Smart Solutions
Mixing up cleaning concoctions is inexpensive and simple. You’ll never run out of
supplies if you stock these staples.
1. White vinegar: To clean windows, fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Add a splash of lemon juice. Full-strength vinegar sanitizes wooden cutting boards. Pour 1 cup white vinegar and a sprinkle of baking soda into the toilet bowl to clean.
2. Baking soda: Use it to scrub sinks, tile, and tubs. Sprinkle it in the garbage can, disposal or sink drain, and litter box to freshen.
3. Salt: Remove rust spots with a paste of salt and lemon juice. To clean tarnished brass or copper, use a paste of salt and vinegar.
4. Lemon: To remove odors, rub a half on a wooden cutting board or run peels and ice (to sharpen the blades) through the garbage disposal.
Get a Better Broom
When you’re on a porch or deck: The traditional corn broom has bristles sturdy enough to sweep away dirt, pebbles, and grass.
When you’re on a sidewalk, driveway, or patio: A push broom features an oversize head with stiff inner fibers and soft outer fibers that makes easy work of sweeping leaves, pine straw, and dirt.
When you’re inside: An angled broom with soft, synthetic bristles gets into corners easily and picks up more than traditional corn brooms.
When sweeping is a pain in your back: An ergonomic broom with a slight curve in the broomstick keeps you standing tall. The Curvaceous Ergo Broom from Casabella (www.casabella.com) has a snap-off head so it can be used as a whisk broom.
When you’re cleaning awkward areas: A bendable-neck broom, such as the Flex Neck Broom from Casabella, allows easy access under cabinets or low furniture with its bendable head.
