More Cheap Cleaning Solutions, Straight From Your Pantry

After reviewing the amazing comments from readers of my blog about cleaning with common household products, I have started to compile some of YOUR great tips and tricks. So without further delay, here are some of your own cleaning solutions, straight out of your pantry. Thanks for the great ideas and keep them coming.

-Olive oil isn't just great for cooking, it works wonders on removing streaks and shining stainless steal appliances and fixtures. A little goes a long way and I found that applying it to a rag or towel first, is the neatest. Then just apply, making sure you clean in the direction of the "grain" of the stainless steal. In a pinch, olive oil really does a great job.

-If your like me, then you know how annoying it is to find out that you've run out of drain cleaner right when you need it the most. If you read my earlier blog about baking soda and vinegar, then you know how great the two work together as a drain cleaner, but here is another cool solution. Use a half a cup of salt (table salt worked well) and pour it down the clogged drain. Then pour a kettle or two of boiling water in the drain. It does take a few minutes to work but your water should be draining properly in just a little while.

-My sister Kristin happens to love silver...anything silver! This tip is from her, a simple way to clean your jewelry, silver plated items, etc. Start with a clean sink and place a layer of aluminum foil at the bottom. Combine 1 quart of boiling water, 1/4 cup of baking soda and a few teaspoons of salt. Place your silver and silver plated items so that they have direct contact with the foil. Pour the solution in and let your items soak for a while. This tip is pretty amazing when you see it for yourself. Its a simple chemical reaction that does the cleaning and the results were incredible. Compared to the horrible smell of commercial silver cleaners, the annoying buffing and wiping, as well as the high cost, this home-made solution seems to be a no-brainer that actually works.

-Chrome fixtures and finishes are other items where the cost of commercial cleaners can be expensive. Using baby oil on a soft cloth can remove streaks and make your chrome really shine. A bonus is that the baby oil acts as a barrier from new streaks due to water splashing.

-If you have ever glanced down at your clothes iron to find a gunky buildup, then this tip is for you. While your iron is warm, NOT HOT, carefully rub a fabric softener sheet in a circular motion. When the sheet is full of gunk, replace with a clean sheet and continue. I personally could not believe the nastiness that came off my own iron, it didn't even look dirty!

-This tip is from me. As a carpet cleaner, I receive calls about the dents in carpets that are made by the legs of furniture. An easy fix is to moisten a clean white terry cloth towel with very warm water and wring out the excess moisture. Fold the towel up and place over the dent for 10-15 minutes. As soon as you remove the towel, be ready with a wide tooth comb and, very gently, fluff up the fibers of the carpet. Don't be too aggressive or you can damage your carpet. Let the spot air dry and your done. If the dent is really bad, repeat the process a few times.

So once again, simple tips on cleaning and home maintenance from bloggers and readers just like yourself. Keep reading because I have plenty more where that came from! Happy cleaning!