Cleaning Tips
Oops, I spilled the …
It’s inevitable that when you have lots of people over for a meal – at Thanksgiving, for example – things are going to be spilled on the tablecloth. Don’t panic.
For gravy spills, big food spills, red wine, soda, coffee or tea, sprinkle a heavy layer of salt right on the table. Your calm demeanor will put the person who had the accident at ease and the salt will keep the cloth from staining until you can get to it later.
If you are serving traditional cranberry sauce, red wine or colas, have Wine Away™ Red Wine Stain Remover on hand to instantly remove red or grape stains prior to laundering.
Grease and Oil
To deal with a grease stain, you need to know whether it is from animal oil, vegetable oil or automotive. Be aware that grease and oil can leave a semitransparent stain that turns dark from all the soil it attracts. To remove a grease stain, first remove as much of the greasy substance as possible without forcing the grease further down into the fabric fibers. Use a paper towel to blot and absorb all the grease that you can. Next apply a drawing agent such as baking soda, cornstarch or talcum powder. Rub it in and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes to allow it to absorb and draw the grease out of the fabric. Brush the powder off thoroughly and check the stain. If it looks like you can absorb more grease repeat the process.
There’s no room in the house that’s messy faster than the kitchen. Just using the kitchen as it is meant to be used makes a mess. Appliances, pots, pans, crystal, china, silver, stainless steel. There’s probably nowhere else in your home where you’re dealing with so many kinds of surfaces and so many kinds of messes. It’s almost too overwhelming to think about – unless you’ve got me on your side!
Keep Drains Running Smoothly
For a great once-a-month drain cleaner, pour 1/2 cup baking soda into the drain, follow with 1/2 cup white vinegar — it will foam. Cover and let sit 30 minutes and then flush with cool water.
For stubborn, slow-running drains, pour 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup salt down the drain. Follow this with 2 quarts boiling water. Let sit 30 minutes, then flush with cool water.
Burnt Food in Pots and Pans
Sprinkle pans liberally with baking soda, adding just enough water to moisten. Let stand for several hours. You can generally lift the burnt food right out of the pan.
Coffee and Tea Stains in Cups
Just moisten the cups with lemon juice and rub with salt to remove stains.
Tang™ Toilet Tune-up
There are, of course, acid bowl cleaners available from grocery stores, home centers, and janitorial supply stores that will remove rust from toilets, but for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to remove rust, try this: Once a month sprinkle a layer of Tang ™ Breakfast Drink or lemon Kool-Aid ™ on the sides of the toilet and in the water, leave for 1 hour, brush and flush. Repeat if necessary. (For those of you who are wondering, citric acid oxidizes the rust.)
Removing Hairspray Residue
You can use this formula to remove hair spray residue from any hard surface — vanities, tile, floors, walls, etc. Mix a solution of 1/3 liquid fabric softener and 2/3 water in a spray bottle. Spray on the surface to be cleaned, and wipe. Not only does it remove hair spray, it also acts as a dust repellent and shines vanities beautifully.
