- To clean a grease spill - sprinkle salt on it immediately, let sit for a few minutes until absorbed, then wipe up with paper towels.
- To clean a mirror - spray mirror with one hand, then wipe it down with the other.
- For faster cleaning - dusting goes faster with a lambs wool duster in one hand to clean nooks and crannies and a feather duster in the other to skim flat surfaces.
- To removing odors - Place clean dryer sheets at bottom of baskets, especially kitchen and bathroom. Change dryer sheets as needed.
- To clean a computer screen, use a dryer sheet after removing from the dryer to wipe away the dust particles.
- Dust keyboards with bristled paintbrush (goes between keys and hard to reach places).
- Mirrors can be cleaned by using air freshener (the alcohol in it does a fine job).
- Furniture polish: Never spray furniture polish directly on surface - it is safer to spray on a cloth to prevent damage. Never set a wet mop or cleaning supplies that could be open or leaking on a carpet, marble surface or furniture.
- Built up soap scum: Mr. Clean magic eraser - just add water and scrub.
- Have walk off mats at entrances.
- Dusting: Use micro fiber cloths.
- Change filters in A/C and Heating units frequently to help reduce dust.
- Wood floors: Clean with black tea. Steep tea, and let come to room temperature. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture, ring excess out well before using (prevents dripping). Wipe swiftly. The key is to not use a fresh sheet as it can leave a mark on floors.
- To save on fancy dust clothes that are treated to attract dust, dip a piece of cheese cloth in a mixture of 2 cups water and 1/4 cup lemon oil. Allow the cheese cloth to air dry and it will work as an expensive cloth.
- If no fire extinguisher, keep baking soda on hand. It helps to cut the oxygen supply to the fire.
- Rings on furniture may be removed by mixing small amount of salt with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Apply solution and allow to stand for at least 1 hour before rubbing the area gently. Baking soda may be substituted for salt if a less abrasive mixture is desired for more delicate surfaces.
- To sharpen carpet colors, try sprinkling a small amount of salt around. The salt provides a mild abrasive cleaning action that won’t hurt the fibers.
- To remove a broken light bulb. Turn off electricity and place a 1/2 raw potato or a 1/2 small apple into the broken base and screw out the broken bulb.
- Mirrors can be brightened by rubbing them with a cloth dampened with alcohol. The alcohol will remove the thin film of oil that may be left behind from cleaning agents.
- Dirty windows. If no paper towels, use dry coffee filters to reduce streaking. Some paper towels, e.g. Viva, leave lint on windows. Clean on a cloudy day or not when sun is shining on glass.
- When you clean windows. Clean outside in one direction only, i.e. vertical. Then clean inside windows horizontal. Then if you see a streak, you will know which side it is on.
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