Dog Days

Dogs are loveable pets and a great companion, but if you need some help cleaning up after her or just need some handy tips, I may have just what you're looking for.

1. If you have dog hair on your furniture, pull on a pair of rubber gloves. Run your hand over the fabric. The rubbery surface will pick up the hair and rinse off easily. You could also try a damp sponge.

2. To prevent her from jumping on the furniture, lay some aluminum foil on the cushions. When she jumps the sound the foil makes will frighten her and she will learn not to jump on it.

3. If you're leaving your dog during the day, turn a radio or television on. The noise will make her feel less lonely. If you're going to be gone past dusk, set a light timer.

4. If you ever have to leave your dog in a kennel, sleep with a towel for a couple of days before you leave the scent will make her feel more secure.

5. If your dog smells a little less than fresh sprinkle some baking soda on her coat and comb it through. This dry shampoo will leave your dog with a clean fresh coat.

6. For a full bath, stuff a nylon shower puff into the drain. It will catch the hair and prevent your pipes from getting clogged.

Beautiful Stains

Beauty products are a part of life, but they can also cause spills and stains, I have some tips to get rid of these "beautiful" stains. If you think hair dye stains are permanent, think again. If you act quickly you can get rid of them. Spritz liberally with hairspray and allow it to dry for a couple of minutes. Then rub the area with some shampoo and wash it in cold water. For make-up stains from foundation to mascara grab a bar of soap. Put the stain face down on an absorbent white cloth, an old diaper works great for this. Dampen the soap and rub it into the back side of the stain. This will push the make-up out of the fabric rather than sending deeper into the fibers. Move the stain to different parts of the diaper so it doesn't re-absorb them. Wash it in cool water. For greasy stains like lotions and baby oil, blot as much as you can with a cloth and sprinkle with some cornstarch. Let it sit for ten minutes, shake it out and dab with white vinegar to break up the grease. Then launder. For hairspray build-up on walls, floors and mirrors dip an old washcloth into some rubbing alcohol and wipe it away. Remember the two primary rules of stain removal: Always test for colorfastness in a hidden area first, and never put your item in the dryer until you're sure the stain is gone.