How to Use Common Household Items for Cleaning

There are so many specialized cleaning products on the market that you could practically fill your cupboards with them. But if you don’t want to shell out the money--or you’d rather take a break from the harsh chemicals these products so often include--you may find that the answer is already sitting in your house. White vinegar, baking soda, salt, shaving cream, newspaper--all of them can help give your home a little sparkle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Salt
• Spray Bottle
• Newspaper
• Shaving Cream
• Club Soda
• Water

1. To remove annoying price tags and other labels stuck to porcelain, glass or other washable materials, soak a cloth or sponge in warm vinegar. Then cover the label and let it saturate; it should peel off without scraping or causing damage. (Just remember: Only use this method on washable surfaces and washable paint.)
2. To reduce soap residue in your laundry, add one cup of white vinegar to the washer's final rinse. Vinegar is so mild it won’t harm fabrics, but it is strong enough to dissolve alkalis in soaps and detergents. (Important note: do not use vinegar if you are also using chlorine bleach, as it can produce harmful vapors.)
3. Make your own anti-fogging window washing solution by mixing one part vinegar and three parts water in a plant spray bottle. Vinegar cuts grease and brings out a good shine in glass. A few other tips when washing windows: Don’t do it on a sunny day, as the windows will dry quickly and can leave streaks. Instead, choose a more overcast day. Use crumpled newspaper to dry the windows (the ink actually gives glass a good shine) and wipe down the windows using straight strokes--horizontal on the inside, vertical on the outside. This way if you do see a streak, you’ll know right away which side it’s on.
4. Mix vinegar with salt to create a paste for a good surface cleaner. It really cleans tarnished copper.
5. A paste made from baking soda and salt is a great way to clean baking dishes made of enamel, ceramic and glass. The paste can also help remove coffee stains from cups or counter tops and is a good way to battle soap scum.
6. To clean red wine stains, pour salt over the stain to absorb the wine and let it sit. Then add club soda and scrub the stain. The bubbling action will help lift the stain effectively.
7. To clean bathroom mirrors and keep them from fogging, apply shaving cream in small amounts in a thin layer, then wipe off with a clean rag.
8. When cleaning the inside of your refrigerator, don't use soap or dishwashing liquid, which will leave a smell and can taint food. Use baking soda and warm water to wipe the insides of refrigerators and freezers instead.