Back To Basics Cleaning #2 . . .

Last Monday I shared some basic cleaning tips from the magazine, 'Real Simple', using lemons, salt, and ketchup.

Here are 3 more household products that

can be used for basic cleaning in your home.

VINEGAR

This acidic wonder can wipe out tarnish, soap scum, mineral deposits, and more. Among natural cleaners, it's the clear champ.

Distilled white vinegar creates an environment that

inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and some bacteria,

such as E. coli and salmonella.

USE IT TO CLEAN YOUR . . .

COFFEEMAKER: Pour equal parts vinegar and water into the machine's water chamber, then switch on the brew cycle. Halfway through, turn off the coffeemaker and let the solution sit for about an hour. Turn it on again to complete the cycle, then run several cycles with clean water.

DISHWASHER: To disinfect the interior of the machine, pour 1/2 cup vinegar into the the reservoir and run an empty cycle.

DRAINS: Clean drains and the pipes they're attached to by pouring vinegar down them. After 30 minutes, flush with cold water.

GLASSWARE: For spotless hand-washed glasses, add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse water.

STEAM IRON: To get rid of mineral deposits, fill the iron with equal parts vinegar and water; press the steam button. Turn off, let cool, empty, and rinse.

TOOTHPASTE

The combination of a mild abrasive, a surfactant, and an antibacterial agent makes toothpaste a potent stain fighter. Stick with standard paste, not gel, and steer clear of formulas designed for tartar control and whitening.

USE IT TO CLEAN YOUR . . .

CHROME FIXTURES: To polish faucets and taps in the kitchen or bathroom, smear a dime size amount of toothpaste onto the, then buff with a soft cloth until they shine.

TARNISHED SILVERWARE: Put a dab of toothpaste on a soft cloth, rub it onto the tarnish, then rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.

STEAM IRON: Mineral deposits can stain an iron's sole plate. Apply a dab of toothpaste and work i into the plate. Use a clean cloth to remove reside.

BAKING SODA

Did you know baking soda was used to clean

the Statue of Liberty on its centennial?

USE IT TO CLEAN YOUR . . .

CAN OPENER: Dip a toothbrush in a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water and use it to dislodge gunk.

STAINED TEACUPS AND COFFEE MUGS: Fill with 1 part baking soda and 2 parts water and soak overnight; rub with a sponge and rinse.

UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE: To remove odors, sprinkle baking soda on the fabric, then vacuum.

Happy cleaning everyone!