Sunday, July 22, 2012

Natural Lemon Vinegar Cleaner (updated)



This cleaning recipe is a frugalista's dream!

I'm really excited about finding so many natural cleaners without toxic chemicals to use around the house.  Especially when it is stuff I already have!  

Our lemon and lime trees produce lots of fruit, so there is an abundance of lemon and lime peels that usually get throw into the compost pile or the trash.  And I always keep a large jug of white vinegar to keep the drains clean and smelling good!

Click here for instructions . . . can't wait to try this cleaner!



UPDATE:  
Click here for 25 uses for lemon peels
from One Good Thing by Jillee



Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Clothes dryer problems?


Appliances are one of those things that I hate to go out and buy.  Being the frugal person that I am, all home remedies are exhausted before even calling the repair man . . . they are very expensive too!

It has been a while since the clothes dryer has been acting up and not drying the clothes in one cycle. We would have been grateful for two drying cycles!  It would take forever to get laundry done!

After cleaning out the lint vent and replacing the thermostat (ugh, the part alone was expensive . . . The Captain changed it out, saving on labor costs), it still was not working properly, although a little better.

Stubbornly frugal and still not wanting to give in and buy an expensive dryer, I decided to do some digging around the internet to see if anyone else was having the same problem.

I finally found the answer that eventually solved the problem and I am so sorry that I can't think of where I found the information since I am so grateful to whoever that was!!

Sometimes it is simple, little things that make a difference in the way things work.  It was so simple, I almost felt silly for even trying the suggestion . . . and I dismissed it for a while.  After continuing to struggle with the laundry, I thought, why not try?

Fabric dryer sheets and fabric softener container waxy ingredients that clog up the lint screen, making it impossible for proper air ventilation.  I imagine it could also start a fire!

So . . . out came the lint screen for a good cleaning . . . and voila . . . the dryer is working perfectly!

Check your lint screen out and see if water doesn't penetrate it.  Water will just bead up on the screen if it needs to be cleaned.  All it takes is water, a little dishwashing liquid and a toothbrush.  Problem solved or prevented!

Most people would go out and buy a new one.

Anyway, it sure is nice to be able to get the laundry done quickly :)



Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The Wonders of Dawn Dishwashing Liquid


TUB AND SHOWER CLEANER


Take a spray bottle and fill it halfway with white vinegar. Heat in the microwave. Fill the rest of the way with blue Dawn. Put lid on and shake to mix well. Spray on your tub and shower walls. Allow to sit for a few minutes and rinse away. It will totally melt all the gunk, slime, sludge and other stuff that builds up including a bathtub ring.
Click here for an awesome article . . . Original Blue Dawn, Not Just for Dishes Anymore from the blog One Good Thing by Jillie, where you will find a listing of lots more uses for Dawn that will save you money!