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Anne_Dwyer's Blog

by Anne_Dwyer from Fox 13, Tampa Bay

Last Post 99 days, 17 hours Ago


On a Roll Folks
Jul 7, 2008 | 7:13 AM
Category: News
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I'm on a roll and don't stop me now because it doesn't happen often.  I am continuing my efforts at Spring cleaning and have been successful at clearing out unused items from the closets. 

Now, I'm getting to the nitty gritty: the actual cleaning of dust and dirt in cupboards and crevices of the bathrooms.  Here's my situation.  I would REALLY like to find a way to wipe these areas clean WITHOUT chemical cleaners.  Some of them leave more residue behind than they eliminate.  So: what are some of the home cleaning solutions at your house?  What do you use to get the calcium build-up off the base of the faucet?  How do you get the ring out of the tub?  And how can you get the fingerprints off cupboards without harming the exterior?   And finally, are there special cloths to use for these jobs?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

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Jumpy983 read my blog view my photos
Jul 7, 2008 | 10:01 AM

Vinegar!!! It's the best! Vinegar diluted with water on some newspaper is how my grandmother taught me to clean the windows and it leaves it streak free and clean. Here are some more suggestions

* Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
* Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
* Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
* Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
* White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
* Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
* Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)
* Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
* Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)
* Trisodium phosphate (TSP) - a mixture of soda ash and p
Jumpy983 read my blog view my photos
Jul 7, 2008 | 10:04 AM

phosphoric acid. TSP is toxic if swallowed, but it can be used on many jobs, such as cleaning drains or removing old paint, that would normally require much more caustic and poisonous chemicals, and it does not create any fumes.

Formulas for All Purpose cleaner and other stuff can be found here http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm>
The good news is it's CHEAP to make it yourself and it's ENVIRONMENTALLY friendly!! and cuts down on the fumes so it's pretty safe!
mmustangg read my blog view my photos
Jul 7, 2008 | 10:49 AM

Elbow grease! However, it works best when you use someone else's elbow! *lol*
MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
Jul 7, 2008 | 1:24 PM

Kim & Aggie from "How Clean is Your House?" (BBC) would agree w/Jumpy.. I think TSP is what the ladies call 'Sugar Soap'? I need to think of it the next time I'm in a hardware store. They use it a lot on the show.

They'd both agree Elbow Grease also goes a long way ;)

Enjoy Anne! I seriously purged before our last move and it can be quite freeing. I felt lighter. Keeping a handle on clutter is a constant battle. Especially for a packrat like me.

Kim & Aggie Rock!
mmustangg read my blog view my photos
Jul 7, 2008 | 2:37 PM

LOVE THAT SHOW!
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Anne_Dwyer

As I write this bio, I realize just how fast time flies. I've been working at WTVT Channel 13 for almost 20 years. I started on the morning show with Ernie Lee, when it was called "Breakfast Beat." During these years I've worked the medical beat and weekend mornings. I come from the Midwest. I was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois, once the soybean capitol of the world! College took me to the big city of Chicago. I "played in Peoria" at a TV station there before settling in Tampa. It's been a great adventure, and I can't wait for the NEXT 20!!!!!

Member Since: 7/3/2006