Humble Home Remedies

humble home remedies ...

Funny Little Remedies ...
1. hiccups ... yikes! light a match; throw it in a glass of water - take just a sip or two (don't swallow the match!) ... what hiccups??? - (in memory of my father; Gene W. Ziegler)
2. nothing, but nothing cleans glass streak-free like vinegar diluted with water and good ol' newspaper.
3. need to get ink out? spray hairspray on it ... let it sit a few seconds then softly blot with a paper towel
4. if there's a room in the house you don't use during the winter - close the register in that room and shut the door. you will save on your utility bills.
STAIN BUSTERS - submitted by Liz Johnson;Morris, IL.
Rubbing Alcohol -
  1. Ink Stains - blot fabric with an alcohol based hair spray to remove; use to sponge grass stains off cloth or fabric.
Ammonia -
  1. Perspiration stains - from clothing;soak in cold water, then soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 tsp. detergent and 1 Tbsp ammonia for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry. (Do not apply ammonia to silk, wool or their blends)
  2. Lipstick - from fabric; rub in vegetable oil and let sit for 10 minutes. (Dab spot with ammonia and dish soap and launder as usual).
  3. Milk, ice cream, ketchup, chocolate and soy sauce - (1 tsp ammonia to one cup water) Make sure you clean with dish detergent before treating stain.
  4. Blood - apply a cool detergent solution, blot then follow with a cloth dampened with a solution of 1/2 cup of water and 1 Tbsp ammonia.

Baking Soda -

  1. Perspiration - apply a paste of baking soda and water to clothing. Let sit, wash as usual.
  2. Black Scuff Marks - from non-wax floors by rubbing them with a paste of baking soda and just a bit of water.
  3. Coffee and Tea Stains - on cups removed when scrubbed with baking soda.
  4. Grass Stains - baking soda and water paste on a tooth brush will clean leather boots and shoes.
  5. Crayon Marks - remove from walls or blackboards by scrubbing gently using a paste of baking soda and water.
  6. Spaghetti Sauce, ketchup or crayon stains on plastic furniture - sprinkle with baking soda and then wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth
Bleach -
  • This basic removes stains from coffee to ketchup on washable and colorfast fabrics (always test first). Never use bleach on wool, sil, mohair, leather or spandex.
  • Apply with a cotton-tip swab to work on small stains or spots when you want to avoid washing the entire item with bleach.
  • To fight mildew in the bathroom, dilute 3/4 cup bleach per one gallon of water. Apply to surface, let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves.
  • To clean dirty grout, cover it with cotton balls or strips of fabric (or paper towels) that have been soaked in bleach. Let sit for an hour before scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Rinse clean.
Club Soda -
  • Apply immediately to red wine or colored-juice spills on carpets or tablecloths. Let sit for a minute, then blot. Follow with a solution of 1/4 cup vinegar to 1 cup of water to completely remove stain. Blot and let dry.
  • To conquer chocolate stains, first blot up excess, then flush with club soda.
  • Did a houseplant upend itself on your carpet? Vacuum excess dirt and spritz with club soda to clean residue.
  • Flush blood stains with club soda and dry with a towel. Repeat as necessary.
Eraser; Pink Rubber -
  • lightly rub soils on cotton upholstery to "erase" stains.
  • Remove finger marks from woodwork and scuff marks on hard floors.
  • The stain eraser also cleans dirt or spots on piano keys.
Ice Cubes -
  • A sticky situation? Place ice on gum stuck to fabric. Let harden and scrape off.
  • Place ice in a plastic bag to freeze candle wax on carpeting. Scrape up as much as possible. Put a few paper towels on remaining spot and press with a warm iron. Repeat as needed.
  • you can use the same technique if you spill grease on a wood floor.
Lemon Juice -
  • Remove small rust stains on white, washable fabrics with a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Place item in the sun to "bleach out the stain". (Check label first. Some white fabrics are too delicate for this approach).
  • Or ... add one cup of lemon juice to wash water to remove discolorations from white washable cottons.
  • Apply as a paste with salt to clean brass
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