Toledo, OH
I don't know about you, but I absolutely despise house cleaning. It always seems as though there are not enough hours in a day to get it all done.
Now toss in mountains of laundry and you have the makings of a "runaway day" that will cause even the most dedicated to go into hiding.
Over the years I have learned some shortcuts to house cleaning and experimented with certain items one might have around the house already.
Some of these won't be new to you, but maybe this post will serve as a reminder of some of the simpler ways to accomplish our goal.
- BAKING SODA - It's not just for refrigerator odors! Place a box on the floor of your closet to absorb those shoe odors. You can also place a box on the floor behind your toilet to absorb those bathroom odors! If you need a boost in the laundry with a load of whites - add a couple tablespoons to the wash.
- SALT - Plain old table salt. Use it as a natural abrasive on sinks and glass refrigerator shelves. Also great as an abrasive cleaner for coffee pots and counter tops. Doesn't scratch!
- ORANGE OR LEMON PEELS - If you have those sticky labels that won't come off, just use the peel of an orange or lemon and rub it on the glue wiping often. The glue will come off and you won't have caused damage to the item. If the item is wood I suggest using lemon peels only. The natural lemon oil is kinder to wood. You can also simmer the peels on the stove as an air freshener.
- VINEGAR - Have a smooth top range? Tired of paying for those fancy cleansers? Spray the top of your range with pure white vinegar. Let it stand for 5 - 10 minutes. Wipe off with paper towels and then wipe down with clear water. **Added use: If you're cooking fish indoors, place a bowl of vinegar next to the stove. The fish odor will be very minimal.
- CUCUMBER PEELS - Somehow a cucumber peel is a natural pest repellent. Place the peels around the bowls on a picnic table, or along your baseboards if you're bothered with ants, and the little crawling critters won't bother you.
- SOCKS - Yep - Socks. Those socks that survive the wash only to come out without a mate don't have to be retired. Put them to use! Place potpourri in the toe portion and tie off the top. Toss these little sachets under the seat of your car for a refreshing scent. If you have old tube socks just cut about a third of the toe away and use the sock to store those plastic grocery bags. You can hang the sock on the wall with a nail or push pin. Short sport socks make great insulators for travel coffee mugs. You can just slide the sock over your cup and you have an added layer of insulation.
- PANTYHOSE - Got a run in those stocking? No worry! Cut the legs off the pantyhose and use them to tie plants to a trellis! You can also use the worn out stockings over the bristles of a broom to create a great dust grabber.
- DRYER SHEETS - Don't throw them away when you take the clothes out of the dryer! Use them to dust the furniture and the screens of your TVs. Place a new sheet in suitcases when you're going to store them to keep that musty smell out. Storing blankets and sweaters? Place a new dryer sheet in between the folds. When you unpack them they will smell fresh and clean.
One of my all-time favorite items to have on hand is Oxy-Clean. Sold as a cleaning agent for laundry and floors I have found that it works wonders on BBQ grill racks and is great for soaking off scorched on food. It's not all natural, but it sure works wonders.
Now go forth and clean!
