Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Dawns’ Uses Go Beyond Dishwashing

Dawn dishwashing liquid is one of the best de-greasers there is. We have all seen the commercial where it’s used to clean birds after oil spills. It is effective on grease while being gentle on birds’ feathers and skin.

Dirty, greasy hands on adults and children are gone in a minute with a few drops of Dawn and warm water. Mix Dawn with corn oil to remove even oil based paint from hands. This method is much gentler than using paint removers.

Use in the laundry as a pre-treater. Rub into stains and agitate with an old toothbrush. This is especially effective on oily stains like butter, cooking oil and lipstick.

Dawn makes a great all-purpose spray cleaner. Mix 3 drops with one gallon water and use in a spray bottle. Use on counters, sinks, windows and woodwork. For heavy jobs, mix Dawn and vinegar, 1:1. Spray down shower wall, doors and tubs. Let sit for a while then rinse well.

Make a reusable ice pack with Dawn. Pour full strength into a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave a little room for expansion. This will stay pliable even when closed and can be re-frozen many times.

Use Dawn as a clarifying shampoo once a month. It removes all the residue from shampoos, conditioners and styling products. Bathe the dogs in Dawn, as it kills fleas on contact and leaves a shiny coat.

Use one drop in a spray bottle to repel insects on houseplants. Spray all over the leaves, paying special attention to the undersides where insects often hide.

Dawn will clean and sanitize children’s toys. Use on kiddie pools with a sponge. It’s much safer for the material than bleach sprays that can cause deterioration in the sun.

KATHY WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO