Many would be surprised to learn that common household cleaning products and other things designed for interior spaces also have terrific applications outside.
Here are some new uses for common household products that are helpful for doing cleanup work outside:
- Use oven cleaner on the saw blades of a lawnmower to make it easier to remove caked-on gunk and clean the blade before sharpening.
- Dish soap makes an excellent degreaser to clean oil spills and stains from garage floors. Use it as a concentrate without dilution with a strong brush. Let it soak in for a few minutes, and then rinse with water.
- Spray window cleaner in cement or wall cracks to kill insects, like ants. A puree made from the rinds of citrus, such as oranges, lemons, or limes is a natural ant killer. Vinegar will not kill ants, but it is a good repellant.
- Use talcum powder or borax cleaning powder to block ants, cockroaches, and other bugs from entering the home. Simply spread a one-inch line around the base of all exterior walls.
- Make a safe, less-toxic weed killer. Mix one cup of table salt, with one gallon of vinegar, and one tablespoon of dish soap. Spray on weeds that grow in the sidewalk cracks, but do not use near good plants.
- Use cooking spray to stops squeaks in door hinges and exterior gates.
- When replacing a shower curtain with a new one, use the old one as a nice liner for a car trunk.
- Use baby powder and a strong pin to make it easier to untie tight knots in a rope.
- Neatly store small hand tools and parts using a see-through over-the-door shoe organizer in a shop, shed, or garage.
While taking care of cleaning the home, be sure to ask the agents of The Sanford Group to review current homeowner’s insurance to make sure your policy is up-to-date with the proper coverage. The agents at The Sanford Group will compare the insured value of the home with current market valuations and replacement costs, and then make an expert recommendation. Call them at 678-454-0661 or get a quote using the website of The Sanford Group.