This is such a great time to start organizing and cleaning out our closets, drawers and storage, which feels so great! Now, what to do with all this stuff, where do you get rid of things that are still good, but you no longer need? Who can use my unwanted stuff? I have some ideas to share with you that you might not have thought about before.

Donate Baby items and Baby clothes plus Toddler clothes and toys: The crisis pregnancy centers and local woman’s shelter can use your good, clean clothes and baby items. Also, great for your maternity clothes . Of course there are many resale stores where you can receive credit for your clothes and find larger sizes for your little ones at the same time.

Donate Pet food, pet toys and dog and cat treats: You can donate these to your local pet rescue (find them with a simple online search or go to your pet store and ask), your local animal center or animal shelter or boarding and grooming business. They love to have old blankets and newspaper also!

Recycle Readable Magazines and Newspapers (and Books): Give them to a nursing home, senior centers, hospital or women’s shelter. Newspapers are sometimes welcome there as well, if not check the pet idea above.
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2 cups water
1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70 percent concentration)
1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil, which gives the solution a lovely smell (optional)

Great for: Windows and mirrors

How to use: Combine ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Spray some solution on a paper towel or soft cloth first, then on the glass. To get smudge-free glass, rub vertically on one side and horizontally on the other.

Hint: Don’t clean windows on a hot, sunny day, because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

See more WFMW tips at Rocks in My Dryer….

1 gallon hot water
1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent
1 cup regular liquid chlorine bleach (not ultra or concentrate)

How to use: Use only on badly stained washable or bleachable garments. Mix and pour ingredients into a stainless steel, plastic, or enamel bowl (not aluminum). Soak garment for 15 to 20 minutes. If stain is still there, let it soak a bit longer, then wash garment as usual.

See more WFMW tips at Rocks in My Dryer….

4 tablespoons baking soda
1 quart warm water

Great for: Kitchen counters, appliances, and inside the refrigerator

How to use: Pour solution on a clean sponge and wipe.

1/4 cup powdered lemon or orange drink

How to use: To remove rust from the inside walls of your dishwasher, pour the powder (which contains citric acid or citric acid crystals) into the detergent cup and then run a regular cycle. Repeat as necessary.

See more WFMW tips at Rocks in My Dryer….

White vinegar or lemon juice
Table salt

How to use: For non-lacquered brass, dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over surface. Rinse thoroughly with water, then dry well immediately with a clean soft cloth.

Here are some simple chore ideas to keep your toddler busy & productive, while making your house cleaner…..

• Feeding pets. Put the food in the dish for them (or have them measure out dry food under supervision if they are old enough not to eat it), then have them take it to the spot and put it down for the pet.
• Making the bed – they can pull up the covers and put the pillow in the correct place (although the tucking usually requires help).
• Setting the table – if you give them dishes one at a time, they can set them on the table (nothing sharp, of course). Read more