Fabric Softener and other things.

While trying to maintain the ultimate, non-exertion perfection of cleanliness in my apartment, i've found some really great home remedies that clean, but also make my life easier. Like fabric softener squares! I LOVE these things. They have so many uses it makes it worth the price (even though they dont soften my clothes very well.) Have a pan where you burnt something to the bottom pretty bad? Like rice (seriously, thats the worst!)? Well, you fill the pan with water and stick a square of fabric softener in there to soak over night and the next morning the burned stuff comes off completely. With little to no scrubbing. Seriously. I tried it. AND it cleans out the gunk at the bottom of your stove if you just add a little water to the square and scrub! Same with soap scum on the shower wall. Lol, Its saved me quite a few times for cleaning checks. As if its cleansing powers weren't good enough, its also a great mosquito repellent. Just rub it on your skin and clothes then tuck it in your belt or pocket or something, and you won't get bitten.
I also really love baking soda. If you do perchance forget bug repellent, then baking soda mixed with water totally soothes the itching (this I got from Mom, when i had chigger bites.) Just make a thick paste, dab on the bite and it pulls out the venom, reduces the size of the bump, and soothes the itching. Also, mix it with vinegar and you have a great drain cleaner. Last semester, my roommates kept clogging the drains and were too wimpy to pull their own hair out, so i learned some easy plumping tricks. Sort of. I'm not taking apart pipes or anything. But if you can use a hanger to fish out the biggest chunk blocking the water then pour in baking soda followed by a shot of vinegar, it'll pump out the dirt and hair with the super foaming job. It saves you from wasting your money on Draino which can eat your pipes. Not to mention that even as an adult i still think the volcano effect is really entertaining.
Speaking of vinegar, if you pour a little in your dishwasher, with your load, your dishes come out more sparkly. And it works as a fabric softener, with your clothes as well as taking out some of your stains without bleaching. And it cleans the drum of your washing machine, so it doesn't mold. Lol I never really knew how useful some of our household products were until i started using and misusing them.