We tell ourselves to write down cleaning tips but we never do and they are often quickly forgotten until needed. Here are some helpful cleaning tips for issues we commonly encounter within the home. Try these fast and easy solutions before picking up the phone to call a cleaning service.

Dirty rings around shirt collars are embarrassing but they can be easily removed. Pour shampoo on them and rub it in as if you were washing your hair. Shampoo is designed to remove body oils and is also useful for other types of stains. Use this technique when traveling and you will never attend another business meeting with unsightly collar rings.

Scuff marks seem to magically appear on walls and can be difficult to remove. Combine 3 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with one gallon of water. Use this to remove crayon and scuff marks from the walls. Note that this method should not be used on wood surfaces or those covered with gloss or semi-gloss paint.

People and pets can leave blood stains on furniture. Test colorfastness of the material and then remove the blood by gently rubbing the area with a cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide. Other surfaces with blood stains should be rinsed in cold water and rubbed with moistened corn starch. The item should be placed in the sun and once dry, the corn starch should flake off the surface.

Gum can be removed from surfaces by using ice to harden it and then scraping it off with a dull knife. Hair spray works wonders at removing ink and magic marker from surfaces. Blot, do not rub, the treated area with an absorbent towel to transfer the ink. If screens need cleaning, wash them with a nylon covered sponge and use clear nail polish to repair any small holes.

Tips from Busy Bee Cleaning Service