Cleaning tips that have stood the test of time

In these economic times everything seems so expensive so why not try to use everyday items in a number of helpful ways to kep costs down.  It is amazing to see what you can do without buying expensive and one purpose only household cleaners.

a -- clean that smelly washing machine with 1 qt of chlorine bleach and run the machine on the longest cycle after that cycle run the same cycle again but with 1 qt of vinegar.

b -- watermarks on wood furniture? rub some mayonaise or vaseline on the stain and leave overnight rub it off in the morning very gently.

c -- stinky shoes!  no problem.  sprinkle with baking soda, place in a plastic bag and place in the freezer for 2 nights.  when thawed, shake out the baking soda.  if shoes were wet from the start, stuff with newspapers and keep freshing the newspaper until they come out dry.

d -- soap scum in the shower.  a squeegie that is used regularly can prevent it but if you have soap scum now use vinegar in a spary bottle with a nylon scrub brush to get rid of it. let the vinegar sit for about 15 minutes before scrubbing.

e -- stains on your walls.  for crayon use paste of baking soda and WD-40 and paper towel followed by a cloth with dish soap and hot water.  for grease cornstartch and water, let dry and then vaccum off.  ink try hairspray or rubbing alcohol and for general stains a basic art eraser can do the trick.

f -- pots and pans with burnt on food.  boil your water and add a few drops of dishsoap and let the pots and pans soak this will hlp loosen and lifts everything.

g -- ink stains on the leather furniture.  rub just a little cuticle remover on the stain and buff - this may have to sit for about 10 minutes before you rub off completely.