Don't Let Stubborn Stains Rule Your Home
by Debbie Wilson
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
If you're like most people, a hectic schedule can turn cleaning your home into a painstaking and exhaustive process. Fact is, however, a few simple, inexpensive household ingredients can help get rid of stubborn stains, reduce cleaning clutter, and make your life a whole lot easier. Sometimes, simple really is better. So go ahead and take charge today. Winning the stain removal battle is easier than you might think.
General Household Cleaners and Stain Removers
There are many common, inexpensive, household cleaners that can be used to combat stubborn, everyday stains. Mild-to-moderate alkalis (such as baking soda and ammonia), acids (such as lemon juice and vinegar), bleaches, and detergents, can be quite useful for multiple cleaning jobs around your home. Overall, they will cost less than most commercial products and provide the same, if not better stain removing results. Just make sure to test new formulas on an inconspicuous part of the item you’re cleaning to ensure it won’t cause any permanent damage.
All Purpose Household Cleaners
A few of the most common, all-purpose household cleaners are vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and detergent. They can be used for many different types of stain removal jobs.
- Vinegar and Salt - Mix together for a great surface cleaner.
- Baking Soda - Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda to one-quart warm water. Use as a general cleaner and deodorizer.
- Anti-Fog Glass Spray - Rub a few drops of liquid dish washing detergent on a damp paper towel and apply to window surface.
- Borax and Lemon Juice - For removing stubborn toilet bowl stains, mix borax and lemon juice to form a paste and cover the ring. Let sit for 2 hours, then scrub thoroughly and rinse.
Safety First
When making any type of household stain remover, always remember to wear rubber gloves. Also, you will want to mix up only as much as you need for the job. Storing homemade cleaners can be difficult (glass cleaners excluded) and they may lose their effectiveness over time. If you do store any cleaners, label spray bottles and containers well and store them far from children's reach.
Making your own household cleaners can be an easy and effective way to remove many common, everyday stains. With a few simple ingredients and a little "elbow grease", you could be on your way to a stain free home at a fraction of the cost.
About the Author
Debbie Wilson owns and operates a lakeside resort, managing all aspects of operations, including marketing and promotion. Her previous experience includes management and profitability consulting for a national healthcare company.
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