Tip of the Month: More cleaning tips and ideas

I blogged about using vinegar to clean HERE, discussed cleaning products HERE, checked out the tips from Jacqueline on using tea tree oil, and did some more reading.  Finally I found some other very handy tips for cleaning around the house.  Each of these tips are easy and you will probably have these items in your cupboards.

More uses of vinegar:

Windows and glass:

One ounce of white vinegar added to a quart of warm water.  Mix well and pour into a pump/spray bottle.  Lightly mist windows and rub to a shine with a clean cloth (not a paper towel).

Maintain stainless steel:

Apply white vinegar with a soft cloth and rub.  Dry thoroughly to prevent a film from forming and never soak stainless steel.

From In this Crazy Life blog:
Clean paint brushes:
Soak old paint brushes in HOT vinegar for 30 minutes and then wash. The old paint will come out and they will be as good as new.

From  Tales and Tips from A Real Life Housewife:
Clean hard water residue from shower heads:
Tie a baggy of vinegar around a shower head. Leave it there over night, and it will clean everything off with no work!


Other Tips:

Air Freshener: 

Add a dozen or so lemon slices with a small handful of cloves (it's not an exact amount) to a pan of water and simmer for at least 10 minutes.  This should rid the air in your house and kitchen of strong cooking odors and such.

Clean your Teapot:

(I wish I knew about this when I was living in the UK). Rinse the teapot with hot water, use a small amount of baking soda on a damp cloth and rub.  Rinse the teapot with hot water when finished and dry.

Stains on Marble:

Cover the spill with table salt and wipe clean. Or pour milk on set stains then add salt and leave for a few days.  Then wipe clean with a damp cloth.  Should restore the glossy surface of marble.

Hope these cleaning tips help you.   I know that I do not have to shop for a bunch of cleaning products and I am not using harsh/toxic chemicals in my house.