Do not use metal bowls when mixing salads. Use wooden, glass or china.
Don't waste pie pastry scraps ... sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and bake like cookies.
Don't just keep dental floss in your medicine cabinet. Keep some in the kitchen. It's a great tool. Unflavored dental floss is often better than a knife to cleanly cut all kinds of soft foods, soft cheese, rolled dough, layered cake and cheesecake. I learned that watching my daughter, Miriam, work on a potter's wheel.
Don't throw out all that leftover wine ... freeze it into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
Drain deep fried foods on brown paper grocery bags as opposed to paper towels to retain crispness.
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
Dry herbs and spices can lose their flavor when cooking so long, if possible–try adding them the last two hours before the meal is ready to help keep the flavor. Use fresh herbs when possible, these can be added first thing since they’ll hold their flavor better when cooking for hours.
Dropping Cookie Dough - To get cookie dough to drop without sticking, dip the spoon in milk first.
Don't Oil the Pasta Water ~~~ Giving the pasta a good stir about 30 seconds after adding it to the pot will keep it from sticking together.
Dusting Tip ~~~ Save your old pairs of woolen or cotton socks to use as dusters. Simply slip them over your hands and go. When the get dirty, simply toss them in the laundry.
Click on Image to go to my recipe blog
Showing posts with label Cleaning Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cleaning Tips. Show all posts
Monday, August 22, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tips of Cleaning Kitchen
This tip is from specialsnacks.wordpress.com for more tips click on link below
http://specialsnacks.wordpress.com
1. The cleaning of cooker hood: In terms of cleaning the kitchen, many people think the most horrible thing is cleaning the cooker hood. You know, the detergent bought from the market is not good to our hands’ skin because more or less, there are some chemical components in it. So why don’t we make some special detergent by ourselves? The materials are very common in our daily life, they are cheap and environmental. Firstly, prepare a basin of hot water, add 2~5ml liquid detergent and 50ml table vinegar into the hot water, what need to note is the water temperature must over 60℃. Secondly, remove the fan or oil-filter strainer carefully, put them in the mixed water and waiting about 15~20 minutes. Then use some brand new silk stockings to scrub them, in this way, the surface will not be scratched and absolutely clean. Finally, after drying the fan or oil-filter strainer, coat with a layer of glue on the surface, install them back when the glue is totally dry. When you clean the cooker hood next time, tear off the glue, it will be more convenient for you to clean.
2. The cleaning of cooking range: Put the skin of lemon or orange into cold water to boil them, when the water is boiling, waiting it becomes cold. Then put a piece of wiping cloth into the water, use the wiping cloth to clean the dirt of gas stove or cooking range. Furthermore, you can coat with thick rice soup on the cooking stove, when the rice soup becomes dry, it will stick the oil stain together, you just need to clean the dry rice soup, then the oil stain can be removed together.
3. The cleaning of dishes: The water of wash rice and stewed noodles are very good to clean dishes. It is a frugal and environmental way to wash dishes. In addition, another essential way is use tea leaves to wash dishes, the oiliness also can be washed quickly. What more important is you do not need to worry the harm of chemical components.
4. The cleaning of chopping board: Chopping board is an excellent breeding place for bacteria, so it is very important to separate the raw and cooked food, meat and vegetables. When cleaning the chopping board, it is better to cover a layer of paper towel on the board. Then mix some vinegar and warm water together, pull them on the paper towel. After 5~10 minutes, rip away the paper towel and wash the chopping board by clean water. This way can not only clean dirt and remove odor, but also has the function of degerming.
http://specialsnacks.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/tips-of-cleaning-kitchen/
http://specialsnacks.wordpress.com
1. The cleaning of cooker hood: In terms of cleaning the kitchen, many people think the most horrible thing is cleaning the cooker hood. You know, the detergent bought from the market is not good to our hands’ skin because more or less, there are some chemical components in it. So why don’t we make some special detergent by ourselves? The materials are very common in our daily life, they are cheap and environmental. Firstly, prepare a basin of hot water, add 2~5ml liquid detergent and 50ml table vinegar into the hot water, what need to note is the water temperature must over 60℃. Secondly, remove the fan or oil-filter strainer carefully, put them in the mixed water and waiting about 15~20 minutes. Then use some brand new silk stockings to scrub them, in this way, the surface will not be scratched and absolutely clean. Finally, after drying the fan or oil-filter strainer, coat with a layer of glue on the surface, install them back when the glue is totally dry. When you clean the cooker hood next time, tear off the glue, it will be more convenient for you to clean.
2. The cleaning of cooking range: Put the skin of lemon or orange into cold water to boil them, when the water is boiling, waiting it becomes cold. Then put a piece of wiping cloth into the water, use the wiping cloth to clean the dirt of gas stove or cooking range. Furthermore, you can coat with thick rice soup on the cooking stove, when the rice soup becomes dry, it will stick the oil stain together, you just need to clean the dry rice soup, then the oil stain can be removed together.
3. The cleaning of dishes: The water of wash rice and stewed noodles are very good to clean dishes. It is a frugal and environmental way to wash dishes. In addition, another essential way is use tea leaves to wash dishes, the oiliness also can be washed quickly. What more important is you do not need to worry the harm of chemical components.
4. The cleaning of chopping board: Chopping board is an excellent breeding place for bacteria, so it is very important to separate the raw and cooked food, meat and vegetables. When cleaning the chopping board, it is better to cover a layer of paper towel on the board. Then mix some vinegar and warm water together, pull them on the paper towel. After 5~10 minutes, rip away the paper towel and wash the chopping board by clean water. This way can not only clean dirt and remove odor, but also has the function of degerming.
http://specialsnacks.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/tips-of-cleaning-kitchen/
Sunday, April 24, 2011
27 Ways to clean with Baking Soda
This tip is from thenewhomaker.com
for more tips click on link below
thenewhomemaker.com
Like vinegar, baking soda has three major things going for it as a cleanser:
It's non-toxic. Sure, eaten in large amounts it might make you feel unpleasant, but it's not poisonous.
It's multi-purpose. The suggestions in this article are only a few of the many ways that baking soda can be used as a household cleanser.
Best of all, it's CHEAP! The cost of baking soda (especially when purchased in several pound large boxes) is far less than that of any other, specialized cleaning agent.
Baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda, as it is also known) is a naturally occurring material, present in most organic life forms. It can be "made" from sodium carbonate, or soda ash. The soda ash is dissolved in a carbon dioxide rich solution, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) precipitates out.
As its name suggests, baking soda can be used for cooking. It can also be used medicinally, and, as we will discuss in this article, for cleaning.
In the kitchen
The kitchen is the most likely place to find baking soda. Don't stop with using it for baking, though!
1. A box or small bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator, freezer, or any cupboard will keep away unpleasant odors.
2. Similarly, baking soda will keep away garbage odors; sprinkle the bottom of the pail, and then sprinkle again after you put a new bag in.
3. Grease fires can be put out by sprinkling them with baking soda.
4. To clean surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth. Wipe, then rinse with clean water.
5. To remove stale smells from food containers, rinse out with hot water and baking soda. If the smell persists, let the container soak overnight in the baking soda and water mixture.
6. To clean silver, use a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Rub the paste onto each item, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
7. To remove scuff marks or grease spills from the floor, sprinkle with baking soda and then wipe with a warm, damp cloth. This is even safe for no-wax floors!
8. For burnt-on food in the bottom of pots, sprinkle with baking soda, then add hot water. Let soak overnight; the dried on food will come loose much more easily.
In the Bathroom
9.To remove stubborn stains from most surfaces, use a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda, one part water). Apply, let stand, then scrub or wipe clean.
10. Hairbrushes and combs can be cleaned in a baking soda solution.
11. To avoid clogged drains, pour 1/4 cup baking soda down weekly. Rinse through with hot water.
All Around the House
12. To remove scents from a carpet, sprinkle with baking soda. Let stand for at least fifteen minutes, then vacuum. Repeat as needed.
13. If there is a smoker in the house, put baking soda in the bottom of each ashtray to keep away some of the stale smoke smell.
14. Baking soda in the litterbox will help prevent odors.
15. To quickly clean pets and remove "wet dog" odor, sprinkle with baking soda and brush out their fur.
16. To help remove spills, blot as much as possible. Then clean as you normally would. When finished, sprinkle with baking soda. Vacuum. This will decrease the chance that some of the spilled item will remain in the carpet and cause unpleasant odors later.
17. Children's toys can be cleaned using 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Submerge in this mixture (or wipe with a cloth dampened in it), then rinse with clear water.
In the Laundry
18. Replace half of each measure of laundry detergent with baking soda to keep clothing fresh.
19. To remove grease stains, either add baking soda to the wash load or pretreat the stains with a baking soda paste.
20. Pretreat diapers in their pail with baking soda. This will keep odors from becoming overpowering between washings.
21. Baking soda increases the effectiveness of chlorine bleach. Add 1 / 2 cup to your laundry, along with the usual amount of bleach.
22. If you keep a laundry hamper, add some baking soda every day to keep the hamper from smelling between emptyings.
Outside the House (Yard and Garage)
23. Baking soda can be used to help clean up grease spills.
24. To remove burnt food from the grill, sprinkle with baking soda, then soak. After several hours, the charred pieces will come loose easily.
25. Lawn furniture can be easily cleaned with a rinse of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water.
26. The children's pool can be cleaned and have mildew removed by washing with baking soda in warm water.
27. Before packing away your camping gear after a trip, sprinkle with baking soda.
If you really get into using baking soda for cleaning, consider buying it in bulk; see if you can join a co-op or if your local natural foods or bulk store can order it for you. After all, it doesn't spoil, and the uses for baking soda are nearly endless!
for more tips click on link below
thenewhomemaker.com
Like vinegar, baking soda has three major things going for it as a cleanser:
It's non-toxic. Sure, eaten in large amounts it might make you feel unpleasant, but it's not poisonous.
It's multi-purpose. The suggestions in this article are only a few of the many ways that baking soda can be used as a household cleanser.
Best of all, it's CHEAP! The cost of baking soda (especially when purchased in several pound large boxes) is far less than that of any other, specialized cleaning agent.
Baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda, as it is also known) is a naturally occurring material, present in most organic life forms. It can be "made" from sodium carbonate, or soda ash. The soda ash is dissolved in a carbon dioxide rich solution, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) precipitates out.
As its name suggests, baking soda can be used for cooking. It can also be used medicinally, and, as we will discuss in this article, for cleaning.
In the kitchen
The kitchen is the most likely place to find baking soda. Don't stop with using it for baking, though!
1. A box or small bowl of baking soda in the refrigerator, freezer, or any cupboard will keep away unpleasant odors.
2. Similarly, baking soda will keep away garbage odors; sprinkle the bottom of the pail, and then sprinkle again after you put a new bag in.
3. Grease fires can be put out by sprinkling them with baking soda.
4. To clean surfaces, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth. Wipe, then rinse with clean water.
5. To remove stale smells from food containers, rinse out with hot water and baking soda. If the smell persists, let the container soak overnight in the baking soda and water mixture.
6. To clean silver, use a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Rub the paste onto each item, then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
7. To remove scuff marks or grease spills from the floor, sprinkle with baking soda and then wipe with a warm, damp cloth. This is even safe for no-wax floors!
8. For burnt-on food in the bottom of pots, sprinkle with baking soda, then add hot water. Let soak overnight; the dried on food will come loose much more easily.
In the Bathroom
9.To remove stubborn stains from most surfaces, use a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda, one part water). Apply, let stand, then scrub or wipe clean.
10. Hairbrushes and combs can be cleaned in a baking soda solution.
11. To avoid clogged drains, pour 1/4 cup baking soda down weekly. Rinse through with hot water.
All Around the House
12. To remove scents from a carpet, sprinkle with baking soda. Let stand for at least fifteen minutes, then vacuum. Repeat as needed.
13. If there is a smoker in the house, put baking soda in the bottom of each ashtray to keep away some of the stale smoke smell.
14. Baking soda in the litterbox will help prevent odors.
15. To quickly clean pets and remove "wet dog" odor, sprinkle with baking soda and brush out their fur.
16. To help remove spills, blot as much as possible. Then clean as you normally would. When finished, sprinkle with baking soda. Vacuum. This will decrease the chance that some of the spilled item will remain in the carpet and cause unpleasant odors later.
17. Children's toys can be cleaned using 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Submerge in this mixture (or wipe with a cloth dampened in it), then rinse with clear water.
In the Laundry
18. Replace half of each measure of laundry detergent with baking soda to keep clothing fresh.
19. To remove grease stains, either add baking soda to the wash load or pretreat the stains with a baking soda paste.
20. Pretreat diapers in their pail with baking soda. This will keep odors from becoming overpowering between washings.
21. Baking soda increases the effectiveness of chlorine bleach. Add 1 / 2 cup to your laundry, along with the usual amount of bleach.
22. If you keep a laundry hamper, add some baking soda every day to keep the hamper from smelling between emptyings.
Outside the House (Yard and Garage)
23. Baking soda can be used to help clean up grease spills.
24. To remove burnt food from the grill, sprinkle with baking soda, then soak. After several hours, the charred pieces will come loose easily.
25. Lawn furniture can be easily cleaned with a rinse of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water.
26. The children's pool can be cleaned and have mildew removed by washing with baking soda in warm water.
27. Before packing away your camping gear after a trip, sprinkle with baking soda.
If you really get into using baking soda for cleaning, consider buying it in bulk; see if you can join a co-op or if your local natural foods or bulk store can order it for you. After all, it doesn't spoil, and the uses for baking soda are nearly endless!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Over 70 Uses for Vinegar
Using Vinegar for BEAUTY, HAIR & BATH
1. In your bathwater.Add ½ cup of vinegar or so to warm bath water when bathing and get double benefits softer skin and a cleaner bathtub with less work!
2. Hair Conditionervinegar makes a simple, inexpensive conditioner for your hair and helps remove the sticky stuff shampoo can leave behind. About a tablespoon will do it.
3. Dandruff Treatment Simply pour a few Tablespoons of vinegar on your hair and massage into your scalp. Wait a few minutes, then rinse and wash hair like normal. Try this for a few days until you see results.
4. Weight Loss. Vinegar naturally helps to remove fat from the body - apple cider vinegar is especially good for this. Drink some in a glass of water a few times a day, and add a little lemon or honey for a nicer flavor. This will also help reduce your appetite.
5. Cracked, dry skin. Smooth a little vinegar on dried skin to help
it heal.
6. Clean dentures Soak dentures overnight in Heinz White Vinegar, then brush away tartar with a toothbrush.
7. Facial spritzer mix 1/2 apple cider vinegar and 1/2 water into a
spray bottle. Refreshing!
8. Hair Cleanser Take 1 cup of vinegar and warm water into a large glass and use to rinse your hair after you shampoo. Vinegar adds highlights to brunette hair, restores the acid mantel, and removes soap film and sebum oil.
9. Longer lasting pantyhose Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the rinse water when washing and your pantyhose will last longer!
Using Vinegar for CLEANING
1. Cleans Glass. Mixed with water or simply sprayed full-strength on glass and mirrors, vinegar does a great job quickly and easily.
Simply wipe windows dry with crumpled-up newspapers and watch your windows sparkle.
2. Clean your car. Use it full-strength to polish car chrome with a
cloth and see it shine! Use it on your car's windshield and windows, too.
3. Cleans drinking glasses. Soak cloudy drinking glasses in warmed white vinegar for a few hours to remove the film, simply wipe clean, rinse, and dry.
4. Clean your washing machine. Periodically run a gallon of
distilled vinegar through your washing machine to clean it
thoroughly, get rid of soap scum, and clear out the hoses. Run the machine through the warm water wash cycle empty and then add the vinegar during the rinse cycle.
5. Furniture Polish. Make your own furniture polish with one part
vinegar and three parts lemon oil or olive oil.
6. Remove price tags or stickers Paint them with several coats of
vinegar and let it soak in. Depending what you are removing them off of is whether they'll slide off easily or require a little heavier rubbing.
7. Clean your IRON Put vinegar in the water holder and let it steam itself clean. Remember to flush it with water when you are done.
8. Clean paintbrushes Simmer paintbrushes in pure vinegar, then wash in hot soapy water.
9. Wash walls. Wipe down your walls with a vinegar-water mixture and it will help absorb odors and clean the surfaces.
10. Remove spots from glass.Use a vinegar-soaked cloth to remove spots from any glassware or crystal.
11. Unclog drains Pour boiling white vinegar down clogged drains to remove the clog!
12. Clean jars. Remove odors and stains from jars by cleaning them out with vinegar.
13. Clean an old lunchbox. Soak a piece of bread in vinegar and let it sit in the lunchbox over night.
14. Clean and deodorize a garbage disposal Make vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold water through
15. Teapot cleaning Boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the
teapot. Wipe away the grime.
16. Dishwasher cleaning Run a cup of vinegar through the whole cycle once a month to reduce soap build up on the inner mechanisms and on glassware.
17. Microwaves Boil a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of
water in the microwave. Will loosen splattered on food and deodorize.
18. Remove smoke smells from clothing Add a cup of vinegar to a bath tub of hot water. Hang clothes above the steam.
19. Clean eyeglasses Wipe each lens with a drop of vinegar.
20. Remove stains from furniture and upholstery Remove stubborn stains from furniture upholstery and clothes. Apply Heinz White Vinegar directly to the stain, then wash as directed by the manufacturer's instructions.
21. Natural air deodorizer Heinz Vinegar is a natural air freshener
when sprayed in a room.
22. Remove rust Soak the rusted tool, bolt, or spigot in undiluted
Heinz White Vinegar overnight.
23. Toilet bowl Pour in one cup of Heinz White Vinegar, let it stand for five minutes, and flush.
24. Brighten fabrics Add a 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.
25. Natural cleaning wipes A cloth soaked with vinegar for
sanitizing kitchen counters, stove, and bathroom surfaces. This is just as effective as the anti-bacterial products and does not
promote resistant strains like the commercial products can, this is also a cheaper and greener way to protect your loved ones.
26. Remove lint from laundry Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse
cycle.
27. Remove grease from suede Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over grease spot.
28. Remove perspiration stains from clothing Apply one part vinegar to four parts water, then rinse.
29. Clean coffee or tea stains from china A mixture of salt and
vinegar will clean coffee and tea stains from chinaware.
30. Clean coffeepots and coffee makers Vinegar can help to dissolve mineral deposits that collect in automatic drip coffee makers. Fill the reservoir with vinegar and run it through a brewing cycle. Rinse thoroughly with water when the cycle is finished.
Using Vinegar for FOOD & COOKING
1. Cheese Storage Cheese will last longer if you store it in a
vinegar-soaked cloth.
2. Whiter Cauliflower Add a teaspoon or so of white vinegar to your cooking water while cooking cauliflower - it will retain a whiter color.
3. Ketchup Only have a little ketchup left in the bottle? Add a bit
of vinegar and give it a good shake and you'll have a bit more!
4. Boiling Eggs Add a bit of white vinegar to the water you're
boiling your eggs in, and the shells won't crack.
5. Cooking Cabbage Add a bit of vinegar to the water you're cooking your cabbage in to remove that stinky cabbage smell.
6. Fluffier Meringues Add 1 teaspoon vinegar for every three egg
whites and you'll have fluffier meringues.
7. Tenderize Meat Soak in vinegar over night.
8. Unsticky Rice To cook rice without sticking add a spoon full of
vinegar in it.
9. Remove onion odors from skin Eliminate onion odor by rubbing vinegar on your fingers before and after slicing.
10. Disinfect/clean cutting boards Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards by wiping with full strength vinegar.
11. Make buttermilk Make buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it stand 5 minutes to thicken.
Using Vinegar for GARDENING & YARD
1. Clay Pot Cleaning Remove white salt buildup on old clay pots by soaking them in full strength vinegar.
2. Kills grass. Undiluted vinegar will kill grass between bricks and
sidewalk cracks.
3. Kills weeds. Spray full strength on weeds - be careful not to
spray it on the surrounding grass as it will kill that too.
4. Deter Ants Spray vinegar around doors, appliances, and along
other areas where ants are known to gather.
5. Keep Cats Away Keep cats away. Sprinkle vinegar on areas you don't want the cat walking, sleeping, or scratching on.
6. Freshen Cut Flowers Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.
Using Vinegar for HEALTH
1. Suffering from a sore throat? Mix a teaspoon vinegar with a glass of water. Gargle with the mixture and then swallow.
2. Remove calluses Try soaking your feet in a combination of white vinegar and warm water nightly and watch your feet soften
noticeably.
3. Soak a washcloth in vinegar and gently apply it to sunburned skin for cool relief. Reapply as needed as it evaporates. Besides
sunburn, vinegar also soothes the itch and irritation of bee stings!
4. Arthritis Tonic. Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a
glass of water, several times a day.
5. Jellyfish Stings Dot the irritation with vinegar and relieve
itching.
6. Sinus Infections and Head Colds Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer.
7. Wart Removal Mix one part Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar to one part glycerin into a lotion and apply daily to warts until they dissolve.
8. Soothe an upset stomach Drink two teaspoons Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar in one cup water to soothe an upset stomach.
9. Mosquito bites Use a cotton ball to dab mosquito and other bug bites with Heinz Vinegar straight from the bottle.
Using Vinegar for PETS & ANIMALS
1. Pet's drinking water. Add a teaspoon of vinegar to your pet's
drinking water to encourage a shinier coat, and reduce odor.
2. Remove skunk odor Use vinegar straight to remove skunk odor from your pet's fur.
3. Stop your cat's scratching furniture Sprinkle or spray vinegar on areas you don't want the cat scratching on.
4. Fish bowl cleaner Eliminate that ugly deposit in the gold fish
tank by rubbing it with a cloth dipped in vinegar and rinsing well.
5. Remove pet stains from carpets Blot up urine with a soft cloth,
flush several times with lukewarm water, then apply a mixture of
equal parts vinegar and cool water. Blot up, rinse, and let dry.
-- Source Unknown
Non-toxic home care
http://opossumsal.homestead.com/Household/nthc678.html
All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit
stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, indows,
bathroom mirrors, etc.
Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell. Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house. Having houseplants helps too. Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the
stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off
utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.
Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray
bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.
Dishwashing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not themselves harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.
Disinfectant: Mix 1/4 cup borax into 1/2 gallon hot water. Use for
wiping surfaces.
Drain Cleaner: Pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water
is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener--the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.
Floor Cleaner and Polish: vinyl and linoleum: add a capful of baby oil to the cleaning water to preserve and polish. wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1 oil and vinegar and rub in well. painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot
water. brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear water. Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint
oil; shake to mix.
Lime Deposits: You can reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by
putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is still warm. Metal Cleaners and Polishes: aluminum: using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water. brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth
dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt
solution. chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out. copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on the cloth before wiping. gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and
flour. silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water;
add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth. stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar.
-- Source Unknown
All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit
stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, indows,
bathroom mirrors, etc.
Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell. Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house. Having houseplants helps too. Prevent cooking odors by simmering vinegar (1 tbsp in 1 cup water) on the
stove while cooking. To get such smells as fish and onion off
utensils and cutting boards, wipe them with vinegar and wash in soapy water.
Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using shower.
Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray
bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush or sponge using warm soapy water.
Dishwasher Soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.
Dishwashing Soap: Commercial low-phosphate detergents are not themselves harmful, but phosphates nourish algae which use up oxygen in waterways. A detergent substitution is to use liquid soap. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the warm, soapy water for tough jobs.
Disinfectant: Mix 1/4 cup borax into 1/2 gallon hot water. Use for
wiping surfaces.
Drain Cleaner: Pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water
is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener--the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.
Floor Cleaner and Polish: vinyl and linoleum: add a capful of baby oil to the cleaning water to preserve and polish. wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1 oil and vinegar and rub in well. painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon (4L) hot
water. brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon (4L) water; rinse with clear water. Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. For damp-mopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint
oil; shake to mix.
Lime Deposits: You can reduce lime deposits in your teakettle by
putting in 1/2 cup (125ml) white vinegar and 2 cups water, and gently boiling for a few minutes. Rinse well with fresh water while kettle is still warm. Metal Cleaners and Polishes: aluminum: using a soft cloth, clean with a solution of cream of tartar and water. brass or bronze: polish with a soft cloth
dipped in lemon and baking-soda solution, or vinegar and salt
solution. chrome: polish with baby oil, vinegar, or aluminum foil shiny side out. copper: soak a cotton rag in a pot of boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup white vinegar. Apply to copper while hot; let cool, then wipe clean. For tougher jobs, sprinkle baking soda or lemon juice on the cloth before wiping. gold: clean with toothpaste, or a paste of salt, vinegar, and
flour. silver: line a pan with aluminum foil and fill with water;
add a teaspoon each of baking soda and salt. Bring to a boil and immerse silver. Polish with soft cloth. stainless steel: clean with a cloth dampened with undiluted white vinegar.
-- Source Unknown
Simple natural cleaners and solutions
Pound fresh sweet cicely seeds. Place a handful on a rag and rub on wood.
Furniture Polish
Mix 2 parts vegetable oil and 1 part lemon juice. Wipe on areas to be
polished.
Furniture & Floor Polish
Mix 3 parts olive oil with 1 part white vinegar. Wipe on areas to be
polished.
Glass Cleaners
Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of vinegar and water. This does not streak.
Glass Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with:
2 cups rubbing alcohol
2 TBS household ammonia
1 1/2 TBS liquid dishwashing detergent
Window Cleaner
Make a wet paste out of cornstarch and water. Wipe on windows and let dry. Wipe off.
Wall Cleaner
Mix in bucket:
1 gallon of water
1 cup household ammonia
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
Carpet Cleaner
1 TBS vinegar
1 TBS household ammonia
Mix with one quart water.
Carpet Cleaner
Sprinkle cornstarch on the carpet and let sit for 10 minutes. Vacuum.
Deodorizer for Cat & Dog Messes
Clean up mess. Sprinkle baking soda on the area and then spray with vinegar. Let sit for about an hour. Wipe up with a mild soap and water solution.
Oven Cleaner
Sprinkle fresh spills inside the oven with salt. The salt will absorb the
spills and can be brushed away once the oven has cooled.
Oven Cleaner
Do this only if your kitchen is well ventilated. Preheat the oven to 200F
and then turn it off. Pour 2 cups of straight ammonia into a non-aluminum pan and place on the middle rack. Shut the oven door and let sit overnight. By morning the grease will be easy to wipe up.
Refrigerator Cleaner
Spray and wipe clean with equal parts of vinegar and water.
To Clean the Dishwasher
Once a month, pour a cup of vinegar into the dishwasher and run it through the whole cycle. This will clean, disinfect and reduce the soap build up.
Herbal Disinfectant
Simmer a handful of the leaves and stems of rosemary, juniper, lavendar or sage in 2 cups of boiled water. Strain and use to clean kitchens and bathrooms. Adding a little dishwashing detergent helps to cut the grease. Recipe can be doubled.
Kitchen Cleaner
Once a month, wipe down entire kitchen and the inside of the refrigerator with 2 TBS chlorine bleach in one gallon of water. This will kill off all the harmful germs.
For Greasy Dishes
Add a splash of vinegar to your dishwater to cut the grease.
Garbage Disposal Cleaner
Grind a couple of ice cubes made from vinegar in the garbage disposal and then run cold water for about a minute.
Get Rid of Sink Odor
Pour a 1/2 cup of vinegar down the kitchen sink. Flush with cold water a half hour later.
Air Freshener
Simmer 2 tsp. cinnamon in 2 cups of water.
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Bug and Rodent Deterents
Ants:
Spray vinegar on ant trails and around the areas they are getting into your house. Place sprigs of pennyroyal, tansy, or rue in the cupboards and shelves.
Fleas:
Fleas hate laurel leaves, rue, and winter savory. Crush and place under rugs, sofa cushions, doormats, etc.. Add a tsp. of vinegar to your pets drinking water.
Flies:
Hang sprigs of lavender, mint, pennyroyal, peppermint, or rue. Make
potpourris out of lavender. Grow any one of these herbs in and / or outside of your house.
Moths:
Make sachets out of lavender, lemon, thyme, mint, rosemary, tansy, or
wormwood. Place in linen closets and drawers and in closets.
Weevils:
Place bay leaves on shelves and in cupboards. Put a whole leaf in with your flour, rice and dried beans.
Mice:
Place sprigs of tansy or mint on your shelves, cupboards and anywhere mice have been seen to deter them.
Nature abhors a vacuum. And so do I.
Anne Gibbons
Cold Lipton tea is a good cleaning agent for any kind of woodwork.
http://opossumsal.homestead.com/Household/simplenaturalcleaners.html
http://opossumsal.homestead.com/Household/simplenaturalcleaners.html
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