Here is a great article about making your own all natural household cleaners. Reprinted with permision:
by Sandy Shields
Save time and money by trying these simple household cleaners!
Window Cleaner
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 quart warm water.
Floor Cleaner
Mix 1 cup vinegar with 2 gallons water.
Glass Coffee Pot Cleaner
Place crushed ice, salt and sliced lemons in pot and swirl till clean.
Furniture polish
Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 3/4 cup oil (olive, vegetable, lemon).
Brass, Copper, and Pewter Cleaner
Mix equal parts salt and vinegar, then thicken with flour.
General Cleaner
Mix 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water, or use plain baking soda with a wet sponge.
Disinfecting/Deodorizing Cleaner
Mix 1/2 cup Borax in 1 gallon hot water.
Mildew Remover
Mix 3/4 cup chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of cold water.
Telephone Cleaner
Clean with rubbing alcohol.
Eyeglass Cleaner
Mix 8 ounces of ammonia with 32 ounces of rubbing alcohol.
Daily Shower Cleaner
1 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap, and 1/4 cup dishwasher rinse agent.
Oven Cleaner
Baking Soda and Vinegar.
Drain Cleaner
Add 1/2 cup baking soda, then pour one cup of vinegar down drain. Let sit for 20 minutes, then flush with water.
Woodwork Cleaner
Used cold tea for cleaning any kind of woodwork.
Dusting
Re-use dryer sheets for dusting instead of the new Pledge or Swiffer cloths.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Drop denture cleaning tablet into bowl and let sit.
Carpet Deodorizer
Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on carpet. Vacuum after 30 minutes.
Aluminum Cleaner
Mix 2 tablespoons cream of tartar with 1 quart hot water.
Tub and Tile Cleaner
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup white vinegar.
Try some of these all natural solutions next time you clean. They are made with products that you probably have on hand, and they are safe to use. I hope that they work as well for you as they have for me!
Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of TheFrugalShopper.com She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright © TheFrugalShopper.com 1999-2005.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Painting Tip
Painting mess prevention:
When you wipe your paintbrush against the inside of the can, paint fills the rim and eventually runs down the side and onto the floor. You can solve that problem by wiping the paint against a heavy rubber band wrapped around the center of the can. Wipe your brush on the part of the rubber ban over the open top and the excess paint will fall back into the can.
Now that we are all thinking of spring, we often think of repainting a room, use this tip to make cleanup easy.
When you wipe your paintbrush against the inside of the can, paint fills the rim and eventually runs down the side and onto the floor. You can solve that problem by wiping the paint against a heavy rubber band wrapped around the center of the can. Wipe your brush on the part of the rubber ban over the open top and the excess paint will fall back into the can.
Now that we are all thinking of spring, we often think of repainting a room, use this tip to make cleanup easy.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Quick Fix It Tips Of The Day
For nailing small nails, place the nails between the teeth of a comb. Hammer gently.
Sandpaper will last longer and work better if the paper backing is dampened slightly before wrapping around a block of wood.Don't soak it.
You can secure a loose chair leg by wrapping the loose end with a small strip of nylon panty hose, apply glue, then reinsert and let set before use.
Sticky dresser drawers will slide easier if you rub candle wax or soap on the runner on the side of the drawers, and or bottom guides.
Apply soap or wax on screws for easier screwing.
If a screw is loose, remove it and stick a wooden kitchen match or tooth pick in the hole, break it off and then put the screw back in.
If you have a problem with dampness in closets, fill a coffee can with charcoal briquettes. Place container on floor, punch holes in the cover. For larger closets use 2 or 3 one-pound cans.
Chalk will also help cut down on dampness. Tie 12 - 20 pieces together and hang in closets or other damp areas.
Fill an old nylon stocking with cedar chips for a sweet-smelling closet. This also will serve as a moth repellant.
Duct tape, how can I forget not to same somethinbg about the most flexible and useful material known to man? It has so many uses, mending that old shop chair, fixing the old tractor seat, repairing torn greenhouses, sealing pipes and Fashion. Yes fashion there are numerous websites today selling fashion accessories made entirely from duct tape. Can you believe that?
Sandpaper will last longer and work better if the paper backing is dampened slightly before wrapping around a block of wood.Don't soak it.
You can secure a loose chair leg by wrapping the loose end with a small strip of nylon panty hose, apply glue, then reinsert and let set before use.
Sticky dresser drawers will slide easier if you rub candle wax or soap on the runner on the side of the drawers, and or bottom guides.
Apply soap or wax on screws for easier screwing.
If a screw is loose, remove it and stick a wooden kitchen match or tooth pick in the hole, break it off and then put the screw back in.
If you have a problem with dampness in closets, fill a coffee can with charcoal briquettes. Place container on floor, punch holes in the cover. For larger closets use 2 or 3 one-pound cans.
Chalk will also help cut down on dampness. Tie 12 - 20 pieces together and hang in closets or other damp areas.
Fill an old nylon stocking with cedar chips for a sweet-smelling closet. This also will serve as a moth repellant.
Duct tape, how can I forget not to same somethinbg about the most flexible and useful material known to man? It has so many uses, mending that old shop chair, fixing the old tractor seat, repairing torn greenhouses, sealing pipes and Fashion. Yes fashion there are numerous websites today selling fashion accessories made entirely from duct tape. Can you believe that?
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Handy Home Tips
Change wall color not hanging arrangements:
If you already have a great picture arrangement, but you need to repaint the room, try inserting toothpicks into the nail holes and paint right over them. After the paint dries, simply remove the toothpicks and you are then ready to rehang your pictures in the original spots.
Metal Furniture looking old:
Rusted metal furniture can be made like new by rubbing it down with turpentine.
Fogging Home Mirrors:
Does your bathroom mirror fog up after taking a shower? Then use shaving cream to wipe down the mirror. Just apply shaving cream to the mirror and rub all over mirror. Wipe off the excess and you will have fog free mirrors for weeks. Don't worry about streaks, just use a little elbow grease.
Cleaning the Washing Machine:
Fill the machine with warm water and add a gallon of distilled vinegar to it.
Run the machine through the entire cycle to unclog and clean soap scum from hoses
Cleaning The Dishwasher:
Is the interior of your dishwasher looking blue or brown? Just fill the detergent dispenser with "Tang" yes "the powdered orange drink" and run the dishwasher through a full cycle. At the end of the cycle it should look brand-new.
Happy Sunday!
If you already have a great picture arrangement, but you need to repaint the room, try inserting toothpicks into the nail holes and paint right over them. After the paint dries, simply remove the toothpicks and you are then ready to rehang your pictures in the original spots.
Metal Furniture looking old:
Rusted metal furniture can be made like new by rubbing it down with turpentine.
Fogging Home Mirrors:
Does your bathroom mirror fog up after taking a shower? Then use shaving cream to wipe down the mirror. Just apply shaving cream to the mirror and rub all over mirror. Wipe off the excess and you will have fog free mirrors for weeks. Don't worry about streaks, just use a little elbow grease.
Cleaning the Washing Machine:
Fill the machine with warm water and add a gallon of distilled vinegar to it.
Run the machine through the entire cycle to unclog and clean soap scum from hoses
Cleaning The Dishwasher:
Is the interior of your dishwasher looking blue or brown? Just fill the detergent dispenser with "Tang" yes "the powdered orange drink" and run the dishwasher through a full cycle. At the end of the cycle it should look brand-new.
Happy Sunday!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Ya gotta Have Duct Tape!!
The Order of Canada for the man with the stick on the ice and the inventor of One Million Uses for Duct Tape.
News Snip:
Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean presented Canada’s highest honour to this year’s recipients during a morning ceremony at her official residence, Rideau Hall, in Ottawa.
Steve Smith, best known for his handyman character Red Green, is among the new members of the Order of Canada. The Toronto-born actor plays the leader of the Possum Lodge on The Red Green Show.
From CBC News
A true icon of Canadain comedy. Good way to be Handsome and Handy, there Steve.
I vote him Handy Man of the Year!
News Snip:
Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean presented Canada’s highest honour to this year’s recipients during a morning ceremony at her official residence, Rideau Hall, in Ottawa.
Steve Smith, best known for his handyman character Red Green, is among the new members of the Order of Canada. The Toronto-born actor plays the leader of the Possum Lodge on The Red Green Show.
From CBC News
A true icon of Canadain comedy. Good way to be Handsome and Handy, there Steve.
I vote him Handy Man of the Year!
Dealing with water stains and mildew.
One of the most common household problems is water stains and mildew on walls and/or ceilings. It happens to most everyone. The common causes are a leaky roof, a burst, pipe, melting snow, or excessive bathroom moisture etc.
You might be tempted to cover a water stain by applying a fresh coat of paint. But, chances are, it won't work. Most water stains will bleed right through ordinary paints. Besides this problem creates an ideal environment for the growth of mold & mildew, you don't want that.
Identify and fix the source of the moisture or leak and make sure the surface is sound.
Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and the deposits . Use a bleach-and-water solution to remove mildew and rinse the surface thoroughly.
Dry the surface thoroughly. Use a hair dryer to dry small areas. Larger areas may require the use of a dehumidifier, heater or fan.
Prime the surface with a shellac base primer-sealer. For small or hard to reach stains, use aerosol spray. Use an old tooth brush in corners.
In high humidity areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, repaint with a product that prevents future mildew growth on the paint film. Ask for this type at the paint counter.
Cheers
You might be tempted to cover a water stain by applying a fresh coat of paint. But, chances are, it won't work. Most water stains will bleed right through ordinary paints. Besides this problem creates an ideal environment for the growth of mold & mildew, you don't want that.
Identify and fix the source of the moisture or leak and make sure the surface is sound.
Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and the deposits . Use a bleach-and-water solution to remove mildew and rinse the surface thoroughly.
Dry the surface thoroughly. Use a hair dryer to dry small areas. Larger areas may require the use of a dehumidifier, heater or fan.
Prime the surface with a shellac base primer-sealer. For small or hard to reach stains, use aerosol spray. Use an old tooth brush in corners.
In high humidity areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, repaint with a product that prevents future mildew growth on the paint film. Ask for this type at the paint counter.
Cheers
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Paint and Chaulking and Fixing
Spring is on the way... well it'll come sometime! Maybe you are thinking about painting and sprucing up the place. Here are a few helpfull hints.
Save money on paint:
When painting new plaster, or similar porous surface, paint on a solution of water mixed with PVA glue first. This will seal the surface and stop the paint from soaking into the plaster, thereby making it go a lot further and giving a much better finish.
A smoother, smarter finish:
Whenever you have to rechaulk, remove old sealant from the joint and claen away build up. When sealing round a bath, basin or the like, use masking tape above and below where the sealant is to go. After placing the sealant along the edge (joint), wet your finger and run it gently along the sealant to smooth it out. Remove masking tape gently before the sealant drys. Oh and clean up your finger... I know you knew that!
Need to Refinish wood furniture:
Elevate furniture legs. for easy finishing by driving a screw into the bottom of each one. Adjust the screws as needed to keep the piece from rocking while brushing on the new finish coat.
Furniture Knob painting:
Keep the stuff off your hands by using a clothspin for neat knob finishing. Use a spring clothespin, grasp the knob by its screw and balance the assembly in upright position within the clothspin graps. You'll be able to apply the finish every area without messing your hands.
Never ‘over-drill’ again:
When drilling a hole to a specific depth, place tape around the drill bit at the required depth and when the drill reaches the marker tape you know you have reached the desired depth.
Golfing has a handyman purpose:
Golfing can make make power tools last longer! Golf tees are the perfect shape and size to ‘cork’ the inputs of air powered tools to prevent dirt and dust building up when not in use.
Untill next time happy projects for all!
Duct tape use coming up!
Save money on paint:
When painting new plaster, or similar porous surface, paint on a solution of water mixed with PVA glue first. This will seal the surface and stop the paint from soaking into the plaster, thereby making it go a lot further and giving a much better finish.
A smoother, smarter finish:
Whenever you have to rechaulk, remove old sealant from the joint and claen away build up. When sealing round a bath, basin or the like, use masking tape above and below where the sealant is to go. After placing the sealant along the edge (joint), wet your finger and run it gently along the sealant to smooth it out. Remove masking tape gently before the sealant drys. Oh and clean up your finger... I know you knew that!
Need to Refinish wood furniture:
Elevate furniture legs. for easy finishing by driving a screw into the bottom of each one. Adjust the screws as needed to keep the piece from rocking while brushing on the new finish coat.
Furniture Knob painting:
Keep the stuff off your hands by using a clothspin for neat knob finishing. Use a spring clothespin, grasp the knob by its screw and balance the assembly in upright position within the clothspin graps. You'll be able to apply the finish every area without messing your hands.
Never ‘over-drill’ again:
When drilling a hole to a specific depth, place tape around the drill bit at the required depth and when the drill reaches the marker tape you know you have reached the desired depth.
Golfing has a handyman purpose:
Golfing can make make power tools last longer! Golf tees are the perfect shape and size to ‘cork’ the inputs of air powered tools to prevent dirt and dust building up when not in use.
Untill next time happy projects for all!
Duct tape use coming up!
What about those door problems?
As the seasons change so does your house, things move a bit from temperature and ground changes. These changes are most noticable in doors and doorways and can get to be annoying.
The rattling door:
Quiet a rattling door by moving the doorstop tighter against the door at the bottom. Cut through the paint on both sides of the stop with a utility knife so it can break free. Then tap the stop in the direction of the door with a wood block and hammer. Anchor it in position with finishing nails.
No more squeak:
Silence a squeaky hinge by lubricating it with a drop or two of light household oil. Raise the hinge pin slightly so you can drip oil onto the shaft above the hinge's upper barrel. Then swing the door back and forth a few times to distribute the lubrication along the entire length of the hinge pin. Hold a paper towel under the hinge to catch drips.
Hinges worn:
Restore a worn hinge without removing it by removing the pin and placing metal washers between the lower barrels of the hinge leaves.
Loose wood facings around doors:
Prevent wood splitting when hammering in a nails, either use a very small drill to make a guide hole or, alternatively, blunt the end of the nail first.
Got a Jammed Lock:
Lubricate a jammed lock with powdered graphite, available in small squeeze bottles. Oil or grease attracts dirt and becomes sticky.
Frozen Lock:
Frozen out? Open a frozen lock by heating the key's teeth with a match or lighter before inserting it. (Wear gloves when doing this.) Spray deicer may also help.
Watch for more tips and hints right here at Manitoba Handyman Tips. Come back we can help!
The rattling door:
Quiet a rattling door by moving the doorstop tighter against the door at the bottom. Cut through the paint on both sides of the stop with a utility knife so it can break free. Then tap the stop in the direction of the door with a wood block and hammer. Anchor it in position with finishing nails.
No more squeak:
Silence a squeaky hinge by lubricating it with a drop or two of light household oil. Raise the hinge pin slightly so you can drip oil onto the shaft above the hinge's upper barrel. Then swing the door back and forth a few times to distribute the lubrication along the entire length of the hinge pin. Hold a paper towel under the hinge to catch drips.
Hinges worn:
Restore a worn hinge without removing it by removing the pin and placing metal washers between the lower barrels of the hinge leaves.
Loose wood facings around doors:
Prevent wood splitting when hammering in a nails, either use a very small drill to make a guide hole or, alternatively, blunt the end of the nail first.
Got a Jammed Lock:
Lubricate a jammed lock with powdered graphite, available in small squeeze bottles. Oil or grease attracts dirt and becomes sticky.
Frozen Lock:
Frozen out? Open a frozen lock by heating the key's teeth with a match or lighter before inserting it. (Wear gloves when doing this.) Spray deicer may also help.
Watch for more tips and hints right here at Manitoba Handyman Tips. Come back we can help!
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