Cleaning Supplies

 

Today I thought I might share a few cleaning "recipes".  I am really beginning to enjoy the "semi-homemade" versions a little better the the "from scratch" method, but I do have recipes for both.  The semi-homemade versions are just a lot easier and a lot quicker, which I really like.

 

 

I got these recipes from:

http://littlemsrobinson.blogspot.com/2012/03/homemade-cleaning.html

orignally from a pinterest post.  I haven't had time yet to really look through the whole blog, but I am anxious to.  It looks like a good one!

 

WARNING: Feel free to tweak recipes (I know I do!) But don't ever MIX ammonia and bleach! The fumes can be extremely hazardous to your health!

Note: These are all written for 24oz Bottles, Divide or Double (etc.) as needed

Blessing 'in a Bottle

12 oz. of White Vinegar

12 oz. of Dawn Dish soap

1 tsp. of Laundry Detergent

also known as "kitchen Magic" This stuff will get through anything, make your sink and shower shine like new, and save you when just about nothing else works. The laundry detergent is optional-I add it simply to cover some of the vinegar smell!

Window Cleaner

1 oz. of White Ammonia

4 oz. of Rubbing Alcohol

1 drop of Laundry Detergent

Fill remaining space with Water

This is streak free, just like we like it. You can add a few drops of blue food coloring if you want it to resemble windex more (since it's mostly WATER), but there's truly no need~I've actually found I like this more than windex!

Air & Fabric Freshener

1 oz. of Scented Fabric Softener

2 Tbs. Baking Soda

Fill remaining space with Water

This is a 'fake febreze' recipe that I love! It has the fabric softener for scent (which you can buy in so many more cents than fabreze!) and the baking soda for odor elimination. The coloring will come from whatever hue your softener contains. Again, most of this is JUST WATER, amazing how much we're spending for a few ounces of cleaner and a bottle full of water, huh?

Bleach Cleaner

 

 

2 oz of Bleach

1 tsp. Laundry detergent

Fill the remaining space with Water

Because everyone needs a bleach cleaner!

The Cure-All

5 oz. of Rubbing Alcohol

3 oz. of White Vinegar

1 tsp. of Laundry Detergent

1 tsp. of White Ammonia

2 drops of Essential Oil

Fill the remaining space with Water

This is kind of my "Multi-purpose, Multi-surface" Cleaner. I've added Essential oils to the recipe which make it smell nice and threw in a few drops of food coloring to separate it from the two other clear cleaners. I go through this probably the most out of any of them (as most of us do with our multi-purpose cleaners). Again, again, again-I'm so amazed with how much of this is water!!

What to do with WD-40

    WD-40

Uses for WD-40

 

Arthritis Relief

While it might sound a little odd, many arthritis sufferers swear that WD-40 rubbed into knees or other affected arthritic joints can provide temporary pain relief and can help make movement easier.

 

Baseball Glove Lubricant

WD-40 works great when it comes to softening up or breaking in a new baseball glove. Spray the glove (always in a well ventilated area) then place a baseball in the palm of the glove. Place a rubber band around the glove and let it sit overnight. This will help form a perfect ball pocket in the glove. The next day remove the rubber band and wear the glove for awhile so it will also begin to custom fit around your hand.

 

Bee Hive (Wasp Nest) Removal

For safer removal of a beehive or wasp nest, spray the hive or nest liberally with WD-40 first. It will kill all the inhabitants, making the knocking down or removal sting free

 

Bee Stings

Strangely enough WD-40 can help relive the pain and itch from bee stings and other bug bites. Simply spray a little on the stung area and pain and itch will disappear.

 

Chewing Gum Removal

Dentures – If you have gotten gum stuck in your dentures, WD-40 will do the trick in removing it. Simply spray some on the gum and it will slide right off. Be sure to brush the dentures thoroughly with toothpaste afterwards however before placing dentures back in your mouth.

Hair – WD-40 works wonderfully for removing gum from hair because the solution dissolves the gum. Spray the wad of gum fairly generously, then easily comb it out. Follow up by shampooing hair well to ensure all the WD-40 has been washed out.

 

Glue Removal

WD-40 can be used to remove glue from many surfaces, but it is especially effective for removing glue from fingers (even super glue). Simply spray some on the ares and rub fingers or hands together until the glue is no longer sticking. Follow up by washing hands thoroughly.

 

Grease Removal

WD-40 is perfect for removing grease from hands. Simply spray it on your hands then wipe them clean with a paper towel. Follow up by washing hands with soap and water.

 

Insecticide

WD-40 works great in a pinch when it comes to killing many insects. In most cases it will kill them instantly. Simply spray on roaches, bees, wasps, or spiders. Be careful not to inhale, and clean up area thoroughly after the deed is done.

 

Oil Stains in Driveway

A quick and easy way to remove oil stains from a driveway is to spray WD-40 liberally on the affected area and follow up by hosing the area down thoroughly.

 

Paint Removal

To remove paint from hands, simply spray some WD-40 on hands, then wipe off with a clean paper towel. Follow up by washing hands with soap and water once all paint has been removed.

 

Ring Removal

Having a hard time removing a ring from your finger, WD-40 is a fast and easy solution. Spray a little on the ring and finger and the ring should slip right off.

 

Scuff Marks

If you have a hard surfaced floor that is prone to getting scuff marks, WD-40 can save you a lot of time and effort because it works amazingly well at removing scuff marks and tar from floors. Simply spray some on the marks and wipe clean (be sure to keep area well ventilated).

 

Shovels

Here is a neat trick. To keep extra heavy or sticky snow from sticking to your shovel and slowing you down, spray the shovel with some WD-40 and wipe down with a cloth. The snow will easily slide off your shovel from then on.

 

 

Sticker Removal

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to remove stubborn stickers such as price tags or registration stickers with a razor blade or by other means. Luckily WD-40 is awesome at dissolving the glue on the stickers making removal a breeze. Simply spray the sticker liberally, wait a few seconds for it to absorb, then easily remove. Also works on bumper stickers, decals and cellophane tape.

 

WinterProof/Waterproof Boots and Shoes

WD-40 works great for waterproofing boots and shoes, because it acts as a barrier against water penetrating the material. Just spray it on then wipe it down with a clean rag. Can also help remove salt stains on boots.

 

Wooden Tool Handle Moisturizer

One of the biggest down sides of having tools with wooden handles is that the handles eventually dry out and can cause splinters. Luckily WD-40 can keep those wooden handles splinter free. Simply spray a generous amount onto the handles and work in well. One application is usually all that is needed to keep your handles splinter free for the life of the tool.

 

Zipper (Loosen)

WD-40 works great for loosening up stuck zippers. Simply spray a little on the tough zipper and slide up and down a few times so the solution is evenly distributed. The zipper should glide easily from then on.

Great Uses for Oven Cleaner

My goal is to clean my house from top to bottom before spring this year.  I'm hoping that I can take more time in the spring to garden rather then spend time cleaning, so I'm determined to get it done while the weather is dreary and cold.

But...then again... it may be a really good day to just pamper myself.....

I ran across this list of uses from a website called www.usesforeverydaythings.com This is a great website that gives you all kinds of tips you would never think of normally.


Easy Off Oven Cleaner

Uses for Easy Off Oven Cleaner
  While Easy Off was originally created to clean out tough stains from ovens, there are quite a few other things around the house it can be used for as well such as bathtubs, kitchen sinks, stove tops, burnt pots and pans and more.
Warning: Just be careful not to use on painted surfaces, because it can actually also be used as a paint remover.
Uses For Easy Off:


Stained Corningware or Pyrex Baking Dishes
If you have severely stained or baked-on food stuck to your cookware, you can use Easy Off Oven Cleaner combined with black garbage bags. Liberally spray your cookware (be sure to wear gloves) and place overnight in a black garbage bag that has been securely tied with a twist tie.
Remove the cookware the next day (be SURE to open away from you due to the fumes) then rinse with the powerful spray of a garden hose. Be sure to throw away garbage bag and wash cookware thoroughly afterwards.

Concrete Driveways
Another unique use for Easy-Off Oven Cleaner is to clean grease and oil stains off of concrete driveways. Simply spray a liberal amount of cleaner on the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with the powerful spray of a garden hose.

Stainless Steel
Easy Off also works well for cleaning stainless steel. Simply spray items with the spray, let sit for a few minutes, then wash well. Be sure to use gloves.

Black Marks from the Bottom of Pots and Pans
Need help getting those stubborn black marks off of the bottom of pots and pans? Easy Off can help with this too. Heat the pan or the pot on the stove for a minute or two – remove from the burner – then spray with the cleaner. Let the solution sit on the pots for about a half hour, then scour and rinse clean.

Clean Grimy Bathtubs
Easy-Off Oven Cleaner also works great for cleaning dingy, stained or grimy bathtubs. (Be sure that your tub is not made of a substance that will discolor.) Wearing gloves, spray a thin layer of cleaner over the stains. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then follow up by rubbing with a Magic Eraser. This combination works great and the tub stains will come right up! (Be sure to have room well ventilated!)

Kitchen Sink Cleaner
Easy off also works well for removing stubborn stains from steel or metal sinks. Make sure room is well ventilated – then spray the stained areas. Wait about 5 minutes and follow up by rubbing with a Magic Eraser sponge. Be sure to wear gloves.

Stove Tops
For particularly stubborn stains on a stove top, Easy Off does a great job. Simply spray the stuck-on food or stains, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rub with a magic eraser or sponge. Be sure to wear gloves. Do not use regular Easy Off on glass top stoves however. They have a cleaner specifically made for that use called Easy Off One Step Stovetop Cleaner.

Curling Iron Cleaner
To remove gel, mousse or hair products that have become encrusted in your curling iron, spray a thin layer of Easy Off – leave for about 5 minutes – then wipe it clean. Be sure to wear gloves and be sure that the curling iron is cool when you do this.

Stubborn Window Stains
Easy Off can help remove particularly stubborn stains from windows. A quick spray, wait a minute or two, then wipe the stain off. (Keep away from painted sills however.)

Paint Remover
Easy off can also work as a great pain remover for wooden picture frames or metal lawn furniture. Be sure to wear gloves, and spray the areas liberally. Let sit for about 15 minutes, then spray down with a high pressured garden hose.

New Year....New Ideas

This picture is curtesy of Google Images

 

 

 

Today I'd like to start a new way of thinking about my life.  I would like to save some money in the new year and make my life more "user friendly".  So I've decided to make this the year to see exactly how much I can accomplish with these area's.

 

1- Household planner

 

I printed and set this up a couple of days ago.  Found some pretty printables on pinterest.

 

2- See how much I can save by making my own household cleaners

 

With this area, I'd like to do a cost comparison to see if it's really worth it, but first I need to find out which recipes I like the most.

 

3- I want to organize my home to make it more "User Friendly"

 

a- need to organize recipes

b-need to organize pantry better

c- need to declutter the kitchen counters

 

4- Eat Out less often

 

This means I need to cook more and find some recipes that are quick and easy, but really good and that the family enjoys.  Need to go grocery shopping more. (something I haven't been doing as much of lately.)

 

5- Find more time for myself and family

 

6- Blogging

 

Learn more about how to Blog and maybe earn some money at it.  This area is completely new to me.  I need to learn as much as I can about it.

 

That's a start. We'll see what the year will bring as we go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Efferdent

Can you believe it's already a week into 2013!  I'm hoping this year doesn't go by as fast as 2012 did.

   

Uses for Efferdent Denture Tablets
This was borrowed from www.usesforeverydaythings.com




Efferdent was originally created to help remove stains from dentures. Its effervescent qualities however, have been found to remove stains from other household items as well. Read on to find out the other great uses for Efferdent Denture Tablets.
Uses For Efferdent


Burnt or Baked-on Food
Denture Tablets work great for removing baked-on or burnt food from baking dishes. Fill dish with warm water, drop in a tablet and let sit for approximately ½ hour. Then wash by hand or in dishwasher as usual

Coffee Cup Stains
Coffee stains can sometimes be hard to remove but denture tables will make it much easier. Simply fill the stained cup with water – drop in a tablet and wait 15 minutes. Then wash cup as usual.

Coffee Pots and Tea Kettles
Just as the tablets will remove coffee stains from cups, they also work well for Coffee Carafes, Tea Kettles and even hard to clean thermoses. Fill the item with water – drop in two denture tablets and leave overnight. Then wash item as usual the next morning.

Diamond Cleaner
Get your diamond rings or earring sparkling again by dropping a denture tablet in a glass of water and letting your jewelry soak in the mixture for a few minutes. Then remove and gently dry.

Glass Vases
Flowers can leave stains in glass vases that are sometimes hard to reach if the vase is narrow. To remove the stains easily, fill the vase with fresh water and drop an Efferdent tablet in. The bubbles will go to work on the stains and after 15 minutes you can simply rinse the vase out.

Laundry
Efferdent Denture Tablets work great for removing yellow underarm stains. Drop two tablets in a cup of water – wait about 3 minutes (or when the bubbling finishes) then pour the water over the stain. Let it sit for about 10 minutes then wash shirts as usual.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Efferdent works great as a toilet bowl cleaner. Simply drop two Efferdent Denture Tablets into the toilet bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush and flush.

Unclog drains
The bubbles in Efferdent work great for unclogging drains. Simply break up one or two tablets – drop them in the clogged drain and then follow it up by running some very hot water down the drain.

Whiten Fingernails
Efferdent also works great for whitening yellowed or discolored fingernails. Simply plop 2 tablets into a bowl of water and when the bubbles stop, soak your fingernails for about 10 minutes and dry with a towel.

Epsom Salt

Uses for Epsom Salt
article found on www.UsesforEverydaythings.com


Athletes Foot
Epsom salt can help relieve symptoms of Athlete’s Foot. Simply add a few teaspoons of Epsom salt to a basin of water and soak feet for about 15 minutes.

Bathroom Tile Cleaner
Epsom salt makes a great scrub for bathroom tiles. Simply mix an equal part of Epsom salt with an equal part of liquid dishwashing detergent and scrub away.

Corns
Epsom salt can help relive the pain of corns on feet. Add some Epsom salt to a basin of warm water and soak feet for at least 15 minutes. This will help reduce the pocket of fluid between the corn and the bone that is causing pain.

Facial/Exfoliant
Epsom salt makes a great exfoliant in a pinch. Wet your face and/or body and gently massage Epsom salt over your skin. Then rinse it clean.

Flu
One of the worst symptoms of the flu is the achy and sore muscles that accompany it. Soaking in a warm bath with some Epsom salt and baking soda can help relieve the pain of those achy muscles. Add one cup of Epsom salt and one cup of baking soda to running bath water, then soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes.

Foot Ache
Adding 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water will help ease foot pain. Soak feet for about 15 minutes for relief.

Insect Bites
Epsom salt can also help relieve pain and itching caused by insect bites. Dissolve a teaspoon of Epsom salt in one quart of hot water. Chill it in the refrigerator, then dip a clean cloth into the solution and place over the bite for approximately 10 minutes.

Menstrual Cramps
Combining Epsom salt with some Baking Soda in a bath can work wonder in reducing the pain of menstrual cramps. Simply add one cup of Epsom salt and one cup of baking soda to the bath while the tub is filling. Then sit in warm tub for at least 20 minutes.

Sore Muscles
Epsom salt works wonders in easing sore muscles when added to a hot bath. Simply pour in 2 cups of Epsom salt while the tub is filling. Then soak for at least 20 minutes in the tub. It works wonders.

Splinter Remover
Strangely enough, Epsom salt can draw out stuck splinters in skin. Add a teaspoon or two of Epsom salt to a basin of water and soak the affected skin. It should help draw out the splinter.

Sprains and Bruises
Epsom salt can also help to reduce swelling associated with bruises and/or sprains. Add two cups of salt to a running bath and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.

Stress Relief
Epsom Salt combined with Baking Soda and Table salt added to a warm bath makes a great stress reliever. Just add a handful of each ingredient to running bath water and soak in the tub for at least 20 minutes to help your body relax.