Ask Anna

Vinegar Uses: Do It Yourself Tips

Among the many great things that vinegar can be used for, restoration of old items is another way to revive something dingy and make it look new again for a fraction of the price! #1 Cleaning an old Stove or fireplace Before starting this tip make sure that the stove and/or fireplace has cooled completely and is “dust and rust free by cleaning thoroughly with a cloth or brush dipped in white distilled vinegar.” After the stove has been wiped down “create a creamy paste using black lead and white distilled vinegar. Apply to all metal areas. Buff to a… Read More

Vinegar Uses: The Best Way to Clean Paint Brushes & More

I know when you think “paint projects” that you don’t normally think “vinegar”. Well I’m going to give you a few tips that might make you think otherwise. #1 Removing Paint from glass This past summer I restored a couple of old windows and used paint stripper to get the paint off the glass. I sure wish I had known this trick because it would have been nice to use a product that isn’t so toxic! To remove paint from glass all you need is hot vinegar. “Heat up the white vinegar [in the microwave] and use a cloth to… Read More

Vinegar Tips: How to Clean the Bathroom

Today I’m excited to show you hot to clean the bathroom using vinegar! #1 Drains: deodorize & unblock I’m sure you’ve all noticed that at times the bathroom drain can stink. If you want to get rid of it then here’s a great tip for you. “Using a funnel, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain. When the foaming subsides, flush with hot tap water. Wait 5 minutes and then flush again with cold water. This will kill [the] odor-causing bacteria” without having to use any harsh chemicals. If you’re drain… Read More

How to Clean Appliances with Vinegar

Here are a few quick tips for how to clean appliances with vinegar! Forget harsh chemicals and clean your appliances the all-natural way! #1 Dishwasher Many of you may have seen my previous post on How to Clean your Dishwasher. But if you didn’t here’s a re-cap. To “remove built-up soap film and increase [dishwasher] performance [pour] 1 cup of undiluted white vinegar into the bottom of the [dishwasher], or in a bowl on the top rack. Then run the machine through a full cycle without any dishes or detergent.” When it has finished the cycle wipe down the inside… Read More

Vinegar Uses: Clean with Vinegar

I’m sure that, if you read this blog on a regular basis, that many of you already use vinegar for cleaning. Today I’m going to give you a few more ways to clean with vinegar around your house. #1 Cloths and Sponges A few of you have emailed me and asked me how to keep your kitchen sponges smelling fresh. If you use a sponge to wash your dishes you’ve probably noticed that after a few days it starts smelling pretty awful. Well here’s the solution: vinegar. To “keep and sponges smelling fresh [soak them] overnight in a solution of 1/4… Read More

How to Store Foil and Plastic Wrap

Let’s give a warm welcome to Kim from A Real-Life Housewife! Kim has so many wonderful tips and ideas that I asked her if she’d like to join us to share this great tip with us! Take it away Kim… Hello again, Ask Anna readers! Today I am going to share with you an inexpensive and convenient way for how to store foil and plastic wrap. Here’s what you need: Self adhesive hooks (these are the same one’s, sold on Amazon) These essentials of mine used to be stored in a cupboard underneath the counter along with plastic baggies and… Read More

Vinegar Uses: Natural Pesticides

Bugs. We all hate bugs, especially in our house and around our food. There are lots of pesticides on the market but most, if not all, of them come with a toxic smell that leaves your home smelling dirty and deadly. Well, you’re in luck! Today I’m going to show you a few ways that you can use Vinegar as natural pesticides for your home. #1 Countertops To keep the bugs off your counters, and way from your food, “mix equal parts white vinegar and water and wipe” over the countertops. Not only will this work as an insect repellant but… Read More

Vinegar Tips – Laundry, Day 2

Yesterday we learned 5 great ways to use vinegar in the laundry room and today I have 4 more great vinegar tips for you! #1 Shrunken Wool Clothes Wash shrunken clothing items “in a solution of 1 part white wine vinegar, to 2 parts water for 25 minutes.” After washing the item(s) stretch it back to it’s original size. After stretching it let it “air-dry”. Let me tell you, I have a very long torso so throughout my life I have given away a lot of clothes that shrunk in the wash! I can’t wait to try this! #2 Whitening… Read More