Wholesale clubs have always been a part of my life. Some of my favorite memories from when I was little include running up and down the aisles of wholesale clubs with my siblings, eating samples and trying out the furniture. Now, I still sample the goodies, sit on the furniture and ponder how I can use things that I probably don’t need.

I am a big fan of buying in bulk, even though I don’t have a ton of space for storage. I just cannot justify paying more for getting less at a smaller store. Instead, I have had to get creative and find alternate uses for the jumbo sizes that I bring home.

Dish soap is one of those items. It is one of the gentlest cleansers that can still cut through grease. This makes it perfect for many uses around the home aside from dishes.

• Get out those grease stains. If you drop a greasy piece of food or dressing on your shirt, skip traditional stain removers and reach for the dish soap instead. Remember, it is formulated to cut through grease, which makes it the perfect solution for removing it. Because dish soap is gentle enough for skin, it is also gentle on fabrics, too. If you have a particularly delicate item, test a small, inconspicuous spot before proceeding to a larger, more visible area.

• Tackle your toolbox. Soak your tools in warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry. In addition to helping keep your tools clean, doing this also will help to prevent rust from developing.

• Clean your countertops and tabletops. I used to reach for disinfectant wipes and harsh chemicals for my daily kitchen cleanup. However, now that my baby daughter puts her mouth on everything, I’ve had to re-think my routine. Instead, I add dish soap to a damp paper towel and wipe down the counters, table, cabinets and tile floors. (Consult manufacturer instructions if you have wooden or lami-nate floors.)

• Add shine to your appliances. Again, because of the dish soap’s grease fighting, gentle power, it makes for a great cleaner for most of the items in your kitchen. Use warm water and a little bit of dish soap and wipe gently.

• Wash your outdoor furniture. Use dish soap to wash your outdoor chairs, tables and even your grill. Add some soap to warm water in a bucket and apply with a rag. For your grill, take off the grates and allow them to soak before scrubbing with a wire brush.

Have a question for Joanne? Email thefixisin@gmail.com.

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