Clean your windows for pennies. Here's how to whip up high powered glass cleaner for pennies. Pour 1 gallon (3.7 liters) warm water into a bucket. Add 1 cup white vinegar and 1 teaspoon grease-cutting dishwashing liquid, and then stir. If you're cleaning a lot of large windows, apply the glass cleaner with a squeegee straight out of the bucket. Otherwise, pour the mixture into plastic squirt bottles. Easy and cheap!
Clean your sink with herbs.
One of the worst things about porcelain sinks is that they scuff so easily. Forget the Ajax. Instead, Linda Mason Hunter, coauthor of the book Green Clean, recommends an herbal bath. Steep several bunches of rosemary or thyme in hot water for a few hours, then strain. Top up the sink with water, pour in the mixture, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, you'll find a glistening white sink that smells like an herb garden.
Dirty disposer.
To remove grease buildup in your garbage disposal, periodically grind a handful of ice cubes mixed with 1/2 cup baking soda. Together, the powder and cubes will safely scour the inside of the disposer. Flush any residue by plugging the sink and filling it with 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) of water, then run the disposer while the water drains. Grind lemon peels to freshen the smell.
Decorating tips.
Use bold fabric patterns in small way. A little on a footstool or accent pillows will go a long way. It won’t overwhelm and it will stand out. This is a good way to use your favourite without having to break the bank buying several yards to cover an entire couch. For large chairs, choose a small print. The chairs are dramatic enough. A small print helps balance that drama and looks more sophisticated.
Seating arrangements.
Avoid the predictable seating arrangement. You know; a sofa, a pair of matching chairs, a coffee table in between… boring! The solution is elegantly simple. It's a trick designers call the "pull-up chair' - a non matching chair tossed into the mix to keep the arrangement looking fresh and unique.
Painting tricks.
Add architectural interest to a room. Paint the molding and the trim around windows and doors a shade or two darker than the walls, and paint the window sashes—the sliding parts that carry the glass—an even deeper shade. Guests will ask for the name of the designer you hired!
