We will continue today with our cleaning ABCs even though we are now at D, E, F, G, H and I. Do not let this confuse you as everything, no matter which letter of the alphabet its name may begin with, needs a good cleaning every once in a while. Read on, even if you don’t want to.
Cleaning Dolls
To remove the odor from your kid’s plastic doll, place it in a shopping bag with a few handfuls of cat litter. Leave it there for two or three days and it will absorb the odor. (Do not, however, under any circumstances, discuss this with your cat. Otherwise, unexpected repercussions may occur.) Use vegetable shortening to remove most marks on plastic dolls. A shot of hairspray can do just the trick when it comes to marker or ink spots, but check for color fastness first.
Ebony Items
Using a mixture of equal parts vinegar, turpentine and boiled linseed oil, wipe and buff ebony pieces with a soft cloth.
Eyeglass Cleaner
To remove glue on glass lenses only, use ordinary acetone or certain nail polish removers. Do not use on plastic lenses unless you don’t like them very much because acetone can actually dissolve them!
Cleaning Your Guitar
To clean the inside of your guitar might make you nostalgic for a wedding, if you do it right. If you are wondering if I have lost my mind, the answer is “yes,” but throwing a handful of raw rice into the guitar box (without the shoes as you would to a newly married couple) will do the trick. Instructions are pretty clear; shake it up, baby and then stand back!
Irons in the Fire And Other Places
Don’t forget that your iron gets dirty and needs some attention and cleaning time. Wipe the surface down every once in a while with some salt on a damp cloth and rinse off. For stubborn marks, use some toothpaste and a damp cloth.
Ivory Items
Make a paste of 4 tablespoons natural yogurt and 3 teaspoons lemon juice. Apply with soft cloth; leave on for one minute and then wipe off with a damp cloth.
Do YOU have any cleaning tips to add? Please share.
Related Reading:
“Washing Windows: A Carefree Diversion”