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).

(more…)

After getting rid of all the Sharpie permanent marker stains, I was still stumped by the red Kool-aid decorating my carpet. I got a lot of great suggestions in comments on that post though, so I thought I’d share them in a new post for everyone’s benefit.


Heather noted that:

If you catch it early, club soda will take out red koolaid. The Queen of Clean (as in Linda Cob) recommends club soda even for old koolaid stains (at lest it will make it lighter pink). She says that, after using the club soda and blotting it with a clean towel, use Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover. If the stain is still set, saturate with hydrogen peroxide (which I’ve tried before and turned my carpet ORANGE, so use with care!) or undiluted lemon juice. Wait 15 minutes and blot. Continue to apply, checking progress to make sure you aren�t lightening the carpet. (Taken from Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean by Linda Cobb, which Heather recommends).

Kristen has “THE red koolaid/gatorade stain getter outer”:

Mix equal amounts of ammonia and hot water. Spray the stain. Take a towel and place over the stain. Go over the towel with an iron on its highest setting and watch the stain transfer! It was amazing. I did this 5 or 6 times over the stain and it was gone. It was an old stain too! Test in an area first.

Julie used Scrubbing Bubbles to get red Kool-aid out of her granddaughter’s white shirts by spraying it on, rubbing a little, then letting it sit for 30 mins. Spray again, then wash as normal.

Have any other tips to share?? Add them in comments and I’ll update this post!

A quick tip for the day - spray silly putty with Pam (or use olive oil) to remove it from hair quickly!

Now go visit the rest of the Works For Me Wednesday tips.