Thrifty Thursday: Bleach

Bleach is one of those fail-safe cleaning supplies you always have in your cabinet. It's cheap. It's reliable. It also reeks, so if you're like me you don't use it too often. Here are some unique ways to safely use it!

Brighten up glass dishware
Put the sparkle back in your glasses and dishes by adding a teaspoon of bleach to your soapy dishwater as you're washing your glassware. Be sure to rinse well, and dry with a soft towel.

Increase cut flowers' longevity
Freshly cut flowers will stay fresh longer if you add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per quart (1 liter) of vase water. Another popular recipe calls for 3 drops of bleach and 1 teaspoon of sugar in 1 quart of water. This will also keep the water from getting cloudy and inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Kill weeds in walkways
Do weeds seem to thrive in the cracks and crevices of your walkways? Try pouring a bit of undiluted bleach over them. After a day or two, you can simply pull them out, and the bleach will keep them from coming back. Just be careful not to get bleach on the grass or plantings bordering the walkway.

Clean plastic lawn furniture
Is your plastic-mesh lawn furniture looking dingy? Before you place it curbside, try washing it with some mild detergent mixed with 1/2 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Rinse it clean, then air-dry.