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….

• One family stops every hour to let them run around.
• The DVD player is the last resort.
• Coloring books and crayons are fun, but if you do that, DO NOT leave the crayons in the car in hot weather!!
• Buy these cheap sticker books at Michaels that have like 200 stickers in a variety of sizes. They can stick them all over themselves and it keeps them busy for a while.
• Small foam puzzles (usually at the dollar store, watch out for choking hazards, of course).
• Someone sits in the back to play with them in their seat.

More ideas in the first post about car travel with toddlers…
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).

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Put about a tablespoon of instant chocolate pudding into a sturdy sandwich sized zip lock baggie. Make sure it is well-sealed & has no holes. Then, let your child use their fingers to create shapes and letters. Smooth it out to erase it. This is a fun way to help them learn letters of the alphabet, shapes, or just have fun. Be sure to watch them carefully so that they don’t try to eat or open the bag (or you know this pudding mess will happen to you :)).

Paper bag (lunch sized)
Pink, white, and black construction paper
Scissors
Crayons
Paste

Cut a V-shaped notch at the top of each lunch sack. Start at the top center and bring your notch down to form the ears. Close the bag and lie flat.

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