Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings . Out with the old and in with the new. Time to shake out the cobwebs, both literally and figuratively. Spring is a great time for embarking upon cleaning and reorganizing projects around the house, office and yard.  In keeping with this theme,  I have found a couple of recipes and ideas for old-fashioned cleaning products from the Reader’s Digest.  Enjoy!

Brass and Copper Paste Polish
can be used to brighten up your tarnished unlacquered brass and copperware

1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup hot water
1 teaspoon lemon juice

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients to form a paste. Using a soft cloth, rub the mixture onto the metal surfaces to remove tarnish.  Rinse the object thoroughly with warm water.  Dry with soft clean cloths and then buff to a shine with a soft flannel cloth or chamois.

Chrome and Stainless Steel Polish
this removes stains as well as dirt and fingerprints

1/4 teaspoon baby oil
1/2 cup club soda

Apply a few drops of baby oil to a soft cloth or piece of flannel and wipe down the chrome or stainless steel surface.  Use a second soft cloth moistened with the club soda to rinse off the oil.  Dry and buff with a soft cloth.

Spicy Carpet Freshener
adds a nice smell to your rooms while you freshen the carpets

1 cup baking soda or cornstarch
7-10 drops essential oil in your favourite scent

In a large bowl, combine the baking soda or cornstarch with the essential oil. Break up any clumps with a fork and stir well.  Pour the mixture into a cheese shaker or a can with holes punched in the lid.  Sprinkle liberally on the carpet.  Wait 30 minutes, then vacuum.

Cabinet Polish
use on large wood cabinets, bookshelves, wardrobes, wood panelling; be sure to use a fresh batch for each use

1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups warm water

(Can add 1-2 drops Sweet Marjoram or Cedarwood essential oil to mix)

Combine the ingredients in a bowl or container.  Dip a soft flannel cloth into the solution and wring it out.  Wipe over the wood. Buff and polish with a soft, dry cloth.

Enjoy your Spring Cleaning adventures!

Did you know ……With Spring so close, the golfers are itching to get out on the courses again.  To get folks excited about the upcoming season, here are a few quotes about Golf, sent to us by our good friend and avid golfer, Brenda:

  • It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball; I did it in one afternoon on the golf course.  (Hank Aaron)
  • The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course.  (Billy Graham)
  • It’s good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling.  (Mark Twain)
  • May thy ball lie in green pastures … and not in still waters.  (Unknown)
  • Have you ever noticed what golf spells backwards?  (Al Boliska)
  • Reverse every natural instinct and do the opposite of what you are inclined to do, and you will probably come very close to having a perfect golf swing.  (Ben Hogan)