Favorite Cleaning Tips and Tricks Ever!

[larisa]

We just moved to Wisconsin, and are in a rental for a while.  Well, the basement here stunk, musky and wet smelling.  Come to find out it leaks.  Well, the smell is GONE!  We put a dehumidifier down there, which took care of the water, but the smell was still as strong as ever.  We bought a couple big bags of generic charcoal, and put them in ice cream buckets around the basement, and the smell is gone!  Simple, cheap and effective!

Interesting, i just checked mercola.com, and in one of his articles states that when purchasing a good air purifier you have to be sure it contains at least 15 lb of charcoals to grab chemicals circulating in the air. 

[Whiterock]

Like Kingsford charcoal briquets?

Bump ??

WR

[boysmama]

Like Kingsford charcoal briquets?

Bump ??

WR

I can't speak for Jenny4Wen, but I have used the cheap grilling charcoal briquets for deodorizing spaces and even a second hand fridge. Works like a charm if the source of the odor is removed first.

[Jemima]

What would be a good alternative to bleach to soak kids toys in to clean/disinfect them? 

I have a bunch of plastic animals that I want to get all the germs off, since they're from a garage sale and my daughter chew on everything.   But I'd like to use something more natural than bleach. Any suggestions for something equall effective?

Thanks!

[miamama]

What would be a good alternative to bleach to soak kids toys in to clean/disinfect them? 

I have a bunch of plastic animals that I want to get all the germs off, since they're from a garage sale and my daughter chew on everything.   But I'd like to use something more natural than bleach. Any suggestions for something equall effective?

Thanks!

A soak or spray down with white vinegar should do the trick.  If they are actually grimy you could add a drop of dish soap and some water to the vinegar, and scrub the toys.

[daisey]

I would think that soaking in Hydrogen Peroxide solution would work also.   As long as your water is HOT soap and water should work though.  GSE is another option.

[littlewife]

has anyone ever heard or read of boiling sheets? i was reading rilla of ingleside (for all of you anne of green gables fans) and in the book, boiling sheets in...oris root...or something...is mentioned. i don't have oris root, or whatever it was, but i've got lavender and i've got a ton of new little baby blankets and i'd like to soften them and make them smell all nice, and i know you boil cloth diapers, so i was wondering if the same principle worked for fleece or cotton baby blankets and sheets and all that cute stuff. any ideas?

[ladyhen]

has anyone ever heard or read of boiling sheets? i was reading rilla of ingleside (for all of you anne of green gables fans) and in the book, boiling sheets in...oris root...or something...is mentioned. i don't have oris root, or whatever it was, but i've got lavender and i've got a ton of new little baby blankets and i'd like to soften them and make them smell all nice, and i know you boil cloth diapers, so i was wondering if the same principle worked for fleece or cotton baby blankets and sheets and all that cute stuff. any ideas?

Here's a link to some more information and history on the use of orris root.  Seems that it's used to perfume things. 

Orris Root

Just about all fabrics contain sizing or a resin-like coating.  This accounts for the fabric holding it's shape or being stiff.  I usually wash all new clothing and fabrics with a couple of cups of vinegar in the wash water to remove this coating due to my allergy to it.   I buy only natural fiber clothing and fabrics, and they are extremely soft after this one wash.  I don't know if this would work on fleece, as it's usually made of synthetic materials.

[mommie]

I'm assuming Lavendar essential oil? the only thing about oils is that the smell goes away w/ heat so like if you put EO's in your wash and then dry them...they don't smell like your EO's anymore...I would imagine boiling would do the same thing? ? I would think the vinegar would soften things as well! As far as smelly pretty naturally....maybe wash with EO's and line dry?

[InEverything]

Hi Moms!  I really need a cleaning trick to rescue my dining room table.  It is wood with some sort of finish on it.  It is starting to get really "gummy"    I wipe it with warm water after every meal but it just isn't doing the trick.   When we do our school work the papers often stick to it 
I tried dawn soap to get some of the built up gunk off but I think it may have taken off some of the finish.  Does any one have a good tip to use on a regular basis? Thank you!

[GarlicMomma]

If it is a real wood table, try mayonnaise. Yes, mayo, really. The mayo helps a lot on water marks, but I have done it for other things too.  Polish it in and work it off.  Here is an additional website to help you out.

http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/polishing-wood-furniture/index.html

[rainygladness]

The mayo trick sounds pretty good - I've heard of people having good success with it as a conditioner.  However, to get rid of the sticky build up, I would try a deep cleaning first.
Try mixing one part white vinegar to one part water and wipe down the table completely. Then to rinse, wipe the table down with clean water and a clean cloth. Let it dry completely.
You could also use full strength Murphy's Oil Soap the same way. It's a good cleaner and works well in my experience.

Depending on how much build up you have, you may have to repeat the process. Once the sticky residue is removed, apply a wood wax that repels water and stains to the surface for protection.
HTH! 

[InEverything]

Thank you ladies....new ideas always get me excited!
The website showed part olive oil and vinegar.  This may work to get the residue off as well.  Either way I will be using vinegar since I don't have any of the "normal" wood products on hand. Thanks again.

[GibsonTown]

InEverything, you probably solved your gummy wood table problem but for others, I wanted to suggest hot water with black tea and a bit of dish soap, then wash again with clear water to rinse.  Works on wood floors, too.