Pet Hair Removal – Easy As 1 -2 -3
Do you have a dog and/or cat, and find they are shedding on your furniture, or in your car?
Are you embarrassed when someone gets up, off of your couch, and their backside is covered in your pet’s hair. Should you tell them?
Have you gotten out of your car, only to find that there is more pet hair on your coat, than you have on your head?
These are common problems for anyone who has pets.
We love our pets, but we certainly don’t like the shedding hair.
The easiest, least expensive (call it free), way, I have found to remove pet hair, is with a wet washcloth, or terry towel.
1) Wet a wash cloth or towel. An old towel works great for this.
2) Wring out the excess water.
3) Wipe the furniture, or your car seat with the damp towel.
The hair sticks to the towel, and can easily be collected, and thrown away.
In the process of removing the pet hair, you will also remove dust and dirt that may have accumulated on your furniture or car seat.
When you have removed all of the pet hair, collect the hair from the towel, shake the towel to remove the rest, and wash it for future use.
Prior to trying this pet hair removal method, test it on an inconspicuous spot, as all fabrics may not tolerate getting damp.
No tags for this post.Simplify Your Life – Find Your Creativity
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Cleaning Tips, Organizing, Projects
The easiest way to simplify your life, is to get rid of clutter.
Clutter can be everywhere. In your closets, on your counter top, in your office, in the children’s rooms, in your garage, in you car…the list goes on.
Too much clutter can overwhelm you. It can make you tense and irritable. It can be embarrassing. And, clutter can also stifle your creativity.
I once heard a story of a women who wanted to simplify her life. She first got rid of her husband, then proceeded to get rid of most of the furniture in her home (he picked it out…she hated it), and then moved onto her closets and cabinets. Even though her home was nearly empty of “stuff” , she was happier than she had been in many years. She felt lighter, and her creativity, which had been dormant for many years, began to resurface.
Now, I’m not suggesting that simplifying your life, means getting rid of a spouse, but, getting rid of clutter can result in a feeling of “a ton of bricks being lifted”
But…where do you start?
It doesn’t matter what room you start in, just start.
If you are feeling too overwhelmed, start with a small area. …maybe a drawer, cabinet, or bathroom.
Remove all items from your selected area. Find another area where you can sort through these items. This can become a time consuming process, so allow sufficient time.
Take items you haven’t used, or don’t like, and get rid of them.
Create three boxes or bags. Label them as:
Trash
Donate
Keep
One thing that I do, since we have an annual neighborhood garage sale, is to create a fourth box, for “garage sale” stuff. I keep this box in the garage, and throughout the year, add stuff to it, when I am doing “mini” decluttering projects. Read my previous article How To Have A Successful Garage Sale, for great garage sale tips.
If you change your decorating scheme, and have a mixture of different motifs, throughout your home, this is a great time to pack away (if you still like them), items that aren’t matching your current decor.
For example, I love the Victorian era, but am currently not using that theme in any of my rooms, so I have packed away all of my Victorian decorations. I know I will revive that theme at a later date, so instead of getting rid of my fine Victorian pieces, I have them stored away.
Hint: When deciding whether to keep or get rid of makeup and/or lotions, remember, they do have a shelf life. Lotions can start smelling rancid, and mascara, only has a shelf life of 3 to 4 months. For a complete list of shelf life for beauty products, see this article at Real Simple.
Once you have removed all items from the area your are decluttering, proceed with cleaning that area. Scrub the counter tops, wipe out the cabinets, sweep the floor. Do whatever it takes to get that area clean.
After your area is clean, start putting things back, one by one. As an added bonus, when you begin to put things back, you may end up tossing or donating, even more.
Proceed to throw the trash in the garbage can. As soon as possible, take the “donate” box/bag to your favorite charity drop off. Get it out of your house.
Decluttering can be contagious. Just about the time you finish one area, you will be motivated to declutter even more.
Before you know it, your whole house will be decluttered.
As an added benefit, you will feel “lighter”.
Don’t be surprised if your creativity kicks in, too. 
How To Get Rust Off Of A Chrome Bumper
I recently read an article of how to get rid of rust on a chrome bumper.
- Image via Wikipedia
When my husband brought our dump truck home to be washed, I decided to try this “trick”.
What you do, is take a piece of aluminum foil. Using the shiny side, you rub it on the rust spots, on the chrome bumper.
After the bumper was washed, I took a piece of aluminum foil, wrapped it around my knuckles, and “scrubbed” on the rust spots. Amazingly, the rust disappeared. I tried this method on both dry and wet surfaces. Having the surface wet, seemed to make the process of removing the rust spots easier.
I did notice that the foil appeared to “scratch” the chrome, but after I buffed it out, I didn’t notice any scratches.
I tried this on an older vehicle. I wouldn’t use this method on a new vehicle, until I did a “test” spot, in an inconspicuous area.
I used heavy duty foil for taking the rust off of our truck bumper. I found that the aluminum foil seemed to descinagrate after a period of time.
Using aluminum foil, may be a way to get rust off of chrome wheels, as well.
Remember to do a small test area before using this method of removing rust.
Like I said, I used it on an older vehicle, and am amazed at the results.
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Product Review: Ecos Laundry Detergent
Filed under: Archives, At Home, Cleaning Tips, Made In The USA, Product Reviews
Buying a “natural” laundry detergent like Ecos , is great for the environment. It’s biodegradable, safe for septic systems, great for sensitive skin, and is phosphate and petrochemical free.
Ecos laundry detergent is a plant based detergent.
I’ve used this product for approximately a year now, and find it works great at getting clothes clean. For stains, you can rub a small amount of the detergent on the stain, and wash as per washing instructions. It’s great for colors, and safe for all water temperatures.
Price per load is slightly higher than regular detergents, however, with it’s built in fabric softener (soy based), you save money on buying an additional fabric softener.
Ecos suggests using 2 ounces of detergent for a full load of clothes, and less for smaller loads. If you’re using a high efficiency (HE) washer, you only need 2 tablespoons.
I recently purchased a 210 fluid ounce bottle of the Ecos laundry detergent (Ultra Original Formula) at Costco. It’s scented with magnolia and lily, which leaves your clothes smelling fresh.
The best part of this product…I can pronounce all of the ingredients. Now, that’s natural.
And, making it even better…………….it’s made in the USA. Considering that, I give it, two thumbs up. 
Want to read more about Ecos. go to Earth Friendly Products, at www.ecos.com.
Product Review – Household Wipes
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Cleaning Tips, Saving Money
For several years now, I’ve been using household wipes.
I’ve tried several brands of household wipes, and found they all do a great job.
Household wipes are especially great to use, during the cold and flu season.
I prefer to buy the household wipes that are anti-bacterial.
Household wipes are great for wiping, cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing many surfaces, including, but not limited to:
Counter tops
Handles & knobs of the kitchen appliances
Faucets
Tables, chairs and stools
Door knobs
Telephones
Computer mouse
Computer keyboard
Other office equipment, including copy machines, calculators, etc..
Steering wheel of car
Spot cleaning in bathroom, between weekly cleanings
Toilet seats
Children’s toys, including bikes and tricycle handes
Garbage cans
Exercise equipment*
Changing tables*
Shopping carts*
*Take a small package (or bag a few in a ziploc), and sanitize exercise equipment at the local gym, public changing tables, or the handle of a shopping cart, prior to use.
Germs are everywhere, but by taking a few precautions, you can avoid the spread of germs, with the use of household wipes.
If you’re interested in saving money, there are several sites online, which offer “recipes” for making your own household wipes.
No tags for this post.Uses For Baking Soda
Filed under: Archives, At Home, At Work, Cleaning Tips, Saving Money
While researching the uses for vinegar, I realized that baking soda has a lot of uses also. Both baking soda and vinegar are methods of “going green”, by not using chemicals in your home or office.
We all know baking soda is used in a lot of recipes. I’ve also used baking soda for removing stains from my counter top, by making a paste. (small amount of baking soda, mixed with water).
I’ve brushed my teeth with baking soda. I’ve used baking soda, mixed with water, for an upset stomach (1/4 of a teaspoon of baking soda, mixed with 8 ounces of water). I’ve added baking soda to my clothes washer, to aid in removing stains.
I have also used baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain. (Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly pour 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar after it (it will fizz). Let stand for five minutes (covered, if possible). Then, pour about a gallon of boiling water down the drain. (It works great).
As suggested, I also keep a box of baking soda in my refrigerator to absorb odors.
Associated Content lists 25 uses for baking soda. Among them are:
4. You can use baking soda just like a dry cleanser to clean sinks, bath tubs, and toilets. It works especially well on chrome fixtures! It rinses off easily and you don’t have to worry about scratches either.
5. Hairbrushes and combs pick up not only loose hair, but they also get oily.
Clean yours once a month by soaking them in a solution of warm water and a teaspoon or two of baking soda. Scrub them with a soft brush, if needed, then rinse them with clean water and let them air dry.6. Is your hair dull and dingy? Maybe you have a build up of shampoo, spray, mousse, and other products in your hair. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in with your shampoo the next time you wash your hair. The soda will remove any build up and leave your hair soft.
Another site, The Farm.org, lists 60 uses for baking soda. In their list, they include
4. Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs.
5. Clean vegetables and fruit with baking soda. Sprinkle in water, soak and rise the produce.
6. Wash garbage cans with baking soda.
7. Soak and wash diapers with baking soda.
Finally, check out the official site for Arm & Hammer, the people who produce that yellow box of baking soda we’re all so familiar with.
Never underestimate the uses for common household products. A little bit of research will produce many ways to not only use common household products, but to save money on cleaning chemicals, as well.
Go green by using safe cleaning products like baking soda or white distilled vinegar.
Do you have other products you use to be green when cleaning? Share your green ideas in the comment section
40% Off Now on the Foodsaver 420 Vacuum Sealer. A Best buy at Only $39.99! Shop Now No tags for this post.
Remove Coffee & Tea Stains From Carafes, Pitchers, & Thermos Bottles
Removing coffee and tea stains off of your coffee pots, pitchers, cups, carafes, and even thermos bottles, can be a challenge.
I learned of an easy way to clean my pots, carafes, cups, pitchers, and thermos bottles, years ago. Since I hand wash my coffee pot, ice tea pitcher, and thermos bottles, I still use this method today.
Fill the carafe, pot, pitcher, cup, or thermos, with hot water. Add, 2 tablespoons of dry dishwasher detergent. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The coffee and/or tea stain, will lift right off.
If you have a stubborn stain, repeat this process.
Rinse the carafe, pot, pitcher, cup, or thermos thoroughly, and it’s ready for use.
I haven’t tried this with liquid dishwasher detergent, however, it seems like it may work. Nor have I tried putting the carafe or pitcher in the dishwasher.
I make daily batches of tea in my Mr. Coffee Ice Tea Maker (see my product review). Just today, I used this cleaning method to remove the tea stains from the ice tea pitcher, and it worked like a dream.
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Uses For Vinegar
Filed under: At Home, At Work, Cleaning Tips, Saving Money
I’ve used vinegar for several projects around the house. I’ve used vinegar to wash windows. And, I’ve used vinegar to clean no wax floors. I’ve cooked with vinegar and I’ve used vinegar in salad dressings. I’ve also used a bowl of vinegar to reduce the smell of paint, when I’ve been painting. I’ve now found a new use for vinegar.
Today, I spilled a blueberry smoothie on a pair of white pants. The blueberries stained the fabric almost immediately. Loving to research, I headed directly to my computer, and searched: “remove blueberry stain”. Thank goodness, I did. I found the site ThriftyFun.com. On their site, I found that if you pour white vinegar onto the stain, (I let it soak for a few minutes), then pour boiling water on top of the clothing item, it’s suppose to remove the blueberry stain. I tried it. It worked like a dream. I then washed my white pants in the washer, and my white pants show no sign of the blueberry stain.
After removing blueberry stains with white vinegar. I decided to see what else white vinegar is good for. I did a search, and here’s what I found.
There is a website called Vinegar Institute. Their entire site is dedicated to vineagar.
If you’re looking for information on vinegar, ranging from its many uses to the history of this versatile product….you’ve come to the right place! We invite you to learn how vinegar has been around for more than 10,000 years and how today’s vinegar represents the best elements of that product of long ago as well as new products to keep up with the changing times. We offer the latest news on vinegar, recipes that use different varieties of vinegar and numerous uses and tips for vinegar, including using it in your laundry, to clean your kitchen and bathroom and kid’s stuff too, such as making “naked” eggs!
I then went to Angelfire.com. They list 131 uses for vinegar. A sampling of what they suggest are as follows:
Feel good recipe. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass
of water, with a bit of honey added for flavor,
will take the edge off your appetite and give
you an overall healthy feeling.Remove fruit stains from hands. Rub with vinegar.
Remove warts by applying a lotion of half cider
vinegar and half glycerin.
Apply daily to warts until they dissolve.
Angelfire.com also reminds us:
If you use Vinegar for cleaning, it doesn’t matter
what kind you use, except Brown (cider) Vinegar
will stain porous materials.
So use vinegar wisely!!
Not to be outdone, WiseBread.com, has 254 uses for vinegar. Some of their ideas are:
Used as a hair rinse, vinegar neutralizes the alkali left by shampoos.
A quarter cup in a quart of water makes a good window cleaner. A reader adds: When you use vinegar in your water to wash windows, dry with newspapers. Your windows will sparkle!
Fabric softener and static cling reducer – use as you would liquid fabric softener.
Air freshener, used with baking soda – use 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon vinegar and 2 cups of water. After it stops foaming, mix well, and use in a (recycled) spray bottle into the air.
Chewing gum dissolver – saturate the area with vinegar. If the vinegar is heated, it will work faster.
And finally, I came across VinegarTip.com
They claim there’s 1001 uses for white distilled vinegar. Who knew?
It is easy to see why vinegar has been around for thousands of years and it has 1001 uses! From cooking and cleaning with vinegar, to gardening and home remedies, white distilled vinegar is one of the most versatile and economical products you can have on hand.
Kill weeds and grass growing in unwanted places by pouring full-strength white distilled vinegar on them. This works especially well in crevices and cracks of walkways and driveways.
Give acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias a little help by watering them with a white distilled vinegar solution now and again. A cup of white distilled vinegar to a gallon of tap water is a good mixture.
Stop ants from congregating by pouring white distilled vinegar on the area.
Discourage cats from getting into the kids sandbox with white distilled vinegar.
The above websites, probably list some duplicate information, however, can you believe there are over 1000 uses for vinegar?
White distilled vinegar is very inexpensive. If it has that many uses, just think of how much money one could save by using vinegar in place of other cleaning products or gardening chemicals.
I know using white vinegar got the blueberry stain out of my white pants, but I had no idea that vinegar was so versatile in and around the home.
I’m headed back to the sites I listed, and see what else I can use vinegar for. Join me there!
Product Review: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser -Update
Filed under: Archives, Cleaning Tips, Product Reviews
Back in April, I wrote the following review for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I continue to find new uses for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Today I was cleaning the kitchen sink, which is a white enamel or porcelain type surface. I was having difficulty getting coffee and/or tea stains out of it. I got out my handy dandy Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and with just a little scrubbing, it was looking like new. I love this product. Another reason it’s listed on my
“Gotta Have It” page.
If you haven’t tried this product, it’s definitely worth checking out.
On April 2, 2007, I wrote:
Not too long ago I decided to try the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. At first glance, I really wondered how well it could work, but I was amazed. I wet the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and gave it a try. What I found was that it worked extremely well on my white refrigerator, which has tiny little crevices that always seem to collect dirt. The dirt came off so easily. I was sold. I now use it to clean my baseboards and cabinets which are painted white. I love this product, and will definitely always keep the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser in my arsenal of cleaning supplies.
One thing I do, is cut the eraser in half. The eraser seems to start falling apart after multiple uses, so by cutting it in half, I feel I’m making it last longer.
Remember to read the “warning label” on the box as it is not recommended for all surfaces.
UPDATE: If you received an email showing pictures of “burns” a young child got while using the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, take it upon yourself to research this topic online. Some claim it is a hoax, others disagree. After researching, you must decide for yourself.
Product Review – Goo Gone
Filed under: Archives, Cleaning Tips, Product Reviews
Goo Gone is another great product to have in your collection of cleaning products. Goo Gone is a product that removes stickers, make-up, oil, wet paint, scuff marks, shoe polish, tree sap, asphalt, candle wax, tape, glue and grease.
I have been using Goo Gone for many years now. I like the way it removes stickers from items I buy. I spray it on, let it sit, and the sticker peels off easily. If any glue remains, I reapply the Goo Gone. I have also used it to remove a dried paint drip off of a door jam. I didn’t know if it would work, but when I sprayed the Goo Gone on the dried paint and let it sit for awhile, the paint softened and I was able to remove it. Amazing.
I have also used Goo Gone to remove store stickers from shoes. Whether the sticker is placed on the inside sole of the shoe, or the bottom of the shoe, Goo Gone easily removes it.
Another feature I like about Goo Gone, is that is doesn’t have a bad odor. I have tried other products, but they smell like gasoline. Goo Gone has a citrus scent. There must be something to be said about citrus, as Orange Glo is also citrus scented. .(see my previous post Product Review: Orange Glo Wood Cleaner & Polish ) Hmmmmmmmmmmm!
Remember to read the directions on how to use Goo Gone. Also, read the warning label.
Goo Gone can be found in stores like WalMart, Home Depot, and Lowes. It’s usually by the paint supplies.
No tags for this post.Life Saving Tips
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