Vinyl flooring seems to attract dirt and stains. Mop your floor with a mild detergent, let it set for a while, then finish mopping. This allows the detergent to penetrate and loosen the stains.

To remove water spots on stainless steel sinks (or appliances), dampen a clean cloth with regular white vinegar and clean, then wipe dry with another cloth.

To remove shoe heel marks, use a pencil eraser or rub with a rubber sole shoe.

Remove soap residue and clean your dishwasher economically by running a cup or two of plain white vinegar through an entire cycle.

Eliminate refrigerator odors by putting a drop of pure vanilla in a small dish and place in the back. You can also use a small piece of cloth or cotton.

When food gets baked on and stuck on casserole dishes, try soaking the stuck on food in a couple teaspoons baking soda dissolved in boiling water.

To clean your microwave, place a bowl of water inside and add a couple tablespoons vinegar. Microwave on high for about three minutes. Let stand a few minutes, and carefully remove the bowl. The interior will now be easy to wipe clean.

To clean blenders and food processors, fill up about halfway with water and add a couple drops of liquid soap. Blend for a few seconds, rinse, and dry.

To help clean and freshen garbage disposals, sprinkle in three tablespoons of baking soda, drop in a few ice cubes, and turn it on. When the ice is crushed and gone, continue running the disposal with the hot water running (about 3 more minutes).

Use an old toothbrush, along with an abrasive cleaner or baking soda, to clean around the backs of faucets and other tight places.

Another way to remove burnt on food from pans is covering the spot with Coke for a while. This works great on car battery terminals too!

If you have kept a tomato-based food (such as soup or pasta) in a plastic storage container, chances are that it is permanently stained (especially if you microwaved the food in the container). Which this cannot normally be cleaned, you can avoid it happening again by spraying your container with non-stick cooking spray before each use.

Remove stains from your aluminum pots and pans by boiling a quart of water mixed with 3-4 tablespoons of vinegar. Scrub gently after with a scouring pad and soap.

Use lids left over from butter or margarine tubs as coasters for bottles of honey, syrup, or oils when they are opened and stored in the refrigerator or cabinets. This will catch the inevitable spills and washing the lid is much easier than cleaning the spill from the shelf.

Use a spoon rest near the stove - then you just have to clean it, and not all over the counter.

Remove food odors from your microwave by keeping an open container of baking soda inside between uses.