Removing melted wax from tablecloths

Recently, when cleaning up after a dinner party, I found melted-candle wax on the tablecloth. If you ever need to remove melted wax, here's an easy way to do so. Once the wax is dried and brittle, use the edge of a credit card to scrape off as much as possible. Set up your ironing board, turn the iron to a medium-heat setting, (carefully considering the type of fabric), and gather 2 clean paper bags. I used lunch sacks.

Place one paper bag under the cloth and the other paper bag on top of the wax spot. Iron the top paper bag, covering the the waxy area. The wax residue should transfer to the paper. Repeat this using a clean part of the paper bag until the wax is removed. Discard the paper bags.

Pretreat the tablecloth, and launder as soon as possible.

Dr. Bonner's Castile Soap

Hi Everyone!

Fry's Grocery Stores in Phoenix is now carrying Dr. Bonner's Castile Soap. I spotted it on the toothpaste aisle!! Sounds crazy I know!

Carpet Freshener

You'll love how this freshens up your rugs and carpet! I mixed my freshener in a plastic food storage container. You will use baking soda, lemon essential oil and lime essential oil. Pour a small (1 lb.) box of baking soda into a container. Use your finger to poke two holes in the baking soda, one for each oil. Pour 12 drops of lemon oil in one hole, and 12 drops of lime oil in the other. Using a fork, mix thoroughly, making sure the oils are distributed well, and no clumps remain. Sprinkle on your rug or carpet, leave on for about an hour, and then vacuum well. (I recommend keeping crawling babies, toddlers, kids, and pets off the carpet until after it's been vacuumed well.)

For just pennies, you have a clean smelling carpet freshener/deodorizer!

Quick notes about ingredients

Hi!
Quick notes:

1. Buy & use only white vinegar.
   
2. Buy & use only pure essential oils.
   
3. Clearly label each container with the type of cleaner it is and the ingredients used.
   

All Purpose Cleaner

If you use an all purpose cleaner (like Formula 409 for example), here is a great substitute that cleans well and smells good. To make this, you will probably need to take a trip to the grocery store and a health food store.

At the grocery store, buy: 1) a box of 20 Mule Team Borax...located on the laundry-care aisle and 2) a spray bottle.

At the health food store, buy: 1) a bottle (I buy the 16 FL. OZ.) of Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap. It comes in various scents. I like the Peppermint or the Unscented Baby Mild...and 2) a bottle of either orange, lemon, or lime Essential Oil, depending on your personal preference.

Once you've gathered these items, the rest is easy! Combine 2 teaspoons Borax, 1/2 teaspoon liquid castile soap, 2 cups water, and 4 drops of essential oil. Shake well to blend before using. Spray surface and wipe with a soft cloth.

Furniture Polish

Hi! Here is a wonderful polish for your wood-furniture pieces. You will use VINEGAR and OLIVE OIL. I mix my polish in a travel-size shampoo bottle with a "flip lid." Pour 1/4 cup vinegar and 5-6 drops olive oil into the bottle or whatever container you're using. Shake well to mix. Moisten a soft cloth with the mixture and wipe furniture. You can use this on the wooden handles of your knives too!

Your wood will enjoy the beauty treatment, and you'll enjoy how pretty your furniture looks.

Glass, Mirror, & Faucet Cleaner

Hi! Thanks for all of the positive emails about my blog!

Here is a SIMPLE alternative to Windex and other "blue" cleaners. It works perfectly on glass, mirrors and faucets. You need a bottle of CLUB SODA and a spray bottle. Fill the bottle with club soda, spritz on the surface, and wipe clean with paper towels. You'll love it! No obnoxious smells, and no dangerous chemicals! :)

Try it and let me know what you think.