Clean and Freshen your Home with These 7 Pantry Items

pantryWe love to find new tricks for commonly used items found in our homes.  Being able to be frugal without even knowing it; priceless.  These 7 common items that we use every day, and most likely, in your possession right now, could help you battle a household dilemma.  Read on,  and maybe one of these tricks can treat your “UGH” moment  today!

Salt

 Sprinkle salt on fresh grease stains in the oven. When the oven cools, wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Lemons

 Sanitize wooden cutting boards by rubbing them with half of a freshly cut lemon. For a cleaning bonus, toss the rind in the garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh.

Cream of Tartar

 To remove stains on tablecloths or clothing, combine two tablespoons of cream of tartar with two drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or lemon essential oil. Add just enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste over the stain and allow it to dry before washing.

Ketchup

 To clean and remove tarnish from copper, mix a half-cup of ketchup with two tablespoons cream of tartar. Spread on the copper and let stand for an hour. Rinse first in soapy water and then in clean water. Dry thoroughly.

Aluminum Foil

 For an easy silver tarnish remover, place silver pieces in either a sink or a pan filled with water. Add two tablespoons cream of tartar or baking soda, plus a few strips of aluminum foil. Let the silver soak for an hour or until tarnish-free. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Vanilla Extract

 To preserve a fresh-smelling refrigerator, pour two ounces vanilla extract (imitation is fine) into a saucer or a small, shallow bowl. Place the vanilla on a lower shelf and leave it for a few days.

Olive Oil

 To keep terra-cotta pots looking clean and new, coat them inside and out with a light layer of olive oil.