Do you have a great household tip? Then share it here!

[DawnCt1]

Came out OK I used Regular Dawn, maybe if I used the Dawn with Bleach they would come out brighter! At least I know if I run out of regular detergent, I can use Dish Liquid.

Dishwashing liquid is very sudsy. If you have a front loader, I would think that this would definately be a problem. I am not so sure I agree with Martha Stewart on this issue because it has been my experience that some detergents work better than others.

 

[katedrew94]

We have used shaving cream to get stubborn stains out of carpet. It's pretty gentle and smells good too!

 

[N.Bailey]

This is probably an old one but I use Bounce or any dryer sheet to get scuff marks off the linoleum. No elbow grease needed!

I've used my dryer sheets to actually scrub my washer and dryer off. LOL I am amazed at what these things take off. I don't use new ones, I just use em after they've come out of the dryer. I don't know what they're made of that makes them they way they are, but they do an incredible job.

I only use water in the microwave though. It works like a charm too. I don't know if the vinegar really does anything or not. As I said, I only use water and it all comes right off with no scrubbing whatsoever. I might start adding a little lemon for scent though.

I'm still reading the thread and maybe it's mentioned already and I'll see it soon, but if you put a dryer sheet into your vacuum it makes the whole house smell nice. You could also use synthetic scents if you have any of those. I have some scents to make candles and they work great. I just pour a little on a dryer sheet and it's good to go.

 

[N.Bailey]

I put shampoo on an old scrubbie and scrub the tub an area at a time when I am in the shower, no cleaners and it stays shiny all the time. I learned this from flylady! It is an awesome site for housekeeping tips and ideas!

I like this idea, LOL. What kind of scrubby are you talking about? A Loofah or a sponge of some type? Do you use shower gel? I notice that it is much harder to clean off than soap ever was, but it's so much better for the skin.

 

[N.Bailey]

SIMPLE GREEN! My DS and his former boss use GALLONS of this stuff, you can use it in the Laundry/grease on tires/brush your teeth....ok some one we know did this, but you can use it in the laundry too! My DS uses it in Afghanistan too!

We're never without Simple Green in our house either. I have yet to have any type of stain, and we get LOTS, that it will not take out.

Many mechanic's wives use it in their husband's laundry.

My brother uses it to power wash his house too and it always does a great job.

Gotta admit, I've not brushed my teeth with it though.

 

[Nevergrow'nup]

I use one of those puffball scrubbies to clean the tub. I just use shampoo< you can try body wash, I don't know if it will work.

 

[irishbosoxfan]

A couple of things I have picked up w/4 kids:

A bucket of water w/Pinesol and an old rag with a little Ajax sprinkled on it will remove every kind of writing from walls(crayon,pen,pencil,scuff marks,poop) except Permanent marker-better than Magic eraser because its cheaper-doesn't leave little chunks behind,doesn't stain and you don't have to worry about scrubbing up dried drops-This works great for spring or fall wall washing also

To remove permanent marker from walls and countertops get a DRY ERASE MARKER and follow the pattern originally drawn let that sit a couple of minutes then using a paper towel or some tp wipe along the design this should have pretty much taken all of it off--For the faint lines that may be left lightly wet down the counter,sprinkle Ajax over entire area then with a scrubbie work the Ajax into the design let sit a couple of minutes and rinse -no more permanent marker stain

To clean rugs with either a commercial cleaner or one of the small at home ones use PINESOl its cheaper than the store cleaner and you won't need to buy 2 or 3 bottles to do your whole house--And it works awesome cuts thru dirt and grease great and even takes up old stains and the house smells like whatever you want it to(lavender,orange,etc)

 

[luvdzne]

I use toothpaste to polish my silver knick knacks.

I have used toothpaste on my silver jewelry. Works like a charm getting the tarnish off.

 

[Cindyluwho]

Here's another one that thank goodness I haven't had to use for years & years. When I worked in the fish cannery there didn't seem to be ANY way to get the smell out of my clothes. One of the old cannery gals shared this tip with me: a can of coca-cola in the wash when you wash your clothes will get out any smell!