Holiday Party Clean-up Tricks

     Christmas tree sap residue on the carpet can be cleaned with a solution of equal parts glycerin (available at a drugstore stocked with the body lotions) and warm water.  Pour on the tacky spots and wait a few minutes for your glycerin to dissolve it.  Then pull up on the soiled fibers with a dry cloth.  Use a commercial carpet stain remover to take out any remaining sap residue.

     A dry cleaning sponge (chemically treated foam block) brushed over greasy fingerprints on wallpaper works like an eraser to soak up the grease.  Water is the wallpaper's worst enemy.  Absolutely NO WATER!  If you still see stains after trying this method.  Make and apply a  paste of cornstarch and a few drops water.  Let dry for a couple of hours, then vacuum.

     Coffee stains in the white coffee cups don't have to be permanent.  Pour 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (mild, natural bleach) in the cup, then add a little salt to create a paste.  Rub wtih a paper towel or cloth.  Rinse well.

     Erase black heel marks  on your wood floor by gently rubbing with a dryer sheet or a dry steel-wool soap pad.  Scratches can be filled with a crayon that matches the finish.  Finish by buffing with a cloth warmed in the dryer.  Mop with a strong black tea at room temperature.  The tannic acid in tea will shine the wood and lightly color in imperfections.

     Soap and water should remove washable markers from furniture.  But if your trying to remove Sharpies, rub the stains with a dollar bill.  That's right a dollar bill.  I don't have a clue why this works, but if it doesn't, pour a little lemon oil on the spots.  Buff gently with very fine steel wool.  Be sure to go with the grain.  If all else fails you'll need to sand and refinish the table.

     Cover white rings with a very thick layer of mayonnaise or petroleum jelly which will soak in and lift out discoloration.  Sprinkle a little bit of salt for abrasion and gently rub in a circular motion with a dry cloth.  Let sit overnight, then remove with cloth.  For darker marks use a little bit of turpentine and a very fine steel wool rubbing gently with the grain.  Then apply furniture polish.