Out of the attic
Julius Todd Ard will hit the "big 50" Feb. 13. He is the son of Margaret Ard of Pink Hill and the late Norman Ard, born at Lenoir Memorial Hospital.
He has one brother, Joe, and one sister, Marla. He has four children, three daughters — Lauren, Abbey and Madison — and a son, Mitchell. He also has one grandson, Mason.
He has been employed with Southeastern Freight Lines for several years.
Home Solutions: Make your own non-toxic household cleaners
Take care of your wallet and the environment by making your own non-toxic cleaners to use at home. Here is a round up of “recipes.”
All Purpose Cleaner: Mix half a cup of vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda into half a gallon of water. Use this solution for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows and bathroom mirrors.
Bathroom Mold Cleaner: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Mix one part 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing or using the shower.
Oven Cleaner: Moisten oven surfaces with sponge and water. Use three-fourths cup of baking soda, one-fourth cup of salt and one-fourth cup of water to make a thick paste, and spread throughout oven interior. Let it sit overnight. Remove with a spatula and wipe clean. Rub gently with fine steel wool for tough spots.
Window Cleaner: Add half a cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water.
Dry Carpet Shampoo: Mix half a cup of cornstarch and two cups of baking soda. Shake into dry carpet and let sit for an hour. Vacuum up.
Toilet Cleaner: Sprinkle some baking soda and lemon juice into your toilet and walk away. Scrub it with a toilet brush after an hour.
Furniture Polish: Combine one part vegetable oil and one part lemon juice. Rub in and wipe clean.
Upholstery Spot Remover: Blot the stain with club soda.
Drain Cleaner: Combine one cup of salt, one cup of vinegar and one cup of soda. Pour down drain. Flush with three quarts of boiling water.
Pre-wash Stain Remover: Before laundering, soak stains in one cup of sudsy ammonia, one cup of Ivory dishwashing liquid and six cups of water.
Coffeemaker Cleaner: Fill the water reservoir of the coffeemaker with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. Turn on the coffeemaker. Let several cups run through, then turn it off and let sit for an hour. Start the machine again to complete the cycle, discarding the vinegar mixture afterward. Run plain water through the coffeemaker a few times until the vinegar odor disappears.
Caution: Never mix bleach with any type of acid such as ammonia or vinegar. It will cause toxic fumes that are very dangerous.
Resource: Utah State University Cooperative Extension
Trudy W. Pickett is extension family and consumer agent at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.