Deodorize a Humidifier
When your humidifier starts to smell funky, deodorize it with ease: Just pour 3 or 4 teaspoons lemon juice into the water. It will not only remove the off odor but will replace it with a lemon-fresh fragrance. Repeat every couple of weeks to keep the odor from returning.
Ceramic Tile and Slate Floors
Clean tile and slate with warm water only. Prevention becomes essential with these floor surfaces. Regularly apply a sealant found in tile stores to slate, tile and especially the grout. Clean spills immediately.
(If warm water alone sounds disturbingly simple, you can clean ceramic tile floors with vinegar. Fill one bucket with clean water. In the other bucket, mix a solution of 1 cup vinegar and 1 gallon of warm water. Wash with the vinegar mixture, rinse in the clear water, repeat.)
Cleaning stains out of grout can test your patience. The porous nature of grout means liquid cleaners seep right through. First thoroughly spray a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water directly on the spot. Let that set 15 minutes and repeat. Do not use this mixture on colored grout. Peroxide is bleach, safe but nonetheless bleach. It removes the color from colored grout.
If the stain refuses to budge, soak a heavy-duty paper towel with straight peroxide laying the towel on top of the stain. Cover the towel with plastic wrap to prevent the peroxide from drying out quickly. The towel holds the peroxide on the surface giving it time to dissolve the stain. If that doesn't work, mix a paste of straight peroxide and baking soda. Allow the bubbling to subside. Apply to the stain and let it set. Re-spray with peroxide as it dries out.
Shaving cream sprayed on stains also does a good job removing them. If your grout is colored test an inconspicuous spot first. Tile stores now carry a cleaner stick that resembles chalk. It is safe to use on colored grout and works wonders. After you remove the stains from the grout, seal them.
Make a Clay Facial
Some of us do not have facial clay sitting around the house, so here's a quick introduction...
WHAT IS IT?
An anti-aging, astringent body masque that is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and enzymes that heals, detoxifies and stimulates circulation.
WHICH ONE DO I CHOOSE?
French Green Clay is also known as Sea Clay. The molecular makeup of the clay is absorbent to the skin. The green is the most aggressive for complex oily skin that needs whipped into shape.
Rhassoul or Red Clay comes from Morocco, has been used for centuries as soap, shampoo, and skin conditioner in some the finest spas in the world. It comes from the Atlas Mountains in Eastern Morocco and resembles silky earth when refined. It is absorbent and effective for cleaning and detoxifying. It is used to reduce dryness, reduce flakiness and improves skin’s clarity, texture and elasticity.
Bentonite Clay is volcanic ash. Bentonite clay is somewhat different from the other types of clay. When water is added to Bentonite, the molecular structure changes and an electrical charge is produced. The clay swells like a sponge, attracting toxins into the mixture and once they are drawn, they are bound to the clay because of the electric charge.
White Clay and Pink Clay, also known as Rose Clay, are best for sensitive skin. For delicate skin 5 minutes should be enough.
WHERE DO I BUY?
Here's a link to an online shop that will deliver.
Otherwise you can find a limited range of products at your local Sally Beauty Supply Store or Carrefour.
HOW DO I USE IT?
Mix up one of our delightful homemade clay facial recipes. Allow the clay to stand for a few minutes to absorb the moisture. Apply a 1/8 to ½ inch thick layer to the face, throat and neckline and let it sit.
It usually takes 5 minutes for delicate skin and 15 to 20 minutes for normal skin, but if it is wet, it is still working. The pulling and tightening sensation is normal and what you want to happen.
Remove the clay by washing off with warm water. Never allow a mask to dry. If you feel the mask is starting to dry and crack, it's past time to take it off.
Never rub your face vigorously. Use a warm soft damp cloth. Allow the warmth and heat to penetrate the mask and wipe gently using an upward motion.
WHAT IS IT?
An anti-aging, astringent body masque that is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and enzymes that heals, detoxifies and stimulates circulation.
WHICH ONE DO I CHOOSE?
French Green Clay is also known as Sea Clay. The molecular makeup of the clay is absorbent to the skin. The green is the most aggressive for complex oily skin that needs whipped into shape.
Rhassoul or Red Clay comes from Morocco, has been used for centuries as soap, shampoo, and skin conditioner in some the finest spas in the world. It comes from the Atlas Mountains in Eastern Morocco and resembles silky earth when refined. It is absorbent and effective for cleaning and detoxifying. It is used to reduce dryness, reduce flakiness and improves skin’s clarity, texture and elasticity.
Bentonite Clay is volcanic ash. Bentonite clay is somewhat different from the other types of clay. When water is added to Bentonite, the molecular structure changes and an electrical charge is produced. The clay swells like a sponge, attracting toxins into the mixture and once they are drawn, they are bound to the clay because of the electric charge.
White Clay and Pink Clay, also known as Rose Clay, are best for sensitive skin. For delicate skin 5 minutes should be enough.
WHERE DO I BUY?
Here's a link to an online shop that will deliver.
Otherwise you can find a limited range of products at your local Sally Beauty Supply Store or Carrefour.
HOW DO I USE IT?
Mix up one of our delightful homemade clay facial recipes. Allow the clay to stand for a few minutes to absorb the moisture. Apply a 1/8 to ½ inch thick layer to the face, throat and neckline and let it sit.
It usually takes 5 minutes for delicate skin and 15 to 20 minutes for normal skin, but if it is wet, it is still working. The pulling and tightening sensation is normal and what you want to happen.
Remove the clay by washing off with warm water. Never allow a mask to dry. If you feel the mask is starting to dry and crack, it's past time to take it off.
Never rub your face vigorously. Use a warm soft damp cloth. Allow the warmth and heat to penetrate the mask and wipe gently using an upward motion.
Hardwood Floors
Great idea. No filthy residue. Dries quickly and easily leaving an eye catching shine! What's the secret? Vinegar and water will shine up your hardwood floors better than any newfangled product out there. I got this idea from some friends with impeccable sparkling floors! I was blown away when I found out how simple their secret was.
Mix 1/2 cup (.25L) of vinegar with one gallon (4L) of warm water. Wipe your floors with a soft cotton cloth. A Tee-shirt tied to a dust-mop or swiffer will do large surfaces quicker. Immediately dry with a soft towel.
Vinegar just happens to be antibacterial too, so that's a plus for some people out there. You can throw in a splash of dish soap if you want to add a light scent, but you'll really be surprised at how quickly the vinegar smell dissipates as the liquid evaporates.
Mix 1/2 cup (.25L) of vinegar with one gallon (4L) of warm water. Wipe your floors with a soft cotton cloth. A Tee-shirt tied to a dust-mop or swiffer will do large surfaces quicker. Immediately dry with a soft towel.
Vinegar just happens to be antibacterial too, so that's a plus for some people out there. You can throw in a splash of dish soap if you want to add a light scent, but you'll really be surprised at how quickly the vinegar smell dissipates as the liquid evaporates.
Marble
Do not use anything other than liquid dish soap on marble. Harsher cleansers will damage the surface. Always dry marble to prevent water spots from leaving their signature mark. Marble stains easily so wipe spills immediately. Do not use vinegar or orange based cleaners to clean marble. The acid in them will damage the surface. Peroxide is safe for stain removal.
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