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We did three tests: one with window cleaners, one
with carpet cleaners, and one with laundry stain removers.
Each test was performed six times with my husband
and I each judging the results without knowing which product cleaned what.
The results were very interesting.
We decided to try cleaning a mirror coated with a
mixture of toothpaste and water with 409, Windex, and a mixture of ammonia and
vinegar. The ammonia and vinegar solution far outperformed the other two
with 409 second and Windex last.
Next we tested three carpet cleaners (Woolite,
shaving cream, and Resolve) by staining some carpet samples with cola.
Overall, the cleaners all did a pretty good job
of getting out the stain (it seemed at first), but the Resolve and Woolite were
not successful in preventing the carpet from stiffening when the carpet
dried. The stains also re-appeared slightly after drying. You could
definitely feel where the stains had been. Believe it or not the shaving
cream removed almost all traces of the stain every time. You couldn't even
feel where the stain had been. I'm converted! Just rub a little shaving cream
into the stain and wipe with a sponge. (Shaving cream also does a great
job cleaning upholstery stains.)
Last we tested laundry stain removers. The
only homemade version we could come up with was rubbing salt into the stain
before washing. This is supposed to work pretty well on fresh stains, but
didn't work so great on dry stains. Shout worked the best and Spray ‘n
Wash worked second.
All in all we were very pleased with the test
results. We went into the project with no expectations about how things
were going to turn out, curious to find out which cleaners really work best, and
it's exciting to share the results with you knowing the tests were done in a
completely scientific manner.
Amanda would like to caution, however, that you
be careful with the ammonia and vinegar solution. The ammonia is very toxic and
you should wear rubber gloves and be very careful not to inhale it.
Window Cleaner Recipe
1 spray bottle (any size)
Ammonia
Vinegar
Take your spray bottle and fill it up with the
ammonia and vinegar, using 1 tbsp. vinegar per 3 tbsp. ammonia. Spray very
slowly, and very lightly for safety.
Rachel Paxton is a freelance
writer and mom who publishes the Creative Homemaking Recipe of the Week Club,
a weekly newsletter that contains quick, easy dinner ideas and money-saving
household hints. To subscribe send a blank e-mail message to FreeRecipes-subscribe@egroups.com
Visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com
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