Nov
05
Perking up cut flowers
Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding two tablespoons of vinegar and one tablespoon of sugar to each 4 cups (1 liter) of water.
Nov
05
Paintbrush softener
2 to 3 cups (500 to 750ml) vinegar No matter how well you wash out a paintbrush, odds are it will have stiffened by the next time you want to use it. Of course, vinegar offers an excellent means of softening and restoring paintbrushes. Place the brushes in a small, heavy-bottomed pot (one that you […]
Nov
05
Old-fashioned furniture polish
1/2 cup (125ml) lemon juice 1 cup (250ml) olive oil For wooden furniture with an oil-fashioned finish (i.e., an oiled instead of a shiny varnish), make your own furniture polish. Mix the lemon juice and olive oil in a glass jar with a lid. Cover and shake vigorously to combine, then apply to your furniture […]
Nov
05
Old wallpaper peeler
1 cup (250ml) vinegar 1 quart (1 liter) warm water 2 to 3 drops dishwashing liquid Need to take down some wallpaper? Before you rush out to rent a cumbersome steam machine or buy an expensive paper-removing product, whip up a batch of this vinegar formula for a mere fraction of the cost: in a […]
Nov
05
No-fuss flower pot cleaner
1 handful salt Scrub brushes can scratch and soap residues can cling to a clay pot’s porous texture. Instead, reach for a handful of salt to work in their place. Simply place the salt on a clean damp rag and scrub away to let the gentle abrasive power of salt clean your empty garden pots […]
Nov
05
No wax floor cleaner
1 cup vinegar 1 gallon of warm water Wet mop no-wax floors with solution of vinegar and water to remove spills and kill many germs. Should not remove ‘Perma-wax seal’.
Nov
03
Muddy carpet cleaner
1 handful salt The next time someone tracks mud onto your carpet, resist the urge to blot it dry, as this could drive dirt deeper into the fibers. Instead, toss a handful of salt on the mess and walk away. The salt will absorb the liquid, making it easy to vacuum up when dry.
Nov
03
Long-life flower water
1 quart (1 liter) warm water 3 tablespoons (38g) sugar 2 tablespoons (30ml) vinegar Make fresh-cut flowers last as long as you can by placing them in the best possible water. For every quart (liter) of warm water, add 3 tablespoons (38g) sugar and 2 tablespoons (30ml) vinegar. Mix well to ensure the sugar is […]
Nov
02
Leather spot cleaner
1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice 1 tablespoon (9g) cream of tartar Try spot-cleaning stains on light-colored leather with a paste made from equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply in an even layer and let sit for an hour or two before wiping off with a damp, clean cloth. Note: Make sure to […]
Nov
02
Leather conditioner
1 tablespoon (15ml) vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) linseed oil To clean and condition most leather items (except shoes, which are often made of a harder leather), use 1 part vinegar with 2 parts linseed oil. Mix the two together in a small glass container. Apply to leather furniture with a soft cloth and buff lightly. […]