Category Archives: Cleaners

16
Jun

Honey, Christchurch.

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To remove a stain from vinyl flooring (wine, curry, etc) soak a small piece of white cloth in one part bleach to three parts water. Place the cloth on top of stain, and leave for one hour (no longer or it may discolour the vinyl). You may have to do this a few times until […]

16
Jun

Bev, Auckland.

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You don’t have to look specifically for products labelled “distilled vinegar” (distilled vinegar is a clear vinegar, too strong and bitter for cooking but excellent for cleaning glass and as a disinfectant).  As a substitute, you can use white vinegar instead – it will do the same job.  White vinegar, is readily available at most […]

16
Jun

Peg, Palmerston North.

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I use white vinegar for all my cleaning, pure in toilet, a dash of detergent/janola/water for very grubby spots.  Great for windows, use in spray bottle.  Ovens, white vinegar,  juice of a lemon, another dash of Janola and detergent. USE GLOVES.  Leave for several hours. And its CHEAP. I take an empty 2lt milk bottle […]

16
Jun

Thirties Depression Baby, Auckland.

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Most bulk stores and supermarkets sell washing soda but if you live in a small town with only one store, mobilize your friends and get everyone to urge your local store to stock it. If enough customers ask for a product, the store is sure to respond. An excellent alternative for cleaning burnt pots is […]

16
Jun

Miriam, Kaitaia.

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I use straight washing soda or soda ash in my washing machine – it works really well and is very reasonably priced. For my dishwasher I use washing soda and baking soda and citric acid with a white vinegar rinse aid. They both work really well.

16
Jun

Removing ball point pen ink?

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Annette from New Plymouth has a question about an all-too common problem. “Have you any ideas what takes ball point pen off wall paper (small child drawing!)”. Steph from Tauranga suggested, “To get ball point pen off walls, spray hair spray onto it then wipe off – works every time!” KS from Morrinsville wrote, “Try […]

16
Jun

Douglas, Featherston.

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If you are like me and by yourself, vacuuming under the bed is difficult. Here is a tip. Get the scissor jack out of the car and use it to lift up the bed. Lift, vacuum, put the jack back in the car – job done. Very easy. [Great idea Douglas, and a lot easier […]

16
Jun

Cleaning a toothbrush?

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Wendy from Kapiti has this question about cleaning/ sterilising a toothbrush. “I have tried before the boiling water/soda and (I think) vinegar soaks but always seem to still end up with that strong “toothpasty” smell so it never quite feels as fresh as new. Any ideas guys? Thank-you.” I have found that if you fill […]

16
Jun

B.W., Auckland.

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Toilet bowl cleaner. You need: 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup white vinegar. Combine ingredients, pour into clean container and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.