No matter where you live, seasonal changes require special maintenance tasks. Changes in temperature and moisture levels require can wreak havoc on our properties, but with a few quick tips, we can keep things running well (efficiency = savings) and looking good. Things to do this fall to prep for winter: close and drain hose bibs [...]

6 Tbsp Cornstarch 3 Tbsp Baking Soda 20 drops Rosemary essential oil 20 drops Tea Tree essential oil 5 drops Lemon essential oil 5 drops Clove essential oil Mix all Put 1-2 Tablespoon in each shoe/sneaker and rub it in. Allow the powder to sit in the shoe overnight.

Get rid of hard to remove odors on clothing, such as fry grease, cigarette smoke and more: 1 c vodka 1 c water Place it in a spray bottle and spray on fabric. The liquid evaporates quickly, leaving no alcohol or stuck in smell in its wake. This trick works great on upholstery, carpeting and [...]

2 parts borax 1 part baking soda Plastic container Damp sponge Mix 2 parts borax with 1 part baking soda in a plastic container, and stir well. Sprinkle the mix into the sink and scrub. The mixture won’t scratch!

Vinegar; Remove water stains on leather by rubbing with a cloth dipped in a vinegar and water solution.

Mix one Tbsp castile soap with a quart of warm water, rinse well, then dry with a warm cloth.

2 c water 10 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oil Place it in a spray bottle and spray on fabric.

As I have posted before, I am trying desperately to declutter my house.  Of course, as fast as I get a room emptied and move to the next one, someone comes home with a bunch of stuff and dumps it into the clean room. Rather than toss everything in the trash, I have been sorting [...]

Removing Rust Spots from a Stainless Steel Sink: 1 part cream of tartar A little lemon juice Small bowl Cloth Mix the cream of tartar and lemon juice in a small bowl and mix. Apply the paste to the rust stains and massage it in. Wipe clean! Note: If the rust is heavily embedded, let [...]

Water 1 Bar Fels Naptha or Ivory Soap, Grated 5 Gallon Bucket 1 Cup Washing Soda 4 1/2 Gallons Hot Water Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water, and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and mix [...]

1/8 c fabric softener 2 c warm water Place it in a spray bottle and spray on fabric.

¼ c part white vinegar ¾ c water a few drops of your favorite essential oil Place it in a spray bottle and spray on fabric.

Petroleum Jelly. A dab of petroleum jelly rubbed into patent leather gives a glistening shine and prevents cracking in the winter.

Art-Gum Eraser and Sandpaper or Emery Board. Dirt marks on suede can be rubbed out with an art-gum eraser. Then buff very lightly an emery board.

2 parts water 1 part ammonia 1 part Dawn dishwashing liquid (I use castille) Add in spray bottle, shake lightly.

1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha or Ivory Soap 1/2 Cup Washing Soda 1/2 Cup Borax 2 Tablespoons Glycerin 2 Cups Water Mix first three ingredients together. Add glycerin and water. Use 1/2 – 3/4 cup per load. *Best when used with cold or warm water.