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Spring window cleaning. Marvin Windows and Doors (marvin.com) compiled these all-natural tips for eliminating winter window grime.
Use spray bottlesinstead of buckets. With a bucket, you’re spreading dirt with each dip. Cleaning supplies should include two bottles, organic dish detergent, water, vinegar and flour-sack cloths.
Combine 32 ouncesof water with 4 to 5 drops of organic dish detergent in one spray bottle. Combine three parts vinegar to one part water in the second spray bottle.
Mist the glasswith the detergent mixture to break down surface grease. Immediately follow by spraying the vinegar mixture on the window. Buff the window dry using a flour-sack cloth.
Energy
Love your Mother (Earth). Mohawk Industries (mohawkind ), a leader in recycled and renewable flooring, has these ideas for greening your home. Look for home productsthat contain recycled content, such as carpeting from soda bottles.
Ask the power companyfor a free energy audit to understand your home’s energy usage.
Choose hard floor productscontaining low volatile organic compounds, or look at reclaimed wood options. Good carpet should be thick enough to serve as an insulator.
Switch to low-flowtoilets and faucets.
Install programmable thermostats and motion detection switches for lights.
Grime
Be a killer griller. Get your gas grill into top condition with these ideas from Napoleon Fireplaces & Grills (napoleonfire ).
First, turn off the gas.
Then,start by detaching the burners. Pass a venturi brush through them to snag any blockages, then brush the tops using a brass wire brush. Check all the burner ports to ensure they are open. If some are closed with food particles, use a drill bit to reopen them.
Cast grill basesand the sides of the grill should be washed with hot soapy water. Brush the top side of the cooking surface with oil to reseason it.
For porcelain lids,a thorough washing should suffice. For stainless-steel lids, a stainless-steel cleaner should be used to remove any discoloring. Brush cast aluminum with olive oil to restore the luster and prevent oxidation.
Use a spatulato scrape grease from the inside of the grill’s base. Remove the drip pan, and give it a good washing; be sure to replace the foil grease catcher.
