Cheaper, Better, Faster Read Online Free PDF Page B

cups water and ¼ cup lemon oil. Do not rinse, and allow to dry thoroughly before using. When the cloths are dirty, wash and repeat.
    Cleaning tools—for skinny spaces
    How do you clean that little bit of floor between the refrigerator and the wall? Tie a nylon-net scrubbing pad over the end of a yardstick or broom handle, securing it tightly with string or twine. Use it first to pull out any debris and dust, then wet it with a detergent-water solution and scrub away.
    Clothes iron—baking soda
    You can clean the scorched starch from the bottom of an iron by making a paste of baking soda and a little water, rubbing it on the iron with a soft cloth, and wiping it off with a clean cloth.
    Clothes iron—clogged steam ports
    Clean the clogged steam ports in your iron with a bent-open paper clip, then fill the reservoir with a mixture of ⅓ cup white vinegar and 1 tablespoon baking soda that has been well blended. Allow to steam. Empty the reservoir by turning it upside down over the sink. Follow with plain water and allow to steam. You may have to allow three or four reservoirs of water to steam through to remove all traces of vinegar.
    Clothes iron—salt, wax paper
    To remove burned-on starch from your iron, sprinkle salt on a sheet of wax paper and slide the iron across it several times. Then rub the iron lightly with silver polish until the stain is removed.
    Coffee and tea stains
    Remove coffee and tea stains by scrubbing pots or cups with baking soda and a nylon-net scrubbing pad.
    Computer—keyboard
    As a cheaper alternative to canned air, a new paintbrush is great for dusting hard-to-get-at crevices in computer keyboards. Unplug the keyboard and vacuum it regularly, using the soft brush attachment. To dislodge particles of dirt and dust, turn the keyboard upside down and hit it several times with the flat of your hand. Periodically, clean the keys with a lint-free cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol.
    Computer or TV monitor—cleaning
    Spraying glass cleaner directly onto the monitor screen can cause damage. Instead spray a mild cleaner or rubbing alcohol onto a soft lint-free rag, then wipe the screen.
    Computer or TV monitor—dusting
    Save the dryer sheets from your laundry after they’ve softened a load of wash. They make great dusting and cleaning cloths for television and computer screens. Not only will they clean the screens, the antistatic properties will treat the screens to repel rather than attract dust.
    Copper—vinegar, salt
    For tarnished copper, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and 3 tablespoons salt. Pop the open bottle into the microwave and heat on high for about 45 seconds or until quite warm but not too hot to handle. Screw on the spray pump, spray liberally, let sit briefly, then rinse with warm,soapy water, and wipe clean. Don’t use on lacquered items.
    Copper, brass—vinegar, flour
    To clean copper and brass that does not have a factory-applied protective coating, dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in ½ cup white vinegar. Add enough flour to make a paste. Apply the paste and let sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse with warm water and polish dry.
    Copper, brass, bronze—toothpaste
    Small brass, copper, or bronze objects can be cleaned and made to gleam with a little toothpaste. Be sure to remove all traces of toothpaste with a soft brush, soap, and water, because any that is left will dry as hard as cement.
    Countertops—food stains
    To remove food stains from countertops, cover the stains with a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit a few minutes, then wipe with a cloth or sponge.
    Countertops—laminate
    Plastic laminate countertops like Formica that have become dull with age can be brightened by applying a coat of a good automobile wax; allow to dry slightly and buff off. This will also make the surface stain- and scratch-resistant.
    Crayon—on chalkboard
    An oil-base lubricating spray like WD-40 or a prewash treatment like Soilove