Household Cleaning and Cleaners

Baking Soda is an inexpensive gentle abrasive for scouring kitchen counters, sinks, bathtubs, etc. The alkaline action quickly neutralizes the acidity of odor-causing molecules to eliminate sour smells also. Sprinkle the Baking Soda directly on what you are cleaning and rub with a damp sponge.

White Vinegar and water is the best glass cleaner and far less expensive to use. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and get to cleaning your windows. The vinegar evaporates quickly and leaves no visible residue on your glass. I also use old newspaper to wipe off the vinegar/water, it seems to help clean better but I have no idea why.

For wood furniture, mix 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil to use for your polish. The citric acid cuts through buildup and helps the oil penetrate the wood, bringing out its natural glow.

For degreasing kitchen cabinets, add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to 1 quart of hot water then wash the surface.

To kill cutting board germs, run a slice of lemon over the board's surface to disinfect it, then wash as normal. Bacteria will be broken down in a flash by the citric acid in the lemon.

To help lift set-in stains in clothing, mix 3 Tablespoons of vinegar, 2 Tablespoons of liquid detergent, and 1 quart of warm water. Spritz onto the stain and let sit for 5 minutes, then launder. Warm water softens the fibers as the vinegar breaks down the stain particles. The loosened particles will bond to the soap molecules and rinse off in the washer.

Erase crayon marks from a wall using a dab of toothpaste and a damp cloth.

Keep your chrome fixtures shiny using a dab of toothpaste and a soft cloth. Water spots will disappear and the chrome will be polished.

To remove water marks from wood, massage 1 teaspoon of petroleum jelly into each stain using your fingers. Leave overnight and buff with a dry cloth.

To shine your silver, place tarnished utensils in a sink lined with foil (shiny side up). Fill with hot water, 1/4 cup of salt, and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Soak for 3 minutes. Dry with a soft cloth.

To remove pet stains from the carpet, mix one 16 oz bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 2 Tablespoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap in a mixing bowl. Saturate the spot with the solution and rub with a sponge. The oxidizing mix breaks up the uric acid crystals and neutralizes the smell.

To clear a clogged drain, drop 3 denture-cleaning tablets into the sink drain followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. The drain should clear in a bout 10 minutes.

Cleaning the toilet bowl. Pour 1 1-liter bottle of coke into the bowl and close the lid. An hour later, flush the toilet and your stains should have disappeared.

To clean your coffee maker, put 1 denture cleaning tablet in the coffee filter holder, fill with water like making a pot of coffee, turn the coffee maker on and let it cycle. I ran another potful of water through the coffee maker to make sure it was clean coming out.

If you want to de-germ your home, check out the eco-friendly tips at Health.com

Happy cleaning!!