The Maids of Portland, Maine

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Secrets For Easy Surface Cleaning

Secrets For Easy Surface Cleaning...


Bleach stains on carpet or clothing can’t be reversed, but you can sometimes make them unnoticeable by carefully touching up the spot with a permanent marker in as close a color you can find.
 
Blood stains are tricky but not impossible to remove, especially if you catch them quickly. Start with a paste of cold water and baking soda, followed by a vinegar water rinse. If necessary, use a bit of hydrogen peroxide for a second cleaning. Some people report that cornstarch is an effective blood stain remover. Rinse stain in cold water first, rub in moistened cornstarch, then place item in the sun. If you catch a blood stain immediately, try this old folk remedy: wet a long piece of white cotton thread with saliva and roll it across the spot. The saliva enzymes will help the thread absorb the blood. Repeat.

Candle Wax can be removed from walls, wood tables and tablecloths with heat and plain paper. Place the paper over the wax and gently iron until the wax seeps into the paper. Repeat with fresh pieces of paper until wax is lifted, then clean surface carefully with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of vinegar and water. As an alternative, try applying an ice cube to dripped wax. It will become brittle and lift off more easily.

Coffee stains can be lightened or removed with this process. Wash in cold water and detergent or soap, then rinse first with water, then a water/white vinegar solution. Repeat water rinse. Rub denatured alcohol in the stain, rinse with water again. Finally, dip a white cloth into beaten egg yolk and rub yolk into stain. Rinse with clear water.

Chewing Gum can be hardened with ice for easier removal with a dull knife. Or try soaking the gum in rubbing alcohol, which will dissolve the gum.
 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Frugal Repurposing Ideas for Your Home

If you are the frugal type,we know we are, then here are some repurposing ideas and unique tips:

> Use mustard to clean out bottles with persistent odors.
> Turkey basters can help you water your plants.
> Unstick drawers using a bar of soap.
> Use tennis balls to make your pillows fluffy again.
> Flour can help you clean stainless steel appliances.
> Paint rollers can help you dust a ceiling fan.
> Use a pumice stone to remove rust stains from your toilet.
> Plants can help you purify the air in your home.
> Tea leaves can help you eliminate litter box odors.
> Use dryers sheets to dust baseboards clean.
Use twine to polish forks between the tines.
> Facial wipes can help you to remove paint stains on the floor.
> Use peanut butter to remove sticky price tags.

My Kitchen Escapades