subject: Home Remedies For House Design Success [print this page] Each of these 7 home remedies relates specifically to a some design aspect in your home. Most of the supplies needed for these remedies will be found in your home, saving you the money, time and frustration of having to run out a buy a product. These frugal tricks work.
Home Remedy 1 - Fix the Flat Carpet Nap
So, you have just finished rearranging your furniture and notice those annoying flat carpet areas where the heaviest pieces used to be. Before running out to find an area rug or a potted plant to cover those distracting flat nap spots, try this:
Gather up a few ice cubes from the freezer and place them directly on the flattened spots. Leave the cubes to melt and dry and that area of carpet will be as good as the rest!
Home Remedy 2 - No More Latex Paint Smell
You would love to paint a room in your home to give it a fresh look but the latex paint smell is just too much. Using a mask is one solution, but frankly they are bulky and uncomfortable.
The better remedy to remove that smell is to add 4 tablespoons of pure (clear) vanilla extract to each quart of paint. The vanilla needs to be added to the paint before using your stick stick to mix the pigments in the can. Don't worry the vanilla won't contaminate the color but it will get rid of the fumes.
Home Remedy 3 - Home Style Brass Polish
You noticed your brass doorknobs, cabinet hardware and candlesticks are tarnished to distraction. Ketchup is all you need as a polishing agent. That's right the ingredients in the ketchup is a mild but perfect combination of acid to brighten that brass in no time.
Simply wipe it on with a clean cloth, leave a few seconds and then wipe it off. You will be amazed at the results.
Home Remedy 4 - Wax Removal On Wood.
Candles are continuing to be a popular accent in almost every room in the home. A candle that is never lit, sort of defeats the purpose of adding them to your design scheme in the first place. But, with lighting comes risk of dripping wax on your wood furnishings. No worries, when you discover those wax drippings here is a simple and non damaging removal remedy.
First, try to scrape off as much of the wax as you can without scratching the wood finish. Next, place 3 or 4 layers of paper towels or 2 brown paper lunch bags over the drips.
Heat up your iron to the "cotton" setting and once it is at full heat, hover the iron as close as you can to the bags or paper. Do not iron the paper, this can burn the surface of the wood. But, by hovering the iron as close as you can to the paper, will melt the wax, which will then be absorbed by the paper. Repeat, until the wax is removed.
Home Remedy 5 - Perk Up Those Droopy Flowers.
Nothing says "welcome" more than a bouquet of fresh flowers. When your flowers begin drooping a bit, perk them up to last a little longer by giving them a drink of a citrus flavored soft drink.
Don't use diet type, they need the sugar. Don't have a soda pop? Mix 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 quart of water to the vase. Don't have vinegar either? How about 2 tablespoons bleach, 1 teaspoon sugar and a quart of water.
Home Remedy 6 - Remove Crayon Off Wall Paper.
Kids, crayons and wall paper are a dangerous combination. When your cutie gets carried away with those crayons and "accidentally" graces you with his art work on the wall. It's OK...because this remedy works like a charm.
Get your hair dryer point it at the crayon on the wall, turn it to the highest heat setting. The heat will make the crayon soft and will then be easy to wipe clean.
Home Remedy 7 - Remove Stickers Off Glass.
So, you have found the perfect frame to compliment your photo and accent your wall. But, the price sticker has been stuck to the front of glass. You've tried to scrape it off, but it's left a smeared residue of goo on the glass that is too obvious to ignore. It's time to bring out the mayonnaise!
Put a thick glob of mayonnaise directly on the sticker residue. Let it sit for just a few minutes, wipe off and clean with window cleaner and the goo is gone and is now ready to adorn your picture.
