Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Fixing up your home on a budget

23 household products you don't need to buy :
Original Published in All You Magazine

Wall Filler-
You can use white toothpaste to fill in errant holes in your walls. As long as the walls are painted white, the toothpaste will blend right in.

Scuff Remover-
To get rid of scuff marks, rub the inside of a banana peel over silverware, leather shoes and leather furniture. Wipe with a soft cloth. Be sure to test on a small, inconspicuous section first.

Wallpaper Cleaner-
Soft chunks of crustless white bread will get smudges off wallpaper and wipe away fingerprints and other grime.

Hardwater Stain Remover-
To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

Drain Cleaner-
Sprinkle 1/4 cup baking soda in the drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with a pot of boilng water.

Stovetop Protectant-
Rub a thin veneer of car wax on your stovetop, then wipe it off. The wax allows future cooking spills to lift off more easily.

Enamel Repair Paint-
Use correction fluid (like White-Out) to cover nicks and chips on white enamel kitchen appliances like ranges and mixers.

Stainless Steel Polish-
A staple in most garages, WD-40 also works wonders on stainless steel. Just spray and rub with a cloth for a spotless shine.

Washing Machine Cleaner-
Using the warm water setting, fill the basin and add 2 cups white vinegar. Let stand for an hour, then run the cycle as usual.

Laundry Bleach-
For a natural bleaching effect and to save money on energy costs (you don't have to use the dryer!), hang your whites outside to dry.

Mirror Cleaner-
Clean a bathroom mirror with shaving cream (the old-fashioned white kind, not a gel variety), then wipe with a soft cloth. This tip also helps keep the mirror fog-free after showers.

Blind Duster-
Use an antistatic spray on blinds to keep dust from piling up.

Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner-
To kill bathroom germs, spray full-strength vinegar around the sink and tub. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Silver Jewelry Polish-
Using a soft toothbrush, scrub pieces of silver jewelry with a bit of toothpaste containing baking soda. Rinse with warm water to restore sparkle.

Drawer Lubricant-
Unstick drawers and keep them sliding smoothly by rubbing the runners with a candle or bar of soap.

Anti-tarnishing Paper-
Place a piece of white chalk in your silver or jewelry chest to absorb moisture and prevent tarnish.

Fan Duster-
Slip an old pillowcase over each blade of a ceiling fan, then apply mild pressure as you peel it off. The dust will stay in the case.

Vase Cleaner-
To get glass vases sparkling clean, fill three-quarters with hot water, add a teaspoon of baking soda and shake. Let stand overnight; rinse

Cord Organizer-
Store cords tangle-free by winding each one back and forth, then inserting it into an empty toilet paper tube.

Plant Duster-
Clean and shine the leaves of houseplants by wiping them down with the inside of a banana peel.

Paint Remover for Skin-
To take off oil-based paint on your skin, put a little extra-virgin olive oil on a soft cloth and rub clean.

Weed Killer-
Instead of using harsh chemicals, spray vinegar in the cracks of your walkway to get rid of weeds.

Grill Degreaser-
To maintain a clean barbecue grill, sprinkle dry baking soda on a damp brush, scrub, then rinse.

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