Lori Vanover
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.
Minty fresh
Summer’s heat can sometimes cause garbage cans to give off an unpleasant odor. Reader Michael Sienkowski of Norwich, Connecticut, says, “If you grow mint, cut a fresh sprig and place it in the garbage can every day. It keeps the can smelling fresh all season long.”
No more moths
Keep moths away from your clothes with a natural solution. Reader Mrs. T. Peterson of Knife River, Minnesota says, “Make your own mothballs by mixing oil of cloves and oil of cinnamon, then soaking cotton balls in this mixture. Place the cotton balls in muslin bags and hang them in your closets.”
DIY glass cleaner
Mildred Zuercher of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, says this homemade solution cleans windows, glass and mirrors. “Mix 2 ounces rubbing alcohol, 2 ounces of ammonia and 12 ounces of water. Add a drop of blue food coloring and mark it clearly to distinguish it from other cleaners. Pour into a spray bottle and use as you would a store-bought cleaner.”
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.”
Keep cookbooks clean
Tired of splattering and spilling ingredients all over your cookbooks? Rosa Graber of Odon, Indiana, says, “Once you’ve turned to the page you want, slip the book inside a large plastic food storage bag to protect the pages.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Invisible ink
Don’t freak out when the kids’ artwork goes beyond the coloring book. Reader Claire Utt of Winfield, Kansas says, “Rubbing alcohol easily removes ink from clothing and crayon marks from woodwork and wallpaper.”
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.”
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!”
