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Hillsboro, Oregon
Shawn Smith says, "I can't save the whole world, but I want it to be better because I was here…
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Adhesive Remover
Cooking oil rubbed on a sticky area will loosen glue’s hold. Once removed, wash the area with warm, soapy water and wipe dry. If the adhesive is still there, use a dab of toothpaste mixed with the oil.
Ant Repellent
Ants are very sensory creatures and they don’t like the smell of cayenne, cloves, or mint. If you place one of these herbs or spice where they are trailing, they will go away. Be patient, they may persist for a day or two.
Liquid soap works well to deter ants too. Use it full strength or mix with a little water. Once the ants are gone, clean up is a breeze.
Carpet Cleaner
Mix 1/4-cup hydrogen peroxide with 1-tablespoon of liquid soap and use it to scrub carpet stains. Blot with a dry rag to take up the excess water.
Furniture Polish
Polish wooden furniture with a mixture of 1-teaspoon olive oil mixed with 1/2-cup white vinegar. Rub wood with a soft cloth.
Toothpaste rubbed on wood furniture will remove watermarks.
Hinge Lubricant
Silence squeaky door hinges with a lubricant of olive oil. Dab a small amount on the hinges so that the oil runs down the sides, then wipe clean with a rag.
Leather Cleaner
Remove salt stains from leather by wetting a rag with white vinegar and wiping away the residue.
Moth Balls
According to the National Toxicology Program, moth balls are potential carcinogens, and their smell seems impossible to remove from clothes. With persistence, you can remove the odor by putting the items in the sun. You will need to repeat until the smell is gone.
Natural Moth Ball Sachets
Make these natural sachets to tuck into sweater drawers or hang in closets
2 ounces each of dried rosemary and mint
1 ounce each of dried thyme and ginseng
8 ounces of whole cloves
Combine the ingredients in a large bowl, then add to cotton teabags, or make your own bag from fabric.
Natural Wool Cleanse
To repel moths, clean woolen items before storing. Wool is an acidic material. Any soap or detergent with a pH above 8 will harm wool. To lower the pH of a soap or detergent, add 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar or lemon juice before washing. The water temperature should be around 100 F. Never twist wool, agitate it, or wring it out, instead, gently swirl the wool in the water, then rinse and press the water out. Lay it flat, shape it, and let it dry. Then air woolen items in the sun for a few hours before packing them away. Completely seal clean items in bags, boxes, or chests. Cedar chests must be sealed to repel moths.
If you see moths on clothing, freeze the item of clothing for two days in the freezer.
Window Cleaner
Mix 1-part white vinegar to 6-parts water for cleaning windows. Wipe and polish with newspaper for a crystal clear shine. This also works on mirrors.
p.o. box 1771 | hillsboro oregon 97123
503.681.2527