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Sparkle and Shine in January with National Clean Up Your Computer Month
- (December 21, 2007) ATLANTA – Many of us plan to kick off the New Year with various resolutions, perhaps even some that didn’t stick in years past. The Vinegar Institute encourages everyone to make cleaning their computer a must-keep resolution this January.
Cleaning your computer is something that should ideally be done monthly, but many people just don’t know where to begin. There are a variety of measures to clean out old files from the hard drive, but there’s just one sure-fire method to naturally clean the product itself.
Try incorporating these easy steps from the book Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things into your cleaning regimen:
Clear dirt off PCs and peripherals
- Before you begin cleaning, make sure you have all pieces in the ‘off’ position.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bucket.
- Dampen a clean cloth in the solution and squeeze out the excess. Avoid spraying directly onto your hardware, as it could cause problems with your circuits.
- Begin to wipe all pieces down (computer, keyboard, monitor).
- Use cotton swabs to reach into those tight places, like between keys on the keyboard.
Don’t forget the mouse!
- Remove the tracking ball and clean with the cloth dampened with the vinegar solution.
- Clean the mouse itself with the solution (this will get rid of both dirt and pesky fingerprints).
- Use cotton swabs to help rid the ball chamber from debris.
- Let it dry a couple of hours and then you’re good to go.
Established in 1955, The Vinegar Institute is an international trade association representing the vast majority of vinegar manufacturers and bottlers, as well as suppliers to the industry. The primary mission of the Institute is to raise awareness of the industry and ensure the highest quality vinegar to consumers. Members manufacture a range of vinegar types including white distilled, apple cider, balsamic, red wine, white wine, malt and rice vinegar. For more information, visit www.versatilevinegar.org.
Vinegar for Green Cleaning
Star-Telegram.com (Texas) ran a story on January 19, 2008 related to green cleaning, titled, "Step away from the chemicals -- and stay green when you clean." The article notes, "But before you can start green cleaning, you need to know the green-friendly alternatives to commercial products for use around the house." Several alternative products are mentioned, including vinegar. With respect to vinegar, the article notes,
White vinegar
Natural disinfectant that can remove some carpet stains and clean coffeemakers, chrome, cookware and countertops. It can also unclog drains. But it can dissolve the fibers of acetate fabrics found in some tablecloths.
The source of the information was Consumer's Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. To read the entire article, use this link.
Black Vinegar
According to www.channelnewsasia.com, "There's an explosion of black vinegar bars throughout Japan, as the beverage gains popularity as a health tonic." The article, "Black vinegar drink gains popularity in Japan as health tonic," notes consumers can choose from vinegar drinks mixed with fruit flavors, or even a glass of black vinegar laced with honey. According to the article, black vinegar is popular among young female office workers because of its minerals and "good balance" of amino acids, while elderly Japanese are consuming black vinegar because it "is believed to help purify blood and cleanse arteries." To read the entire article, use this link.
Use Vinegar as Stain Remover for Clothes
The January 2008 issue of Real Simple magazine contained a story titled, "How to save clothes after they're stained," which was featured on CNN.com/living. Vinegar was suggested for removing several of the stains, including lipstick, coffee stains, ketchup and tomato sauce, grass and fresh blood. To read the entire article, use this link.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Soft Hands
In a January 6 article from The Columbus Dispatch.com (Ohio), Heloise received a letter from a reader regarding the use of apple cider vinegar for soft hands. The tip is noted below in its entirety:
Dear Heloise: When I had ceramic tile installed in my kitchen, I noticed that the installer rinsed his hands in apple-cider vinegar when he finished working.
He said the vinegar seemed to neutralize the abrasive effect of the alkaline mortar, leaving his hands feeling good. Since then, I started rinsing with vinegar after using harsh cleaners or after a day of yardwork. It really makes a difference.
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