Copper and brass fixtures looking dull? Half a lemon with salt sprinkled over the cut side is a fast, all-natural polisher! Just rub it over the metal and rinse thoroughly. Note: use this method on SOLID brass fixtures only, and be sure to test it in an inconspicuous spot first (a good idea with any polisher).

Smelly feet? Turn your socks into all-natural odor-eaters with this easy concoction! Mix a 1/4 cup of baking soda with a gallon of warm water and soak freshly washed socks in it for a half hour. Run the socks through the rinse cycle your washer and dry as usual. Voila! No more stink!

Winter’s finally over! But are soot and soil marks still hanging around the bricks on your fireplace? Mix together a cup of washing soda (not baking soda, look for it it in the laundry section of your local store) and a gallon of hot water and apply it with a stiff brush (and a lot of elbow grease!) to the stained bricks. Wipe clean with some old rags. You can even use this solution to scrub outdoor stucco walls! Tip: Be sure to cover the carpet around the fireplace with an old sheet or drop cloth. You may also want to have your fireplace checked, since excessive soot and smoke can be a sign that the chimney is not drawing properly.

Put a wet dishcloth in the center of your microwave, set the power to “high,” and zap it for 30-40 seconds. The resulting steam will loosen up any cooked-on spills. Once the cloth has cooled down a little, use it to wipe out the inside of the oven. Voila – you’re done!

Extra tip: To keep the microwave smelling fresh, add 3 or 4 lemon slices to a bowl of water, set the power to “high” and microwave it for at least 30 seconds.

Corduroy fabric is warm, sturdy and stylish! Keep corduroy garments looking their best by turning them inside out for laundering. Wash them in warm water on the delicate cycle. You can dry corduroy clothes in the dryer, but don’t let them dry all the way – take them out while they’re still damp, smooth out seams and pockets, then hang them up to finish drying. Iron them on the “wrong” side so the pile won’t get crushed. To fluff it up even more, brush against the nap with a soft brush.

Recycle those old rags and make the switch to microfiber! Cloths and other cleaning tools made of microfiber cloth (like the top-selling Miracle Cloth™ from Solutions) are super-soft and hold their shape well. They’re also ultra-absorbent, soaking up to seven times their own weight in liquid, which makes them ideal for mopping up spills. They’ll even absorb oils and grease!

Long a favorite of car detailers and enthusiasts, microfiber cleaning cloths are easy on paintwork, and even more effective than newspaper when it comes to cleaning glass without leaving streaks.

Tests show that cleaning surfaces with microfiber cloths or mops eliminates 99% of bacteria, while conventional cleaning tools reduce bacteria by only 33%. And with their superior ability to “grab” dust and debris, cleaning is faster and easier.

One of the best features of microfiber cleaning tools, however, is that they leave surfaces sparkling without the use of household cleaners. That means less exposure to chemicals for your family, and more savings for you. In fact, the slightly higher cost of microfiber cleaning tools is more than compensated for with what you’ll save on household cleaners – and your tools are sure to last a long time.

Miracle Cloth	No need for harsh chemicals. Miracle Cloth cleans with water.
Miracle Cloth Dish Towel	Miracle Cloth performance in a dish towel.
Microfiber Mop Cover	Turn your sponge mop into a super scrubber…and clean with just water.

Come see our entire selection of Miracle Cloth and microfiber cleaning tools.

Spotted a spot on fabric, but have no idea what it is or how it got there? Try blotting it with cool water. If that doesn’t work, blot a wet sponge sprinkled with a few drops of vinegar or ammonia and rinse. NOTE: don’t try this with cotton or linen fabrics – instead, blot the stain with rubbing alcohol diluted with an equal amount of water before rinsing. For white fabrics, try sponging with a solution of one part bleach and four parts water, then launder as usual.

Here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years for caring for ski, snowboard, and other waterproof outerwear.

1. Wear only when you need the waterproofing. As stylish as your ski jacket maybe, the waterproof coating will rub off when sitting in car seats and movie theaters.
2. Wash with powder detergent only. Liquid detergents will degrade waterproofing performance.
3. Hang dry away from the sun. This includes after washing, or even just getting wet.
4. Re-apply a waterproof coating (such as Scotch Guard™) once or twice per season using the instructions on the canister.

After years of use, waterproof jackets and pants will eventually wear down, get small cuts or holes, seams will wear and water may seep in. Replace your waterproof clothing when it stops keeping you dry.

Note: This is intended as a set of helpful tips, not complete care for your apparel. Always read the labels carefully before laundering and coating your waterproof clothing.