Handy Hints

Carpet Deodorizer
Fill a jar with baking soda. Add essential oil (your choice of fragrance and amount), one drop at a time. Stir so it doesn't clump. Sprinkle on carpet and leave for 10-20 minutes before vacuuming.

All Purpose Cleaners
These all purpose cleaners are convenient to use when placed in a spray bottle.
3 tsp liquid soap & one gallon water
1/4 cup vinegar & one gallon water
1/4 cup lemon juice & one gallon water
1/4 cup Borax & one gallon water

Oven Cleaner
- Sprinkle salt on spills immediately
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Steel wool
Clean grease with rag and vinegar. Sprinkle salt on spills. Let it set for a few minutes, then scrape the spill and wash the area clean. For stubborn spots, use baking soda and steel wool.

Drain Cleaner
1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 cup vinegar
Pour baking soda, then vinegar down drain. Close drain until bubbling stops. Pour boiling water. If the clog remains, use a plunger or snake. If all else fails, take the elbow off the pipe.

Mildew & Lime Deposit Remover
1/2 cup white vinegar
Warm water
1/2 cup Borax
Dissolve borax in water, add vinegar. Make a fresh batch for each use.

Window Cleaner (mix and use in a spray bottle)
1/2 cup vinegar
1 gallon warm water
I always use a lemon cut in half to clean the hob on my oven too.................it cuts through grease like you have never seen!

Vinegar
This is a good site for different uses for white vinegar in the home The Home Maker

Ants
sprinkle a barrier of cinnamon to keep ants out of the house, the spices are too hot for them to cross.

Bathroom
an opened box of baking soda behind the toilet absorbs nasty odours.

Car
place a few briquettes of charcoal under the seat to absorb odours (baking soda would probably work too me thinks)

Drains
3 alka seltzer tablets followed by a cup of white vinegar, leave for a few minute then run hot water.

Water bowls
use a clay flower pot for animal water, clay doesn't absorb heat so water stays cool.

Fleas
collect orange peel and keep it frozen until you have collected about half a pound. Boil the peel in one quart of water, allow to cool, strain, then put the liquid in a spray bottle to mist your dog and bedding. Mosquitoes hate it, fleas die from it and it is safe to use.

©2006 Irish Retriever Rescue UK