CLEANING TIPS

Here are some great tips for around the house. Not recommended for industrial or commercial purposes.

• 2 cups rubbing alcohol (70% isoprophyl)
• 1 tablespoon mild dishwashing liquid (for handwashing dishes, NOT dishwasher detergent-it contains bleach!)
• 1 tablespoon ammonia
• 2 quarts water

Stir all ingredients together in a bowl. Fill a CLEAN spray bottle (not recycled one) with cleaner and store the rest tightly sealed in a large bottle. Use with a cloth or sponge to clean the bathroom fixtures, kitchen fixtures, appliances, chrome, plastic countertops, and painted surfaces. Rinse with a clean cloth or sponge after cleaning.

All Purpose Kitchen Quick Shiner

This shiner is mild and safe to use for all surfaces.

• 1 1/4 cups white vinegar
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 22 ounce spray bottle

Pour vinegar and water into the spray bottle. Shake gently to combine. To use, spray on and wipe off.

All Purpose Glass Cleaner

Vinegar cuts grease and leaves windows sparkling clean. Best of all, this mixture is absolutely safe, It's the best choice if you have young children in the house.

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 quart of water

Pour vinegar and water into a bowl or container, or mix the ingredients in a spray bottle. Clean glass directly with a sponge dipped in the bowl of cleaner or spray on and wipe clean.

Metal Polish

Hazards: Safe enough to eat, and it's not gritty enough to scratch the metal.
Uses: Suitable for brass, bronze, copper and pewter. Not for silver, silver plate and jewelry.
Cost: Less than a penny for about 3 tablespoons of paste (not including water)

• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• I tablespoon white vinegar

Combine salt and flour in small bowl and stir until blended. Add the vinegar and mix into a thick paste. Smear on the paste with a damp sponge or cloth and rub gently. Let the polish dry for about an hour. Rinse well with warm water and buff dry with a soft cloth.

Ring Around the Collar

Dirty neck rings around shirt or blouse collars can be removed by putting shampoo on them. Rub the shampoo in like you were washing your hair. Shampoo is specifically made to remove body oils. A cheap bottle of shampoo kept by the washing machine is handy for all kinds of stains in clothing. Don't forget this trick when you are traveling.
 

 From Rodale's Book of Practical Formulas