We’ve been wading through the e-mails this week at Clean and Green this week. We thought that this weeks ideas could come straight from people who have great environmentally friendly cleaning tips. There were some that were totally unsuitable for publication though. Whilst I’m on the subject; No, Ms. B. from Moville, we don’t think that shaving your cat is a good long-term solution for keeping animal hairs off the settee. We would recommend brushing it once in a while instead and invest in a vacuum cleaner.
Here are a few interesting ideas from around the peninsula: (Most of these are untested at the C+ G centre, so proceed with caution!)
Burning potato peelings on the fire keeps the chimney clean.
If you have a microwave, put some rice into a cotton sock and cook for a minute or so. Use it as a hot compress for aching limbs and sinus headaches.
When cleaning vinyl upholstery, use a strong solution of cider vinegar, then rinse and dry well.
Stain removal ideas.
Ballpoint: As soon as this happens, sponge with methylated spirits, and then flush with cold water.
Blood: Soak in cold, salted water for 10 minutes and then wash with soap. For really stubborn stains, apply a mixture of cornflower or talcum powder mixed with water. Allow to dry then brush off.
Coffee: Wash out with cool water then vinegar and rinse. Or mix egg yolk with lukewarm water and rub on the stain.
Glue: Many glue stains can be removed by dabbing with eucalyptus oil.
Some ideas from days gone by.
Sheets were given a new lease of life when cut in two; the unworn sides were then sewn back together. When these wore out they were cut up and used as napkins. Then eventually they would be used for cleaning cloths.
Flour bags were sewn together to make handy sheets –not the modern paper ones!
Shoppers went to the bakery with a pillowcase in which to bring home the bread.
Dry cleaning clothes is hard on the material. Chemicals used in this process are harmful to the environment. In days gone by the clothes were washed in lukewarm water then hung up to dry without wringing.
A goose wing (detached from the goose of course!) was great for dusting- they were free from chemicals too!
Greaseproof paper was used to wrap food. This worked just as well as harmful tin foil or clingfilm.
Although we endeavour to test all the ideas in this article, we ask you to practice with caution.
Test on a small area first.
Household.
Here are a few interesting ideas from around the peninsula: (Most of these are untested at the C+ G centre, so proceed with caution!)
Burning potato peelings on the fire keeps the chimney clean.
If you have a microwave, put some rice into a cotton sock and cook for a minute or so. Use it as a hot compress for aching limbs and sinus headaches.
When cleaning vinyl upholstery, use a strong solution of cider vinegar, then rinse and dry well.
Stain removal ideas.
Ballpoint: As soon as this happens, sponge with methylated spirits, and then flush with cold water.
Blood: Soak in cold, salted water for 10 minutes and then wash with soap. For really stubborn stains, apply a mixture of cornflower or talcum powder mixed with water. Allow to dry then brush off.
Coffee: Wash out with cool water then vinegar and rinse. Or mix egg yolk with lukewarm water and rub on the stain.
Glue: Many glue stains can be removed by dabbing with eucalyptus oil.
Some ideas from days gone by.
Sheets were given a new lease of life when cut in two; the unworn sides were then sewn back together. When these wore out they were cut up and used as napkins. Then eventually they would be used for cleaning cloths.
Flour bags were sewn together to make handy sheets –not the modern paper ones!
Shoppers went to the bakery with a pillowcase in which to bring home the bread.
Dry cleaning clothes is hard on the material. Chemicals used in this process are harmful to the environment. In days gone by the clothes were washed in lukewarm water then hung up to dry without wringing.
A goose wing (detached from the goose of course!) was great for dusting- they were free from chemicals too!
Greaseproof paper was used to wrap food. This worked just as well as harmful tin foil or clingfilm.
Although we endeavour to test all the ideas in this article, we ask you to practice with caution.
Test on a small area first.
Household.
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