My Uncle Joe is a 21st century version of a town crier; he is always choc-full of information, news, and helpful tips. He recently sent me an email stuffed with helpful household spring cleaning hints I just had to share. Now, if I could afford my own British maid service say, from TheLondonCleaners.co.uk, I’d be a happy camper! Alas, I’m just a tad short at the moment, so I’ll just have to be creative and employ a little elbow grease to get the job done.
Using everyday supplies and ingredients we typically have stocked in our pantries and closets, the following ideas are surprisingly simple and effective. Additionally, these techniques can be used all throughout the year. So, in honor of my uncle and with virtual bell in hand, I say “Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!”
Tip #1: Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
Tip #2: To remove old wax from a glass candle holder , put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
Source: notsosimplehousewife.blogspot.com
Tip #3: Ants, ants, ants everywhere. Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.
Tip #4: Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don’t wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.
Source: dede-daytoday.blogspot.com
Tip #5: Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely a light scent in each room when the light is turned on. (This is my favie!)
Tip #6: Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.
Source: Skaie Knox
Tip #7: To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet , simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
Tip #8: Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won’t be any stains. This actually works!
Source: Skaie Knox
Tip #9: For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: Get warm water and put dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won’t refreeze.
Tip #10: Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
Source: Skaie Knox
Please write and tell us if these tips work (or don’t work) for you in your home. If you have any additional cleaning tips, email them to: [email protected].
Tips source: unknown, via email Joe Janssen. Top photo/thumbnail: tipnut.com
