From the kitchen to the bathroom and beyond, find the surprising talents of a few common items around the house
❦baking soda Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to laundry can boost your detergents cleaning abilities, and sponges soaked in baking soda and hot water sill stay fresher longer. Diluting 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for every cup of water also make a gentle, natural rinse for fruits and veggies
❦salt
Soap is out of the question for cast iron, but a little salt will give it a deep clean. Simply heat a bit pf oil over medium heat in a cast-iron skillet, then sprinkle in three tablespoons of salt. Hold a paper towel with tongs to scour clean; rinse with water and coat with vegetable oil to cure.
❦vinegar
You can get rid of calcium deposits from faucets by using a cloth soaked in vinegar, wrap tightly. Let sit fir a few hours or overnight. Rinse and dry with soft cloth.
❦coffee filters
For cleaning, use coffee filters with your favorite glass cleaner on windows and mirrors for a sparkling shine.
❦ dryer sheets
In the bathroom you can use a wet dryer sheet to remove soap scum. Use it like a sponge to speed up cleaning. They can also save time in the kitchen with the anti-static properties the weaken the bond between burnt or baked on food and cookware. Just submerge one in a dirty pan filled with warm water and let stand for 30 minutes or overnight to reduce the need for heavy scrubbing.
❦ pillowcases
Before you toss a pillowcase in the wash, use one to make cleaning ceiling fans mess-free. Slip a pillowcase over the panels and lightly close the open end around the panel to make sure you clean the top and bottom in one swipe. Then pull the pillowcase toward the end of the panel. When you have finished, take the pillowcase outside, tun wrong side out to shake away the dust.
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Great idea for the pillowcases and vinegar. I’ve never used them in that way. Thanks!
Another idea for dryer sheets you might find useful. Put one in your pocket when you go outside and it helps keep mosquitoes away. (I actually have not tried this, because I don’t use dryer sheets so I don’t have any on hand, but my dad says it works for him.)
These are really good cost effective tips. Like the one about cleaning ceiling fans!
brich22 at earthlink dot net
The idea to use salt on cast iron to deep clean is terrific. Thanks!