Dryer sheets can get pretty pricey, and they also make a lot of garbage. If you’re looking for an alternative to store-bought dryer sheets, this is for you! Keep your clothes smelling great and soft to the touch by making these homemade dryer sheets! All you need is a kitchen sponge and fabric softener to make these babies, and you’re ready to go! Take a look at the easy tutorial below and make your own today!

Supplies:

1) Fabric softener of your choice

2) A few kitchen sponges

3) A plastic container with a lid

4) Water

Step #1:

Fill the container about 2/3 of the way full with two parts water and one part fabric softener.

Step #2:

Take your sponges and cut them in half. Place them inside the container to soak up the fabric softener.

Step #3:

Place the lid on top of the container. Store your homemade dryer sheets in the fridge to prevent mold from forming.

Photos: Hometalk.

Not many people know that you can actually wash your walls. If your walls aren’t too badly scratched or worn, you can most certainly wash them to get them as good as new! Time to roll up your sleeves and read on to find out how to tackle this big task!

Cleaning Painted Walls

Cleaning walls is a hard job, so be prepared! Push all your furniture to the center of the room and lay out canvas drop cloths to catch soapy drips. Avoid using plastic tarps. They don’t absorb water, and can create a slippery surface when wet. To protect your hands and remind you where to put your pictures back, cover picture nails with a piece of dry sponge.

Supplies:

1) Lambswool duster

2) Cleaning cloths

3) A natural sponge – Avoid colored sponges since they can deposit dyes on light-colored walls.

4) Two buckets – One filled with cleaning solution and one filled with clean water for rinsing.

5) Rubber gloves

6) Step stool

Preparing Your Buckets

In one bucket, mix a wall-cleaning solution. For normal dirt, use this mixture:

– 1 gallon warm water

– a good squeeze of liquid dishwashing detergent

For extremely dirty walls you’ll need a stronger cleaning solution, something similar to what an Industrial Cleaning Company would use. Always spot-test this mixture before using it on your entire wall. You don’t want it to take off any paint! Try this strong cleaning solution:

– 1 gallon warm water

– 1 cup clean non-sudsing ammonia

– 1 cup white vinegar

– 1 cup borax

Your second bucket should hold clean water. Change the water when it starts to look dirty.

Get Rid of Dust First

Dust is easier to remove than mud, so always remove dust first before soaping up the walls. Circle the room with the duster, wiping the walls and woodwork from the top down. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any cobwebs that might be lurking in corners.

Start From the Bottom Up

While washing your walls, you will get drips. If the drips run down dry, dirty surfaces, they’ll dry and create muddy stains. Avoid this by washing your walls from the bottom up. Dip the sponge into the cleaning solution and and rub the wall gently. Work in small areas and rinse the sponge periodically. Blot excess moisture with a cleaning cloth.

How to Wash Wallpaper

1) Check the manufacturer’s guidelines – Wallpapers differ in content and coating, so always check with the manufacturer before washing.

2) Dusting – Always dust the wallpaper before washing.

3) Non-coated wallpaper – Use a dry sponge. You can find these at any hardware store. It lifts and removes dirt without water. Rub it lightly against the wallpaper to remove dirt.

4) Washable wallpaper – Use a natural sponge lightly dampened in warm water and a small amount of dishwashing soap. Always do a spot-test before washing the entire wall. Don’t scrub hard or allow the wallpaper to get too wet.

Photos: iVillage, Webmd, House Cleaning New, Itn Cleaning, Greensax.

When you’re busy cleaning, a cleaning tote is your best friend. All the supplies you need are right by your side, and you can carry it around with you wherever you go. A plastic bucket or tray can hold your tools and cleaning solutions and help you clean it right and quickly. But, what to put inside? Here are the top tools that you’ll need:

1. Cleaning apron – An apron will protect your clothing, and it has pockets to hold spare garbage bags, and other small items. Choose one that is machine-washable.

2. Rubber gloves – It’s important to protect your hands from harsh chemicals, as they can dry out your skin. Get yourself a good-quality pair that will last you a while.

3. Cleaning cloths – Use cleaning cloths to wipe things dry, polish mirrors, and remove fingermarks.

4. Scrubbing sponge – This sponge has a abrasive side and an absorbent side. Use the abrasive side to scrub stubborn grime, and use the absorbent side to pick up liquids.

5. Toothbrush – A toothbrush is great for tiny spaces. Use a firm-bristle toothbrush around sink fixtures, rims, and other tight corners.

6. Spray bottle – Adjustable spray bottles make it easy and quick to apply cleaner to windows, mirrors, and other surfaces. Label your bottles so you know which ones to use.

7. Tile brush – A tile brush cleans tiles, ceramic fixtures, and bathtub surrounds. The bristles reach into corners to tackle tough jobs, and the handle keeps your hands away from the cleaning solution.

8. Squeegee – This is for windows, mirrors, and glass. A rubber-bladed squeegee removes cleaning solution and dirt in one swipe. Remember to wipe the blade with a cloth between strokes.

9. Squirt bottle – Cleaners work best when they’re applied evenly. Use a funnel to put your cleaner into the bottle.

10. Scraper – A metal or plastic scraper works well in removing dried-up gunk. Keep it in your apron pocket to keep it at hand.

Photos: Great Useful Stuff, Gallery Hip, ASJ Cleaning, Woman’s Day.