Frugal Tips & Hints - Housecleaning - How to Deep Clean (Steam) the Carpets Frugally!

With two cats, I've noticed lately that there are some areas on our carpets that need some attention. But, I don't want to spend $40+ to rent a steam cleaning carpet machine. Of course, I searched for the best FRUGAL ways to get the carpet clean. Here's what I discovered:

• If you need to clean your carpets often, purchasing a steam cleaner is likely the most frugal thing to do. (Cheaper option? Borrow your parents' machine or a friend's!) Just fill the water tank with the hottest possible tap water and a cup of white vinegar. This is the BEST way to get carpets really clean, without leaving sticky residue in carpet fibers that will actually attract more dirt. (Which, of course, was certainly not your purpose in the first place!!) After a while, the vinegar scent will naturally dissipate, and because vinegar is a terrific natural odor neutralizer, your floors will smell fresh on top of looking so fabulously clean!

I'd love to hear your tips on which carpet cleaners work the best. If you own a carpet steamer, please email me at christina@happyslob.com to tell me how you like yours...

Frugal Tips - Frugal Cleaning Solutions You Can Make Yourself

The simplest and most effective all-purpose cleaner for around your home is my Very Vinegar Cleaner (You can find out more about that & my Happy Slob Housecleaning methods at http://www.happyslob.com/buythebook.html) Here it is:

• plain water
• white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar if you really hate the aroma of regular vinegar)
• a drop or two of dishwashing liquid soap

Use about 1 part vinegar to 2 or 3 parts plain tap water, adding a drop or two of dishwashing liquid soap. (For washing dishes in the sink, not dishwasher detergent.) Shake it all together in a clean plastic bottle with a spray attachment. Use to clean just about everything!

I have a lot more free homemade cleaning formulas at http://www.happyslob.com/cleaningrecipes.html

Peroxide Tips - Uses for 3% Over the Counter Hydrogen Peroxide

Uses of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

This was written by Becky Ransey of Indiana
and submitted to me by Jeannie V.

"I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little old bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide, or they would lose thousands of dollars."

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe) No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle)

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of "Peroxide" to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, or plugged sinuses. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria . Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. I f you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, Pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this. I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without!

With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner. Send on to others who might need to know the benefits of 3% peroxide