water into the iron's water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron on for 5 minutes in an upright position. Then unplug and allow to cool. Any loose particles should come out when you empty the water.

40. Clean a scorched iron plate. Heat equal parts vinegar and salt in a small  pan. Rub solution on the cooled iron surface to remove dark or burned stains.

41. Get rid of lint in clothes. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

42. Keep colors from running. Immerse clothes in full strength vinegar before washing.

43. Freshen up the washing machine. Periodically, pour a cup of vinegar in the machine and let in run through a regular cycle (no clothes added). Will dissolve soap residue.

44. Brighten fabric colors. Add a 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.

45. Take grease off suede. Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over grease spot.

46. Remove tough stains. Gently rub on fruit, jam, mustard, coffee, tea. Then wash as usual.

47. Get smoke smell out of clothes. Add a cup of vinegar to a bath tub of hot water. Hang clothes above the steam.

48. Remove decals. Brush with a couple coats of vinegar. Allow to soak in. Wash off.

49. Clean eyeglasses. Wipe each lens with a drop of vinegar.

50. Freshen cut flowers. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.

*To clean burned and scorched pans, sprinkle liberally with baking soda, adding just enough water to moisten. Let stand for several hours. You can usually lift the burned portions right out of the pans.

*On non-stick cookware, stubborn stains can be removed by boiling 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1/2 cup vinegar, and 1 cup of water for ten minutes. Before using, season pan with salad oil.

We all know the many uses of baking soda but one little trick I discovered years ago has saved a lot of headaches. I had a soup pot that stuck every time I mad soup or chili. Even after soaking for hours, there was always a big spot that wouldn't come off. I placed the pot with a small amount of water in it on the stove, brought it to a boil and put in a liberal amount of baking soda. Turn off heat and let stand a little while. It works overtime.

Tea Stains

To remove tea stains from cups or counters, rub with baking soda paste. For stubborn stains, rub a drop of chlorine bleach into the affected area until the stain disappears,then wash immediately with hot soapy water to prevent fading, and rinse well.
 

Eggs, dough, sauces and puddings are more easily cleaned from pots and pans if soaked in Cold water first--not Hot.
 

*Stained nonstick Cookware--

Always add 1/2 cup soda to your washing machine load.

Clean combs and brushes in a soda solution.

Wash out thermos bottles and cooling containers with soda and water to get rid of stale smells.

Give baby bottles a good cleaning with soda and hot water.

Reduce odor build-up in your dishwasher by sprinkling some soda on the bottom.

Run your dishwasher through its cycle with soda in it instead of soap to give it a good cleaning.

For a badly-burned pan with a thick layer of burned-on food: pour a thick layer of soda directly onto the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle on just enough water so as to moisten the soda. Leave the pot overnight,then scrub it clean next day. (This is a lifesaver).

Rub stainless steel and chrome with a moist cloth and dry baking soda to shine it up. Rinse and dry. On stainless steel, scrub in the direction of the grain.

Putting 2 tbs. of baking soda in your baby's bath water will help relieve diaper rash irritations.

Apply soda directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort. Make a paste with water.

Used as a mouthwash, baking soda will also relieve canker sore pain.

If your baby spits up on his shirt after feeding, moisten a cloth, dip it in baking soda and dab at the dribbled shirt. Tho odor will go away. ( I recently taught this trick to my young niece who is a new mother.)

Add to water to soak dried beans to make them more digestible.

Add to water to remove the "gamey" taste from wild game.

Use to sweeten sour dishcloths.

Keep a container of baking soda in your garage as well as in your car to put out a fire. It won't damage anything it touches.

Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs.

BONEHEAD AWARD:

Mom never cooked with anything cast iron, and I share that love.My kitchen wall is full of every shape cast-iron skillet I've been able to track down over the years. They are truly wonderful to cook in but must be taken care of properly.
Well, one day they needed seasoning and being out of lard, I decided to do what I'd heard on a cooking show-use vegetable oil. By the time they came out of the oven, the sticky film that encrusted them was so bad it took days to get it off. I was in doubt if they would ever be useful. I'd still like to find that so-called expert and take 'em  to the woodshed for a little "discussion".

*TO SEASON A CAST IRON SKILLET:  Not taking any chances even on solid vegetable shortening as I've read can be used, I still adhere to lard. Plain, simple, ever enduring lard. You can buy a tiny little box in all stores.

If you have any bacon grease or lard, coat the cast iron pot or skillet and place in oven for 15 minutes. Take out and pour off any excess grease. Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 2 hours.You would do well to go through this procedure several times because it will result in better seasoning.

If you're able to, why not cook foods high in fat, such as bacon, and this will provide additional seasoning.

If your pan just needs re-seasoning:Clean the pan thoroughly with hot water and a scouring pad. Dry the pan on a low burner and follow the instructions above.
Mom never trusted just wiping the pan dry. To this day, after washing a cast-iron skillet, I immediately dry it on the stove burner.Never let cast-iron anything soak in a pan of water.
 

*Removing Iron Taste From Skillets

Recipe By  Earl Proulx, Yankee Magazine----
New cast iron skillets sometimes have an iron taste. Fill the skillets
with water and boil a handful of hay in each one. You can use this hay water to sweeten wood and tin dishes, too.
 

I've checked out this site and they offer a good variety and good prices on castiron skillets,etc.I can't imagine not cooking in castiron.
U. G. WHITE HARDWARE

In the old days, there was a cornbread skillet and an egg skillet. That's all they were ever used for and you were in a lot of trouble if you mixed them up. You'll have to admit there's nothing any worse than trying to turn out a pan of cornbread and half of it stays in the skillet. Sound familiar?

September 5,1998 Update:  Well,one of my Kentucky neighbors thinks I've gone citified.Debbie writes:

When I read on your page about cast iron skillets......I was shocked!!!!!
You actually put 'iron' on the page. Now, back in Kentucky they were known as cast 'arn' skillets. Of course, "arnin''' was what you did after you took the laundry off the line.

You're consarned right,Debbie.(Don't you just love it?)Go to my Terms2 page and see all the good reminders she sent me.This here lady is keepin' me on my toes.

Clean the outside of the pan with commercial oven cleaner. Let set for 2 hours and the accumulated black stains can be removed with vinegar and water.

After cleaning the pan, take a piece of waxed paper and while skillets is still warm, wipe around the inside to prevent rusting.

Or rub a tiny amount of lard on the inside of the pan to keep seasoned.

DID YOU KNOW? Cooking in cast iron definitely boosts iron intake.Soup simmered for a few hours in an iron pot has almost thirty times more iron than soup cooked in another pan. (bet you thought we'uns just couldn't afford them newfangled skillets,now didn't you?)
 

Wash with boiling water and a brush, do not use soap, as it will remove the seasoning.

Dry castiron skillets  on the stove with the burner turned up HIGH (you want to dry it completely, as fast as possible) .

If you use the skillet to fry bacon, chicken, so on, you may be able to just wipe out most of the residual cooking grease and put it away with a thin film of the oil still on it. (This is how our grandmas and mothers did it.

High acid foods like tomato sauce will erode the oil (especially if you let the pan set awhile), so just plan on a touch-up after rinsing it.

For really sticky things like  pancake batter or breaded fish  use plain
table salt as an abrasive. Pour a small handful in the damp pan and scrub it well with a wet rag. Be prepared to throw away the rag since the stains more than likely won't come out.(I cut up old towels for such chores.)Again, plan on re-seasoning the pan.
 

If you have rusty knives,stick them in a cut onion and leave them there for 30 minutes.Wash and polish.Wipe them lightly with a light coating of vegetable oil to keep the rust from forming again.
 

*Copper Pots:
Fill a spray bottle  with vinegar and add 3 tablespoons of salt. Spray solution liberally on copper pot, let set a while, then simply rub clean.

Dip lemon halves in salt and rub.

Or, rub with Worcestershire sauce or catsup. The tarnish will disappear.
 

*Best way to clean a wok is to sprinkle it with salt and scrub with a dry paper towel.Water shouldn't be used ever or it will definitely rust.Just ask me about the one I pulled out of my cabinet the other day.Whew!
 

*Shake,rattle and roll:
Always place a jar lid or marbles in the bottom part of your double boiler. The rattling sound will signal if the water has boiled away.

In your cabinet,keep a little bottle of salt and cinnamon mixed.The next time you have a spill in the oven that makes your kitchen smell like a forest fire,sprinkle it liberally with this combination.When the oven cools,the entire glob should be able to be lifted out in one piece with a spatula.At least the kitchen will smell better.

*Clean your microwave by adding the juice of one lemon to a cup of water. Put into a microwave able bowl and heat to boiling for one minute. Let this stand in the microwave for a few minutes before you open the door. Then the hardened particles should be soft enough to wipe clean easily.

*Tea Kettle--To remove lime deposits, fill with equal parts of vinegar and water.Bring to a boil and allow to stand overnight.
 

*No,no,no--don't do it:

Coffee grounds in the drain are a big boo-boo.(And don't ask me how I know this.It's embarassin'.One plumber used to send me a Christmas card 'cause I was such a good customer.)

Glassware

If you must dry the glassware, use 2 day or older newspaper. You do not want to use new newspaper, as the ink will not be dry.

The best way to pack glassware for a move is to wrap wet newspaper around the glassware and let it dry. It will act like a cast around the glass.

If you want to remove price tags from glass jars or bottles, put some oil on them and leave it overnight.
 

*Tired of buying eyeglass lens cleaner? Try the following. Use a recyclable spray bottle that holds 1/2 cup liquid. Boil 1/2 cup water and let it sit to cool. Pour into spray bottle. Add 1 teaspoon white vinegar and a wee drop of liquid dish  detergent. Shake gently before using. Works like a charm on lenses, computer and television screens, mirrors, picture glass .

Appliances

•  Instead of using commercial waxes, shine with rubbing alcohol.(Wild Turkey is not rubbin' alcohol so knock it off-my critters will git you)
• Use full strength white vinegar to cut the dulling film on appliances.The smell evaporates quickly.
• Club soda cleans and polishes at the same time and is great for stainless steel sink.
• To rid yellowing from white appliances, try this: Mix together 1/2 cup bleach, 1/4 cup baking soda and 4 cups of warm water. Apply with a sponge and let set for 10 minutes. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

 
• For quick clean-ups, clean with equal parts of water and household ammonia.

    Stoves

An inexpensive oven cleaner: Set oven on warm for about 2 minutes, then turn off. Place a small dish of full-strength ammonia on the top shelf. Put a large pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf and let it sit overnight. In the morning, open and air for a while before washing off with soap and water. Even the hard baked-on grease will wash off easily.
 

*Broiler Pans
Sprinkle the hot pan heavily with dry laundry detergent. Cover with a dampened paper towel and let the burned food set for a while. The pan should require little scouring.
 
 

Refrigerators

Seasonal fresh fruit bringing fruit flies? Set vinegar out in a jar, they can't resist drowning in it!
 

To prevent mildew from forming, wipe with vinegar. The acid effectively kills the mildew fungus.
 

Pull the refrigerator/freezer out three to four times a year to clean underneath.

Use your vacuum on the front of the coils and motor to remove dust and dirt.

Keeping the coils clean will make your refrigerator last longer and work better. Don't forget to unplug the refrigerator while doing this.
 

While cleaning, don't forget the door gaskets. This will make them last longer, but only clean with baking soda. Harsh detergents or bleach will deteriorate them.
 

When you go away on vacation is to place a baggie with a few ice cubes in the freezer. If a power failure occurs while you are gone and the food thaws and then refreezes,you will know about it when you get home.

Sinks

To remove water spots from a stainless steel sink, use a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Spots on stainless steel also can be removed with white vinegar.
 

If your kids leave toothpaste in sinks, take a washcloth and clean the sink and fixture with the paste.
 

Rub stainless steel sinks with lighter fluid if rust marks appear. After the rust disappears, wipe with your regular kitchen cleaner.
 

For a sparkling white sink, place paper towels across the bottom of your sink and saturate with household bleach. Let sit for ½ hour. Rinse. Never use bleach in colored porcelain sinks, because it will fade the color. Clean with mild liquid detergents, vinegar, or baking soda.
 

Clean your bath tub or bathroom sink and tiles with half a lemon dipped in some salt. It gets shiningly clean and is kind to the environment as well.

Dish Care

To clean your dishwasher, run a cup of white vinegar through the entire cycle of the empty dishwasher to remove all soap film.

Grind orange rinds or a half lemon in the disposal to remove unpleasant odors.
 

Never put celery or other stringy matter in the disposal.(Do not ask me how I know this--cough,cough)
 

If the disposal does not seem to want to turn on, shut-off the switch, and look at the bottom of the disposal for a reset button. Never put your hand into the disposal without disconnecting the electricity to it.(That sounds like a no-brainer but you have to put warnin's on everythin' now.)

Bathrooms

Apply baking soda dry or as a thick paste, rub vigorously with a wet sponge, then rinse.

*Pour a can of Coca-Cola® into the toilet bowl. Let the cola set for one hour, then brush and flush clean. The citric acid in Coke® removes stains from vitreous china, according to household hints columnist
Heloise.
 

*Toilet Bowl Cleaner--

Pour 1/4 cup full strength chlorine bleach OR 1/2 cup full strength ammonia into bowl. DO NOT USE BOTH. Swish with a bowl brush and flush.
 

*Don't Get all Choked up--
When a drain is clogged with grease, pour a cup of salt and a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a kettle of boiling water. The grease will usually dissolve immediately and open the drain.
 

If your bathtub is draining slowly and it isn't a pound of hair stuck in there, try pouring a large pan of boiling water, maybe two, down the drain. Once upon a time, I spent about $30.00 on all kinds of goo to unclog my bathtub  to no avail. Finally after two weary days I got the idea that maybe it was just built up soap. The boiling water melted it and there's never been another problem. Try it before you go bankrupt like me buying all these "miracle cures" at the grocery or hardware store.
 

Rubbing alcohol will remove the dull hair spray haze from your bathroom mirrors.
 

Use rubbing alcohol or kerosene to remove scum and spots from bathroom fixtures.
 Note:Remember the ventilation.This does work.
 

Glass shower doors will sparkle if cleaned with white vinegar once a week.
 

Make your own ceramic tile cleaner by mixing 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and one cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water in a bucket. Stir and apply with a sponge or brush. This won't keep between cleaning, so you will need to make a fresh batch each time. This can be harsh to your hands, so always wear rubber gloves when using.
 

Cleaning counter tops daily with a mild dish-washing liquid and water should keep them clean looking.
 
 

Polish counter tops with club soda to make them sparkle. Pour club soda on counter and clean with a soft cloth, rinse with water, and wipe dry.
 

Silver Polish

   1      teaspoon      baking soda
   1      quart         warm water
   1      teaspoon      salt
   aluminum foil

Add silverware to mixture of baking soda, warm water, salt and a small
piece of aluminum foil. Boil for 3 minutes; let silverware soak for a few
minutes. Rinse and dry well.

Refinish antiques or revitalize wood: Use equal parts of linseed oil, white vinegar, and turpentine. Rub into furniture
(or wood) with soft cloth and lots of elbow grease.

A little instant coffee will work wonders on your furniture.
Just make a thick paste of your favorite instant and a little water, and rub it into the nicks and scratches on your dark wood furniture. You'll be overjoyed at how new and beautiful
those pieces will look.
 

Use a clean soft cloth or a vacuum brush to dust the lampshade inside and outside.
Take off any non washable trim.
If the cloth is glued to the frame, sew it on with thread of the same color.
Then you will be able to wash it over and over again without any trouble.

*Fabric Shades

Fill a deep washtub or bathtub with enough warm water to cover the shade.
Add detergent and swish up thick suds. Use a mild detergent, as a hand dish-washing liquid.
Use suds on a soft brush to rub any spots lightly.
Then dip the shade up and down.
When the water gets dirty, change to clean sudsy water.
Wash the shade a second time.
To rinse the shade, dip it up and down through two or three changes of clean water.

Don't worry if the cloth stretches and sags while it is wet. It will tighten up for a snug fit when it gets dry.

To dry a fabric shade, tie a string to the middle of the frame. Then hang it over the bathtub or hang it from a clothesline outdoors to drip dry. OR you can wipe the shade with a bath towel until it is almost dry. Then put it back on the lamp and turn on the light so the heat from the bulb will help it to finish drying.

*Plastic, Plastic Coated, Laminated, Parchment or Fiberglass

Put 1/4 cup mild detergent into a bowl.
Add just enough warm water to make it wet.
Whip this mixture with an egg beater or an electric mixer to make stiff "dry" suds that look like whipped cream.
 Put some of the thick suds on a cloth or sponge. Use this to wash the shade,inside and outside.

 If the binding around the edge is glued on, don't rub it or let it get very wet.

 Rinse the shade right away by going over it with a clean damp cloth.
Then wipe it dry.
If the lamp has a reflector bowl, take this out and wash it like a dish. Use warm suds and warm rinse water.
Then wipe it dry.

General Cleaning and tips

*Crayon on Walls or Washable Wallpaper: Spray with WD-40®, then gently wipe, using a paper towel or clean cloth. If the mark is stubborn, sprinkle a little baking soda on a damp sponge and gently rub in a circular motion. If the WD-40® leaves a residue, gently wipe off with a sponge soaked in soapy water; rinse clean; blot dry. Another method is to use a hair dryer - it heats the wax and wipes away instantly. If the color remains, like red usually does, wet a cloth with bleach and wipe.

*Vinegar and Paper Towels

Hard lime deposits around faucets can be softened for easy removal by covering the deposits with vinegar-soaked paper towels. Leave the paper towels on for about one hour before cleaning. Leaves chrome clean and shiny.
 

A tablet of aspirin dissolved in a vase of dropping flowers will help revive them.
 

Clean artificial flowers by putting them in a paper bag, adding salt and shaking vigorously.
 

Polish patent leather bags and shoes with baby oil.  They will shine brilliantly.A dab of petroleum jelly is what I used as a kid.
 

Make a pin cushion filled with dry coarse coffee powder.  The needles and pins will not rust.

W-D 40 will remove stickers from almost anything. It will also remove gum, especially from hair (and also from carpeting).There are some fabrics that WD 40 will melt, such as the lining of some suit coats, but in most cases, it will not damage the fabric - just test first!
 

*Scouring Powder

The amount of chlorine in scouring powder is usually not significant enough to cause harm. If you want to totally avoid chlorine or are sensitive to it follow this recipe.Non-Chlorine Scouring Powder Baking Soda or Dry Table Salt. Both of these substances are mild abrasives and can be used as an alternative to chlorine scouring powders. Simply put either baking soda or salt on a sponge or the surface you wish to clean and then scour and rinse.
 

*Sticky Labels

*Shoo Fly
To keep those pesky insects away from your plants, combine one bulb of garlic, 1 small onion and 1 Tbs. cayenne pepper in the blender. Mix with 1 quart water and let stand for one hour. Then add 1 Tbs. Ivory liquid and mist your plants!!:-)
 
 

Wash walls from the bottom up, to avoid streaking.

Use old socks as mitts for cleaning chair railing, crown moldings, stair castings.
 

For the best wall cleaner, combine 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 1/4 cup baking soda to 1 gallon warm water.
 

For cleaning rough plaster walls try using nylon or banlon socks instead of a sponge or cloth. No small pieces will be left behind.
 

Take a water hose and spray the outside of your house. This will remove most of the dust and cobwebs from your siding  before it gets baked on from the heat. On textured siding attach a car washing brush to the hose to remove dirt.
 

Dust louvered doors by wrapping a cloth around a ruler. Spray cloth with dusting spray and run the flat end across each louver.
 

If your microwave needs a good cleaning try this: In a cup of water add 2 tablespoons of either lemon juice or baking powder in a four - cup microwave safe container. Let mixture boil in microwave for about 4 to 6 minutes, then wipe walls and door clean with sponge or cloth.
 

Wash small knickknacks instead of dusting. It will save you time and they will be cleaner. Swish them in soapy water, then rinse, set on towel to dry. Note:Be lazy like me and place as many as you can in the dishwasher  if they aren't fragile.A small mesh bag will hold a lot on the top rack.Hey!I like to have time to play with the computer,you know!
 

To wash fragile objects, place them on a towel covered tray and place in sink.Spray them with window cleaner, then with water. Let objects air dry on a dry towel.
 

Before dusting wooden floors, spray a little wax on your dust mop. Floors will shine and dust will stick to mop.

Air Freshners for Household Odors

Ventilation. Open windows or doors in the house for at least a short period every day.
This will also help to reduce toxic fumes that may be building up indoors.

Cinnamon and Cloves. Boil these spices for a fragrant smell. For ease of cleaning,make a cheesecloth bag to contain these spices, and boil the cheesecloth bag. An excellent alternative when entertaining is to steep spiced tea or cider.

Potpourri. Buy or make your own potpourri from your favorite herbs and spices. Place the potpourri in a small basket or jar or in small sachet bags.

Oil of Wintergreen- Dampen cotton balls with oil of wintergreen and place out of sight but where air will touch them.
 

Vinegar. Distribute partially filled saucers of vinegar around the room or boil 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of water to eliminate unpleasant cooking odors.

Vanilla. Place pure vanilla on a cotton ball in a small saucer. Place the saucer in the car or refrigerator to remove odors. It is renowned to remove even skunk odors. Keep the cotton ball out of reach of children; vanilla has a high alcohol content.

Baking Soda. Place a partially filled saucer of baking soda on the refrigerator shelf. Replace every two months and when you do, pour the contents of the used box down the drain to remove odors and keep the drain clean. Baking soda can also be used to deodorize bottles by filling them with undiluted baking soda and allowing the bottles to soak overnight. Then wash as usual.
 

Borax. Empty the garbage frequently and clean the can as needed. To inhibit growth of odor producing molds and bacteria, sprinkle 1/2 cup Borax in the bottom of the garbage can.

Vinegar or Celery Stalk. To avoid or remove onion odors from your hands, rub white vinegar on your hands before and after slicing. Rubbing hands with the end of a celery stalk will also remove the odor.

Laundry and Clothing Tips

Dirt marks on suede can be rubbed out with an art-gum eraser. Then buff lightly with sandpaper or an emery board.
 

Homemade Laundry Stain Remover

Recipe By     : Heloise

   1      part          water
   1      part          ammonia*
   1      part          hand dishwashing liquid

*Full strength, non-sudsing. In a clearly labeled spray bottle mix equal
parts of water, ammonia and dishwashing liquid. Spray stains with the
solution (test for color fastness first), then launder as usual.
 

An article on spotting from Iowa State University.  It stated:

" Ironing candle wax between blotting paper drives the stain deeper into the fabric.  This process is widely used, but not
recommended.  It more permanently sets the dye from the candle and makes it difficult for the detergent or solvent to reach the wax portion of the stain."

Try K2R spot lifter which contains small amounts of dry cleaning fluid that may help break the wax down.
 

Mothballs and camphor pieces need to be hung up in a wardrobe,not just strewn about. An old nylon stocking cut off at the ankles(not while you're wearin' em.) makes an excellent holder for mothballs. Simply fill the foot up and tie it up with a pretty ribbon.An old handkerchief would also do
the job.

*Oops!
If you accidentally get chewing gum on your clothes, apply ice to it or put the garment in the fridge for the gum to
harden.  Then simply scrape it off.  Rub in heavy duty liquid detergent into stain.  Rinse with hot water and wash
garment.

Soak garment stained by coffee or tea in cold water.
Then wash normally using detergent.

*Testy:

Before using any suggested stain remover, test it by applying a few drops to a hidden part of the garment.The rub with a white towel.  If the color comes off on the towel or if a color change occurs, don't use the stain remover.  Send your clothes to the dry cleaner instead.
 

*Remove grease from clothes.
Empty a can of Coke® into a load of greasy work clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular wash cycle. The Coca-Cola® will help loosen grease stains, according to Mary Ellen.
 
 

Remove your pet's hair from your clothing by using masking tape. Roll tape out and attach the tape backwards on the roll so the sticky side is out. Roll the tape on your clothes and the hair will stick to the tape.
 

To remove excessive hair from clothing, dampen a sponge and briskly rub clothing. Hair should ball up and you'll be able pick off the hair balls.
 

When washing extra muddy blue jeans, hose them down first with a garden hose before putting them in the wash. You won't be washing the mud into the other clothes.
 

Keep a large pail, filled with a presoak solution. When clothes are going to need a soaking, place them in the pail till it's laundry time. When you do laundry, the clothes will be ready to wash. This doesn't work if you let the clothes soak in there for weeks on end. It's a tip for non Rednecks:)
 

Rid perspiration odor from clothes with vinegar. Apply vinegar to odor and then wash.
 

Vinegar also will rid shine from the seat of dark pants and skirts.
 

To remove an old hem line from clothing, pour vinegar on a sponge, dampen hem line, and then press.
 

To remind yourself not to put an article of clothing in the dryer, attach a note to your washer's lid. When you are removing clothes from the washing machine you'll be reminded of the article that you don't want to put in the dryer.
 
 

If you washed your curtains and want to save on ironing, hang them from the top rather than the hem and put a yardstick or other straight object in the hem while they dry. This will pull them straight and reduce the need to spend time ironing them.
 

Storing winter clothes for the season? Another use for leftover soap ends is to put them in vented plastic bags (vegetable bags work great or poke your own holes in normal plastic bags) and stick them with the winter clothes when you store them. The soap protects the clothes from moths and the scent is a lot nicer come fall than moth balls!

*Blood Stains

Put a paste of water and cornstarch, cornmeal or talcum powder on fresh spots. Let dry and brush off. Cover fresh or dried stains with meat tenderizer and add cool water. After 15 to 30 minutes, sponge off with cool water.

Fresh blood on leather? Dab on a little hydrogen peroxide.After it bubbles, wipe it off.

If you get blood on fabric, quickly wet a long piece of white cotton thread with saliva and place it across the spot. The thread will absorb the blood.

Garage and Outdoor Tips

*Windshield Wiper Frost Free Fluid

When you have to leave your car outside overnight in the winter, mix 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water and coat the windows with this solution. This vinegar and water combination will keep windshields ice and frost free.
 

*Rust Remover

Peeled Potatoes and Baking Soda or Salt. To remove rust from tin ware, rub with a peeled potato dipped in a mild abrasive such as baking soda or salt.

Aluminum Foil. Briskly scrub rust spots on car bumpers with a piece of crumpled aluminum foil, shiny side up. Also works well on the chrome shafts of golf clubs.

*Outdoor Cooking -- Fast Starter -- Stuff a crumbled sheet of newspaper under your coals, then roll another sheet of news paper into a cone and poke it through the coals to the paper to form a chimney. Ignite the paper. It will carry the fire into your charcoal.
 

Make cleaning easier -- To make cook-out clean-ups easier, take a preventive step and spray the cooking grill with non-stick spray before placing the grid over the coals. Food won't stick nearly as much as it does on an untreated grid.
 

*To Clean Older Window Panes--For older window panes that have been exposed to the weather. Get some acetone from a paint or hardware store. Use a sponge to rub some on the glass. It dries very quickly so work fast. After cleaning with this you may need to wipe the glass again with your regular cleaner.
 
 

Shine windows with a newspaper. It's cheap and easy. For a really fine shine,after the windows are dry, rub a clean blackboard eraser over them.

Clean windows on an average temperature day. Too hot of a day will cause windows to streak.
 

Dry windows outside in one direction and inside in the other direction. If you see a streak, you will know if it is inside or out.
 

To keep frost off windows, add 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol or anti-freeze to each quart of water used. Rub the inside of windows with a sponge that has been dipped in the rubbing alcohol of anti-freeze. Polish with newspapers or paper towels.
 

Make your own spray cleaner by filling a spray bottle with 3 tablespoons of ammonia, 1 tablespoon vinegar and cool water. Add a drop or two of food coloring to look like the blue or green kind.
 

Eliminate sticky windows by dipping a small brush in petroleum jelly and paint it on the inside molding once a year.
 

To clean window sills, pour a little diluted rubbing alcohol on a cloth and rub the entire surface. The spots will disappear and the sills will look freshly painted.
 

*How to guarantee a clean, lint free window
Run out of Windex? Don't panic. Don't even put it on the shopping list! Fill up the bottle with 3 parts of water and 1 part vinegar (don't waste the balsamic - use white or cider vinegar) and start spraying. Wipe your windows clean with newspaper. You'll be amazed!

Note:One of my favorite uses for coffee filters is for polishing mirrors,the television screen,etc.No lint and they're cheap.I go to the dollar store and buy stacks of them.(they make neat little lids for covering foods when reheating in the microwave,too.)
 

     Pets

If you have a indoor bird for a pet and it gets loose in the house try this: Close the drapes and turn off the lights. Birds will usually stay motionless in the dark, and you'll be able to catch it easier.Note:I had a cockatiel
that used to love to escape ,then perch on the ceiling fan in the cathedral ceiling of my den.This did not work here.
 

If you're a bird lover, help make their nesting easier by providing building material.Collect bits of string, yarn, hair from your brush, lint from dryer. Fasten together lightly and attach to a tree branch. Note;I keep a plastic grocery bag hanging by my dryer as reminder to save the lint.
 

In winter, treat birds to a pine treat by covering pine cones with hardened bacon grease(or other fat) and roll in bread crumbs or bird seeds.
 

Pine cones can also be coated with peanut butter and rolled in sunflower seeds.Note:Seeds of some sort must be added since just peanut butter may actually harm the bird or cause it to choke.
 

When your cat refuses to take liquid medicine, spill the medicine on his fur. He will lick himself clean and take medicine at the same time. I love this one.
 

If your puppy has an accident, blot up as much moisture as possible. Rub the spot with a solution of vinegar or lemon juice and warm sudsy water. Blot a few times, then pour straight club soda over the spot and blot again. Place a dry towel over the stain and put a heavy object (like a book) on top of it. Replace towel if it becomes soggy and repeat blotting.
Note: Having owned a carpet cleaning business in the past,I cannot tell you enough  how important it is to BLOT,not rub stains.You just do more damage than good by scrubbing.Use white towels if possible.
 

To get your puppy's attention, put a few pennies in a empty soda can and shake. The noise will make him stop what he is doing. This can be a good training tool.
 

Housebreak your dog by hanging a bell by the back door. When you want to take your puppy outside, ring the bell. As he gets older he will ring the bell when he needs to go out.
 
 

For cat accidents, follow the same steps but, when the spot is dry, rub with a cloth dampened in ammonia. This will take the offensive odor away and it will prevent the cat from ever going in that spot again.
 

Reflector tape on your pet's collar might help cut down on the danger of its being struck by a car at night.
 

To rid your pet's house of fleas, place pine needles in the house or under his bedding.
Salt crevices of dog houses to keep fleas out.
 

Wash your pet in salt water to kill the fleas on them.
Brewer's yeast rubbed on your dog's coat prevents fleas.
 

If you're going to use a flea collar on your pet, be sure to put it on before flea season starts.Note:If you're a new pet owner,check the age recommended on the box for your pet.I once poisoned a kitten by putting one on too early and had a huge vet bill.
 

Vacuum floors and carpets often during flea season. Put salt or mothballs in vacuum bag to kill hatching fleas.
 

Your pet's dish will stay put while he is eating if placed on a rubber mat.
 

To keep ants out of your pet dishes, place the food dish inside of a pie pan of water.
 

Store large bags of pet food in clean plastic pails with lids. Keeps food fresh and easy to dish out.
 

To keep stray dogs from attacking your garbage, sprinkle full- strength ammonia over the garbage bags before placing them in cans.
 

If your dog stays outside in a dog house, make a flap for the house entrance to keep the wind and rain out. A rubber floor mat or carpeting cut to size and slit up the middle makes nice flaps.
 

To keep cats off of tables, put strips of double faced tape on them. Cats will not like the feel of the sticky substance on their paws.
 

Crumble aluminum foil into a ball for your cat to bat around.

Me and my critters enjoyed the visit.Come back and see us.The coffeepot is always on and a rockin' chair waitin' fer you.
 

 

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