Good Housekeeping

A co-worker gave me the Good Housekeeping magazine when she was finished reading it. I have only skimmed through it but found a page with lots of helpful tips (I shortened some of them with only pertinent information!):

1. No dishwashing liquid? Grab the laundry detergent. A teaspoonful of liquid laundry detergent in a basin of hot water will cut grease on dirty dishes equally well.

2. When you can't find the stain pretreater....try hydrogen peroxide. This medicine-cabinet staple has similar stain-fighting power to that of a color-safe bleach. And it can be applied directly to most fabrics, including washable silk and wool (but spot test in a hidden place first). Dab the stain, then launder right away in the warmest temperature permitted by the item's care label.

3. If you're out of fine-fabric detergent, wash with shampoo. It'll be as gentle on your delicates as it is on your hair. Pretreat any stains by gently rubbing in a drop of the shampoo. Then add a pea-size dollop to the cold-water-filled sink. Wash, rinse and lay flat to dry, as usual.

4. Need carpet stain remover? Pull out a baby wipe or premoistened facial-cleansing wipe. Blot the carpet, turning the wipe as it absorbs the stain, until clean. Sponge the area with a damp cloth to rinse, and let dry.

5. If you're low on silver polish, use toothpaste. Plain, non-gel toothpaste (without additives like whiteners) can rid small silver pieces of light tarnish without damaging the surface. Moisten the silver piece; apply a bit of toothpaste to your finger. Rub gently and rinse, then buff with a soft cloth.