The Household Hints & Tips Thread...

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Hollylane

Great idea from more than one poster about the microfiber cloths, I'll have to check those out!

As far as the disposable sponges, I do like the ones with the scrubber side, and I do use them, but I pop them into the dishwasher whenever I run it, which keeps them from getting that nasty smell. I use them until they almost disintegrate.

You can also put a damp sponge in the microwave for at least 90 seconds. Kills about 99% of the germs but it will be HOT when you go to take it out.

[Hollylane]

Originally Posted by Gemme

You can also put a damp sponge in the microwave for at least 90 seconds. Kills about 99% of the germs but it will be HOT when you go to take it out.

Gaige says you can add lemon juice to that, and it works even better.

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Learn from my mistakes (or simply use common sense)...

Do not start more laundry than you can finish, and then leave it sitting to be forgotten during a busy work week. This is especially true if you live in a damp area (Oregon), and if you are conscious about your energy/water footprint.

I have now had to rewash two loads of clothes, two times, to get the mildew smell out. Yuck, and very wasteful of water, electricity, and detergent.

I'm a little annoyed with me right now....

[StrongButch]

Great thread for us guys. Im a clean freak. Ill keep reading. If you want help with cooking anything I can help in exchange for your handy cleaning tips. Thanks everyone.

[Tommi]

3 cats are in hiding.
What's safe for etched mirrors and etched glass shower doors.

Bought a gallon of vinegar and a triple size box of baking soda.

This morning, I experimented and fizzed my kitchen double sink/garbage disposal with the baking soda, vinegar and hot water (how-to-do-above) . I did it twice. I just did it because. It was actually interesting Plus, it went glug glug faster the second time around.

I did the electric coffee pot with vinegar and water, then poured it into the dishwasher and am running it through a cycle.

I swiffered the hardwood floors with that great citrus smelling moist pad, turned it over when it got dusty, Then, rinsed it out, put some glass cleaner on it an swiped the Italian tile in the master bath.

Now, to clean the tile grout. Those grout cleaners stink too bad, and are nasty chemicals, Only thing I know to use on it is good ole fashioned bleach...Wonder what else baking soda and vinegar can do.

Jacuzzi tonight.....

[spritzerJ]

Originally Posted by Hollylane

Gaige says you can add lemon juice to that, and it works even better.

************************************************** **

Learn from my mistakes (or simply use common sense)...

Do not start more laundry than you can finish, and then leave it sitting to be forgotten during a busy work week. This is especially true if you live in a damp area (Oregon), and if you are conscious about your energy/water footprint.

I have now had to rewash two loads of clothes, two times, to get the mildew smell out. Yuck, and very wasteful of water, electricity, and detergent.

I'm a little annoyed with me right now....

I have found vinegar in the washer during the rinse cycle (as the fabric softener) or just the whole darn wash works to get rid of the mildew smell in one load AND when towels get that "soap build up" smell.

[Hollylane]

Originally Posted by spritzerJ

I have found vinegar in the washer during the rinse cycle (as the fabric softener) or just the whole darn wash works to get rid of the mildew smell in one load AND when towels get that "soap build up" smell.

It's funny you should mention that Spritzer, I kind of instinctively came to that on my own, after washing and drying about 4 times, and I was planning to post it in here! Awesome advice!

[DapperButch]

I pour some vinegar into the washing machine with the laundry soap anytime I am washing my dog's blankets. Vinegar gets rid of urine smell.

[always2late]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

I pour some vinegar into the washing machine with the laundry soap anytime I am washing my dog's blankets. Vinegar gets rid of urine smell.

White vinegar is awesome for so many things! It is one of the only things I've found that will get out the smell of cat urine. Also, very good for washing windows, and NO streaking!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by always2late

White vinegar is awesome for so many things! It is one of the only things I've found that will get out the smell of cat urine. Also, very good for washing windows, and NO streaking!

TF and I use a 1:1 ratio for much of our cleaning. Sometimes the simple things (vinegar, baking soda), is all that is needed for cleaning/other household tasks.