Quality Living Styles

Cleaning Coffee Makers

• To remove hard water build-up in most drip-type coffee makers, run full-strength household vinegar (white or apple cider) through a normal brew cycle. Then carefully pour the hot vinegar back in the water reservoir and let it set for 20 minutes, or longer, to break up the mineral deposits. Then run a few cycles with just plain water.

Deodorant Stain Removal

• To get rid of most fresh deodorant and antiperspirant stains on washable fabrics, rub the areas with undiluted white vinegar, let set for 5 minutes, so the vinegar can work, then launder as you normally do and use the hottest water appropriate for the fabric. Let it air dry. Repeat if necessary.

Drain Freshener

• This mixture will help to keep drains fresh, but it will not unclog them. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Add 1 to 2 cups of warm vinegar. After a minute or so, let hot water flow down the drain for a good minute or two. Then flush out the drain with a lot of cold tap water. When vinegar is added, the mixture will fizz and foam up. This action helps to clean out the drains. It is advised not to let the mixture sit in the drain overnight.

Glass Cleaner

• To remove hard water stains on glasses, try soaking the glasses in hot (not boiling) household vinegar for 30 to 60 minutes, then scrub with a nylon net scrubby. If this does not work, the glasses maybe permanently etched. There is no solution if this is the case.

Window Cleaner

• To make clean windows or mirrors sparkle, add 2 cups of vinegar to 1 gallon of water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray liberally over the window or mirror. Dry with crumpled newspaper for a streak-free window or mirror. You can make the vinegar/water cleaner stronger, if needed.