Keeping your good credit is top of everyone's to-do list these days; to that end, Team CHEAPIOSITY wants to share this article from MSNBC about how to complain about errors. Take a read:
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
MONEY LESSONS FOR COLLEGE GRADS
If either you, your kids, or your friends' kids are graduating, then reality is about to hit them. Like a big shovel in the face. A very expensive dangerous scarey honkin' shovel. It's almost enough to make us glad we're not young any more. Almost, but not quite...
Here's an article with some good advice to prevent them from finding themselves in debt.
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
RID YOURSELF OF PESKY FEES
What's the deal with all these additional fees on everything? Booking fees for travel, ATM fees, transaction fees, restocking fees.....enough already. (Not to mention those 'energy cost' fees when gas prices went up last year....why haven't they disappeared now that gas prices are down?) Team CHEAPIOSITY is as sick of paying pesky fees as you are. Companies think we don't notice. Yeah, right. Here are some tips to eliminate some fees and save you hundreds of $$$ a year. Let's see if the companies notice.
Household bills
1. From small home security firms and heating oil delivery services to major telecom providers, a growing number of companies are charging "manual billing" fees for sending paper bills and statements, sometimes up to $3.50 a month. Sign up for e-mail billing or check your statements online instead, and save up to $42 a year.
2. Homeowners and auto insurance can often be paid in installments, but spreading out the payments comes at a price. Fees vary, but expect $4 or $5 tacked on each month for installments, or up to $30 extra for a six-month policy.
3. Utilities, cable and Internet providers now commonly charge as much as $15 for making a payment over the phone - what Mierzwinski calls a "pay to pay" fee. These fees are often waived online, so set up your accounts on the company Web sites in case you have to make a last-minute payment.
2. Homeowners and auto insurance can often be paid in installments, but spreading out the payments comes at a price. Fees vary, but expect $4 or $5 tacked on each month for installments, or up to $30 extra for a six-month policy.
3. Utilities, cable and Internet providers now commonly charge as much as $15 for making a payment over the phone - what Mierzwinski calls a "pay to pay" fee. These fees are often waived online, so set up your accounts on the company Web sites in case you have to make a last-minute payment.
Gift cards
4. Gift cards in the rack at your local supermarket can contain a rack of fees. For those with bank card logos like MasterCard, Visa and American Express, you may pay purchase fees up to $6.95. There can also be separate charges for activation, ATM withdrawal, and monthly maintenance if the card sits unused. Fees and regulations vary from state to state, so check the fine print on the packaging. Also check with your bank to see if they sell gift cards with lower fees.
4. Gift cards in the rack at your local supermarket can contain a rack of fees. For those with bank card logos like MasterCard, Visa and American Express, you may pay purchase fees up to $6.95. There can also be separate charges for activation, ATM withdrawal, and monthly maintenance if the card sits unused. Fees and regulations vary from state to state, so check the fine print on the packaging. Also check with your bank to see if they sell gift cards with lower fees.
Phone bills
5. Cell phone companies will charge up to $200 in "termination fees" if you cancel a contract early. Some prorate the fee to reflect the time left on the contract, but check your end date before switching services. If riding out your plan isn't an option, check out a contract trading service, like Celltradeusa.com, ReCellular.com or Cellswapper.com, where someone else may bid to take over the remaining portion of your contract.
6. Telephone companies often charge separately for services like voice mail, call waiting and caller ID, along with local and long distance calling. Some of these features may duplicate service you have on your cell phone. Compare both bills, and cut out services you don't need.
7. Conversely, if you use a service and pay extra fees - like roaming charges on your cell when you're traveling or if you've started texting frequently but still pay for each message - you may be able to save by adjusting your plan to one that includes more options.
5. Cell phone companies will charge up to $200 in "termination fees" if you cancel a contract early. Some prorate the fee to reflect the time left on the contract, but check your end date before switching services. If riding out your plan isn't an option, check out a contract trading service, like Celltradeusa.com, ReCellular.com or Cellswapper.com, where someone else may bid to take over the remaining portion of your contract.
6. Telephone companies often charge separately for services like voice mail, call waiting and caller ID, along with local and long distance calling. Some of these features may duplicate service you have on your cell phone. Compare both bills, and cut out services you don't need.
7. Conversely, if you use a service and pay extra fees - like roaming charges on your cell when you're traveling or if you've started texting frequently but still pay for each message - you may be able to save by adjusting your plan to one that includes more options.
Travel
8. Ask hotels and resorts if they charge fees for amenities like fitness centers or pools when you make a reservation, and again when you check in, advises David Lytle, editorial director of Frommers.com. If you're not going to use certain facilities, negotiate with the hotel before you sign anything that allows them to bill your credit card.
9. When booking a flight, watch out for charges like selecting an exit row seat ($20 at AirTran Airways), seats with more legroom ($35 at Spirit Airlines) and even picking a seat in advance of the flight ($5 to $35 at Northwest Airlines). Wait until you get to the airport on the day of travel and you may be able to avoid fees like charges for certain seats. Common fees charged by airlines are detailed on the travel site Kayak.com.
10. Pack light. Airlines won't just charge you for checking your bags, they'll sock you with another fee if any are too heavy - up to $175 on Delta, for instance. If that heavy bag is also "oversized," you'll be hit up for more, as much as $175 on United. With most carriers, including American, Continental, Delta, and United, these fees can be cumulative, so check the airline's Web site for its baggage restrictions before you pack. Bag fees are less common on international flights. Plus, you may be able to get some fees waived if you are a member of certain frequent flyer programs, like American Airlines premium programs, or if you hold an airline-linked credit card like Continental Airlines Chase cards.
11. Mid-range and discount hotels often offer free Internet service, but higher-end locations tend to charge, sometimes as much as $19.95 per day. If your hotel won't waive the fee, check out WiFiFreeSpot.com or JiWire.com to find free service nearby.
12. If you travel with your pet, you are likely to find yourself lapping up extra fees. Even self-proclaimed "pet friendly" hotels typically charge daily fees, starting at about $10 per pet, and in some cases additional per-stay fees up to $200. Ask clear questions when making reservations, and check out Web sites like PetsOnTheGo.com, PetTravel.com or DogFriendly.com to find no-fee or low-fee deals.
13. For years, savvy travelers have known using a credit card overseas could help save on exchange rates and fees. But credit card companies now typically add a foreign currency conversion charge of up to 3 percent. Lytle, of Frommers.com, said a strategy that will save on fees is to use a credit card only for large purchases, and use ATMs to withdraw cash infrequently for minor spending.
8. Ask hotels and resorts if they charge fees for amenities like fitness centers or pools when you make a reservation, and again when you check in, advises David Lytle, editorial director of Frommers.com. If you're not going to use certain facilities, negotiate with the hotel before you sign anything that allows them to bill your credit card.
9. When booking a flight, watch out for charges like selecting an exit row seat ($20 at AirTran Airways), seats with more legroom ($35 at Spirit Airlines) and even picking a seat in advance of the flight ($5 to $35 at Northwest Airlines). Wait until you get to the airport on the day of travel and you may be able to avoid fees like charges for certain seats. Common fees charged by airlines are detailed on the travel site Kayak.com.
10. Pack light. Airlines won't just charge you for checking your bags, they'll sock you with another fee if any are too heavy - up to $175 on Delta, for instance. If that heavy bag is also "oversized," you'll be hit up for more, as much as $175 on United. With most carriers, including American, Continental, Delta, and United, these fees can be cumulative, so check the airline's Web site for its baggage restrictions before you pack. Bag fees are less common on international flights. Plus, you may be able to get some fees waived if you are a member of certain frequent flyer programs, like American Airlines premium programs, or if you hold an airline-linked credit card like Continental Airlines Chase cards.
11. Mid-range and discount hotels often offer free Internet service, but higher-end locations tend to charge, sometimes as much as $19.95 per day. If your hotel won't waive the fee, check out WiFiFreeSpot.com or JiWire.com to find free service nearby.
12. If you travel with your pet, you are likely to find yourself lapping up extra fees. Even self-proclaimed "pet friendly" hotels typically charge daily fees, starting at about $10 per pet, and in some cases additional per-stay fees up to $200. Ask clear questions when making reservations, and check out Web sites like PetsOnTheGo.com, PetTravel.com or DogFriendly.com to find no-fee or low-fee deals.
13. For years, savvy travelers have known using a credit card overseas could help save on exchange rates and fees. But credit card companies now typically add a foreign currency conversion charge of up to 3 percent. Lytle, of Frommers.com, said a strategy that will save on fees is to use a credit card only for large purchases, and use ATMs to withdraw cash infrequently for minor spending.
Banking and investing
14. Banks charge $10 to $38 for overdrafts, with the median about $27, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data says. These fees are getting more common as debit card use grows. So be keep your account register current, and be mindful of debit card spending, ATM withdrawals and any automatic payments that you have set up.
15. The fees for using another bank's ATM have crept higher, and it's not uncommon to see $3 to $4 charges. Using another bank's machine may also trigger a fee from your bank. Search for your own bank when you need cash, or try getting cash back when making debit-card purchases. Even if your bank also charges a fee for debit-card purchases, that may be a less costly option than using an ATM.
16. Banks may charge fees for frequent teller transactions or even for calling customer service. Wells Fargo, for instance, will charge you $2 to speak with a person, if your request could have been handled by its automated service. Check your bank's Web site and the fine print on your statements to learn your bank's policies.
17. If you've switched jobs and left 401(k) accounts sitting in former employers' programs, you're likely paying unnecessary management and servicing fees. These fees are often deducted directly from the assets of the funds you hold. Check the literature or Web site for your program to find out what's charged, and consolidate accounts to save what could add up to thousands of dollars over time.
14. Banks charge $10 to $38 for overdrafts, with the median about $27, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data says. These fees are getting more common as debit card use grows. So be keep your account register current, and be mindful of debit card spending, ATM withdrawals and any automatic payments that you have set up.
15. The fees for using another bank's ATM have crept higher, and it's not uncommon to see $3 to $4 charges. Using another bank's machine may also trigger a fee from your bank. Search for your own bank when you need cash, or try getting cash back when making debit-card purchases. Even if your bank also charges a fee for debit-card purchases, that may be a less costly option than using an ATM.
16. Banks may charge fees for frequent teller transactions or even for calling customer service. Wells Fargo, for instance, will charge you $2 to speak with a person, if your request could have been handled by its automated service. Check your bank's Web site and the fine print on your statements to learn your bank's policies.
17. If you've switched jobs and left 401(k) accounts sitting in former employers' programs, you're likely paying unnecessary management and servicing fees. These fees are often deducted directly from the assets of the funds you hold. Check the literature or Web site for your program to find out what's charged, and consolidate accounts to save what could add up to thousands of dollars over time.
Credit cards
18. Pay your bill late and expect to get socked with a fee of $30 or even $45. If you're prone to forgetting the due date, set up an automatic payment through your bank account.
19. Rather than decline a purchase, credit card issuers now are just as likely to allow you to go over your limit and charge you a fee, typically about $35, says Adam Levin, chairman and founder of Credit.com. You'll get charged even if you're just a few cents over your limit, and even if it's something like a late payment fee that puts you there.
20. Annual fees are less common than they used to be. Now appearing mostly on rewards cards, the size of the fees has risen to $50 to $150. If you pay an annual fee, make sure you're getting a worthwhile return from your rewards. If you're not, ask to have the fee waived or try to switch to a no-fee card.
18. Pay your bill late and expect to get socked with a fee of $30 or even $45. If you're prone to forgetting the due date, set up an automatic payment through your bank account.
19. Rather than decline a purchase, credit card issuers now are just as likely to allow you to go over your limit and charge you a fee, typically about $35, says Adam Levin, chairman and founder of Credit.com. You'll get charged even if you're just a few cents over your limit, and even if it's something like a late payment fee that puts you there.
20. Annual fees are less common than they used to be. Now appearing mostly on rewards cards, the size of the fees has risen to $50 to $150. If you pay an annual fee, make sure you're getting a worthwhile return from your rewards. If you're not, ask to have the fee waived or try to switch to a no-fee card.
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Thursday, May 7, 2009
FREE and DISCOUNTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
We blogged to you about prescription drugs last June (http://cheapiosity.blogspot.com/2008/06/prescription-drugs.html) and we hope it helps you find the best price for drugs.
We were shocked to read a recent survey that showed 1 in 5 Americans skip dosages, split pills or go without medication due to high prices. Team CHEAPIOSITY can't stand idly by while consumers risk their health like this. There is help out there!
(We worry that many of the consumers most adversely affected might be older and not so computer-savvy as our readers. You may want to help out older neighbors, friends and family members. They probably won't come to you; you have to go to them. Armed with information and access to the internet, you may actually be able to save a life and you'll definitely help save money.)
(We worry that many of the consumers most adversely affected might be older and not so computer-savvy as our readers. You may want to help out older neighbors, friends and family members. They probably won't come to you; you have to go to them. Armed with information and access to the internet, you may actually be able to save a life and you'll definitely help save money.)
A. Tell your doctor you need help. Your doctor may have access to samples and can tell you about drug assistance programs.
B. Your doctor can't help? You still have us. Check out these amazing resources:
Needy Meds at http://www.needymeds.org/ provides help getting more than 4,100 medicines, plus links to discount drug card and coupon programs, thousands of free or low-cost clinics around the country, programs offering medical equipment and supplies for specific diseases. You will also find a glossary of insurance and related terms, and a tool to see if you're eligible.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance at http://www.pparx.org./ links to every point for more than 475 different programs sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, government programs, health plans and charities.
Patient Advocate Foundation at http://www.patientadvocate.org/ is the most comprehensive patient assistance program available; they offer far more than help getting free or discount prescriptions. Provides help paying for surgery or large copayments for medical care, child care while patients are getting treatments, even transportation to treatments. Has specialized case managers who can help with a multitude of financial health care issues.
PatientAssistance.com at http://www.patientassistance.com/ has links to more than 1,000 prescription-assistance programs, free clinics and programs that help with copayments for treatment for cancer and rare and chronic diseases.
Rx Assist at http://www.rxassist.org/ links to state-run assistance programs and programs to help with drug copayments, a search by drug name for available help, and online patient education.
Rx Hope at http://www.rxhope.com/ offers online assistance applications, links to medical group, patient advocate and drug company sites.
Rare diseases, www.rarediseases.org/programs/medication
DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS
Together Rx Access, http://www.togetherrxaccess.com/. Offers free cards accepted at most pharmacies, in every state and Puerto Rico, that can get you prescription discounts of 25-40 percent. Has nearly 1.9 million members, who have saved more than $82 million since it began in 2005.
Together Rx Access, http://www.togetherrxaccess.com/. Offers free cards accepted at most pharmacies, in every state and Puerto Rico, that can get you prescription discounts of 25-40 percent. Has nearly 1.9 million members, who have saved more than $82 million since it began in 2005.
Pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, Merck and GlaxoSmithKline offer discount cards.
Before applying, assemble the documents* you likely will need to get approval for a patient assistance program:
* Your last income tax return and, if you're employed, recent pay stubs.
* If you're unemployed, a letter or other document from your former employer stating you have been terminated and your health insurance has been stopped.
* Your last few months of bank statements.
* Statements covering any investments you have.
* Information on accumulated medical debt, which could affect eligibility.
* Make sure you include all requested information to avoid being turned down and having to reapply, which could significantly delay help.
* If you're unemployed, a letter or other document from your former employer stating you have been terminated and your health insurance has been stopped.
* Your last few months of bank statements.
* Statements covering any investments you have.
* Information on accumulated medical debt, which could affect eligibility.
* Make sure you include all requested information to avoid being turned down and having to reapply, which could significantly delay help.
Be Persistent:
Patients who have been through the process advise you not to accept rejection as final. Sometimes writing a letter detailing why a medication is so important, or applying to additional programs, brings success. A WARNING: Once you've gotten approval, you'll almost definitely have to reapply every year. That can cause a gap without the medicine, so don't wait until the last minute. Besides helping get medications free from a manufacturer or charity, assistance programs often help patients get qualified for Medicaid, which covers poor and disabled people, or other government health programs. The Patient Advocate Foundation will appeal denials to try to reverse them, help people get Social Security disability income or Medicaid coverage, and get preauthorization for expensive medical care. It does so using case managers trained in the ins and outs of specific issues.
Even people with health insurance can sometimes find help, such as when they need medicines for cancer or other complex illnesses that can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year, or when they have special circumstances.
Bottom Line:
Be your own Advocate!
Don't take NO for an answer!
There's help out there!
Be your own Advocate!
Don't take NO for an answer!
There's help out there!
Read more!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
HOW TO MAKE YOUR COMPUTER LAST LONGER
There's a school of thought that the average laptop computer's life is about 4 years and desktop's life is 5-6 years. Who can afford to go to that school anymore? TEAM CHEAPIOSITY certainly can't. People want the newest and fastest, but in these tough economic times, let's make the best of what we've already got.
PC users couldn't wait for Microsoft's Vista operating system, which turned out to be a bomb with lots of problems. Most PC users we know are sticking with XP until something better comes along; like Windows 7 which is being tested now. However, a new operating system costs money, and we're all about keeping what you've got and making it better. It looks like XP will be supported by Microsoft until 2014.
Everybody's wallets closed? Good. Here are 2 articles about updating your computer that will help you keep your computer running and giving you some helpful bells and whistles.....FREE!
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyName=Software&articleId=9129351&taxonomyId=18&pageNumber=1
and
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
HOW TO BUY A USED CAR
Last May, we told you all our tips on buying a new car (http://cheapiosity.blogspot.com/2008/05/buying-car.html). Because of the surplus of new cars these days, automakers are offering incredible deals, so continue to use our tips and save much more. Consider it yet another in a seemingly endless series of silver linings of the very very dark cloud hovering over all our heads.
Even with the great deals out there on new cars, many of us can't afford to buy new and need help with used car buying. (The sellers like to call them 'pre-owned.') Whatever you call it, someone else owned the car and you want to make sure you're not buying someone else's problems. Bear in mind that if you buy a used car from a new car dealership (their 'pre-owned' division), they're probably selling you a previously leased car that had a low residual value when the lease was up or at auction. Either way you can pretty much count on a $5000 profit margin to negotiate.
If you're not a car person yourself, you probably know one. We strongly advise you bring along an expert (or a relative approximation of one) for your test drive. Don't get fooled by a pretty paint job. And if you're not big on face to face negotiations, bring a friend who lives for this stuff. Used car dealers are masters at fleecing consumers. Don't be a chump.
CNN posted a great article on used car tips, and we want to share it with you: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/03/20/aa.tips.buy.new.cars/index.html?eref=ib_us.
As we always remind you, be an informed consumer so you get the very best deal. Be careful out there.
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
CHEAP SPRING CLEANING
Spring is right around the corner. Before you run out and splurge on a lot of high-priced cleaning supplies, we'd like to offer some alternative suggestions. Our choices are CHEAP and ECO-FRIENDLY too. You've no doubt heard these ideas before somewhere; Heloise has been touting them for years, but hard times are the perfect time to cut back and save the planet in the bargain. After all, we are the change we've been waiting for, and Team CHEAPIOSITY wants you to save money (and the planet) not only this spring, but all year long.
White distilled vinegar is a great addition to your cleaning supplies. It works well for cutting grease and fighting odors. It's a wonderful laundry aid as it both softens water and fights odors; just add it to your rinse cycle or use as you would fabric softener. While vinegar has a strong smell, the smell dissipates fairly quickly so you don't have to worry about a residual smell. Mix white vinegar with water in a spray bottle, and use it for quick cleanups in the kitchen or as a maintenance spray in your bathroom. It's also effective for cleaning mildew. You can buy white vinegar at your local grocery store in the salad dressing section. Buy it by the gallon and don't be afraid to use it, it's a safe cleaner. Warning: Do not mix with chlorine bleach.
Cleaning With Alcohol
No, silly. Not the drinking kind, the rubbing kind...although we used to have a cleaning lady who swore by the hard stuff. While she was very happy, she tended to leave scorch marks when she ironed the shirts. Isopropyl Alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is effective in many cleaning projects. Put it in a small spray bottle and it works well for cleaning and shining chrome faucets. It also can be helpful when trying to remove ink stains from fabric and upholstery. Always pretest the alcohol in an inconspicuous spot before using on a stain. Isopropyl Alcohol can be purchased in the grocery store or the drug store. It's usually in the first aid aisle. Look for sales and save.
No, silly. Not the drinking kind, the rubbing kind...although we used to have a cleaning lady who swore by the hard stuff. While she was very happy, she tended to leave scorch marks when she ironed the shirts. Isopropyl Alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is effective in many cleaning projects. Put it in a small spray bottle and it works well for cleaning and shining chrome faucets. It also can be helpful when trying to remove ink stains from fabric and upholstery. Always pretest the alcohol in an inconspicuous spot before using on a stain. Isopropyl Alcohol can be purchased in the grocery store or the drug store. It's usually in the first aid aisle. Look for sales and save.
Cleaning With Salt
Believe it or not, salt makes a wonderful and eco-friendly cleaner. A paste of salt and vinegar will help clean tarnished brass or copper. If you spill wine or grape juice on your carpet, simply cover the stain with salt to absorb much of the stain. Soaking washable fabrics in salt water will help remove many stubborn stains. Salt can be purchased in the spice section of your grocery store. Buy in bulk and save. For cleaning purposes use plain salt, not iodized salt.
Believe it or not, salt makes a wonderful and eco-friendly cleaner. A paste of salt and vinegar will help clean tarnished brass or copper. If you spill wine or grape juice on your carpet, simply cover the stain with salt to absorb much of the stain. Soaking washable fabrics in salt water will help remove many stubborn stains. Salt can be purchased in the spice section of your grocery store. Buy in bulk and save. For cleaning purposes use plain salt, not iodized salt.
Cleaning With Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most versatile substances you can have in your home. It makes a wonderful mild abrasive for surfaces that you want to be careful not to scratch. Just make a paste of baking soda with water. You can use it instead of Comet or other abrasive cleaners for cleaning bathroom fixtures. It works well for cleaning spots off chrome and stainless steel. It can be added to your laundry as a booster (1/2 cup should work) to help clean really dirty clothing or fight odors. Baking soda can be purchased in the baking section at your grocery store. Look for two pound boxes or bags at big box stores to save money and have plenty of it around. (Leave an open box in your refrigerator to absorb odors.)
Baking soda is one of the most versatile substances you can have in your home. It makes a wonderful mild abrasive for surfaces that you want to be careful not to scratch. Just make a paste of baking soda with water. You can use it instead of Comet or other abrasive cleaners for cleaning bathroom fixtures. It works well for cleaning spots off chrome and stainless steel. It can be added to your laundry as a booster (1/2 cup should work) to help clean really dirty clothing or fight odors. Baking soda can be purchased in the baking section at your grocery store. Look for two pound boxes or bags at big box stores to save money and have plenty of it around. (Leave an open box in your refrigerator to absorb odors.)
Cleaning With Borax
Borax is an effective ingredient in many cleaning recipes and also is a good laundry booster. Anyone but us old enough to remember when Ronald Reagan hosted Death Valley Dayssponsored by BORAX? We used to have nightmares of that miniaturized 20 Mule Team running across our desk. Add one tablespoon of Borax to 1 quart of water and use it as a safe all-purpose cleaner. Dissolve 1/2 cup of Borax in a sink full of water to clean delicate dishes like fine china. Follow the directions on the box to use it as a laundry booster. If you do construction or landscaping work and have really dirty work clothes, adding Borax to your laundry helps a lot. Borax can be purchased in the laundry section at your local grocery store. Sweeten musty basement floors by sprinkling Borax around on the concrete. Just let it sit for a while, then sweep it up.
Borax is an effective ingredient in many cleaning recipes and also is a good laundry booster. Anyone but us old enough to remember when Ronald Reagan hosted Death Valley Dayssponsored by BORAX? We used to have nightmares of that miniaturized 20 Mule Team running across our desk. Add one tablespoon of Borax to 1 quart of water and use it as a safe all-purpose cleaner. Dissolve 1/2 cup of Borax in a sink full of water to clean delicate dishes like fine china. Follow the directions on the box to use it as a laundry booster. If you do construction or landscaping work and have really dirty work clothes, adding Borax to your laundry helps a lot. Borax can be purchased in the laundry section at your local grocery store. Sweeten musty basement floors by sprinkling Borax around on the concrete. Just let it sit for a while, then sweep it up.
Cleaning With Washing Soda
Washing soda is often confused with baking soda but it's quite different. For starters, you don't bake with it! It's not edible. It is great as a laundry additive, to boost the cleaning of your detergent . You can make an effective scouring powder out of washing soda and baking soda. Mix 1/4 cup washing soda with 1 cup baking soda and use it as you would Comet or Ajax scouring powder. Washing soda can be purchased in the laundry aisle of your local grocery store.
Washing soda is often confused with baking soda but it's quite different. For starters, you don't bake with it! It's not edible. It is great as a laundry additive, to boost the cleaning of your detergent . You can make an effective scouring powder out of washing soda and baking soda. Mix 1/4 cup washing soda with 1 cup baking soda and use it as you would Comet or Ajax scouring powder. Washing soda can be purchased in the laundry aisle of your local grocery store.
Cleaning With Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide works well for cleaning cuts, so it should be no surprise that it is effective for blood stains. It can have a bleaching effect so you will want to pretest it before applying it to a fabric stain. Keep a spray bottle of peroxide handy to tackle tough blood stains, even dried ones. For blood stains on carpet, pour peroxide directly on the stain and blot with clean cloth. Pretest this solution on a remnant. Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased in the first aid section of your local drug store or grocery store. Always keep a bottle on hand.
Hydrogen Peroxide works well for cleaning cuts, so it should be no surprise that it is effective for blood stains. It can have a bleaching effect so you will want to pretest it before applying it to a fabric stain. Keep a spray bottle of peroxide handy to tackle tough blood stains, even dried ones. For blood stains on carpet, pour peroxide directly on the stain and blot with clean cloth. Pretest this solution on a remnant. Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased in the first aid section of your local drug store or grocery store. Always keep a bottle on hand.
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