Believe your eyes—it’s spring! Time to bid farewell to the snowblower, gas up the lawnmower, and let the sunshine in (whether your allergies approve or not). And what better way to welcome the season than with a few simple money-saving tips to freshen up your home and yard?
DIY Glass Cleaner
Forget expensive window sprays—your pantry has everything you need for a streak-free shine. Mix:- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 8 drops Blue Dawn (or other dishwashing liquid)
- 1 gallon warm water
Newspaper Know-How
Skip the paper towels and go old school with newspaper. It cleans windows better with fewer streaks, and don’t worry—the ink won’t smudge your glass. Your hands? Maybe. But that’s what soap is for. Want a cleaner option? Check with your local newspaper printing plant for roll ends of unused newsprint—free and landfill-friendly!Cloudy Day Rule
If the sun is shining, step away from the Windex. Wash windows on a cloudy day instead. The slower drying time means fewer streaks—unless you enjoy washing them twice.Streak Detective
For a foolproof way to spot streaks, use vertical strokes outside and horizontal strokes inside. That way, when the streaks inevitably show up (because, let’s be honest, they will), you'll know which side to blame.Windowsill Rescue
Dingy windowsills? Wipe them down with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. The results will make you wonder why you waited until spring.Oops! Paint on the Carpet?
Q: Help! I dripped latex paint on my new carpeting, and it dried hard. I think it’s ruined!A: Breathe. Your carpet’s not doomed just yet. Grab lacquer thinner (not paint thinner) from the hardware store. Dampen a clean white cloth and let the thinner soak into the dried latex paint. After a few minutes, gently blot—don’t scrub! The paint should loosen. Test in a hidden spot first and, as always, keep this stuff away from kids and pets. For a stubborn situation, repeat and resaturate as necessary.
