Showing posts with label clean this and that. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clean this and that. Show all posts

Friday, May 10, 2019

That Stinks, Get Rid Of It!

Experts suggest skipping the lung irritants that only mask smells and disguise themselves as a fancy brand-name freshener. But, they're usually the cheapest choice on the shelf and sometimes a quick burst of scent is all you need. Find a product that kills the odor causing bacteria as well as gives a burst of smell good and you'll get your money's worth.

Control cooking odors as you are cooking. Boil 1/4 cup vinegar per 1 quart (1 liter works too) of water in a saucepan on the stove. The rising heat carries odor neutralizing vinegar to the same surfaces that the smoke and grease have landed on. This is one tip I can not wait to try.

Funky carpet funk is no fun. Shake baking soda on the stain or entire carpet if needed. Let the baking soda stay on the carpet over night. Next day vacuum up. Repeat if necessary.

Buy some fine activated charcoal in the aquarium supply section at the store. Spread some in a shallow pan and put on a shelf in the fridge or freezer. The charcoal is safe around food. After about 8 hours the charcoal can be reactivated in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. You can reuse the charcoal many times by reactivating it. In a pinch, you can use cat litter.

We all know about keeping a box of baking soda in there for odor busting maintenance. Another product easy enough to acquire but not nearly as cheap as the baking soda. I am talking about fresh coffee grounds. Not the wet grounds left in the filter, silly.

Would love to hear from someone with a tried and true diy air freshener "recipe." If it kills the odor causing bacteria, that's all the better.
                                                                     sniff sniff

Monday, April 03, 2017

12 Cleaning Tips for Books Framed Art Record Player


I previously wrote a post about books. Since then, I discovered cleaning tips I wanted to share with fellow book lovers.
  • Leather, imitation or not, makes an attractive book covering, not to mention durable. Periodically washing them with a mild detergent keeps it clean. Apply a light coat of oil or petroleum jelly to avoid cracks from the covering drying out. I have used furniture polish before and it worked just as well.
  • Talcum powder or cornstarch sprinkled on damp pages will absorb moisture. Then you can shake or brush all the powder away.
  • Soft white bread crumbs rubbed on grease stains makes them go bye bye.
  • Keep the books out of direct sun light. Prolonged sun light will fade and destroy the bindings.
  • A never-been-used paint brush is the perfect solution for cleaning your books as needed.  Simply brush away surface dust. A vacuum cleaner with the brush attached works too.
  • If the edges of a book are soiled, hold by the covers together tight with one hand and an art gum eraser in the other. Rub the eraser over the edges and make sure the book doesn't open to expose individual pages.
  • Dip a small brush, like an artist would use, in rubbing alcohol. Brush the needle free of dirt or dust.
  • A soiled album can be cleaned by placing it on the turntable. Hold a dust cloth lightly on the album as it goes 'round and 'round. Going the same with the grooves instead of across guarantees no further damage.
  • When cleaning the glass on a framed picture do not directly spray the glass from the spray bottle.  It's a much better idea to spray cleaner on your cleaning rag and then use that to clean the glass. You don't want to risk the possibility of the liquid getting trapped under the frame and ruining the artwork.
  • A tarnished gilt frame will shine again if wiped with a rag dampened with turpentine.
  • Again don't spray directly on the picture or the frame. When polishing the frame with furniture polish, make sure to only apply polish to the cloth being used.
  • This is a clever trick for dusting in the crevices of a swirly carved frame. A clean, empty squeeze bottle aimed at the frame and squeezed will blow it clean. 
  • Stains on a piano keyboard, ivory or plastic, come clean with a damp cloth dipped in baking soda. Be careful and don't let any baking soda fall in between the keys. If that happens, a paint brush could be your only hope.
  • To brighten dulled ivory keys, use a very fine (400 to 600 grit) sandpaper and rub it with the grain down the length of the key.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Books Need Love Too... READ ON!

*WARNING Viewer discretion is advised.  Some of the content toward the end of this post might not be suitable for all ages.  Graphic details of real life emergencies might be hard for some people to read about.  Please be advised to use caution when viewing.  This is not a test.  
      Everybody loves a good book. But not everybody loves to clean a good book.  But it is a task that should be done at least annually, so they say.  In case you decide this is a task you just might tackle.  I've got some insider tips to help with this endeavor.  These tips will help take the guesswork out of the housework.  You in?  Great, let's get down to it.

     First of all, about those rare, antique books.  You really should consult a professional about caring for them.  The reasons are obvious.  Better safe than sorry, right!?  Good.

     And secondly, an ordinary cloth or feather duster won't do the job.  These tools will only succeed in spreading the dust around.  When you are ready we will start by removing each book from the shelf and wiping each one individually as follows:
  • A magnetic cleaning cloth that attracts and holds dust is the best choice.

  • An art-gum eraser for the removal of marks and dirt from cloth-covered books. 

  • Clean leather bindings with a leather-cleaning solution and restorer.

  • Wipe plastic or imitation leather bindings with a cloth that's only very slightly damp.

  • When putting books back on the shelf, make sure to leave space behind them so air can circulate. This will help prevent that musty odor we all know too well.  This will possibly prevent mildew from developing, too.
  • Vacuuming a room where books are kept should be done regularly to keep dust from accumulating on them.
  • If you don't have the time or energy to clean the actual shelves, vacuum the front of the shelves with the crevice tool.  And don't forget to vacuum the floors around the shelf regularly.  That's very important.

    Following are transcripts from phone calls of real life book emergencies..............

"911 What's your emergency?"
               "My books have fallen and I can't pick them up!"( kidding!)
               "It's my book!  Some of the pages are completely soaked and some are just damp.  Is there
               anything I can do to save them?!  Please hurry!"
"Calm down.  I won't hang up until I finish telling you what to do.  It will be OK."
"Turn your oven to the lowest setting. Place toilet paper between each page.  Open it and lay the book flat with a light, weight placed on top.  Did you get all of that?"
               "That is going to take some time.  But I will do it...for my book."
"You can do it.  Your book is lucky to have a reader like you."


 "911 What's your emergency?"
               "Oh my God! Oh my God!  Bugs, and lot's of them!"
"Mam, what bugs?  Where are the bugs, mam?"
               "My book!  Oh my God!  They are living in my book!  Tell me what to do please!"
"You're going to have to calm down, mam.  Your book needs you.  Are you calm now?"
               "Yes, I'm calm.  I will do what ever you say.  I'm ready."
"Place the book in a plastic bag and leave the bag in the freezer for a couple of days."
               "Won't that hurt my book?  My book won't freeze or anything, right?"
"Your book will be just fine but those bugs won't be.  And mam, to keep those bugs away in the future,  place bags of cloves or bay leaves on the shelf behind them.  If you do that, no more bugs."


"911 What's your emergency?"
               "I have been neglecting my book for a while.  And today when I finally had time to pay attention to my book...there's mildew on it.  Should I just throw it away?  It's all my fault.  I didn't mean to neglect my book.  I've just been really busy lately!"

"These things happen.  Let's save your book together.  Would you like to do that?"
             
"Yes, yes I really would.  I promise to never neglect my book again!"

"OK.  First thing I am going to need you to do is get a baby wipe or a damp cloth dipped in white vinegar.  Have you got one of those?  Stay on the line.  Are you still there caller?"
            
"I'm here, I went to get a baby wipe.  I'm here now."

"Or you could just vacuum the mildew off.  Then you will set the book in direct sunlight for no more than 30 minutes.  Any longer than 30 minutes and the pages will start to yellow.  That's something we can't fix.  You don't want yellow pages do you? You are going to have to pay attention to that book."
           
"I will, I promise!  Thank you, thank you so much!"

"Don't have to thank me.  It's my job.  Do it everyday."




I hope you and your books never have to deal with emergencies like these.  But if you do, you'll know how to handle it.






Monday, September 05, 2016

8 Shortcuts To Save Time Cleaning Up


  1. Line the bottom of a garbage can with newspaper to catch any leaking from the plastic bag and this will help with any odors too.
  2. Another shortcut for that garbage can is to layer with bags, 5 or 6 should work.  Make sure to push air out before adding the next one.  This at least will keep you from putting a new bag in constantly.
  3. In the microwave you might consider laying down several paper towels.  Any amount will do.  If there are any spills while cooking, all you do is pick up the top towel and leave the rest.  Makes clean up almost obsolete.
  4. Covering dishes of food put in a microwave to cook is a great idea to save on clean up time.  Any microwave safe dish will work, for example a plate will work or a large bowl. 
  5. You are probably use to laying down some newspaper to protect your work surface when painting a small object.  Try wax paper instead.  Your object will not stick to it.  No more messy stuck on paint to clean up. 
  6. Does it seem to you that your cleaning rags are not doing their job when it comes to cleaning up a liquid spill.  Try to avoid using fabric softener on them when you are doing the laundry.  The fabric softener creates a barrier, making it hard for the cloth to soak up liquids. 
  7. The best time to vacuum your carpet and rugs is when it is raining or humid outside.  This will keep the dust from resettling on your carpet or flying around in the air. 
  8. A better way then soaking them in a bucket with a cleaner of some sort, that you will probably have to scrub one by one anyway.  And then there is the drying part.  I am talking about all those little toys and pieces and parts of toys.  If you want to get those little suckers clean quickly and easily.  The mesh laundry bags are perfect.  Just put those little suckers in the bag, close it up and throw it in the washing machine, with a lil' bit of laundry soap.  Probably would work in the dish washer too.
     It just wouldn't be the same if I didn't have a couple of links for you to check out.  You are really going to love these two.  I have bookmarked them both for myself to explore later, and I bet you will want to do the same.  You'll see.  Trust me.

Miracle Cleaner. Only two common ingredients. This is genius!  Click the link, you won't be sorry.  One Good Thing by Jillee is the name of her website.  It's way more than one, I promise you that. 

"How to have an easy but wildly successful garage sale" and that's the title of the first, but certainly not the last post I will be reading on this blog.  The author has an entertaining way of presenting her ideas.  Very good ideas, too.  Even if you are not planning a garage sale you must check it out.

Tuesday, August 09, 2016

10 Useful Ways To Use Hair Spray (Doesn't Include Hair)


     Besides being a musical.  Turns out hair spray can be a protective barrier, spot remover and bug killer.  Who knew!  We spray it all around and into the surrounding air we and everybody else in the house breathes.  Maybe we should re-think the way we use this stuff so close to our body.  I'm just saying, think about it.

Anyway...

  1. Extend the life of cut flowers to postpone wilting.  Stand about a foot away from the bouquet and give it a quick spray making sure to only spray on the undersides of the petals and leaves.
  2. Protect the artwork your child brings home from school.  Before you put the artwork in the place of honor (refrigerator door), spray the artwork entirely with hair spray.  This works especially well on chalk work that seems to smudge easily.
  3. Ink marks on clothing or upholstery should come right off after spraying  hair spray directly on the ink spot.
  4. Those new drapes for the living room look great.  Keep that new look longer by applying several coats of hair spray.  The trick is to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one.  This will work for the curtains you have just laundered too.
  5. A good coating of hair spray will prevent recipe cards from getting all messy when in use in the kitchen.  OK maybe not prevent the messy but they will be easily wiped clean.
  6. Lightly spraying your freshly polished shoes with hair spray will keep the polish from easily being wiped off. 
  7. A light spray will keep a fresh Christmas wreath's needles in tact by keeping the moisture in them for longer.  Happy Holidays!
  8. Lipstick stains on clothing are easily removed with hair spray.  Let the hair spray set a minute on the stain then wipe it off.  Launder the clothing as usual.
  9. Reduce the amount of runs in your panty hose by spraying the hair spray on the toes of a new pair of pantie hose.  The toe area is where most runs start.  The hair spray strengthen the threads so they last longer.
  10. They will drop like flies because they are flies.  Those pesky house flies won't survive one squirt.  But make sure it's the water soluble hair spray in case you miss the target and have to clean the wall.  Works on wasps and bees too! 
If you can't do without hair spray for your hair why not try a natural, non-toxic approach.  If you will, I will.  I have found a simple and inexpensive recipe for hair spray by the Imperfect Homemaker.

Would love to here about your homemade hairspray in a comment.  And please don't forget to leave a link, please.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Make Your Own Refills For Swiffer WetJet



Make Your Own Swiffer WetJet Refills

from Julies Freebies


make-your-own-swiffer-wetjet-refillsHave you ever gone to the store to buy refills for your Swiffer WetJet only to be completely shocked at how much they are charging in the store? Here is an easy way to make your own refills with stuff that you likely have laying around the house that will cost just pennies!
First if you are like me, you may have already tried this and couldn’t get the top off of the bottle! Trick to doing that is to boil the cap in water for about a minute or so, this should loosen it up so that giving it a good twist will get it off. Now on to refilling it.
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of your favorite dish soap
Mix the ingredients together and pour into your empty Swiffer bottle! Congrats, you have just saved about $4.00!

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Does More Than Destroy Surfaces


Who knew polish remover (acetone) has hidden talents.  I'm sure there is a lesson to be learned here.  What might be viewed as negative qualities can actually be used for a positive outcome.  So are those negatives now positives?  I'm confused...how about you?  Even the original use (removing polish) is a good thing...right?  If you spilled polish remover on a table, it will most likely destroy where it landed.  Left unattended, couldn't water do the same ? 
 Uses for fingernail polish remover. (acetone)

  • CLEAN A KEYBOARD - Moisten a cotton swab and gently dab laptop keys.  Cuts right through any stuck on grime there might be.  Dries instantly!
  • REMOVES SCUFF MARKS - They will simply wipe off on tile, laminate or concrete floors.  Avoid using on wood floors.  Take those scuff marks off your shoes too.
  • RENEW STAINED CHINA - Dab polish remover on stained areas avoiding decorative patterns unless you want them to disappear too.
  • SUPERGLUE SOLVENT - You glued your what, to your what?  Get the nail polish remover and you can remove your what from your what in no time.
  • REPAIR WATCH COVER - I bet this could be done with reading or sunglasses also.  Just be careful when gently rubbing the surface.  You want a level and smooth surface, not a hole.  Acetone dissolves plastic.
  • REMOVES PERMANENT MARKER - As well as permanent ink can be removed from walls or even your skin.  Blot away.
  • CLEAN RAZORS - Acetone is a disinfectant.  Sanitize your razor by dipping into acetone.  Rinse off gunk between the blades and you should get a razor that lasts longer.
  • ELIMINATE BATHTUB RING - Soap scum as well as hard water stains can all be removed with acetone.  Dilute the acetone with water and use a toothbrush to quickly scrub away all residue.
Labels, who needs them.  Lesson learned.

Remove Age, Sun, Brown Spots With One (Easy To Get) Ingredient

Use full strength cider vinegar on a cotton ball and apply it for 10 minutes on targeted spot/s on your skin.  Do this at least twice a day.  Within a few weeks those spots will have faded or even disappeared.  Those spots did not develop over night.  And they won't go away over night either. But they will go away.

Your nail polish will stay on longer if you dampen nail bed with vinegar on a cotton ball.  Let it dry before applying polish.

Since we're discussing our nails...Before manicuring your nails, soak your fingers in a bowl of undiluted white vinegar for 5 minutes to soften the cuticles.  This goes for your toes too, before the pedicure.

I was amazed to find out that white vinegar works as an antiperspirant.  Splash under each arm in the morning in place of the regular stuff you use and let dry.

By placing a gauze soaked in white or cider vinegar on an injured area for an hour and it will speed healing and prevent black and blue marks.

Distilled white vinegar is one of the best grease eliminators around.  Good to know, right?
Vinegar is a stain remover, multi-purpose cleaner and disinfectant too.

But check this out!  Boil 2 cups of vinegar in your pans for 10 minutes helps keep food from sticking to it for several months.

Odor control is another talent of vinegar.  Pour in a small saucer and place in area of the odor.
 
Unclogs drains, antiperspirant, odor control, multi-purpose cleaner, non-toxic!!!! 
That makes vinegar a super hero in my book.

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

10-Minute Emergency Clean/ Unexpected Guests Stopping By/They're In The Area

   
       

  1. Comb your hair and check your makeup.  Your visitors will notice you before they notice the house.
  2. Close all the doors for each area that will not be used.
  3. Get a carton, crate, basket or box and gather everything that doesn't belong.  Hide it where it won't be seen.
  4. Take the cleaner and furniture polish to the room where you and your guests will be sitting and wipe off visible dirt on all surfaces.
  5. Fluff pillows.
  6. Check bathroom.  Put all clutter in the dirty laundry hamper or behind a pulled shower curtain.  Wipe out sink.  Stray hairs might give a bad impression.  Make sure there is plenty of toilet tissue.
  7. Go back and vacuum  living room if there is time.
  8. Next, stow unwashed dishes in the dishwasher or oven.  Clear off counters.  You may have a few minutes to do extra work in the kitchen, when you go back to the kitchen to fix them a drink after greeting them.  But only if they don't follow.
  9. Spray a pine cleaner all around.  It creates the impression that everything has been scrubbed.

Vacuuming Tips
  • Add a thirty foot extension cord to the vacuum so you can drag it form room to room without re-plugging.
  • Instead of bending, attach a magnet to the end of a sawed-off broomstick and take it along to pick up dropped staples, pins, etc.
  • Put some dried beans in the disposable bag.  When air makes the beans move, they compact the dust and you won't have to change the bag as much.

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Shower Cleaner You Make Yourself

Borax and vinegar remove (and stave off) mold and mildew growth and soap scum.
Prep: 3 min.
Cost: 15¢
Yield: Approximately 28 oz.

YOU'LL NEED
  • Funnel
  • Measuring cup and spoons
  • 32-oz. spray bottle
  • Rubber gloves
  • Sponge
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 tsp. borax
  • ½ tsp. liquid castile soap
  • ½ cup distilled white vinegar
  • 3 cups hot water

INSTRUCTIONS
Using funnel, pour borax, soap, vinegar and water into spray bottle. Shake well to mix. Put on rubber gloves and spray surfaces, scrubbing with sponge as you work. Rinse with water.

Credit for this DIY shower cleaner goes to All You magazine.  They have got a ton of "tips" on their website.  Did I say a ton?  I meant 2 ton.  A lot of them, anyway.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Who's The Neat Freak Of The Zodiac?

     We are the way we are because we're suppose to be this way.  Isn't it nice to know that it's not all your fault.  There is nothing wrong with you.  I found some information pertaining to your Sun sign and your approach to housekeeping.  Now maybe we can lighten up on our significant others for not doing things the way we think it should be done.  Baby, we are born this way!

The neat freak you ask?  Read on and see for yourself who bears the title.

Aries is the sign of new beginnings.  They are aggressive and full of energy.  They usually complete tasks in half the time it takes others.  Arians are also impatient and may not finish that big project they started.  This leaves you to finish.

Taurus is the sign of purposeful determination and power.  They hold dear the good things in life and focus attention on material possessions.  The problem with this is there's always a lot more to clean.  Do not argue with a Taurus.  They have their own way of doing things.  You'll just have to clean around them.

Gemini thinks and acts quickly.  Since they like to study, they'll be much happier reading about cleaning, than actually doing it.  A Gemini finds housekeeping boring  because they like variety. Expect the unexpected with this one.

Cancer is strongly linked to being domestic and homemaking.  Cancers have a need for security and like the idea of a happy and clean home.  Cleanliness is a characteristic.  And they don't like being told how to do things.  Let them do it their way and you won't be sorry.

Leos are generous and enjoy being the center of attention.  They dislike repetition and housecleaning is just that.  Give them space and let them lead because they like to be in charge. The house may not be as clean as you would like it to be, but your relationship won't suffer.

Virgos are the ones to make order out of chaos.  Yes, Virgos are the neat freaks.  They are meticulous in their work.   They pay attention to details and do chores efficiently.  If you are an Air sign, look for a Virgo to love.  They will insist on doing the dishes and washing the floors.

Libras initiate activities because they are concerned with the present.  At the same time you're thinking you'll sleep late, a Libra is probably thinking how fun it would be to clean out a closet. alone.  A Libra will expect you to work hard right along with them.

Scorpios possess power, will, and intense emotional desires.  Sometimes they're unable to delegate responsibility because of their desire to do everything perfectly.They might overwork themselves or they might aim frustrations toward someone that was willing to help but never asked.  Most would rather not perform such mundane work, but if they think housecleaning is important they will do it and do it well.

Sagittarians love their freedom and independence.  Don't make them feel housebound.  They really don't like domestic tasks.  Sagittarians do not have a subtle approach to life, they jump right in.  If they can get the cleaning over quickly, so much the better.  A cleaning person or service might be a better idea.

Capricorns are steady and surefooted.  They like to work hard and have a good knowledge of practical affairs.  Capricorns like to manage a household with precision and are methodical in their work.  Let them take care of things.  Help if you can, but don't worry, they can do it better.

Aquarians have an eccentric temperament.  They would rather depend on the company of others for security than the environment.  They will be tireless workers if you can get them excited about cleaning.  If not, they are best at watching you work and keeping you amused.

Pisces desperately want to do the right thing, but lack willpower.  They want to wash the windows, but if something better comes their way, the windows will get put aside.  Lots of Pisces are actors, artists or dancers.  Not too many of them are in the housekeeping business.  But hey, they can sing to you while you sweep.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Save Time And Money

  • Smoke odor from cooking can be absorbed by placing bowls containing white vinegar in different areas around  the house.
  • To remove onion odor from your hands   First you need to wash your hands then rub them all over the faucet spout.
  • Nail polish will last longer by applying white vinegar to nails with a cotton ball.  Allow to dry before applying polish.  Go figure!?
  • Take a lemon rind and sprinkle the white side with salt.  When this is rubbed on coffee or tea stains on your dishes, the stains will disappear.
  • 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar is sure to unclog a drain.  Run hot water  to make sure  the plug  is gone.  And guess what?!  These ingredients will deodorize your drain too.
  • 1/2 cup of table salt added to the washer will soften jeans.        
  • Vinegar added to the final rinse cycle will soften clothes  There won't be any vinegar smell after drying either.
  • Do not put fabric softener in the washer with the load of clothes you plan on storing after being laundered. Over time the fabric softener may leave spots on your clothing.
  • Copper and brass can be cleaned  by sprinkling salt over item and then rubbing with lemon juice.
  • Chalk or silica gel beads stored with silverware prevents tarnishing.
  • A dropped raw egg covered with a thick layer of salt makes for an easy pick up.  Just make sure you wait a few minutes after applying salt, before you pick 
  • 1/2 cup of Cascade dishwasher detergent added to the wash will remove red clay, grease and oil stains.
  • For squeaky clean , spot free dishes, put 1 packet of unsweetened lemon Koolaid in each detergent cup of dishwasher.

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

A Kid's Drink Mix Will Clean A Toilet


It's much easier to clean if not occupied.   

A rusty toilet rim to be exact.  Sprinkle lemon Koolaid around the rim of the toilet.  Let it sit on there for about an hour.  This allows the citric acid in the lemon drink mix to oxidize the rust.


1/2 cup baking soda plus 1 cup vinegar equals toilet bowl cleaner.
When the fizzing stops swish around and flush.


Somebody really had their thinking cap on for this tip. I'm not talking about the cats either.  First of all, in case you don't know, ice will sharpen the garbage disposal blades.  Fruit rinds can be used to clean and deodorize the garbage disposal (remember the lemon?)  Freeze the fruit rinds and you can complete all three tasks at once.  Awesome idea!  What do you think?  Better yet what have they done to these poor cats?  Yikes!
Wad up some newspaper and put in your plastic containers that smell.  It will probably take a few days, especially for larger containers.  It will be well worth it when you discover the smell is gone.  Yay!




Vegetable oil takes oil based paint off of hands.




Salt sprinkled in cracks of the driveway, patio, or deck will keep weeds from growing.


DO NOT leave the plastic covering on your dry cleaning when storing because over time it will cause clothing to yellow.  Not good!

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