Cleaning and polishing used to be taken very seriously by the lady of the house. I suppose it still is in some quarters, but I do not think that anyone would deny that standards have and are slipping, despite the mechanical and chemical cleaning aids. Most people just do not have the time any more. Kids do not seem to help like they used to either. I remember having to complete a few chores before I got my pocket money and my Dad said we had it easy compared with him and his siblings. And I believe him too. Times are easier and why should they not be?
Living standards are higher now than ever before, but people in most countries are also working harder or rather longer than in the last 100 years, with the possible exception of farm labourers, who have probably always had it hard. This higher amount of disposable income has lead to more people throwing more away rather than cleaning or mending them and maybe that has to slow down or stop - if manufacturers made things that could be repaired that is. Appliances are welded shut these days with labels like 'No User Serviceable Parts'.
Anyway, here are five top tips for polishing and not buying new every couple of years.
Smear-Free: instead of buying window cleaner, there is a home-made cleaner which is cheaper yet just as effective on any glass or mirrored surface. Mix one part methylated spirits with one part paraffin oil and one part water in a litre bottle and shake before use. You can spray it on if you like or apply it sparingly with a soft cloth. It will keep your glass and mirrors smear-free for far longer than shop-bought liquids.
Busting Out: never ever use metal polish on a bronze statuette or bust or anything else precious or nice for that matter. Instead clean it gently with luke-warm soapy water, dry it off carefully and rub brown shoe polish onto it sparingly with a soft cloth. Buff it up lovingly. Using metal polish would remove the precious, beautiful patina that only time can produce.
Lime Lines: lime lines can spoil the appearance of fine glass or china, but they are quite easily removed in the old fashioned way. Dip a soft cloth into a cup of cider vinegar and rub the lines until they dissolve. If they are persistent, stand the vessels upside down in cider vinegar over night.
Fishy Business: we all know that you are supposed to wash the glasses washing up water first, but it does not always work out like that. One way to avoid fishy smelling crockery, cutlery and glasses is to put a tablespoon of vinegar in the washing up water before you start. No smells, not even vinegary ones.
Storing Silver: if you have some nice silverware that you only bring out on special occasions, you can cut down on the cleaning by putting it away between uses in a see-through plastic bag tied off with a twist strip. One per bag. It will cut down the oxidization of the silver
Autor: Owen Jones
Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on a lot of subjects, but is presently occupied with Polar Express train sets. If you would like to know more about train sets for kids, please go over to our website for some great offers.
Added: January 3, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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