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Our Business is Cleaning Up!
HELPFUL HOUSEHOLD HINTS
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| REMOVE WAX FROM CARPETING |
| Place a paper towel over the stain and draw the wax up into it by placing a warm iron over the paper towel (this is called "capillary action"); repeat if necessary. Sponge the stained area with 1 c. isopropyl alcohol and 2-3 c. water if the stain remains. Sponge from the outside to the inside of the stain. Be very sure not to get the area too wet or you can bring up a stain from the padding. |
| REMOVE CANDLE WAX FROM FURNITURE |
| Turn stained furniture upside down. Put a piece of cotton cloth (T-shirt) over the wax stain. Using a hot chrome or metal finish curling iron, heat wax and let it melt into the cloth. This may take several applications to fully remove the wax. |
| REMOVE CANDLE WAX ON MATERIAL |
| Remove the excess the best you can. This is best done by putting an ice cube on the wax to harden it, then peeling or scraping off the excess wax. Then place an absorbent piece of paper underneath, such as a brown paper bag. Put a white paper towel on top. Place a warm (not hot) iron on top over the paper towel and it should draw the wax up to the towel. |
| REMOVE CANDLE WAX FROM CANDLE HOLDERS |
| Put candle holders in the freezer till wax is frozen. Chip the wax off. Or, put holders under very hot water and wipe wax off. |
| HOW TO MAKE CANDLES DRIP LESS WHEN BURNING |
Put your candles in the freezer for several hours to overnight before lighting them and it will prevent excessive dripping. |
| SALT STAINS ON SHOES |
| Apply white vinegar to shoes with a rag and wipe off salt stains. This is supposed to de-activate the salt as well. |
| TO CLEAN MICROWAVE OVEN AND REMOVE ODORS |
| Place a bowl of vinegar in the microwave and run on HIGH till it comes to a boil. Wipe the interior clean with a rag dipped in the vinegar. |
| PREVENTING DRAWERS FROM STICKING |
Make sure the wood is very dry and sanded well. Shellac them and then rub with paraffin wax in order to lubricate them so they slide easily. Do this to all surfaces of the drawers. |
| REMOVING HAIR SPRAY FROM WALLS |
| Put a few drops of shampoo and warm water on a sponge or cloth to wipe down the wall. Rinse with clear warm water to remove any residue. |
| TO CLEAN COFFEE MAKERS |
| Drop an EFFER-DENT denture cleaning tablet in a 10 cup coffee maker and add hot water it instead of cold. Brew as usual then rinse. |
| FLOODED BASEMENTS |
Disinfect your walls and floors with Lysol or a solution of 1/2 c. chlorine to 1 gal. water. Discard fruits, vegetables or food that has come in contact with the water. Wash jars or cans of food with soap and hot water using a brush, then immerse in chlorinated water. (3 drops of bleach to 1 gal. water) for at least 15 minutes. Clothing, carpets, toys and upholstered furniture cannot be disinfected, you should discard them. Beware of electrocution. Don't go down in the water until the electricity has been cut off. |
| REMOVE MILDEW |
| Mix equal parts of non-chlorine Clorox II Lemon Fresh bleach and Palmolive dish soap. Make a paste and apply it to the mildew. You can use a toothbrush to really work it in. This may take a few applications. When mildew brushes off; launder. |
| ODOR FROM NEW CARPET |
| Turn the heat up to full blast for several hours then turn heat back down. Open all windows and air out the dwelling. the water. Stir the yeast mixture and let stand for 10 minutes. If the yeast has multiplied to the 1 c. mark and has a rounded crown, the yeast is still active and fresh and you may use it. Remember to deduct the 1/2 c. of liquid from the total amount of liquid used in your recipe. |
| LESS TOXIC ENVIRONMENTAL ALTERNATIVES |
| AIR FRESHENERS/DEODORIZERS 1.)Leave open boxes of baking soda in refrigerators, closets and bathrooms. 2.)Saturate a cotton ball with pure vanilla; place on a saucer in refrigerator or car. 3.)Set out white vinegar in open dishes to destroy odors. 4.)Set out potpourri in open dishes. 5.)Burn scented candles. CLEANERS 1.)Mix vinegar with salt and water for a good surface cleaner 2.)Dissolve baking soda in water for a general cleaner. 3.)For washing dishes by hand, use 1/2 c. baking soda with a mild dishwashing liquid to help cut grease and food. 4.)For automatic dishwashers choose a detergent with the lowest phosphate content listed on the package. 5.)For a good glass cleaner combine a quart of water with 1/4 to 1/2 c. of white vinegar, 1 to 2 T. of lemon juice or 1 to 2 T. rubbing alcohol. MILDEW CLEANERS 1.)Scrub mildew spots with baking soda or Borax; or sponge with white vinegar. 2.)Scrub area with a paste of lemon juice or white vinegar and salt. 3.)To clean mildew from a shower curtain: machine wash with 1/2 c. soap and 1/2 c. baking soda adding 1c. of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. UPHOLSTERY RUG & CARPET CLEANERS 1.)Use a non-aerosol soap based cleaner. 2.)Clean spills immediately with club soda. 3.)To clean red wine stains, rub a thick layer of salt on the spill then sponge up after the spill has been absorbed. SCOURING POWDERS 1.)Use baking soda or salt. 2.)Use a non-chlorinated commercial scouring powder. TOILET BOWL CLEANERS 1.)Scrub with a solution of 1/2 c. Borax in a gallon of water for cleaning and disinfecting. 2.)Clean frequently with a solution of baking soda and water. Sprinkle baking soda around the rim and scrub with a toilet brush as needed. DRAIN OPENERS 1.)To unclog a drain, pour 1/4 c. of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 c. of white vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes then pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush. 2.)Pour 1/4 c. salt down the drain, followed by boiling water, to keep drains unclogged. 3.)Pouring boiling water down the drain once a week can keep it from getting blocked. 4.)To prevent clogged drains, always use a drain strainer. Use a mechanical snake or plunger to unclog a drain. |
| ALTERNATIVES FOR HOUSEHOLD CLEANING SOLUTIONS |
| The improper disposal of household chemicals can be hazardous to people and their environment. While one home's pollution may be small, the effect of many can be significant. Each month an average community of 158,000 people discards 6 tons of toilet bowl cleaner, 22 tons of liquid household cleaner and 5.5 tons of motor oil. Landfills, storm drains and sewage treatment plants are not designed to treat chemical wastes. Without special treatment, the chemicals stay in the environment and move into recreational and drinking water supplies. Everyone must help to solve this problem. Here's some safer and less hazardous alternatives to chemicals. |
| HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS |
| Furniture: |
| GARAGE/BASEMENT |
| Paint, Paint Remover: Use water based latex paints. Use sandpaper and sander as paint remover. Pesticides: Boric acid for cockroaches, traps for rats and mice (Pesticides will not be effective if the pests' shelter, food and water are not removed). Wood Preservatives: Purchase pre-treated wood. |
| LAUNDRY |
Detergent: |
| OTHER ALTERNATIVES |
| Wipe up spills with water or club soda. |
| AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENER |
| If you're leaving home for a period of time, unplug your garage door opener and lock the door. Thieves may patrol the area with an opener of their own testing to see who's door opens. Another good idea is to reset the "factory" code on your opener to a personal one. |
| REMOVE TARNISH FROM SILVERWARE |
1.) Line a pan with a sheet of aluminum foil or use an aluminum pan. Stir 3 T. baking soda or Comet to each quart of water used. Lay silver in pan making sure it touches foil. |
| MUSTY SMELLING BOOKS |
| Put the book in a brown paper bag with baking soda and let sit for approximately one week. |
| REMOVE WATER OR HEAT MARKS ON WOOD SURFACES (You Know, Those White Marks) |
| 1.) Polish with pure lemon oil. Find a brand called o'cedar, we were told it's the best brand. 2.) Use Wright's silver polish, diluted slightly; apply gently, let stand and wipe dry. 3.) Use spirits of camphor. 4.) Mix cigar and or cigarette ashes with a couple of drops of water and make a paste. Rub lightly on the mark to remove. 5.) Try a paste of baking soda and water and use as above in number 4. 6.) Try as above using toothpaste. 7.) Again as above using mayonnaise. |
| CLEAN THE GRILL |
This cleanup trick works while you sleep! Lay 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! |
| SHOWER DOORS |
| To keep shower doors shiny and clear, use a soft cloth moistened with baby oil. It prevents scum build-up from dirt and soap. And hard water spots won't appear for several months . |
| REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MOST KITCHEN APPLIANCES |
| Where do you find a replacement carafe for your coffee maker etc.? A company called: Appliances S.O.S (800) 543-7549 . |
| SILENCE SQUEAKING WOOD FLOORS |
| Dust talcum powder into the cracks. It works like magic. |
| REMOVE CRAYON STAINS |
| To remove crayon stains from glass, porcelain, Formica, metal, plastic, no-wax vinyl floors, painted walls, painted wood, scrubbable wallpaper, tile, chalkboard and marble. Spray surface to be cleaned with WD-40 and wipe with a soft cloth. If a residue remains add liquid dish washing detergent into water, wash the surface with a sponge, working in a circular motion and rinse. Repeat as needed. |
| REMOVE A BLEACH STAIN FROM A CARPET |
| Using a tooth pick, mix colors of paint til you get the shade to match the carpet. Apply the paint very lightly to the bleached spot and let it dry. After it has dried reapply. Repeat this process til the color blends in with the carpet. This works best with very small stains. If the stain is too large the paint will leave the carpet stiff. If you can get a color close enough to match you can use magic marker or colored felt tip pens. |
| MAKE YOUR GRASS GREENER |
| 1.) Leave grass about 2 inches high. |
| NO STREAK WINDOW CLEANING |
| Clean windows with your favorite window cleaner or use a mixture of 1/4 -1/2 c. white vinegar, 1-2 T. lemon juice or 1-2 T. rubbing alcohol. Add 2-3 drops of dishwasher detergent and 1 quart water. Wipe dry with crumpled up newspaper sheets. |
| KEEP ANIMALS FROM SHRUBS AND GARDENS (The Garden Doctor) |
| RABBITS, WOODCHUCKS AND DEER: |
| TO CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE |
| This should be done every 6 months. Fill washing machine with very hot to boiling water, add 2 gallons of vinegar and let agitate for 8-10 minutes. Turn machine off and let stand over night. Turn machine on and let it run through a complete cycle. |
| TO CLEAN UNDISSOLVED SOAP IN A DISHWASHER |
| Give your dishwasher a refreshing drink of Tang every month or two. Dump an entire pint jar of Tang into the bottom of an empty dishwasher. Preheat the water by running tap water in the sink til it's hot. Then run a full cycle. Also, store your powdered detergent in a plastic bag to keep it as dry as possible, it will work better in the dishwasher. It is also a good idea to refer back to the manufacturer's manual to see their method for proper loading of the unit. The use of Tang applies to your washing machine as well! It removes the build-up of detergent and mineral deposits. Depending on how often you use these appliances, you should do this every few months. Also be sure you don't overdo the detergent - follow your manufacturer's instructions and even a little less! |
| ELIMINATE DISCOLORATION AND COVER SCRATCHES IN WOOD FURNITURE |
| Break a piece of peanut, walnut or pecan and rub the broken side over scratches in wooden furniture. The oil from the nutmeat can eliminate discoloration and the furniture may look almost as good as new. |
| TO REMOVE ODORS IN A CLOSET |
| Wash the walls, ceiling and floor thoroughly with a mixture of 1 c. ammonia, 1 c white vinegar and 1/4 c. baking soda for every gallon of water. Repeat if necessary. If closet odours persist, place a shallow pan of kitty litter in the closet. Keep door closed and replenish the litter every few days till the odour is gone. |
| KEEP SQUIRRELS OFF THE BIRD FEEDER |
| * Add a few T. of cayenne pepper to the bird seed and blend it together. The bird's digestive system is not affected, but the squirrels discover it's "hot stuff". * If your feeder in mounted on a pole, put a stove pipe or 4-6 inch diameter PCV pipe around the pole (from the bottom). They can't wrap their paws around the pipe and won't be able to climb up the pole. You can also put a piece of PCV pipe around the chain if your feeder is a hanging type. |
| CLEAN OIL FROM THE DRIVEWAY |
| Try a product called Oil Dry. It is available at your local auto parts store. NOTE: please see below in March 2001, there are more details there. |
| REMOVE INK FROM WOOD FURNITURE |
| Purchase Mequiars heavy duty rubbing compound and mirror polish (or swirl remover) at the auto parts store. Apply a couple of drops of the rubbing compound and rub in a circular motion. Then apply a couple more drops and rub with the grain of the wood. Then apply a couple of drops of the polish and gently rub out the marks from the rubbing compound. Finish the wood off by applying furniture polish. |
| USES FOR BOUNCE FABRIC SOFTENER |
| *Repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season. |
| REMOVE DENTS IN CARPET FROM FURNITURE |
| Very carefully lift up the fibers in the indentation using the tines of a fork. You may have to apply some steam as well. Use a steam iron, but don't let the carpet get wet. |
| KEEP CAR DOORS FROM FREEZING SHUT |
| Spray the rubber door lining with WD-40 or silicone lubricant. Don't forget to spray again after getting your car washed in freezing temperatures. |
| CLEAR A FROZEN DRAIN-LINE IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR |
| Boil a pot of water. Fill a turkey baster with the water and squirt down the drain line. |
| OLD FASHIONED DRAIN CLEANER |
| Pour 1 c. baking soda down the drain. Pour 1 pt. white vinegar down the drain. Let sit for 1 hour. Run hot water to flush the pipes. If it's a basement drain, use a bucket of boiling water. If the pipe is plugged with hair, etc. this probably won't clear it; you'll need something stronger. But this method will control odors and keep drains sweet. |
| KEEP DEER FROM YOUR BACKYARD AREA |
| Try a product called Hinder. Spray it on the plants in the areas they're coming to and it will repel them. Product doesn't last forever, so you'll need to replace it every couple of weeks or so. You can mix it up and spray it on using a sprayer. |
| FEED HUMMINGBIRDS |
| 4 c. water 1 c. sugar Boil the mixture for 5 minutes. Let cool and fill the hummingbird feeder. The mixture will keep up to 2 weeks when refrigerated. Change the feed mixture every three days when the weather is hot. You need to clean the feeder thoroughly too. Try placing the feeder around these plants: columbine, bee balm, impatients, petunias and coral bells. Don't use red food coloring or honey. |
| POUNDING NOISE FROM YOUR PIPES |
| Turn your main water valve off (this should be located by the water meter). Open all of the "cold" water faucets all the way. and let them drain completely. Close all of the faucets after draining. Turn main water valve back on. Go to each water faucet and open each up very slowly (they will "spit and pop") til water is running through again (this will establish an air-pocket which should stop the noise). Turn off the faucet and repeat this for each faucet. |
| GARLIC SPRAY DEER AND ANIMAL REPELLENT (Barb Hallman) |
| 2 eggs 2 c. water 4 cloves garlic 2 t. Tabasco sauce Blend til smooth and let stand 2 days. Use with garden sprayer to spray yard and gardens. |
| REMOVE SMOKE ODOR FROM WOOD TABLE (Chairs, Cabinets, Etc.) |
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Invert the table and sprinkle the underside of the table with fresh coffee grounds. Cover the table with a plastic sheet and seal it to the floor with masking tape. Let the table sit for 1 week to pull the odor out. |
| REMOVE GUM FROM THE DRYER |
| Apply a light application of Goo-Gone onto a cloth. Rub on the gum, let stand and wipe off. Repeat if necessary. Rinse well with soap and water (til odor is gone) before using dryer again. Check your local hardware store for Goo-Gone. |
| DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF WATER YOU SPRINKLE ON YOUR LAWN |
| Mark a tin can with a 1 inch mark and set it out on the lawn before you start sprinkling. Turn on sprinkler and start timing with a watch til the water comes to the 1 inch mark. You now know how many minutes it takes to give your lawn 1 inch of water. Don says you'll need to water 1 inch per week. By giving your lawn the 1 inch of water it will drive the water down 4-6 inches giving your lawn the proper moisture needed. |
| MANTAINING CLEAN DRAINS |
| After running hot water through, pour 1/3 to 1/2 c. baking soda. Follow with 1 c. vinegar. Let foam. Rinse through. |
| WATER FOR BIRDS IN WINTER MONTHS |
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It is important to maintain a supply of water for birds during the winter, both for drinking and maintenance of feathers. They need to bathe during frosty weather to maintain their plumage to keep warm. Keep your birdbath free of ice (you can buy a thermostatic immersion heater). Never use anti-freeze or salt to prevent the water from freezing because it will harm the birds. |
| STOP MINT PLANTS FROM TAKING OVER YOUR GARDEN (Pat's) |
| Cut out the bottom off a large (3 lb.) coffee can and push it down into the ground and then plant the mint inside the can. The roots won't be able to spread out all over your garden. |
| HELP CONTROL MOSQUITO'S IN YOUR BIRD BATH |
| Add a few drops of canola, or vegetable oil to the bird bath water (enough to make a light film) it won't harm the birds, but will help control the laying of the mosquito's eggs. |
| ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE OF YOUR STOVE |
| Find out the true temperature of your stove using an oven thermometer. If the stove is off, pull the temperature knob off the stove and inside that knob there are 2 "set screws". Loosen the screws and turn the dial knob to the correct temperature setting (higher or lower) and check the temperature til you have it correct. Tighten the screws and put the knob back. |
| HOMEMADE FURNITURE POLISHERS |
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1/3 c. white vinegar |
| CLEAN SHOWER DOORS |
| If that leftover bottle of white wine has gone sour on you, use it on your shower door instead of throwing it out. Rinse off with water and dry well...even if it's a dry wine. Or you can wipe the shower door with some fabric softener on a damp cloth. Buff with a clean, dry cloth. |
| CLEAN THE TOUCHPADS ON STOVES OR MICROWAVE OVENS |
| Warm a little vinegar (don't make it hot) and clean using a soft cloth (not paper toweling). Don't use too much liquid here it could possibly short out the unit. |
| CHIMNEY HINTS |
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Have your chimney cleaned at least once a year. If you use it regularly, twice a year. Burn hard woods like hickory, maple, oak, apple or cherry wood. Birch will flame up because of the oils, so be careful. Don't burn soft woods and never things like pallets or old wooden crates; these will give off alot of creosote. Potato peels dried til firm and burned a handful at a time a few times a week or the creosote logs sold commercially will help remove the creosote from the chimney. |
| ROTATING AND FLIPPING A MATTRESS TO DISTRIBUTE THE WEAR AND TEAR |
| Your top mattress will last longer if you perform simple maintenance on it. Picture the top left corner of your mattress and make it the number 1. Every 3 months you will make the adjustment. The first rotation is to move the #1 to the bottom, top-right side of your bed. The next move, three months later, is to flip the mattress over so the #1 is now underneath on the bottom side of the bottom left. Next time, you rotate the mattress so #1 is now on the top-right side (still underneath). Flip mattress over so the #1 is back where it began (top-left). Repeat every three months. |
| WINDOW WASHING SOLUTION |
| Mix a bucket of warm water and 1 c. of window washing fluid for your car. Apply with old towels or rags and dry with a clean towel or rag. |
| WATER PLANTS WHILE OFF ON VACATION |
| Arrange the plants to be watered in one area in a circle. Fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and place the bucket on a stand (the water bucket will need to be above the plant containers). Tie cotton strings around a brick and place in the water bucket (one strand for each plant and long enough to reach the bottom of each plant container). Using a pencil, push a hole to the base of the plant containers and place each strand of string into the hole and tap it together to seal. Note: Only use cotton string. One (5 gallon) bucket of water will water 20 plants for two weeks. |
