10 More Tips : PETS

Todays tips are all pet based. We Love our furry friends but that doesn't mean they have to put us in the poor house.

1. Save empty film canisters and fill with a small object for a great cat toy.
2. A plastic milk container with the end cut off makes a good scoop for food or cat litter.
3. Check your local thrift store for interesting containers for your betta fish.
4. Keep your dog warm on walks by taking one of your old sweaters cut off the sleeves. If needed cut holes for the back legs (depending on the size of your dog).
5. Grow and dry your own catnip. This is not as hard as it sounds. Plant some seeds in a container (where the cat can't get to it) or in your yard. Once it has grown up Clip and tie the stems togther then hang upside down in a warm dry place.
6. Know where your pets are: Dogs should be kept in a fenced yard or on a dog leash. And cats should be kept indoors. Some of you may view this as mean to your pets but what is more cruel Letting your pets run free -getting hit by cars or torn up by other animals. Or Knowing where your pet is at all times. By the way pet cats are the one of the reason for the decline of songbird populations. They hunt them even though you feed them well! If that is not enough to convince you. Just think of the money your save on vet bills
7. Consider adopting a pet from the local animal shelter rather than purchasing from a pet store or breeder. They will be much less expensive and you are saving an animal's life in the process.
8. Check Yard sales and thrift store for pet bowls, beds, bird cages, cat climbing towers ect. Sad but true these things often out live their owners and need a new home.
9. Always feed your pet the right amount of food. Overfeeding pets costs extra in terms of money for food, health and vet costs.
10. Check your library for a book on proper grooming for your breed and do it yourself and when giving your dog a bath, Invest in one of those cheep rubber strainers that go in the drain to keep the hair out and clog free.
    
    

Yes these are my best friends. The keep me happy and healthy and sane.

I felt like crying today

I was at the store today and I had one of those moments where I was looking at something I was considering for my children and felt like crying.

Let me tell you why. I started my Green life style years ago when my daughter Samantha was in first Grade. She is a very smart young lady and loves to learn but her teachers were complaining that it was hard to keep her on task and she would get up and wander around the room for no reason.(Sound Familiar???) They gave me this questionaire to take about her behavior at home. When I was finished they started lecturing me Saying I needed to take her to the doctor and have her examined for ADD. Well there was no way in HELL I was going to start my daughter on mind altering drugs.

I started reading everything I could find on Children with supposed ADD symptoms. Did you know there is NO actual test they can give a child to tell if they have ADD or ADHD. Not one its all based on observations. While I was doing this reading I decided to get my daughter tested for other things that might explain her inattentiveness. When we went to see the doctor to have her thyroid tested , a sleep test amongh other things, (and this really really PISSED ME OFF) we had been sitting in the exam room for a good 45 minutes and my daughter was bored and antsy. When I told the doctor I wanted a referral he wrote in her records that she might have ADD without telling me. When I went to the referral to get an appointment for the sleep test the Referral Doctor asked me if I wanted her tested for ADD. I said no why did she want to know. Then she mentioned the note in my daughters records.

Did you catch that: After sitting for 45 minutes with nothing to do the doctor spent 2 friggin minutes with her and determined she MUST have ADD.

Anyway I finally found the reason for my daughters behavior, Thanks to www.feingold.org/
It was her diet that was causing her problem. To be more specific Artifical Flavors and Colors in her food. If your child is having Marked hyperactivity, Impulsive actions, Compulsive actions or Emotional concerns then you should check out their website.

So since she couldn't have food with this crap in it I had to rework the way I do things. I started making as much of her food myself as I could, then I added organic fruits and veggies and am still trying remove High-fructose corn syrup from our diets (GOD that stuff is in everything).

Now for the reason I felt like crying. Today while I was at the store I saw these Chocolate Eggs they were beautifully wrapped and I though how much my daughter would love to have them in her Easter Basket this year. Then I looked at the Ingredients. There is was the KING of Artificial Flavors VANILLIN this cheap crap made from Petroleum is in So much stuff it would probably be easier to name the stuff that doesn't have it in there. I just felt like crying it's very hard sometimes not to be able to just pick something up. There are very few in my close circle (those living around me) who work as hard as I do to make my families life green and my friends think I'm crazy (get the name of my blog ^^) to work as hard as I do. Thus my sudden desire to burst into tears. Well sorry for the intermission in good green advice I'll shall return to that tomorrow I just needed to type out my feelings today.
April

Yard Tip

Lets Face it we all like to have a nice yard to sit around in and talk with our friends and loved ones. Watching the kids try to catch Fireflys or Grasshoppers. But equipment to keep your yard looking its best can be expensive and takes up a lot of room in the Garage or shed. Not to mention that we only need them once in a while not everyday.

What to do What to do?

Why not start a neighborhood Co-op for yard equipment. Each neighbor can buy 1 item and share it with the others. In this way you only have to care and store one piece of equipment but get the use of several different items. Imagine being able to get ahold of Tillers, pruners, trimmers, chainsaws maybe a riding mower with out having to store it all in your house. Think of the money and space you will save. Not to mention the environmental resources that are not rusting away in each individual garage waiting for the 1 or 2 times a year it might be needed.

10 Ways to Reuse and Recycle

There are so many ways to reuse so many different items I could probably spend all day writing about them. But lets face it who wants to sit and read extremely longs lists of stuff not to mention how much of it are you going to remember and use. Well I decided to post smaller lists that are quick to read. You can select the ones you want to try. Sound Good? Great here is my first list:

1. Sandwich bags can be washed out and reused several times before you have to throw them away. I try to select good quality ones so they last longer. They may be slightly more expensive but they pay for themselves in reuse.


2. Pantyhose can be reused in several ways: make into a nonscratch scrubber by tying into a ball. They are gentle enough to tie tomato plants to their support stakes. Uses pieces to make a Sachet for drawers just fill with dried flowers or ceder chips (to repel moths) then hot glue or tie shut. My husband uses an old pair to buff his shoes with.


3. Old Cotton clothes that you know longer wear can be used for dusting or in the garage for clean up.


4. Plastic milk containers can be use to make funnels, bird feeders (cut a hole in the side, fill with seed and hang from handle) a container for your toilet brush (cut half of it off leaving the handle on for easy carrying)


5. Wire Hangers: (check to see if your drycleaner can reuse them some offer a discount for returning hangers) They can be used to make Giant bubbles (bend into a circle and straighten hook for handle dip in bubble solution and wave.) Hot dog and marshmallow roaster. Uses as a frame for Wreaths just bend into desired shape and decorate.


6. Newspapers: Shred the colored ads and use to fill easter baskets instead of plastic grass. Use the Comics and wrap presents, Use them to get streak free windows and mirrors instead of paper towels. If you want fruit to ripen quickly, wrap it in newspaper. Check back after it has been wrapped for a day. If plastic food canisters are retaining odors, place wadded newspaper in the canister and seal. The newspaper will absorb the odors.


7. Baby Food Jars. My Husband uses these in his workroom he fastens the lids under one of the shelves fills the jar with whatever screw or nail he wants the screws it onto the lid. It provides out of the way storage space. Make your own snow globes. Unscrew the top (which becomes the bottom and glue to it any seasonal item (little pumpkins for fall, little flag for 4th of July, etc). Add some glitter and then fill with water. Close it tightly and flip over so the top becomes the base. You can even hot glue it closed to ensure no leaking. Trim the bottom with ribbons or lace if desired. Makes a great kid's craft for friends, teachers, and grandparents!!! Use them as spice jars by fastening the lids under the cupboard and use the same way as my hubby did in his workroom.


8. Old Yellow Pages (a friend gave me this one for my art happy daughter) Use for a gluing or painting surface when dirty just tear off the top page for a clean surface.


9. Paper Bags open up and use to cool cookies on. use as a place mat for kids (they can color on them while they wait) I open them up and use them in the garden under the mulch to keep weeds at bay. Let you kids make masks or giant puppets out of them.


10. Plastic Bags store shoes in them to keep dust off between uses, when packing for a trip take some alone to use them to seperate dirty stuff from clean stuff or store items that might leak in them, protect small outdoor plants from frost by placing the bag over the plant and tie at the bottom then remove in the morning. Use them for cushioning when packing for a move or sending a present.

Homemade Dry Carpet Cleaner

I don't remember where I got this recipe but I love it and wanted to share

2 C Baking Soda
1/3 C Cornstarch
5 bay leaves (crumbled)
1 TBLS Ground Cloves
Mix ingredients together and sprinkle liberally all over the carpet and leave on overnight. The next day vacuum up. Close the doors to the rooms that you are cleaning so pets or kids don't get on the carpet.

Enjoy :)


P.S. did you know you could get rid of winter static by mixing 1/2 c liquid fabric softener with 1 qt water. Put in a spray bottle then spray on the area where you want to eliminate static and let dry. It will remain static free for several months

More Spring Cleaning

Don't throw away those old pantyhose or nylon stockings. They work wonders to clean the sink or bathtub. Just roll the stockings into a ball and tie the ends together. Now you have a scrubbing pad that won't scratch. Best of all when your done cleaning just throw it into the wash and they are ready for the next cleaning project.





This also works with the mesh bags that onions come in. Just fold the bag until its the size you want and tie it with a piece of twine or dental floss and scrub away. Great for pots and pans or a veggie scrubber.

More Spring Cleaning

Spring is on its way and yes I know it's early yet but If I wait till Spring to talk about it then it's too late because you'll already be busy cleaning.

When you are moving stuff around don't forget to get the refrigerator. It is very important to clean your refrigerator coils because dirty coils won't cool foods properly. Dirty coils will also make the fridge work much harder and use more electricity.

To Clean the coils, remove the louvered base grill or kick plate on the bottom of your refrigerator. Now coils are usually pretty hard to get to some vaccums come with an attachment to help with this. If you don't have one try this little trick. Take a yardstick and attach an old sock (one that lost it's mate in the dryer perhaps ) to the end with a rubber band. Use the yard stick to wipe the dirt and grime off the coils. If you don't find the coils under the front of your fridge then they are in the back. You will need to pull the fridge away from the wall (get someone to help you to avoid injury).

On Eating out.

Eating out is probably one of the most expensive things we do. But if you are like anyone else you like to have the occasionally meal brought to you with no clean up to have to worry about. Heaven KNOWS I do. What do you do well I have one suggestion for eating out where you will save tons of money...........No No not on the actually restaurant food, though you can probably find coupons for your favorite place, I'm talking about timing.





My husband and I love to eat out but its expensive so what do we do? We plan: first the meal of choice is lunchtime. Lunch menus are usually cheaper so you get to enjoy the experience while saving money. But that is not what I meant by timing we also plan our lunches for when I need to do the GROCERY SHOPPING.





Everyone know that it is just plain silly to go shopping for food on an empty stomach. You end up buying everything that looks appitizing and spending a fortune. But just think about how you feel after a filling meal from a restaurant. No! I'm not talking fast food! Fast food is crappy and not very filling or satisfying. Why would you waste your one time a week or month (depending on how often you shop) eating that junk. When you have a good meal at a good restaurant you feel very full and satisfied. The last thing you want is more food. This makes it a piece of cake to stick to your list and avoid excessive (and usually fattening) purchaces. In other words that one meal can save you a fortune in purchases you never wanted to make in the first place.





So enjoy that occasional meal out with someone you love or your best friend but plan wisely and save your cash.

Saving Cash Behind The Wheel

Ok you probably already know what my first choice for saving gas money is. Go Ahead make a guess

1. Walk, ride your bike or use Roller skates. Yeah People Power rules when it comes to saving money. Got a family to move around check out
2. Can't seem to give up the car??? Basic Car Maintainance is the rule here Check the Oil, and Water regularly. A car that is properly lubricated and cooled runs on less fuel. Check and make sure the tires are properly inflated. Deflated tires make the car use more fuel.
3. Drive the speed limit. The slower the speed the more saved want to see the numbers go to http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fueleconomy/articles/106842/article.html
4. Combine all your errands into one trip.
5. Check the local gas price sites for the cheapest gas in your area. Sites like http://www.gasbuddy.com/ can help you find the lowest price in your area. Don't forget to check the prices at your local discount club the savings may be worth the price.
6. Use the Shortest Route. This should be a no brainer and sometimes isn't possible (like during rush hour) but give it a shot.

MUFFINS MUFFINS MUFFINS

OH What a tasty morning treat. They are also a great way to save time, money and help the environment.
Lets face it we don’t have time every morning to sit down to a hot homemade breakfast………or do we!
Pull out the muffin pans ladies have I got some recipes for you and the best thing is if you double up the batches you can freeze the second batch to have later when your in a hurry. Just pop them in the microwave and tada instant homemade hot breakfast. You can also toss one in your or your children’s lunch boxes they will be thawed our by lunchtime.
Oh and how does this help the environment well that’s easy: Less packaging and no fast food wrappers (I also reuse my freezer bags for the same type of muffins just rinse with soapy water let dry and pop some more muffins in)

BANANA MUFFINS
Makes 9

3 Ripe banana’s cut into pieces or smashed
½ c honey
¼ c butter cut into pieces
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla (use real vanilla not the fake stuff it tastes better and is better for the environment)
1 ½ c whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray muffin pan with not stick spray.
Mix bananas, honey, egg and extract together. Add flour and baking powder and mix together.
Spoon batter into the muffin pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Let sit for 5 minutes and remove from pan. Serve or let cool completely before freezing.

RAISIN OAT MUFFIN
Makes 12

2 c Rolled oats
1 C whole wheat flour
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
1 Tbls. Baking Powder
1/3 C water
1 Egg
½ C extra virgin Olive Oil
½ C Maple Syrup (use real maple syrup its more expensive but the taste is worth it )
½ C Walnuts and ½ C Rasins

Preheat oven to 350 and spray muffin pan with Nonstick Cooking spray. Pour oats into a food processor (or blender in small amounts) and cut into small pieces. Mix Oats, flour, salt, cinnamon and baking powder together. Add the water and egg and mix well. Next Add the oil and syrup and mix. Last add the walnuts and raisins stir until completely mixed together.
Spoon batter into the muffin pans and bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Let sit for 5 minutes and remove from pan. Serve or let cool completely before freezing.

APPLE OATMEAL AND COCONUT MUFFINS
Makes 12

2 C chopped Apples
1 C rolled oats
1 C low-fat plain Yogurt
2/3 c Honey
1/3 C Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
1/3 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Egg
1 ½ C Whole Wheat Flour
2 tsp. Baking Flour
2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
¼ Tsp. ground cloves

Preheat oven to 375 and spray muffin pan with Nonstick Cooking spray. Combine Apples, oats, yogurt, honey, coconut and oil together and mix well. Let sit 5 Minutes. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
In another bowl sift the flour, baking powder and spices together then add to the oat mixture and stir until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Fill the muffin cups until they are quite full. bake for 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Let sit for 5 minutes and remove from pan. Serve or let cool completely before freezing.

SQUASH CORN MUFFINS
Makes 12

¾ C Corn Meal
¾ C Whole Wheat Flour
½ C All- Purpose Flour
2 ½ Tbls Dry Buttermilk Powder
1 Tbls Baking Powder
½ tsp Salt
½ Tsp Ground Cinnamon
¼ Tsp Ground Cloves
2/3 Cup light Brown Sugar
¼ C Butter cut in pieces
2 Eggs
2 Tbls Honey
¾ C Pureed Cooked Squash (or pumpkin)
2/3 C water

Preheat oven to 350 and spray muffin pan with Nonstick Cooking spray. In a large bowl mix cornmeal, both flours, buttermilk powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves mix well.
Place the sugar butter eggs and honey in mixer and blend until smooth. Add the squash and water and mix well. Add the squash mixture to the flour mixture and mix well.
Spoon batter into the muffin pans and bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Let sit for 5 minutes and remove from pan. Serve or let cool completely before freezing.

ORANGE CARROT MUFFINS
Makes 12

1 C Grated Carrots
1 Banana, mashed
½ Cut up Prunes or Raisins
2 Eggs
1/3 C Honey
1 Cup orange juice
1 Tsp. orange extract
2 Cups Whole Wheat flour
¼ Cup Oat Bran
2 Tsp Baking Powder

Preheat oven to 375 and spray muffin pan with Nonstick Cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, place the grated carrots, banana, and prunes and mix well. Then add the eggs, oil and honey and mix. Add the juice and orange extract and mix well.
In a separate bowl the flour oat bran and baking powder and mix well. Then add it to the carrot mixture and blend until dry ingredients are moistened.
Spoon batter into the muffin pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Let sit for 5 minutes and remove from pan. Serve or let cool completely before freezing.

Spring Cleaning

Yes that time of year is coming up fast. Time to throw open the windows and get rid of that stale winter air in the house. It's also a great time while you have those windows open to get rid of the dust, mold, mildew, and other assorted nastys that build up. You know where in those spots where you just don't look. Behind the TV, Under the couch, those window ledges and to help you get started here is a few Friendly Recipies to get your house clean and shining. There will be more to come so check back.

All-Purpose Cleaner

1. 1/2 cup Vinegar
2. 1 Cup clear ammonia
3. 1/4 cup baking soda
4. 1 gallon warm water

Mix together the ingredients; pour some into a spray bottle. Use this like Fantastic or 409.

Heavy-Duty Cleaner

1. 1 Cup Baking Soda
2. 1 gallon very warm water
3. 1 cup vinegar
4. 1 cup clear ammonia
5. 1 Tbls Hand-dishwashing soap

Dissolve the baking soda into the very warm water in a bucket. Add the vinegar, ammonia and liquid soap. Mix the ingredients well. Wear rubber gloves and clean in a well-ventilated area. Rinse with clean water.

Toilet Cleaner

1. 1/4 cup Baking Soda
2. 1/4 Cup liquid detergent
3. 1/4 cup warm water

Mix together the ingredients. Use a toilet brush to apply the cleaner inside the bowl.

Glass Cleaner

1. 2 Cups water
2. 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
3. 1 Tbls ammonia

Mix the water, alcohol and ammonia together. Pour the misture into an empyt spray bottle or if cleaning outside put in a bucket and clean windows with car squeegie that has a sponge on one side.

Laundry Stain Remover

1. 1/2 cup ammonia
2. 1/2 cup white vinegar
3. 1/4 cup baking soda
4. 2 TBLS liquid soap
5. 2 Quarts Water

Mix all ingredients together and pour into a spray bottle. Shake well then spray the solution on the stains. Let it soak for a few minutes before washing as usual. Shake before each use.

Lemons Lemons Lemons

After seeing a post on http://www.cafemom.com/ about alternative cleaning products I added a post about Lemons. Lemons are a great cleaning tool (why do you think so many products have lemon in them) Here is my List of uses for lemons when I find some more I'll add them.

1. Lemons Lemons are acidic and can provide some antibacterial and antiseptic properties for cleaning.Adding lemon juice to vinegar when cleaning can help neutralize the vinegar smell.
2. Clean copper-bottomed pots and pans with lemon juice. Copper fixtures can also benefit from a lemon juice cleaning. Cut a lemon in half. Dip it in some salt, and clean spots from your copper.
3. Use a half lemon to clean the lime scale off a sink or faucet. Rub the cut end over the lime spot.
4. Use lemon to freshen the air by making a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water and putting it in a spray bottle.
5. Countertop stains can be removed by allowing lemon juice to sit on the stain for a few minutes. Scrub the area with baking soda and watch the stains disappear. Don't leave it sit for too long.
6. Lemon rinds can be ground in the garbage disposal to freshen the drain. Hot water with a little lemon poured down a drain will also freshen the drain.(I put lemons slices in my water then when I finish my water I put the lemons down the desposal. )
7. Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent. Put lemon juice onto white linens and clothing and allow them to dry in the sun. Stains will be bleached away.

Clean with Vinegar

Getting your home clean with vinegar is a great way to keep caustic chemicals out of your house and saving money. For less then one of those chemical cleaners you can buy a giant bottle of vinegar and it has so many uses. This list was posted on http://www.cafemom.com/ by a wonderfully helpful lady Jamie8506. She found the list at http://www.vinegartips.com/cleaning/ and good things are worth sharing so I'm posting it here.

81 Things to do with Vinegar

1. To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.
2. Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.
   
3. Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
   
4. Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so then run hot water down the drain.
   
5. Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.
   
6. Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes. Make them by freezing full-strength white distilled vinegar in an ice cube tray. Run several cubes down the disposal while flushing with cold water.
   
7. Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.
   
8. Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.
   
9. Cut the grime on the top of the refrigerator with a paper towel or cloth and full-strength white distilled vinegar.
   
10. Avoid the bad smell when you heat up a newly cleaned oven by using a sponge soaked in diluted white distilled vinegar for the final rinse.
    
11. To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.
    
12. Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.
    
13. To prevent good glassware from getting etched by minerals, wash then spray with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Give the glasses a hot water rinse before letting them dry or drying them with a towel.
    
14. For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.
    
15. Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.
    
16. Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.
17. Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.
    
18. For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.
    
19. Remove odors from a lunch box by placing inside a slice of bread that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave overnight.
    
20. Remove ugly film in narrow-necked glass jars, flower vases, and bottles by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar sit in them for a few hours. Add a little rice or sand and shake vigorously to loosen stubborn stains. Repeat if necessary.
    
21. To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.
    
22. Make a metal cleanser by adding enough white distilled vinegar to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar to make a paste. Rub it on and let it dry on the surface. Wash it off and dry with a soft cloth.
    
23. Polish brass and copper with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar. Rub it on with a clean cloth until dry and shiny.
    
24. Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.
    
25. Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.
    
26. Get rid of fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white distilled vinegar.
    
27. Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush.
    
28. Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.
    
29. Wipe grease off exhaust fan grids, the inside of your oven, or anywhere grease gathers with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar.
    
30. To make cleaning the grill easier, spray a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar on the cooking surface.
    
31. To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.
    
32. Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.
    
33. Get rid of calcium deposits on faucets by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight.
    
34. Remove soap buildup from faucets by scrubbing them with a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts white distilled vinegar.
    
35. Rid a faucet of lime deposits by tying a plastic bag containing 1/2 to 1/3 cup of white distilled vinegar around it and leaving it there for two or three hours. If mineral deposits don’t wipe off, scrubbing with an old toothbrush should complete the job.
    
36. Shine colored porcelain sinks by scouring them with undiluted white distilled vinegar.
    
37. Rinse away soapy film on countertops with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.
    
38. Clean grout by letting full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.
    
39. Kill germs all around the bathroom with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
    
40. To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.
    
41. Spray shower doors with full-strength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.
    
42. Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water.
    
43. Get rid of stubborn bathtub film by wiping it with white distilled vinegar and then scouring with baking soda.
    
44. Soak a sponge or loofah overnight in a strong white distilled vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and slime. Rinse several times with cold water and let air dry (in the sun if possible).
    
45. Clean shower door tracks by filling them with white distilled vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and wash and scrub away the scum with a toothbrush.
    
46. To clean a scummy showerhead, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.
    
47. Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.
    
48. To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.
    
49. Freshen air in the bathroom by spraying into the air a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup water.
    
50. Get a shining finish on a no-wax vinyl or linoleum floor by cleaning it with a solution of one cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water.
    
51. Apply full-strength white distilled vinegar directly to tough linoleum stains. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it up. If that doesn’t work, apply white distilled vinegar again and then sprinkle some baking soda over the white distilled vinegar. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge. Rinse clean with water.
    
52. For an economical and environmentally friendly floor cleaner, mix a solution of 3 drops dishwashing liquid to 1/3 part white distilled vinegar, 1/3 part alcohol, and 1/3 part water. Spray sparingly and mop for a fast clean-up.
    
53. Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the carpet stain and let dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet first).
    
54. Bring out the color in carpet by brushing it with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet beforehand).
    
55. To reduce soap bubbles in a steam cleaner add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Use the same amount in the rinse water to remove detergent residue and make carpets stay fresh longer.
    
56. Wash indoor/outdoor carpet with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar in 1 bucket of warm water. Scrub using a brush or a broom and then hose off.
    
57. Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.
    
58. Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.
    
59. Remove the wax residue left by commercial window cleaners with a solution of 2 cups water, 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent.
    
60. To remove paint from windows try using undiluted, hot white distilled vinegar. Give the solution time to soften the paint before removing with a razor edge tool.
    
61. To remove paint splatters from windows apply full-strength white distilled vinegar with a clean paintbrush.
    
62. Get rid of mildew, dust, and stale odors by wiping down walls with undiluted white distilled vinegar on a cloth or a sponge mop.
    
63. Clean woodwork and walls with a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe on with a sponge or damp—not wet—towel.
    
64. Clean wood paneling with a solution of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups warm water. Wipe on with a soft cloth.
    
65. Remove wallpaper easily by using a paint roller to wet the surface very thoroughly with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and hot water. Or spray on until saturated.
    
66. Get decals off walls or doors by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar soak into them for several minutes before trying to peel them off. Repeat if necessary.
    
67. Remove white water rings from wood with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.
    
68. Remove fireplace soot and grime with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Use a brush to scrub and a towel to blot up the wetness and dirt.
    
69. Clean fireplace glass doors with a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray or wipe on, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.
    
70. To kill germs, spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe them dry.
    
71. Remove the smell of a dead mouse or other rodent (after removing all animal remnants) by wiping down the area with either white distilled vinegar or bleach. Then place a fabric softener sheet in the area to remove any lingering odors.
    
72. Never use white distilled vinegar on marble. The acid can damage the surface.
    Before painting old concrete, clean with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Let it air dry.
    
73. Clean hardened paint brushes by simmering them in a pot with white distilled vinegar. Soak them first for an hour before bringing the white distilled vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.
    
74. Remove mud and stains from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum sports equipment by applying a paste of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts baking soda. Wipe off with soapy water and rinse with clear water.
    
75. Clean your grill by spritzing white distilled vinegar over wadded up aluminum foil and scrubbing the grill vigorously with it.
    
76. To remove film in glass baby bottles, fill with equal parts hot water and white distilled vinegar. Let sit for at least an hour. Scrub with a bottle brush.
    
77. To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.
    
78. Clean vinyl baby books or board books by wiping with white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.
    
79. Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
    
80. Clean and deodorize urine on a mattress with a white distilled vinegar and water solution. Then sprinkle the area with baking soda and let dry. Brush or vacuum the residue after it is dry to the touch.
    
81. Shine pennies by soaking them for a couple of hours or overnight in a glass or bowl of undiluted white distilled vinegar.