Three tips from "Heloise"

[left-of-center2012]

KITCHEN Keep a large bottle of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (available at supermarkets and drug stores) under the kitchen sink. It has multiple uses: sanitize plastic cutting boards, wipe off dirty can opener blades and to kill bacteria in the drain. Be aware that it may lighten surfaces.

BATH For just pennies, you can clean the bathroom sink, bathtub and shower. Buy the cheapest hair shampoo you can (look for sales). I use a plastic scrubber to apply straight from the bottle, then rinse off. Do this after showering and the gunk will not build up!

LAUNDRY For under a quarter, you can make prewash stain remover for washable clothes! Mix 1/3 nonsudsing/clear ammonia, 1/3 dishwashing liquid (NOT dishwasher liquid or gel), 1/3 water. Pour into a clearly labeled spray bottle. Apply to stains and allow to sit for only 5 minutes, then wash ASAP.

[Curmudgeoness]

1. All good ideas.

I always use hydrogen peroxide to keep my drains clean. I just pour it down in bathroom and kitchen drains about once a month.

And for stains like blood, nothing beats hydrogen peroxide. I even had a friend who got a nose bleed and there was blood all over her carpet----we got it all out without much effort at all just by pouring some on and letting it sit, then blotting up until it was clean. No scrubbing.

And welcome to DU!

[Whisp]

2. I don't buy bathroom cleaners anymore

I use the suggestion above, a scrubby with a plop of cheap shampoo for the tub. We have a Huge tub... and to clean the toilet I buy the sale laundry detergent and put in a bit and brush brush. I use that to clean the floors too.

Can't remember when I bought all that useless, expensive brand name cleanser stuff last.

And for the window, I use white vinegar in a spray bottle.