Cleaning

From Antivist

Carpet and Room Freshener

Make your own at a great savings over commercially prepared mixtures.

   * 1 cup crushed, dried herbs (such as rosemary, lavender, etc.)

   * 1 teaspoon ground cloves

   * 1 teaspoon cinnamon

   * 2 teaspoons baking soda

Combine all ingredients in a large jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well to blend. Sprinkle some of the mixture on your carpet, leave it for an hour or so, and then vacuum it up. It gives the room a pleasant smell and neutralizes carpet odors.

Moth Repellent

This is a nice change from mothballs

   * 1 handful each of dried thyme, tansy, peppermint, pennyroyal, and whole cloves

   * 2 handfuls each of dried lavender, southern-wood, santolina, and lemon peel

   * 1 tablespoon powdered orris root

   * Several drops of lemon or clove oil

Mix all ingredients well and spoon into small cheesecloth or cotton bags, filling each with about 1/2 cup. Hang in closets or over hangers that hold your woolens.

Drain Cleaner

   * 1/2 cup baking soda

   * 1/2 cup vinegar

Pour baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by vinegar. Let these bubble away for about 20 minutes. Then turn on the hot water and let it run for 3 or 4 minutes, or pour down 2 kettlefuls of boiling water.