by: Lindsay Hutton
White Vinegar
Just remember to test your solution on a hidden area before your cleaning spree. Improperly diluted vinegar can eat away at tile grout, and isn't good to use on marble surfaces.
Cornstarch
And if your little one's favorite stuffed animal is in dire need of a cleaning, try this: Place the toy in a plastic bag and sprinkle it with cornstarch. Shake the bag and let it sit for 5 minutes. Remove the toy, shake off the cornstarch, and all the dirt and grime will fall off, too!
Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar can also be used to clean and buff brass or copper pots and pans, stainless steel, and any other metal appliances.
Club Soda
The next time your sink is looking a little scuffed up, buff it with a cloth dampened with this bubbly liquid, and then wipe it dry with another clean cloth. It'll look brand new again!
Lemon Juice
Try mixing lemon juice with baking soda and vinegar to create a paste for cleaning dishes, surfaces, and stains, or mix it with olive oil to use for polishing furniture. The possibilities are endless!
Just be aware that lemon is a natural bleaching agent (great for stains!)— make sure to test it out on hidden areas to avoid any damage or bleach marks.
Rubbing Alcohol
For example, did you know rubbing alcohol can remove permanent marker stains from finished wood floors and solid-surface counters? Just pour a small amount on a cotton ball and apply to the offending mark. Don't worry about damaging the wood — this technique works because you're only using a small amount.
This also rings true for ink stains. Apply a bit to any clothing that has been stained, let it sit for 5 minutes, and wash normally. The spot will come right out.
And those dirty bathroom mirrors? A quick swipe of rubbing alcohol will remove makeup stains, hairspray, toothpaste, and anything else that has found its way from sink to mirror during your morning routine.
Ketchup
Simply squeeze some onto a cloth or rag, rub the offending pot or pan, and watch the tarnish disappear. Rinse with warm water and voila! Your cookware is like new.
White Rice
Fill each about ½ way with warm water, and add 1-2 tablespoons of uncooked white rice. Cover the opening of the vase or bottle with your palm and shake vigorously for a few minutes. Repeat as necessary until the rice scrubs off all the dirt and dust that had accumulated.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee is also a deodorizer. Soak your cutting boards in it to remove any smelly odors, and place a bowl of it in your fridge or at the bottom of your trash can to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
Baking Soda
It can be used to scrub surfaces the same way any non-abrasive cleaning agent is used. It also absorbs odors, making it the perfect natural deodorizer for trash cans, the fridge and freezer, and laundry room.
Speaking of laundry — baking soda can be used for that too! Is there anything this super cleaner can't do?
Tea
As always, make sure to test your tea solution on a hidden area to avoid discoloration, and refrain from using tea to clean laminate wood floors.
Did you also know that tea is the perfect solution for your dirty microwave? Add a few green tea leaves to boiling water and allow it to steep. When it's cool enough to handle, wipe the microwave down with the mixture to remove stains and odors.
White Bread
Another useful tip: Use white bread to help clean up shattered glass. Once you've gotten all the big pieces, dab a piece around the area where the glass broke to pick up any remaining shards. Just remember to use caution, and dispose of the used bread properly when done.
