Helpful Cleaning Tips

1. Use an empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. They stay neat and you can write on the roll what they belong to.

2. For icy steps in freezing temperatures, pour a mixture of warm water and Dawn dishwashing liquid on the steps. They won't freeze.

3. To remove crayon from your walls, dip a damp washcloth in baking soda and scrub.

4. Remove permanent marker from appliances and counter tops with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.

5. To remove blood from clothing, pour a little peroxide on a cloth and wipe off.

6. When washing windows, use vertical strokes inside and horizontal outside. This way you can tell what side has streaks. Use straight vinegar to get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and streak.

7. Spray a small amount of perfume on a light bulb in any room to freshen it up.

8. Fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers or closets keep clothes fresh. Don't forget towels and linens.

9. Candles will last longer if placed in the freezer for about 3 hours prior to burning.

10. To remove burnt food from a pan, add a couple drops of dish soap and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil.

11. Spray plasticware with non-stick cooking spray before putting tomato based sauces and it won't be stained.

12. When a cake recipe calls for flouring the pan, use the dry cake mix and there won't be a white mess on the outside of the cake.

13. Wrap celery in aluminum foil before putting in the refrigerator. It will keep for weeks.

14. Add a pinch of sugar when boiling corn on the cob to bring out the natural sweetness.

15. When you have a headache, cut a lime in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

16. Freeze leftover wine into ice cube for future use in casseroles and sauces.

17. Use air-fresheners to clean mirrors. It cleans well and leaves a nice scent behind.

18. When you get a splinter, put scotch tape over the splinter and pull it off.

19. (a) Clean your toilet with 2 Alka-Seltzer tablets. Wait 20 minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid cleans glassy surfaces. (b) Clean glasses or vases by filling with water and dropping in two Alka-Seltzer tablets. (c) To clean jewelry, drop two tablets in a glass of water and immerse for two minutes. (d) Unclog a drain by dropping three tablets down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. Wait a few minutes and then run the hot water.