$ Saving Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Products (from News & Observer Feb. 7, 2009 issue)

Baking soda
Extinguish grease or electrical fire – scatter by handful
Clean combs and brushes
Clean greasy garage floor – sprinkle on, let stand, scrub & rinse
Clean badly burned pan – pout thick layer on, sprinkle w/water/leave overnight
Clean shower curtains – soak them in water and soda
Eliminate foot odor – sprinkle in shoes
Repel rain from car windshield
Freshen carpet/furniture - sprinkle on for ½ hr, then vacuum
Eliminate water rings on finished wood – baking soda & toothpaste
Get rid of ants – mix soda & salt, sprinkle where they come in
Fill in nail holes in plastered wall w/paste of white toothpaste & soda

Dryer sheets
Repel mosquitoes – hang sheet outside
Freshen air – hand in closet, under car seat or in drawer
Prevent tangled thread – run needle thru sheet before sewing
Luggage – put one inside suitcase
Eliminate static from TV or computer screen
Dissolve soap scum from shower
Repel bees/bugs in picnic basket/under outdoor furniture
Repel bugs – rub directly on bare skin
Combat static on clothes, stockings/hair – pat w/sheet

Vinegar
Remove price tags/stickers – paint w/several coats/soak 5 min/wipe
Kill weeds in paving stones/sidewalks – fill spray bottle/spray

Soda
Clean car battery terminals – pour, let set, wipe w/wet sponge
Loosen rusted-on nuts and bolts – soak rag in soda/wrap around bolt
Clear out slow drain – pour 2-liter bottle down drain to remove clog
Make cut flowers last longer – pour ½ cup soda into vase of cut flowers

Dawn dishwashing detergent
Pre-treat oil-based laundry stains, such as lipstick & grease
Soak oil/grimy tools to clean
Kill fleas by washing pets in soapy water bath

Grocery bags
Preserve paint brushes few days – wrap w/rubber band or twist-tie
Bulk up curtain valances/crafts/pillows – stuff w/bags

Milk
Use to shave with
Clean patent leather shoes – rub w/milk and soft cloth; dry & buff
Remove ink stains on clothes – soak ½ hr-overnight
Repair fine cracks in china plates/cups – cover w/milk/ boil/simmer 45 min

Nail polish
Make cup measurements visible
Mark levels inside a bucket
Seal an envelope
Keep belt buckle shiny – coat w/clear polish
Stop windshield crack from spreading – brush both sides of glass

Cotton balls
Fight mildew in bathroom – soak in bleach – leave few hrs – rinse w/warm water

Mayonnaise
Remove bumper sticker/tar/pine sap – rub on for several minutes/wipe off

Marshmallows
Stop ice cream drips by placing in bottom of cone before adding ice creamKeep brown sugar soft – add few to bag