AMMONIA:
Use for all clean up. Always dilute with water. DO NOT MIX BLEACH
A mixture of 50% water and ammonia will clean
• Upholstery: Spray on and blot up: it will not leave a ring
• Glass windows: Spray on, wipe off
• Wood floors: Cleans without leaving marks
• Counters: use as a disinfectant and a general cleaner
• Oven: Clean your oven with 1/3 cup to 1 quart. water
• Bees: fill a glass bottle with plain ammonia and it will keep the bees away
BAKING SODA:
One of the greatest items for your boat or home
• It’s a toothpaste and teeth whitener
• 1 tablespoon every time you fill your water tanks will add freshness to your water
• 1 tablespoon in your drains when you leave your boat or house and the drains will smell fresh
• Helps eliminate odors from diesel spills too
LEMONS:
• Mix with salt to clean brass and copper
• Clean up mildew, wipe down mildew on wood with a clean paper towel, cut lemon in half, rub directly on the mildew,
once juice dries, clean with liquid gold
• Use rind for a fresh smell in the icebox
• Mix with vinegar to soothe a sunburn
DE-NATURED ALCOHOL:
From past experience, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle on your boat. If your fuel tank should ever leak, or you have a diesel spill and the odor is driving you crazy, use de-natured alcohol to pick up the spill (make sure all hatches are open) Do not mix with anything else and throw away the rags. Sprinkle with baking soda after the spill is clean and sweep up.
BLEACH:
2 Tablespoons when cleaning or pumping out the head and it will help kill everything!
FABRIC SOFTENER SHEETS:
Use these sheets in your hanging lockers, cupboards in between your sheet and with your linens. It will keep them very fresh. Hang around your boat and life lines to detract bees
LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENER:
If your lines are getting hard and worn, soak in a bucket of water with 1/2 cup liquid fabric softener and your lines will be rejuvenated and smell good too.
LIQUID GOLD:
This will not only clean your wood, but it has the power to penetrate through your finish to keep the wood from drying out. Only use when leaving boat as it takes time to penetrate
MOTH CAKES:
These are a must in cabinets; they will keep mildew from growing and everything very fresh smells
BABY OIL:
A few drops in the head will keep the hand pump very easy to use and lubricate the pump handle.
It will not hurt your holding tank
RUST SAVER:
By using plastic baggies around your cans, you will not have rust rings in your cabinets
GREEN BAGS:
You can buy these at the grocery store for less money than in boating stores. Lettuce will not wilt for one week. Grapes will last much longer too. Try them; you will really enjoy the results
SOME MORE TIPS:
Potatoes & onions should never be stored together.
Potatoes will bake faster if they are boiled in salt water for 10 min. before popping in oven. A left over potato can be re-baked if you dip it in water and bake in a 3 50 oven for about 20 minutes.
Store your vegetables near the water line they will last longer.
Freeze your orange juice before you leave & it will act as an ice block
Bread can be refreshed with water and place in oven…. bake till warm through. Sugar cubes never get soggy on a boat.
Thaw frozen fish in milk. The milk draws out fish smell and provides a fresh caught flavor. Works great on fresh fish also.
A slice of fresh soft bread placed in brown sugar will keep it from getting hard. Keep soft drinks in a separate ice chest to save your refrigeration.
Use salt water to boil eggs. Can also be used for pasta in 1 to1 ratio with fresh water.
Keep a Jog of repairs to all appliances, radios, motors etc. On your vessel.
Wrinkle Free, sprays away wrinkles in your clothes as easy as laying your garment down on the seate, spraying & smoothing out.
Use a small water filter on your drain so you can drink purified water all the time and save money.
Clean your cutting board with a scotch brite and simple green; rinse with fresh water and rub in some vegetable oil. It will not only keep it germ free, but also help to prevent it from cracking.
Slip fittings giving you a hard time try some alcohol, l it will fit right on (Rubber hoses)
Blue Chem Head Cleaner….. The chemicals in this item break down solids in your holding tank; it also takes the odor out. The best place to purchase this is at Walmart for 1/2 the price of boating store. Bowl Fresh will also help to keep odors from areas where head tanks are.
If you use blankets on your boat, try sandwiching them between 2 sheets and the insulation will be much warmer and less bulky than a sleeping bag. Also, sheets can be washed very easily to keep the berth fresh. If you use flannel sheets (100% cotton), you will be warmer in winter and very comfortable in summer.
Nail Polish remover will take off the purple or blue marks on your counters from plastic bag containers.
To renew and refresh a sponge, simply soak overnight in salt water.
To clean your pots and pans with baked/cooked on food while anchored or on a mooring, simply attach a line and submerge in the water. The fish will enjoy the treat and leave it clean as a whistle!
I hope these “Old Salt Tips” are useful and please email me if you have any more to share!
“Any day on the water, is always a GREAT Day!’
Best Regards,
Colleen Howes, chowes@sabp.com
SABP Reprographics
www.sabp.com
