Some Cleaning Tips

I got this in an e-mail from Mary Hunt (well, not to me, personally, but I'm on her mailing list *grin*)

ALL-PURPOSE FLOOR CLEANER. Mix 1 to 2 cups white vinegar (depending how tough the situation) in a bucket of very hot water. Apply with a mop to any type of floor, including hardwood. No need to rinse, but you will want to wring out the mop often and remove as much liquid as possible to speed the drying time.

CLEANER FOR PAINTED CABINETS. Make a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 gallon of warm water. Press a hot, damp cloth against grease deposits on painted kitchen cabinets until they soften. Wash cabinets with a sponge and this solution. Rinse off with a clean sponge and water. Wipe cabinets completely dry.

WINDOW, GLASS AND MIRROR CLEANER. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch into 2 quarts of very warm water. Fill a spray bottle. Rub mixture on window using a soft cloth. Follow with a clean, dry cloth to dry and shine the windows. They will sparkle for days!

CARPET FRESHENER AND DEODORIZER. Sprinkle the carpet liberally with baking soda. Allow to sit overnight. Vacuum thoroughly in the morning. Your carpet will be fresh and sweet smelling with no overpowering “perfumey” smell. Hint: Start with an empty vacuum bag or receptacle because it’s going to fill up fast.

WALLS. Combine in a large spray bottle: 1 tablespoon borax (20 Mule Team Borax is one brand that you will find in the laundry aisle), 3/8 cup white vinegar and 1 quart of very hot water. Use this to clean just about anything around the house, including walls and woodwork.

BLINDS, METHOD 1. Take down aluminum, metal or faux wood blinds and lay them on the concrete driveway. Spray them with a product used to remove car oil spots from the driveway (products such as Greased Lightening or GP Degreaser, available in auto or hardware stores). After a few minutes, use a paintbrush to scrub the blinds and then use the hose to wash everything off. Once dry, they will be beautiful.

BLINDS, METHOD 2. Fill the bathtub with hot water and add a cup of automatic dishwasher detergent (like Cascade powder or a Cascade gel-pak with Dawn). Lay the entire set of blinds into the bath and allow it soak for a while. Dunk it up and down in the water a few times and rinse. If the blinds are unusually dirty and grimy you may need to scrub the slats with a soft brush. Allow to dry outdoors before rehanging. Your blinds will look like new.

TUB AND TILE CLEANER. Fill a spray bottle 1/4 full with original Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid and add white vinegar to fill the bottle. Shake bottle to mix. Spray on tub and shower floors and walls. Allow to sit for up to one hour if you have a great deal of soap and scum build-up. Scrub as necessary, then rinse well. Be prepared to be amazed.

I really need to try the blinds tips. Reading this made me in the mood for Spring Cleaning! Sorta...