DIY Brass Cleaner, Bamboo Floors & Fly Infestation Control
Joan Clark
March 20, 2026
Hi there,
It's time to tackle home care issues like stubborn tarnish on brass and unexpected pests. We've collected useful solutions to help address the household tasks that matter most right now.
In today's issue:
Natural Ways to Restore Shine to Brass
Getting Rid of Flies for Good
Bringing Back the Luster in Bamboo Flooring
And moreā¦
CLEANING
We discovered that the Statue of Liberty's green patina is actually oxidized brass that took decades to form, and that most tarnished brass around the house can be restored to a warm glow using pantry staples like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda. These four homemade solutions save money and skip harsh chemicals while bringing back the shine to everything from door knockers to candlesticks.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FISHER INVESTMENTS
Will Your Retirement Income Last?
A clear retirement income plan starts with knowing your costs and building a portfolio that can meet them. Fisher Investments' Definitive Guide to Retirement Income helps investors with $1,000,000 or more structure a strategy built to last.
CLEANING
Bamboo floors can lose their luster faster than hardwood because the material is actually grass, not wood, and its natural silica content responds differently to cleaners and foot traffic. We've rounded up five expert-backed methods that restore that showroom glow without damaging the finish or leaving streaks behind.
TIP OF THE DAY
Is Your Vinyl Siding Wearing Last Summer's Pollen?
Start cleaning at the top and work down so dirty water doesn't streak over clean sections. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a garden sprayer, mist a 10-foot section, and let it sit for five minutes.
Scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush on an extension pole, then rinse with a regular garden hose from top to bottom.
BUG CONTROL
A single housefly can lay up to 500 eggs in its short lifetime, turning a minor nuisance into a full-blown invasion in days. We've gathered seven proven methods that stop flies before they multiply and help restore peace to your home.
FUN FACT
Why was mimeograph ink purple?
Mimeograph machines used purple ink because dyes in that color were cheap, fast-drying, and produced crisp text . Black ink existed but cost more. The alcohol in the ink also gave mimeographed pages their distinctive smell. Purple became so standard that "ditto" and "mimeograph" became shorthand for any purple-printed handout. |  |
A NEWSLETTER WE LOVE
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THANK YOU!
Brass gleaming, flies fleeing, and bamboo glowing - your home is about to get a serious upgrade without spending a fortune . These simple tricks turn everyday messes into easy wins. Who knew a little elbow grease could feel this satisfying?
May your brass shine brighter than your future,
Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team
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