# General all-purpose laundry spotter: Works on beverage, fruit and grass stains. Combine 1 part alcohol and 1 part water and store in a labeled bottle. Spray on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, work into the stain using your thumbs. Let it sit for another 30 minutes, then launder as usual. If the stain isn't out before laundering, re-spray before starting the wash cycle.

# Beverage, Fruit and Grass Remover Combine equal parts water and dish washing liquid in an applicator bottle with a pop-up top. Apply to the stain and let it soak for about 30 minutes . Work solution into the stain using your thumbs, and check to see whether the stain is coming out before laundering.

# Nonoily Stain Remover Combine equal parts water, ammonia and liquid dish washing soap in a spray bottle. Shake well, spray mixture on the stain, then let it sit for a few minutes. Work it in with your thumbs, flush with water and launder as usual. Do not use on washable wool, silk, spandex, acrylic or acetate.

# Oily Stains Remover Combine 1 tablespoon glycerin, 1 tablespoon liquid dish washing liquid and 1/2 cup warm water. Mix and pour into a bottle with a squirt top. Apply to oily stains, like salad dressing, and let soak. Rinse under running water to be sure the stain has been removed before laundering. If the stain remains, repeat the process.

Cleaning Natural Fabrics:

Different fibers require different cleaning methods, and it's a good idea to check the care-instructions tag on any garment you buy so you'll have an idea of the type of care it will require. Always leave the tag in place on the garment and follow the care instructions each time you clean it.

* Silk Moisten the stain with lukewarm water, work shampoo into the area using your thumbs, let the fabric sit, then launder as usual. Since silk is a delicate fabric, always hang it up to dry.

* Linen is a natural flex fiber that can be temperamental to clean; hand- or machine-wash in warm water, using an all-purpose oxygen bleach if needed. Never use chlorine bleach on linen fabrics. Iron while the fabric is still damp.

* Wool is also a temperamental fabric to clean. If possible, scrape off excess spills with a dull straight edge. Wash by hand, in cold water, using a cold-water detergent. Rinse, then use a towel to soak up excess water in the fabric before laying the item flat and reshaping to dry. A great laundry spotter for wool is shaving cream, which is actually whipped soap. Apply to the stain, work it in and launder as usual.

* Cotton: If hand-washing, use cold water for bright colors and hot water for 100 percent white cotton. Remove bloodstains from white cotton with hydrogen peroxide and unseasoned meat tenderizer. Pour the hydrogen peroxide on the stain, then sprinkle with the meat tenderizer, which will digest the proteins in the blood. Leave it on the stain for approximately 30 minutes, then launder as usual.

Stained plastic containers Sprinkle baking soda in the container and work into the stain with a moistened paper towel or cloth. The stain should lift off immediately. Tougher stains can be removed by pouring lemon juice on the area and placing the container in the sun until the stain dissolves.# Odors in plastic Fill the container with warm water and add 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard. Mix and let the solution sit in the container up to overnight.

# Counter top stains Pour lemon juice on the stain, sprinkle on cream of tartar and work into the area with a paper towel. Works on light stains immediately; let mixture sit on heavy stains. Rinse and dry. Works on all counter tops and cutting boards.

# Tarnished copper pots Apply ketchup or Worcestershire sauce to the copper. Rub over the surface; then let it soak on the pot for faster clean-up. Rub until clean, rinse and buff dry.

# Brass Dip a paper towel in lemon juice, sprinkle salt on the lemon juice, rub on the brass, let it soak, then rub off the tarnish.

# Wooden bowls Dip a paper towel in cooking oil, rub over the bowl and buff. The oil shines and preserves the bowl. Never immerse wooden bowls in water for more than a few seconds if necessary for cleaning.

# Removing rust on knives Stick the blade in an onion and wiggle back and forth several times, then leave in the onion for several hours. The highly acidic onion juice will eat the rust.

# Cast-iron pans Clean the inside by simmering a solution of water and 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice in the pan. Pour out, re season with cooking oil and store with a piece of waxed paper inside the skillet after each use. Never wash with soap.

# Preserving new and partially used steel-wool pads Place in a sealed plastic bag and freeze. Freezing keeps the steel wool from oxidizing, which causes rust.

Household Cleansers: Make your own

All-purpose Cleaner

* 7 cups warm water * 1/2 cup baking soda * 1/2 cup household ammonia Combine ammonia, baking soda and 1 cup of warm water in a 1/2 gallon jug. Cap and shake vigorously until well mixed. Add remaining water. Label the jug for future use.

To use, pour 1/2 cup of the mixture into 1 - 1 1/2 gallons hot water. Be sure to test a small area of delicate surfaces such as wallpaper.

All-purpose Disinfectant

* 1-1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent * 1 quart hot water * 1-1/3 cup pine oil

Mix detergent and water and stir slowly until detergent is completely dissolved. If the mixture gets foam, stop stirring and skim off the bubbles. Gradually add pine oil and mix well.

To use, dilute using 1 part disinfectant with 1 part water, except when cleaning high bacteria areas such as toilet bowls, etc. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Keep out of reach of small children. Good for use on countertops and floors.

Aluminum Cleaner

* 1/4 cup soap flakes * 1/2 cup white vinegar * 1/2 cup baking soda * 1/2 cup cream of tarter

Combine cream of tartar and baking soda. Add vinegar and mix to form a soft paste. Add soap flakes and transfer to a jar or bottle with a solid lid. Label for future use.

To use, apply with a steel wool pad, then rinse off. Store out of reach of children.

Carpet Stain Remover/Cleaner

If the mess/stain is still wet, sprinkle with baking soda. Allow to dry, then vacuum. If stain is old and dry, saturate with club soda and scrub with a wet cloth. Then sprinkle baking soda on and allow to dry.

Comb & Brush Cleaner

* 1 pint (16 fluid oz.) water * 1/4 cup household ammonia * 1/4 tsp shampoo or liquid detergent

Mix all ingredients in a bowl or jar. Set comb or brush in the liquid and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the liquid and clean the brush by scraping with a comb (and vice versa). Rinse with warm water and allow to dry before using.

Drain Cleaner

#1: * 1 cup baking soda * 1 cup salt * 1/4 cup cream of tarter

Place all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well mixed. To use, pour 1/4 cup of the mixture into the drain, followed by 2 cups boiling water. Wait 1 minute, then rinse with tap water.

#2: * 1/2 cup baking soda * 1/2 cup of vinegar * 2 quarts boiling water Plunge stuck drain first. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by the vinegar and then boiling water.

Marjorie Hall, recommends: Put 1/2 cup baking soda in drain. Add 2 cups vinegar. Let stand about 5 minutes. Run hot water in the drain for several minutes.

Furniture Cleaner

* 1 cup linseed oil * 2/3 cup turpentine * 1/3 cup white vinegar

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Use a soft cloth to apply to wood surfaces, rubbing to remove dirt and excess polish. Removes surface dirt and grime from finished wood. Store in a tightly covered jar.

Glass Cleaner

* 1 gal. water * 1 pint vinegar * 1 qt. ammonia --or-- * 1 qt. water * 1/2 cup vinegar * 1 cup ammonia Cheap and works great! Always use newspaper to wipe dry.

Grease Solvent

* 2 tbsp liquid gel soap * 3 tbsp cornmeal * 1 tsp glycerin

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Removes stubborn grease/oil stains from your skin

Jewelry Cleaner * 1 tbsp dish washing detergent * 1 tbsp washing soda (sodium carbonate) * 1 tbsp household ammonia * 3 cups warm water

Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Pour into a glass jar and cover tightly. Label jar for future use and keep out of reach of children. To use, soak jewelry in the solution for 1-10 minutes (depending on how tarnished it is). Swish intricate pieces in the solution to get into the cracks/crevices. Use a toothbrush or a well-washed mascara brush for hard to reach places. Rinse and dry with a soft clean cloth. Don't soak pearls in this solution. Rub them gently with a soft chamois cloth dampened in the solution. Do not combine this solution with chlorine bleach - hazardous fumes will result!

Tile & Grout Cleaner * 1/2 cup baking soda * 1/3 cup household ammonia * 1/4 cup white vinegar * 7 cups warm water

Combine ingredients in a gallon container. Cover tightly and shake or swish to mix ingredients. Label for future use and keep out of reach of children. NOTE: Do not combine this mixture with anything containing bleach.

To use, fill a spray bottle with the solution. Spray directly onto tile surface, then wipe with a damp sponge or cloth. Eliminates grimy soap film.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

* 1 tbsp household ammonia * 1 cup hydrogen peroxide * 2 quarts water

Mix ingredients in a bucket, then slowly pour solution into the toilet bowl. Let stand for 30 minutes, then scrub inside of bowl with a scrub brush and flush. For stubborn stains, let stand for several hours. Use regularly to clean and disinfect.

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Natural Beauty

Banana Hair Thickening Conditioner Mix 1 ripe, mashed banana with a tablespoon of honey until very creamy.  Wet your hair with tepid water and massage the mixture into your scalp and hair.  Wrap your head in a towel or put a plastic bag over it and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.  Rinse your hair well and then shampoo and condition as usual.  Your hair seem thicker after this treatment.  Use this once or twice a week if you have thin and lovely hair. 






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