My mother's household tips: then and now

I want to share this article that i just read from a magazine (Good Housekeeping, January 2006). Its a funny reality. Try to remember some of the household tips that your mom showed you how to do good housekeeping. Hope you can still remember those things that your mom taught you!!!!good luck.lol


My Mother's household tips: then and now


MOM'S WAY

To banish the odor of fresh paint, Mother left out a large pan of water with two teaspoons of ammonia.

UPDATE

Paint companies now produce odorless (or nearly odorless) paint formulas.


MOM'S WAY

She sanitized dishrags by pouring bleach over them and then letting them set in the sink overnight. Later, people switched to sponges and sanitized them in the dishwasher.

UPDATE

We now know that certain bacteria are not destroyed during dishwashing cycles. Experts say it may be safer to use paper towels or disposable wipes for mopping up food spills. Replace sponges often.


MOM'S WAY

To wash windows, my mother recommended using crumpled-up newspaper.

UPDATE

Paper and ink formulas have changed. Some paper is less absorbent, and the ink may leave smudges on windows and casings. I often use a microfiber cloth.


MOM'S WAY

A reader once passed along this hint, from women who worked in her church's kitchen, to my mother: To polish stainless steel sinks, they would saturate a small cloth with soft butter, then rinse off the grease with soap and water.

UPDATE

Vegetable oil on a paper towel will work just as well, with less mess.


MOM'S WAY

Use bleach to remove rust stains from colorfast fabrics.

UPDATE

Actually, you should never use bleach-it accelerates the rust's settling into the fabric. Instead, sprinkle a rust stain with salt and rub with half a lemon, or apply a commercial rust remover (found in the fabric-dye section of supermarkets).


MOM'S WAY

Store batteries in the refrigerator.

UPDATE

Because battery technology has changed, the fridge is not the best spot. Store batteries in a dry place at room temperature (never in high heat or near an open flame). Properly stored, they can last for up to five years (depending on sell-by dates).


MOM'S WAY

Hang whites in the sun to dry.

UPDATE

Not such good advice anymore. Some of today's fabrics contain optical brighteners or fluorescent whitening agents, which can be damaged by chlorine bleach or sunlight, causing yellowing. Read care labels before washing whites.


ADVICE FROM ME:

Don't use these updates as an excuse for not doing house chores that your mom want you to do. Just use this as a good option in doing your housekeeping more effective and easier.