The Household Hints & Tips Thread...

cinnamongrrl · 01-24-2013, 09:07 AM

Great thread Hollyjane! Funny cuz I was just coming on to share a recent discovery that I at least love very much for cleaning...

I got a set of 4 microfiber dish cloths to replace my disposable spongy dishcloths that 1. I can no longer readily find 2. get stained and icky looking after a while and 3. are disposable...and that's the last thing our planet needs right now!

These cloths have a microfiber side and a mesh side, I believe I got them at Walmart. And not only do I use them in the kitchen for wiping down the counters, cabinets, appliances and sink, but I found I can ALSO use a dry one for dusting without the use of furniture polish

We now save money on the constant replacement of the sponge wipes as I just wash the cloths when they need it. AND I no longer need furniture polish. One less chemical in the house

LaDivina · 01-24-2013, 09:33 AM

*subscribing*

Thanks for starting this, hollylane! I'll post if I think of anything.

Tommi · 01-24-2013, 09:37 AM

Bachelor subscribing.

..and Holly and Gaige you are welcome to come on down to California any ole time.

Great thread. Great ideas, tips and tricks.

I keep several of those micro-fiber washrag thingeees around now instsead of nasty bacteria holding sponges in the kitchen and bathrooms. A couple of them in the car too to wipe up any spills and great dash duster. Then toss them in the wash.

Hollylane · 01-24-2013, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinnamongrrl563

Great thread Hollylane! Funny cuz I was just coming on to share a recent discovery that I at least love very much for cleaning...

I got a set of 4 microfiber dish cloths to replace my disposable spongy dishcloths that 1. I can no longer readily find 2. get stained and icky looking after a while and 3. are disposable...and that's the last thing our planet needs right now!

These cloths have a microfiber side and a mesh side, I believe I got them at Walmart. And not only do I use them in the kitchen for wiping down the counters, cabinets, appliances and sink, but I found I can ALSO use a dry one for dusting without the use of furniture polish

We now save money on the constant replacement of the sponge wipes as I just wash the cloths when they need it. AND I no longer need furniture polish. One less chemical in the house

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.

Hollylane · 01-24-2013, 11:27 PM

I'm really digging the posts in here! I am super excited about spending some time looking over the homemade product lists this weekend, before I head off to the store.

Anyone have any tips on what I can use with my Swiffer mop, instead of those nasty non-biodegradable mop pads?

christie · 01-25-2013, 12:05 AM

If you are a crocheter or knitter, you can make a washable, reusable swiffer cover out of cotton yarn. I've not made one, but have seen a couple of patterns that are for beginners. You could also try ebay or etsy.

I've been known to take a cloth diaper and use it on the swiffer when I was out of the pads. I've since upgraded to a mop system that has washable replacement heads...

Princess · 01-25-2013, 02:25 AM

Everyone probably already knows this one but its one of my faves and i did it just today...

An easy way to clean the microwave, squeeze a half of a lemon into a bowl with like a cup of water, and i actually leave the lemon in the water as well. Pop it into the microwave for about 4 minutes. Let it sit for two. Open the door and just wipe away the mess. The steam from the lemon water releases the tough food stuffs AND it makes the microwave smell clean

Dominique · 01-25-2013, 06:57 AM

Baking soda has to rank as the most inexpensive/multifunctional product sold. (I do not bake)

Baking soda; White Vinegar

I buy the least expensive no name brands and the largest quantity I can find and do every drain in the house 2 or three times a year.

Remove hair catcher from drain opening. Dump baking soda into the drain, and pour white vinegar on top of the
baking soda. The object of course, is to get the vinegar into the drain, so aim for the center of the baking soda. Pour vinegar slowly. This will foam up! When the foaming action subsides, add more vinegar, again pouring slowly.
Eventually this will all fall down into the drain and continue cleaning as it goes. (you'll hear it working) slowly add more vinegar until you no longer hear the fizz.

Let it sit for approx half an hour and then run water to flush the pipes through.

Dominique · 01-25-2013, 07:18 AM

I've been following this *paper bag flooring* concept for
five years. The process has been much improved, but the end result still looks the same. I haven't tried it yet but I'm darn close. Consistently I keep reading/hearing you can recover *LARGE* spaces for a $100 investment plus time. I'm attaching what I think is the most informative
tutorial, however, like everything we do, watch as many as you can to pick up as many tips possible. (sorry, long sentence)

DapperButch · 01-25-2013, 07:23 AM

Glad you started this thread, as I have had 3 people now PM me for the laundry soap recipe I mentioned in another thread.

http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-l...etergent-soap/ You can add a 1/2 cup oxy-clean.

----------

Water and white vinegar cleans most things. Baking soda is also a very multi functional product. TF is more versed on this stuff, than me, however.

For TF and I, homemade products are less about cost (but that is nice), and more about getting away from chemicals.

Although not a cleaning topic, over Christmas she tried her hand at deodorant, body/face lotion, and lip balm. Good stuff. I appreciate her taking the time to do this to keep us healthy. Laundry soap and the rest of the items I just mentioned are important because they are all products that leak into our skin. Nasty chemicals we don't need. Additionally, always remember to wash your new clothes before wearing.

Butchsecrets · 01-26-2013, 07:06 PM

And it works on week-old exploded fish in the microwave, doesn't it princess

Okiebug61 · 01-25-2013, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hollylane

I'm really digging the posts in here! I am super excited about spending some time looking over the homemade product lists this weekend, before I head off to the store.

Anyone have any tips on what I can use with my Swiffer mop, instead of those nasty non-biodegradable mop pads?

http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/m...-16-ea-reviews

Hollylane · 01-25-2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominique

I've been following this *paper bag flooring* concept for
five years. The process has been much improved, but the end result still looks the same. I haven't tried it yet but I'm darn close. Consistently I keep reading/hearing you can recover *LARGE* spaces for a $100 investment plus time. I'm attaching what I think is the most informative
tutorial, however, like everything we do, watch as many as you can to pick up as many tips possible. (sorry, long sentence)

Years ago, without knowing others were doing it, I discovered how many cool things I could make with wadded up paper bag pieces and Elmer's glue. I think this flooring idea is pretty awesome, and I love the earthy look of it. Thank you for sharing it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominique

Thank-you Hollylane and Gaige for starting this thread. In my newspaper reading days, I loved Hints from Heloise

. I've always got a project or two going on and with that always comes some sort of snag.

Speaking of snag. My 25 year old Sears Kenmore Dryer is making a noise. I don't expect it to have an operating life of infinity, I'm thinking the belt may be dry rot. Certainly thats something I can repair. I saw where Hollylane posted about ~Gaige to the rescue~ on her dryer repair. Can someone point me in the direction of that research? Thank you again!

It was the washer that she repaired, and it is working fantastically! She went online and searched do-it-yourself videos and websites for my model of washer. Then she just went to work, with a look of joy and determination. I was pretty impressed!

Hollylane · 01-25-2013, 12:26 PM

As I said before, I live in a very furry household. I have a ton of windows, and they are all covered in cream colored heavy drapes. At the outside edges, and where the curtains part, I am constantly battling the cat hair that accumulates there, seemingly overnight. I have been fighting with the vacuum for several years, trying mostly unsuccessfully to lift the cat hair from the curtains.

A month or so ago, I discovered that you can use rubber cleaning gloves to simply wipe the hair right off. It is so easy, that I do it every time I vacuum a room (about twice a week).

01-24-2013, 09:37 AM	#3
Tommi Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Usually "Hello" Relationship Status: Married and Bound to Tommi's kaijira (Ts_kaijira ) Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Suthun.... California that is. Across the ridge from Laguna Beach. Posts: 8,151 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,621 Thanked 21,338 Times in 5,970 Posts Rep Power: 21474860	Subscribing Bachelor subscribing. ..and Holly and Gaige you are welcome to come on down to California any ole time. Great thread. Great ideas, tips and tricks. I keep several of those micro-fiber washrag thingeees around now instsead of nasty bacteria holding sponges in the kitchen and bathrooms. A couple of them in the car too to wipe up any spills and great dash duster. Then toss them in the wash.

01-25-2013, 06:57 AM	#8
Dominique Member How Do You Identify?: Female/Lesbian/half the athlete I used to be Preferred Pronoun?: she/her Relationship Status: Dates Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: So proud to be a Pittsburgher Posts: 1,484 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,645 Thanked 3,730 Times in 1,166 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	pipe friendly drain cleaner Baking soda has to rank as the most inexpensive/multifunctional product sold. (I do not bake) Baking soda; White Vinegar I buy the least expensive no name brands and the largest quantity I can find and do every drain in the house 2 or three times a year. Remove hair catcher from drain opening. Dump baking soda into the drain, and pour white vinegar on top of the baking soda. The object of course, is to get the vinegar into the drain, so aim for the center of the baking soda. Pour vinegar slowly. This will foam up! When the foaming action subsides, add more vinegar, again pouring slowly. Eventually this will all fall down into the drain and continue cleaning as it goes. (you'll hear it working) slowly add more vinegar until you no longer hear the fizz. Let it sit for approx half an hour and then run water to flush the pipes through. __________________ As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be??

01-25-2013, 07:18 AM	#9
Dominique Member How Do You Identify?: Female/Lesbian/half the athlete I used to be Preferred Pronoun?: she/her Relationship Status: Dates Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: So proud to be a Pittsburgher Posts: 1,484 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,645 Thanked 3,730 Times in 1,166 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	faux leather floor finish I've been following this paper bag flooring concept for five years. The process has been much improved, but the end result still looks the same. I haven't tried it yet but I'm darn close. Consistently I keep reading/hearing you can recover LARGE spaces for a $100 investment plus time. I'm attaching what I think is the most informative tutorial, however, like everything we do, watch as many as you can to pick up as many tips possible. (sorry, long sentence) __________________ As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be??

01-25-2013, 07:23 AM	#10
DapperButch Roadster Guy How Do You Identify?: FTM, Stone Butch Preferred Pronoun?: He Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Northeast Posts: 7,745 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 26,545 Thanked 26,814 Times in 5,772 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	Glad you started this thread, as I have had 3 people now PM me for the laundry soap recipe I mentioned in another thread. http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-l...etergent-soap/ You can add a 1/2 cup oxy-clean. ---------- Water and white vinegar cleans most things. Baking soda is also a very multi functional product. TF is more versed on this stuff, than me, however. For TF and I, homemade products are less about cost (but that is nice), and more about getting away from chemicals. Although not a cleaning topic, over Christmas she tried her hand at deodorant, body/face lotion, and lip balm. Good stuff. I appreciate her taking the time to do this to keep us healthy. Laundry soap and the rest of the items I just mentioned are important because they are all products that leak into our skin. Nasty chemicals we don't need. Additionally, always remember to wash your new clothes before wearing. __________________ -Dapper Are you educated or indoctrinated?

01-24-2013, 09:07 AM	#1
cinnamongrrl Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: cleverly disguised as a responsible adult* Preferred Pronoun?: wild woman Relationship Status: No, thank you. Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Home in NC..gonna dig in like a tick this time… Posts: 7,661 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 15,228 Thanked 27,598 Times in 6,956 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	Great thread Hollyjane! Funny cuz I was just coming on to share a recent discovery that I at least love very much for cleaning... I got a set of 4 microfiber dish cloths to replace my disposable spongy dishcloths that 1. I can no longer readily find 2. get stained and icky looking after a while and 3. are disposable...and that's the last thing our planet needs right now! These cloths have a microfiber side and a mesh side, I believe I got them at Walmart. And not only do I use them in the kitchen for wiping down the counters, cabinets, appliances and sink, but I found I can ALSO use a dry one for dusting without the use of furniture polish We now save money on the constant replacement of the sponge wipes as I just wash the cloths when they need it. AND I no longer need furniture polish. One less chemical in the house

01-24-2013, 09:33 AM	#2
LaDivina Member How Do You Identify?: Lady-femme Preferred Pronoun?: Lady-ones Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 524 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,084 Thanked 1,725 Times in 413 Posts Rep Power: 20699138	subscribing Thanks for starting this, hollylane! I'll post if I think of anything.

01-24-2013, 11:27 PM	#5
Hollylane Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: . Preferred Pronoun?: . Relationship Status: . Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: . Posts: 11,495 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 34,694 Thanked 26,359 Times in 5,875 Posts Rep Power: 21474862	I'm really digging the posts in here! I am super excited about spending some time looking over the homemade product lists this weekend, before I head off to the store. Anyone have any tips on what I can use with my Swiffer mop, instead of those nasty non-biodegradable mop pads?

01-25-2013, 12:05 AM	#6
christie Member How Do You Identify?: A Force with which to be reckoned Preferred Pronoun?: just be nice... Relationship Status: I call her Mine Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Transplanted to the PNW Posts: 1,246 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,552 Thanked 2,476 Times in 706 Posts Rep Power: 14753262	If you are a crocheter or knitter, you can make a washable, reusable swiffer cover out of cotton yarn. I've not made one, but have seen a couple of patterns that are for beginners. You could also try ebay or etsy. I've been known to take a cloth diaper and use it on the swiffer when I was out of the pads. I've since upgraded to a mop system that has washable replacement heads...

01-25-2013, 02:25 AM	#7
Princess Member How Do You Identify?: princess Preferred Pronoun?: She, her. Relationship Status: One singular sensation! Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 1,341 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,082 Thanked 4,582 Times in 1,009 Posts Rep Power: 21474851	Everyone probably already knows this one but its one of my faves and i did it just today... An easy way to clean the microwave, squeeze a half of a lemon into a bowl with like a cup of water, and i actually leave the lemon in the water as well. Pop it into the microwave for about 4 minutes. Let it sit for two. Open the door and just wipe away the mess. The steam from the lemon water releases the tough food stuffs AND it makes the microwave smell clean

01-26-2013, 07:06 PM	#11
Butchsecrets Junior Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 5 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 18 Thanked 20 Times in 5 Posts Rep Power: 0	And it works on week-old exploded fish in the microwave, doesn't it princess

01-25-2013, 12:26 PM	#14
Hollylane Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: . Preferred Pronoun?: . Relationship Status: . Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: . Posts: 11,495 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 34,694 Thanked 26,359 Times in 5,875 Posts Rep Power: 21474862	As I said before, I live in a very furry household. I have a ton of windows, and they are all covered in cream colored heavy drapes. At the outside edges, and where the curtains part, I am constantly battling the cat hair that accumulates there, seemingly overnight. I have been fighting with the vacuum for several years, trying mostly unsuccessfully to lift the cat hair from the curtains. A month or so ago, I discovered that you can use rubber cleaning gloves to simply wipe the hair right off. It is so easy, that I do it every time I vacuum a room (about twice a week).