- Use hot water, liquid detergent and a sponge to wipe down acrylic, fiberglass or stainless-steel sinks. It is safe to use scouring powder and warm water on porcelain, enamel or glass sinks.
- Tackle porcelain stains with a mix of one cup bleach and one quart water, leave for 15 seconds, then rinse. Use warm water and vinegar on mineral deposits. For an alternative to bleach the best substitute is borax. Using Borax with baking soda and lemon juice is an excellent multipurpose cleaner. If you must use bleach be sure to ventilate the area well, wear gloves and protect your clothing.
- Windows clean with 1 quart warm water, 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir occasionally while cleaning with old newspapers.
- Shower heads can be removed and soaked if regular sponge cleaning is not keeping the deposits from forming. Soak the shower head in one part vinegar, eight parts warm water for 15 minutes. Use an old tooth brush if necessary.
- Slow or clogged drains - Pour 1 cup vinegar down the drain. Wait 10 minutes. Add 1 cup baking soda. Wait 2 minutes. Follow with 1/2 gallon boiling water, repeat if necessary. Cleaning regularly will keep the pipes from closing up.
- Tile Cleaner - 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda. Add warm water to make 1 gallon. Scrub the tile and grout, after they are clean and dry (12-24 hours), reseal the tile and grout.
- Clean the coils on refrigerator yearly.
- Replace your furnace filter.
- Sharpen your lawn mower blade.
- Check the air pressure in tires for better mileage.
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