familyhandyman
Grandma knows all the best cleaning tips and tricks to save you time, money and effort. You’ll want to stock up on vinegar and lemon juice.
Steam Away Stains
To easily clean your microwave without chemicals, Mary Alice Warren of Waco, Texas says, “Place 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or baking soda in a bowl. Heat on high until the mixture boils. Let steam accumulate on the walls and door of the microwave. Remove the bowl and wipe down the interior.”
Wash Away Dust
Air vent covers are a hidden dirty spot in your home. Marge Grandy of Flippin, Arkansas, says, “I run all my metal heat and air conditioning vent covers through the dishwasher every spring and fall. It saves lots of time and does a better job than doing it by hand.”
Polish Your Silver
Banish the tarnish with this simple solution from reader Lois Kreider of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. “Place silver in an aluminum pan or in your kitchen sink lined with aluminum foil. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and cover with boiling water. Let stand for 10 to 12 minutes
Open Secret
When her handheld can opener gets balky, Ruth Brennan of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, says she uses a toothbrush, hot water and dishwashing detergent to clean it. “After cleaning, lubricate the opener with vegetable oil and set it aside for a while. Wipe off the excess oil and it will work like new.”
A Nutty Solution
To color in nicks or scratches in furniture, cabinets, wood trim, etc., reader C. Clingingsmith of St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, says, “Rub them with a pecan nut. The oil of the nut will ‘re–stain’ the wood.”
Get Rid of Glue
Reader Mary Yoder, Montezuma, Georgia, has a solution for sticky situations. “When you must remove a spot of glue, use vinegar. It’s a good glue thinner or remover.”
Clean Up Concrete
Perk up your patio with this suggestion from reader Ann Norstram of Clinton, Iowa. “Rust stains from outdoor furniture can be removed from concrete by using lemon juice and rubbing with a soft linen cloth.”
Polish With Milk
Reach into the fridge for this handy hint. Mrs. L.E. Ford of Portland, Oregon, says, “Patent leather handbags and shoes can be quickly brightened with a polish of milk. Apply with a soft cloth and rub into a shiny new finish.”
So Long, Soap Scum
To keep shower doors shiny and clear, Mildred Sherrer of Bay City, Texas says use a soft cloth moistened with baby oil. “It prevents scum buildup from dirt and soap, and hard water spots won’t appear for several months.
Breaking Bread
If you break a plate while making a sandwich, grab some extra bread. Reader Carolyn Robinson of Lawrence, Mississippi says, “Clean up slivers of broken glass without hurting yourself by pressing a slice of fresh bread lightly over the area, then immediately disposing of it.”
Wash the Wastebasket
Clean two messes at once. Reader dMarge Harold of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, says, “If you have a small plastic wastebasket in your bathroom, empty it and use it as a bucket when you clean your bathroom, so it gets cleaned, too.”
Sugar Scrub
When your hands get badly stained or extra dirty, reader Mildred Shlenz of Vancouver, Washington says, “Add a teaspoon of sugar to the lather when you wash them. They’ll clean up easily.”
Soak Your Shower Head
To remove hard water buildup on your shower head, reader Jennie Krell, El Cajon, California says, “Pour some white distilled vinegar in a plastic bag and place it around the showerhead so the head is completely submerged. Tie the bag around the pipe and leave it overnight. You’ll find the showerhead will spray like new again in the morning.”
Grease-Free Grill
Keep your grill looking great. Nancy Merica of Ripley, West Virginia, says, “Lay a barbecue grill rack on the lawn overnight. The dew will combine with enzymes on the grass to loosen any burned-on grease. Try it with messy oven racks, too!”