Bleach This!

Ah, the wonders of bleach. This harsh chemical cleaner has more uses than you might think...or believe! So bleach this:

Flowers- It doesn't sound right, does it? However, adding 1/4 teaspoon bleach to fresh cut flowers will keep them alive longer. How does this work? It inhibits the growth of bacteria which wilts flowers faster, it also keeps the water crystal clear. It is 1/4 teaspoon to a one gallon vase. Any smaller just a single drop will do.

Bath Toys- Bath toys can get quite disgusting, soap scummy and sometimes rather smelly. To eliminate odors and sanitize bath toys simply fill a sink full of hot water, add some bleach and soak bath toys for about 15-30 minutes. Make sure squirt toys get filled up with the bleach water to eliminate any bacteria growing inside (if your kids are anything like mine, they use the squirties to squirt in their mouth). Then be sure to thoroughly rinse!

Concrete- Is your concrete looking old, nasty and stained. Mine was! I cleaned the concrete in my garage using bleach, but it can also be used on a driveway or concrete patio. All you have to do is pour straight bleach on the concrete, use a large scrubber (or push broom, or whatever you think will work) lightly scrub the area, let sit for a while, then rinse. Your concrete should have been given a whole new life!

Stinky Sponges- If your dish sponges are starting to get old and musty smelling, don't throw them away! You can use bleach to freshen them up. Just fill your sink 1/4 full of hot water, add some bleach and soak your sponge for about an hour. Then drain, and rinse sponge. It should be smelling a'ok now, and the biggest plus is your just got rid of all that nasty bacteria that was festering on it.

What Super Uses Do You Have for Bleach?

The WONDERS of BAKING SODA

Baking Soda just for baking? Hah! Baking Soda has hundreds of purposes other than being an ingredient in muffins, cookies and helping bread rise. So if you have a stock of baking soda that you don't know what to do with, then this article is for you!

Deodorizer- Baking soda can be used as an odor neutralizer in many different ways. Stick an open box in the fridge to eliminate any odors that may occur. Sprinkle some in a garbage bag or in the garbage can to get rid of stinky smells. Add a cup to toilet water, let sit for an hour and flush to freshen up your toilet bowl.

Fire Extinguisher- Baking soda can be used to put out small fires, including grease fires. Take it camping with you to help extinguish camp fires. Smokey the Bear would approve!

Flower Power- Mix a teaspoon of baking soda into vase water and stir before adding flowers. This will keep them alive longer.

Rash Relief- Baking soda can help baby also. If your baby has a diaper rash, simply draw a luke warm bath, add 2-3 Tablespoons of baking soda and let baby soak for 15-20 min. It also can help relieve heat rash, sunburn and poison ivy. For adults and children, draw a bath as normal and add a cup of baking soda, soak in the tub for about a half hour. Your rash should feel better immediately.

Child's Play- If you want some homemade modeling clay, baking soda can do the job. Here's how it works: Add 1 Cup Cornstarch, 2 Cups Baking Soda, 1 1/4 Cups Water to a saucepan. Turn burner heat to medium and stir constantly for 10-15 minutes until thick. When cool knead the dough until smooth...then voila!

Relieve Heartburn- Baking Soda is a natural antacid. Drink a cup of water with a teaspoon of baking soda and relief is sure to follow.

Don't let the Bed Bugs Bite- Sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the mattress to help kill any bed bugs that might be living there. How does this work? Bed bugs will eat the baking soda, overdose on sodium and dehydrate to death.

Draino- Using baking soda on your drains is much cheaper and safer than purchasing harsh chemicals. Simply pour one cup down the drain, followed by 3 cups boiling water. Repeat if necessary.

Chemistry Demonstration- Show your kids the wonders of chemistry. Whether you want to make the volcano part or not the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar is pretty awesome for a child, or an adult for that matter! Simply take a tall glass and add 1/4 cup vinegar and add 1 Tablespoon baking soda, then sizzle, fizz, erupt. Pure magic!

Sweeter Feet- Sprinkle a bit of baking soda in your working shoes to help eliminate foot odor. Simple as that.

What fantastic uses do you have for baking soda?