10 Cleaning Tips Re-purposing Common Items

As the kids go back-to-school and our schedules return to ‘normal’ I’ve had a moment to look around the house only to find things that need sprucing up.  Rather than running to  the store for special cleaners, I remembered saving a Real Simple article with a list of cleaning tips using around-the-house staples.

Most of these suggestions use common household items which can be put to work as dirt-busters. Give them a try for a thrifty approach to summer-clean-up. Personally, it felt great to re-purpose and re-use items that were already in my pantry and first aide shelf.

Oatmeal:

Use it to scrub dirty hands.  Make a thick paste of oatmeal and water; rinse well. Perfect after gardening –especially in the Georgia clay.

Rice:

Use it to clean the inside of a vase or a thin-necked bottle. Fill three quarters of the vessel with warm water and add a tablespoon of uncooked rice. Cup your hand over the opening, shake vigorously, and rinse. A wonderful way to give your favorite vase, water pitcher and glass storage container a deep clean and renewed shine.

Glycerin:

Use it to remove dried wax drippings from candlesticks. Peel off as much wax as possible, then moisten a cotton ball with glycerin and rub until clean.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

Use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect a keyboard. Dip a cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide to get into those nooks and crannies. I’ll be doing this often during the fall to prevent to spread of germs!

Rubbing Alcohol:

Use it to erase permanent-marker stains from finished wood floors or solid-surface countertops. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball and apply.

Looking for more ideas? Check out the Real Simple article ‘10 Unexpected Natural Cleaners.’ Do you have a thrifty tip? Please share by leaving a comment below.