25 Alternate uses for Rubbing Alcohol

http://www.walletpop.com/2010/12/04/25-alternative-uses-for-rubbing-alcohol/

25 Alternative Uses for Rubbing Alcohol

Humbly-disguised in boring, unattractive packaging, the numerous alternative uses of rubbing alcohol are easy to miss. Sure, it'll ease a sore muscle and cool a fever, but did you know it can also be used to create a nifty ice pack? With more than 20 ah-HAH! uses, rubbing alcohol is an inexpensive, drugstore wallflower worth a second look.

Priced to sell between $1.99 (CVS for 70% Isopropyl) and $3.95 for (90% Isopropyl at Amazon.com) a 16-ounce bottle is generally recommended for use in "decreasing germs in minor cuts and scrapes ... and relieving minor muscular aches due to over exertion." But don't stop there.

Mirror Mirror
The ThriftyFun website suggests using rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth or paper towel to clean old mirrors that have developed a patina or stubborn spots and streaks. The site also notes the same treatment can be given to bathroom mirrors, faucets and counters. "It eliminates germs on many surfaces and cleans them for little cost," enthuses the site.

Disinfectant
Be aware, however, that although rubbing alcohol does disinfect skin, it doesn't promise to sterilize all surfaces. Designated as "the gold standard against which all other skin disinfectants should be measured," by the World Health Organization, it earns an "intermediate level disinfectant" classification by the APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) because it won't sterilize surgical instruments (when used alone) or kill hydrophilic viruses (as opposed to the more common and easily-sterilized lipophilic viruses, but you already knew that!).

Consider it a friendly warning for do-it-yourselfers looking to practice at-home surgeries. However, if you're at a point where you need to perform your own operations, you've got bigger fish to fry than finding multiple uses for rubbing alcohol, but I digress.

Dry Erase Board Build-Up
The super solution easily removes build up from dry erase boards, and can be swiped over dirty computer keyboards, cell phones and MP3 players. The surfaces will be cleaner and home to fewer germs. A good thing.

Natural De-Greaser
Reported to moonlight as a cheap and easy de-greaser, I poured some onto a cloth and wiped down my stove, vent and teapot. It worked great, and cost much less than products marketed to do the same thing. Several websites suggest wiping down all kitchen appliances including chrome to clean and shine. One notes, there is no need to rinse afterwards because the rubbing alcohol dries almost immediately. This technique also scores points for reducing the number of chemicals sprayed around the kitchen and bathroom, similar to using baking soda or vinegar as previously discussed in a WalletPop article entitled, Toothpaste to polish silver? One mom cleans green and finds big savings.

Easy Ice Pack
Handy rubbing alcohol ice packs can be made by combining one part rubbing alcohol with two parts water in a zip lock freezer bag. Voila! The rubbing alcohol prevents the bag from freezing solid. Ready for emergencies or maybe just the morning after the big office party. Good to be prepared!

Health and Beauty
Helping out in the beauty and fashion department, rubbing alcohol can substitute for nail polish remover and clean the backs of pierced earrings as well. In a pinch, you can use rubbing alcohol instead of deodorant. Melissa Howard writes on eHow that by adding 15 drops of essential oil to a fine-mist spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol you will have an instant grooming staple. She cautions to avoid applying immediately after shaving the arm pits.

No More Ring Around the Collar
Reader's Digest also suggests eliminating ring around the collar by swiping your neck with a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or cloth. They claim it's refreshing, but be warned it's also drying to the skin. Don't over-do this one.

Medical Marvels
eHow notes, however, in the case of mosquito bites and cold sores, dabbing a little rubbing alcohol onto affected areas will dry out the areas (in a good way!), relieve itchiness and reduce the cold sore.

Candle Cleaner
But wait, there's more. You know those candles that haven't been lit since last holiday season and might have accumulated just the teensiest bit of dust and grime? Dampen a cleaning rag with rubbing alcohol and swipe away the dust -before you light them! Like new. This tip gets two thumbs way up.

Fire Starter
Speaking of fire, be sure to keep your rubbing alcohol away from heat and flame since it is extremely flammable. Unless of course, you're trying to start a fire -- which I don't recommend as there are far safer methods available.

Stain Removal
Getting back to tips I do recommend, rubbing alcohol can be used to blot away fresh ink stains on carpet or clothing. For tougher stains, soak the spot in rubbing alcohol for several minutes, then wash.

Frost Free
This winter, several sites, including Reader's Digest, suggest keeping windows frost free by washing them with a solution of one quart water and a half-cup of rubbing alcohol. Could be worth a try on car windows especially. In fact, simply pouring rubbing alcohol onto frosted car windows will dissolve it immediately. Another item to put in the trunk.

Fight Fruit Flies
The book, Extraordinary Uses For Ordinary Things reports putting rubbing alcohol in a fine-mist spray bottle can be used to get rid of fruit flies. Be careful when spraying to avoid getting it in your eyes. Another helpful hint, toss the over-ripe fruit.

Sticky Stuff
Rubbing alcohol has long been a popular choice for removing sticky residue left behind from price tags, band aids and stickers. Soak the area for a few minutes, or dab onto skin, and wipe clean.

In The Garden
Lauren Wise advises on the Garden Guides website that rubbing alcohol can also be used to clean garden tools that have been used to remove dead, diseased and rotting plants. "Gardeners don't always consider the fact that this harmful bacteria will be transferred to their garden tools and needs to be removed so it doesn't transfer to healthy plants .... there are many sanitizers that you can use to do this, but rubbing alcohol is something almost everyone has around." Wise advises cleaning off the tools with soap and water and then letting each tool soak individually in rubbing alcohol for about a minute. Wipe the tools with a clean rag that has also been soaked in rubbing alcohol. The tools should dry quickly.

Not A Cocktail
Whatever you do, don't drink it. Although there is alcohol in the name, rubbing alcohols are mixed with poison (often Methanol) and bitter-tasting additives to prevent human consumption -- and avoid the taxes and fees of a party beverage. As such, it is considered a "denatured" alcoholic product. In fact, it can cause death or permanent injury (think: coma, blindness, seizures, vomiting, confusion, slow breathing, pale or bluish skin) if consumed, which is sobering indeed.

Alternative Uses for Lemons!!

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/09/16/30-alternative-uses-for-lemons/

1 - Clean pots and pans, using the cut side of the lemon.
2 - Clean kitchen sink, sprinkle table salt around sink and scrub like a sponge using the cut side of the lemon.
3- Mix lemon juice or rinds with water and cooking on high for five minutes in a dirty microwave. Then just wipe stains away.
4 - Clean chrome fixtures (ex: shower, etc)
5 - Clean up that tarnish on brass door handles and locks using a paste of Lemon juice and Baking soda.
6 - Place lemon wedges by the Guinea pigs cage or by the kitty litter box to help eliminate odors.

7 - Don't like the smell of cooked cabbage? add a lemon slice to the pot.
8 - Put lemon juice and water in a spray bottle to use as an all natural air freshener
9 - Get rid of odors in the fridge by soaking a sponge in lemon juice and leave in the fridge overnight.
10 - get rid of odors from the garbage disposal and cut up slices of lemon or old lemon rinds and grind in disposal.
11 - Put lemon rinds in humidifier to elicit a clean, fresh scent.
12 - For dry, winter days, simmering lemon rinds mixed with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple skins on a stove top to create a fragrant, do-it-yourself humidifier.
13 - Sniffing lemons just might make you smarter... and thinner?
14 - Get rid of garlic, onion or fish smell on your hands by rubbing fingers into a lemon. (the acid in the lemon also works as a disinfectant)
15 - Deter your roaches, fleas and ants: add the juice of four lemons mixed to a gallon of water and wash the floor.

16 - Use Lemons as a flea repellent for your dog.
17 - Highlight your hair with 1/4 cup of Lemon juice and 3/4 cup water applied to hair and dry in the sun.
18 - Lighten age spots.
19 - Get rid of itching from poison ivy or bug bites by applying a slice of lemon to the affected area.
20 - Shrink warts with lemon juice, applying for several days.
21 - Disinfect cuts, scrapes and stopping bleeding by pouring lemon juice to the area.
22 - Use as invisible ink.
23 - Make lemon bars!

Homemade Shampoo

Basic Shampoo
This is a great basic shampoo for all hair types. If you hair is oily, omit the optional vegetable oil, but if your hair is dry or damaged, you should definitely include it. This shampoo is gentle on hair and won't strip away its natural oils, so it will help keep it healthy and shiny.

Ingredients:
1 /2 cup water
1 /2 cup mild liquid soap (try castile made from olive oil)
1 /2 teaspoon light vegetable oil Directions:
Gently stir all of the ingredients together, being careful not to beat the mixture, as this will cause it to foam up. Pour the shampoo into a clean squeeze bottle or plastic container. To use, shampoo as you normally would, then rinse well with cool water.

Refreshing Mint Hair Rinse
If you're in need of a refreshing pick-me-up for dull, limp locks, this rinse will do the trick. Together, the mint tea and vinegar will get your scalp really clean and leave your hair fresh and shiny. Mint is naturally energizing and will give your scalp a tingly, fresh feeling, and the vinegar will rid your hair of any residue from styling gels or soap based shampoos.

Ingredients:
1 /2 cup boiling water
1 to 2 mint tea bags
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Directions:
Pour the boiling water over the tea bag and let it steep until cool. Remove the tea bag, pressing it to extract as much tea as possible, then stir in the vinegar. To use, shampoo and condition your hair as usual then apply the entire mixture to your hair. Massage it into your scalp and work it through your hair, then dry your hair as you normally would, without rinsing it out.

911 Hair Rescue Mask
This great hair conditioning mask for repairing dry, damaged hair is especially good if you use a lot high-heat styling tools, such as a blow dryer or straightening iron. It will help revive lackluster hair, from your scalp to the ends of your hair.

Ingredients:
1 /2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons light olive oil
3 to 4 drops essential oil of peppermint or 1 sprig of fresh mint
1 to 2 drops essential oil of rosemary or 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Directions:
Put all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until you have a smooth mixture. To use, first shampoo your hair, then apply the entire mixture and massage it into your hair and scalp. Put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in an old towel and leave the mixture on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse well with warm water and style as usual.

While the results of these hair treatments will be "amazing", says Cox, "they may feel a bit different from the commercial products you are used to using. In other words, your homemade shampoo may not be as foamy or your conditioner may feel a bit thicker."

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/04/01/save-money-and-the-environment-with-homemade-hair-treatments/?icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl6|link7|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stylelist.com%2F2010%2F04%2F01%2Fsave-money-and-the-environment-with-homemade-hair-treatments%2F

15 Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda isn't just for deodorizing your fridge or for cooking: We explore he many joys of using baking soda around the house.

How can baking soda be good for cleaning, baking, deodorizing -- and even weeding -- all at the same time? Vicki Lansky's book, Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun, and Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of, explains it all. The book was a runaway hit in 2003, and it still is today, because frugal times call for frugal ingredients that get the job done as well as store-bought formulas. We scoured our sources and found a few more unusual ways to put inexpensive baking soda to work at home. (For more on this miraculous green ingredient, refer to Lansky's book.)

1. Washing food
Make a paste of baking soda on a clean sponge, and then wash toxins off the skin of fruits and vegetables. Rinse well before eating.

2. Drain cleaner
Okay, baking soda it isn't as powerful as commercial de-cloggers, but it costs virtually pennies to make and is a great first line of defense. Take a half cup of baking soda, pour down drain followed by half cup of white vinegar. Place a glass bowl over the top of the drain for two hours, then rinse with hot water. This should remove grease and dirt build-up through the pipes.

3. Vacuum odors
Sprinkle baking soda on the floor, then vacuum it up to kill odors in your vacuum.

4. Welcome mats
Speaking of floors, according to Lansky's book, you can ditch and deodorize the dirt at your front door by sprinkling baking soda on welcome mats, then vacuuming up the powder.

5. Soft hands
Make baking soda into a paste and use on hands while washing dishes. It'll help remove tough baked-on food while softening your hands at the same time.

6. Musty books
Do you have some old and musty books that you can't bear to throw out? Sprinkle some baking soda between the pages, and brush it out a few days later for a fresh scent

7. Mothball smell
According to the blog, Green Eco Services, the smell of mothballs on clothing can be removed by adding ½ cup of baking soda to your washing machine's rinse cycle to eliminate the odor.

8. Oil and grease
Sprinkle soda on the garage or basement floor to soak up oil and grease.

9. Weathered look
If you want a quick way to eliminate mold and mildew while achieving a weathered look for your deck, Green Eco Services recommends you use baking soda. Wash your deck with a solution of two cups baking soda in one gallon water, and use a stiff straw brush to work the solution into the wood, then rinse with cool water for a clean, yet aged patina.

10. Weed killer
Sweeping large amounts of sodium-rich baking soda into the cracks of your paved walks and driveways will eliminate weeds and dandelions.

11. Canvas cleaner
To clean anything canvas, rub on a paste of baking soda, then rub off.

12. Burnt pots
To eliminate seriously burnt-on food, pour in a thick cushion of baking soda, add an inch or so of water, and put the pot on the stove to boil. After boiling for a minute, try scrubbing again (don't burn yourself). The burned-on mess should come right off.

13. Plastic shower curtains
One of the best tips in Lansky's book alleviates this stubborn problem and cuts down on the amount of money spent on shower curtains: Wash mildewed or dirty plastic shower curtains in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with a couple of bath towels, and add in a half cup of baking soda and detergent during the wash cycle. Add in one cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle, then let drip dry.

14. Automatic dishwasher detergent
Make an automatic dish washing detergent using baking soda (and it works): Simply mix two tablespoons baking soda and two tablespoons borax, as a alternative to commercial detergent.. If you prefer to use your dish washing detergent, but want a cleaning boost, then just sprinkle a good amount of baking soda over dirty dishes, then wash as usual.

15. Stinky clothes
We know that baking soda deodorizes just about anything, but here's another way to use it for clothing with a deep smoke or gasoline odor. Place the clothing in a plastic bag with baking soda for two days, then wash as usual.

http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/05/21/15-unusual-uses-for-baking-soda/?icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shelterpop.com%2F2010%2F05%2F21%2F15-unusual-uses-for-baking-soda%2F

Brown Sugar uses

Brown sugar is a wonderful head-to-toe exfoliator, not only will regular application make way for radiant skin, it's also far less abrasive than salt scrubs. Here's some ways to use this multi-faceted sweetener: Use with your favorite conditioner as a scalp scrub to keep dry, scabby scalp at bay. Start with dry hair that's sectioned off in fours. Then mix brown sugar with your favorite conditioner and rub in the mixture on all parts taking care to use your finger tips rather than scratching your scalp. You can also whip a batch of brown sugar body scrub in lieu of more expensive store brands to get you ready for any type of weather and for sandal season. Try this formula: 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 olive oil with a couple of dollops of honey. After bathing, slather this concoction on your skin and rinse well under a warm stream of water. With regular use, your skin, and your wallet will thank you."

Homemade Laundry Detergent

To make powder laundry detergent you just need 3 ingredients:

1) Borax
2) Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (different that just baking soda; found in the laundry/cleaners isle)
3) Fels Naptha soap bar - finely grated (You can also use Ivory soap, Sunlight bar soap, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, and Zote. Don’t use heavily perfumed soaps.)

Note: I went a purchased a cheese grater from Ikea (because their cheese graters are my absolute favorite to use and easy to clean) and dedicated that one to my laundry detergent making. :)

Per one bar of grated Fels Naptha, add 1 cup Super Washing Soda and 1 cup Borax. Mix well and store in an air tight container.

Use 1 tablespoon for lightly soiled loads, use 2 tablespoons for heavy soiled loads.

For various recipes to make homemade laundry detergent check out this web site. There are recipes to make liquid laundry detergents.

http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

You can purchase the washing soda most anywhere for around $3-$4 a box, Borax for about $4-$5 a box, and the Fels Naptha, I have found those at Fred Meyers for $1.23 per bar or at Winco for $1.06 per bar.

But is it Really Less Expensive?

Is the laundry detergent a cost saver? How do the numbers on this add up? Well I am a person who likes to know what I am spending and if my efforts save me in one way or another. This is one of the areas that I wanted to know if I was actually saving money. We do a lot of laundry and I make double batches of this soap and knowing that the time spent doing this was a savings for my family was important to me.

Here are my calculations:

The cost of making the above recipe of laundry soap was .71 cents. That was amazing to me! With this 2 gallon size recipe you will have enough to do 64 loads of laundry. That translates to about .01 cent a load.

How Did I Figure This Out?

Here is the breakdown of my costs and how I came up with those numbers (I am using the prices I paid for these items and you may find your price varies some based on what you pay):

Fels Naptha: $1.12 for a 5.5 oz bar. The recipes says use a 1/3 of a bar. I calculated 2 oz. just to make the math a little easier. The cost of the Fels Naptha per batch is: .40 cents

Washing Soda: $2.23 for a 55 oz. box. This came to .17 cents per batch. I calculated how much per oz (2.23 divided by 55) and then weighed a half cup of washing soda (4.2oz.) and multiplied my per oz. price by 4.2

Borax: $3.27 for a 76 oz. box. This came to .14 cents per batch. Did the same calculations as above, however a 1/2 cup of borax weighs 3.5 oz.

For the final numbers I have .40 + .17 + .14 = .71 for 2 gallons of laundry detergent.

The math of this came from http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap.htm