Once upon a time, in the days before computers, cable television, drive-through coffee bars, and carpet-sweeping robots, washing windows was a simple affair. Our parents poured a little vinegar or ammonia in a pail of water, grabbed a cloth, and in no time had a clear view of the outside world through gleaming glass. Then they would use the same combination to banish grime and grit from counter-tops, walls, shelves, fixtures, floors, and a good bit else of the house. On this page you will find similar uses for everyday household items, and in fact every bit as good or better than products you'll find out on the market, and cheaper! Enjoy!
VINEGAR
Unclog and deodorize drains
The combination of vinegar and baking soda is one of the most effective ways to unclog and deodorize drains. It's also a lot easier on your pipes and wallet than commercial drain cleaners. To clear clogs in sink and tub drains, use a funnel to pour in 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup vinegar. When the foaming subsides, flush with hot tap water. Wait five minutes, and then flush again with cold water. This procedure also washes away odor-causing bacteria. To speed up a slow drain, pour in 1/2 cup salt followed by 2 cups boiling vinegar, then flush with hot and cold tap water.
Wipe away mildew
When you want to remove mildew stains, reach for white vinegar first. It is safe to use without any extra ventilation and can be applied to almost any surface. For heavy mildew accumulations, use full strength. For light stains, dilute it with an equal amount of water. Misting the backs of rugs and carpeting with full-strength white vinegar from a spray bottle will prevent mildew from forming.
Brighten up brickwork
Go over your brick floors or fireplace with a damp mop or rag dipped in 1 cup white vinegar mixed with 1 gallon warm water.
Keep car windows frost-free
If you park your car outdoors during the cold winter months, a smart and simple way to keep frost from forming on your windows is by wiping (or, better yet, spraying) the outsides of the windows with a solution of 3 parts white vinegar to 1 part water. Each coating may last up to several weeks--although, unfortunately, it won't do much in the way of warding off a heavy snowfall.
Check out vinegarman.com- Dr. Lawrence J. Diggs, an international vinegar consultant, known as the Vinegar Man, operates a museum located in Roslyn, South Dakota and is the world's only museum dedicated to vinegar. The International Vinegar Museum showcases vinegars from around the world, displays on various methods used to make vinegar, and lets visitors sample different types of vinegars. Admission is $2 for adults; and $1 for those under 18; and "instant scholarships for those too poor to pay."
TEA
Get the gray out
Turn gray hair dark again without an expensive trip to the salon or use of chemical hair dyes. Steep 3 tea bags in 1 cup boiling water. Add 1 TBSP each of rosemary and sage(fresh or dried), and let it stand overnight before straining. To use, shampoo, then pour or spray the mixture on your hair, making sure to saturate it thoroughly. Take care not to stain clothes. Blot with towel and do not rinse. May take several treatments to achieve desired results.
All Purpose Cleaner
1 tsp. unscented liquid soap
2 tsp. Borax
1 TBSP white vinegar
1 quart of water
Store in spray bottle
Can add lemon juice
Baking Soda
Clean your produce
Wash fruits and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 TBSPS. baking soda; the baking soda will remove some of the impurities tap water leaves behind. Or put a small amount of baking soda on a wet sponge or vegetable brush and scrub your produce. Give everything a thorough rinsing before serving.
Reduce acids in recipes
If you or someone in your family is sensitive to the high-acid content of tomato-based sauces or coffee, you can lower the overall acidity by sprinkling in a pinch of baking soda while cooking (Or, in the case of coffee, before brewing). A bit of baking soda can also counteract the taste of vinegar if you happen to pour in a bit too much. Be careful not to overdo it with the soda, though-if you add too much, the vinegar-baking soda combo will start foaming!
Rid hands of food odors
Ever still had food smell on your hands after cleaning or chopping foods? Get those smells off by simply wetting them and vigorously rubbing with about 2 tsps. baking soda instead of soap. The smell should wash off with the soda.
Control dandruff
Is your dandruff problem getting you down? Keep it in check by crushing two aspirins to a fine powder and adding it to the normal amount of shampoo you use each time you wash your hair. Leave the mixture on your hair for 1-2 minutes, then rinse well and wash again with plain shampoo.
