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January 6, 2009  

Household Tips | Entertaining | Body, Mind & Spirit | Saving Money

Household Tips Housewife Xtreme
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Household Tips

Living Room - Furniture Topics

Misc.
Upholstery
Wicker
Wood


Misc.

  • Rub a candle on the runners of a sticky desk drawer.

  • Light scratches on furniture can be disguised by using a wax crayon pencil.

  • Small dents in furniture can be steamed out using a steam iron or a damped cloth. Be careful not to overdo it on delicate or very valuable items.

  • Stickers and decals can be taken off painted furniture by soaking them with vinegar.

  • Use hydrogen peroxide to remove blood from furniture. Rub gently. Test on inconspicuous part of furniture first.

  • If you would like to add, request or suggest some tips or topics please e-mail me at householdtips@housewifextreme.com.



    Upholstery

    FABRIC

  • Mix ¼ Cup dishwashing liquid with 1 cup warm water and whip the solution with an eggbeater. Apply the foam to the upholstery, a small section at a time, with a small soft bristled brush. Shake off the excess water. Rinse the upholstery by gently rubbing the fabric with a moist, clean cloth: rinse the cloth as necessary.

  • LEATHER

  • Remove wax build up with a mixture of ¼ cup vinegar and ½ cup water.

  • Leather must be cleaned with pure soap products only (no detergents) and benefits from occasional applications of conditioner to restore moisture and bring up the sheen. A sudsy solution of soap flakes and warm water is a good way to clean leather upholstery. Apply the suds only, scrubbing gently with a soft bristled brush: wipe clean with a damp sponge.

  • To prevent damage, keep your leather away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Avoid storing in damp areas.

  • VINYL-UPHOLSTERY

  • The best way to clean vinyl upholstery is with baking soda on a damp cloth, followed by a light washing with dishwashing liquid.



  • Wicker

  • Remove dust from wicker by vacuuming with the dust brush attachment. To remove grime, wash with a solution of 2 tablespoons ammonia per gallon of water. Use a paintbrush or a toothbrush to get at hard-to-reach places. Rinse well. Air-dry in the shade.

  • If your wicker furniture is a little wobbly, wash it outdoors with hot soapy water. Rinse and let air dry. The wood and canes will shrink and tighten. Saggy seats also will tighten if treated with hot water. Vinegar can be added to the water for a freshening effect.



  • Wood

    PAINTED WOOD

  • Needs just an occasional dusting and wiping down with a very, very lightly dampened sponge. Using a cleaning product could harm the finish. If you want a shiny finish, you will have to use paste wax.

  • VARNISHED, LACQUERED OR WAXED

  • Dampen a cloth with a light misting of water, dust spray, or furniture polish. All will pick up dirt and grime, and polish leaves behind a thin coating. Don't use polish all the time, as it eventually dulls the finish.




  • If you would like to add, request or suggest some tips or topics please e-mail me at householdtips@housewifextreme.com.


    Tip of the Week

    You can place sugar cubes in the container with your cheese to help keep the cheese mold free.

    ***Food Guide***



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