April 1, 2005

Uses for Old LinensI cleaned out my linen closet and came up with a few ideas on what to do with stuff I don't need anymore.

 

Donating Your ExtrasIf you are cleaning your closets, basement, or garage now, consider donating your unwanted items to the Goodwill, Amvets, Salvation Army, or some other worthy charity.

 

Gas and Oil AdditivesTo get better fuel mileage on your vehicle, use a gas additive.

 

Washing Machine Touch Panels Wear OutSomeone had mentioned giving the clothes washer an extra spin at the end to get rid of water, thinking that it would lessen drying time. Figured I'd better mention that I used to do just that, and wore out my electronic panel.

 

Cleaning Carpets After A FireWet carpets should be quickly separated from padding to prevent padding dyes from wicking up and causing permanent stains. A professional would next use a water-lift vacuum, but a good substitute is to provide good air circulation as an aid to speedy drying.

 

Keep a Spare Mower Blade on HandIt doesn't hurt to keep a spare lawn mower blade on hand. Just in case you happen to run over something that might bend the one on the mower (Example: Maybe your wife or kids are doing the mowing). You might need it on a holiday when all the stores are closed.

 

Making CostumesWhen making a costume, I have found the best place to get strange clothes is the Thrift Stores, and also have a husband willing to dress up in anything you buy. Enjoy the picture!

 

Mechanic and a Surgeon JokeA mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a Harley Davidson Motorcycle when he spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop.

 

Locking Mailboxes to Prevent Identity TheftTo eliminate the chance that identity thieves will tamper with your personal mail, consider a mail box that locks, or a mail slot in your front door which drops the mail inside your home.

 

Killing Insects On Natural DecorationsWhenever you bring any natural stuff like pine cones or twigs into the house to use as decor, put them on a foil lined baking sheet in the oven at 200-250 degrees for 30 minutes to kill any hitchhiking insects.

 

Get Some Boxes at The Grocery StoreThis year my spring cleaning is even more detailed than usual with two graduations and a wedding coming up soon! We will have lots of people coming in and I want things to look as nice as they can. The best thing I do is to get some nice boxes from our local grocery store and throw all my "junk" that I don't use or have room for anymore into the boxes so they can easily be taken to Goodwill.

 

Maintaining Your Candles & Candle HoldersHere are some tips for getting the most out of your candles and candle holders without a lot of fuss:

 

Decorating CandlesI love candles. When I am decorating for an event or a holiday, I like to use candles. I always have a bunch of cheap white candles lying around. I like to spice them up with some glue and glitter.

 

Healthy Ranch DressingBlend all together in blender. Store in refrigerator.

 

One Cleaning Project Per DayInstead of spring and fall cleaning, which overwhelms me and doesn't get done, I'm working my way through the house with one cleaning project per day.

 

Computer Infections - Removing Spyware From Your ComputerIs your computer running slowly or having a slew of pop-up ads popping up all the time, even when you're not on-line? It is probably infected with spyware or adware. These are programs that one can pick up in the course of surfing the web and downloading programs.

 

Check Your Wiper BladesCheck your wiper blades on your vehicle periodically. If you don't watch, they'll separate and the next time you turn them on, they'll scratch your windshield.

 

Cleaning Flood-Soiled CarpetsIt is very important to dry rugs and carpets as soon as possible to prevent mildew, a spreading gray-white mold that stains and rots fabrics. Pull up waterlogged rugs immediately to prevent further damage to the floor.

 

Removing Black Soot from Woodstove WindowVinegar on a newspaper works great on getting the black soot off of your woodstove window and much easier than using oven cleaner. By Donna Marie

 

Cleaning Textiles After A FireOne research study on the effectiveness of home-cleaning solutions suggests that home laundering of washable items with commercially available products may eliminate the need for more costly methods of removing smoke damage.

 

Shining Chrome Bathroom FixturesShine chrome bathroom fixtures with a little baby oil. It helps them look clean and shiny longer.

 

Homemade Fireplace CleanerWith spring in full swing, here is a recipe to help you clean out your fireplace. This solution is good if you have a brick or stone fireplace.

 

ThriftyFun News - April 1, 2005 - Spring Cleaning TipsOnline version of the ThriftyFun News. Spring Cleaning Tips. Volume Seven, Number 14 April 1, 2005

 

Cleaning Your CarWith spring on the horizon, it's a good time to think about getting our cars clean. Regular cleaning of your car will help protect the finish and increase it's resale value. Here's some cleaning tips.

 

Comforting Puppies and KittensWant to comfort a puppy or kitten going through separation anxiety? Get one pair of mens socks, fill one with rice (not instant), and sew shut, then cover with other sock. Put in microwave for 3 minutes (until warm) and place in a "C" shape in your puppy/kitten crate.

 

Baby Oil for ShavingIn cold weather when my skin is especially dry, I shave my legs and underarms using baby oil instead of soap or shaving cream. It makes my razor last forever, and my skin is super soft.

 

Good Chocolate Recipes?I just wanted to ask if anyone knows any really good tasting chocolate dessert recipes that you are willing to share with me. I've tried many different kinds of chocolate chip cookies, but none are the kind that stay soft, chewy, and tasty.

 

Raymond Waites wallpaper Pattern #5800345?I need Raymond Waites wallpaper Pattern # 5800345. It has been discontinued and I need 16 single rolls. Anybody out there that can help?

 

Drying a Mattress Cover?I took off my mattress cover this morning to wash it. I threw it in the regular laundry like most people. I didn't keep the washing directions. It has a protective plastic lining.

 

Ideas For A 40th High School Reunion?I am on the planning committee of our 40th high school reunion. We have got the basics done but we want to do some great unique things done by ideas from other reunions that went over well. We need prizes, decorations, name tags, music, photos, unique things done that was a big hit at your reunion.

 

Rust Stain on Bleached T-shirt?I bleached a discoloured white cotton T-shirt and it came out beautifully but a small section was resting on a knob in the sink and now its rusted. I tried vinegar and more bleach on that area but no luck. Any help would be appreciated.