A little club soda will help remove coffee stains.
Keep these five natural alternatives on hand for any green cleaning emergency.
It's spring cleaning time again. Instead of hauling out the heavy-duty cleaning solutions, consider changing to more natural methods this year. It's better for you, often cheaper, and the ingredients you need are there in your pantry. Plus, you can always make what you need when you need it, and that means no waste or worrying about expiration dates.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Natural Cleaners
There are five natural cleaners no home should be without :
- Baking soda A mild, natural abrasive; can be used for cleaning without worrying about scratching surfaces.
- White vinegar A mild acidic product; won't destroy surfaces; works great for soap scum.
- Lemon juice Nature's bleach and disinfectant; a great natural stain remover and deodorizer.
- Borax A natural laundry additive and booster.
- Club soda A great stain remover.
Removing Coffee Stains
Steps:
1. Place a pad of paper towels under the spill.
2. Pour club soda over the spill. The carbonation in the soda bubbles up the stain and the salts keep it from staining.
3. Blot the fabric.
4. Repeat the process if needed, changing the towels under the fabric as they absorb the stain.
5. If the stain remains, sprinkle the stain with borax, work in with your fingers and launder.
MORE HINTS:
Q: What's the best cleaner for wood floors?
A: Tea is all you need to clean wood floors. Brew two teabags in hot water and cool to room temperature. Use with a mop or a cloth on the floors. Rinsing is not needed.
Q: How do you clean silver?
A: Apply white, nongel toothpaste to a damp cloth and work into the silver. The mild abrasive in the toothpaste will clean the silver. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Q: How do you remove household odors naturally?
A: Bring a cup of water and 1/4 cup white vinegar to a boil, then let it simmer for 30 minutes to an hour to remove odors.
Bonus Tip: For an eco-friendly flea repellent, sprinkle salt in the doghouse to deter fleas.
Provided by DIY Network - http://www.diynetwork.com
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