If You Thrift

Buying second hand items, or "thrifting" is a great way to save money while putting together your home. It's incredible what treasures you can find in a thrift shop, or on someone's lawn on a Saturday morning. Sites like Craigslist and Freecycle have also made it easier to find used furniture and other items at a low price in your area.

But sometimes the Victorian dresser purchased at a low $50 may come with an unwanted smell, or a funny looking stain. Second hand items are usually final sale, and your own Craigslist ad to sell it has not gotten any  callers.

Fortunately, the collective genius of home economic experts all over the internet have provided us with a wealth of solutions for such inconveniences.

Below is a list of a few suggestions for dealing with flaws found on your finds.

One trick I learned years ago is to remove water rings from wooden furniture. Furniture polish is ineffective but a paste of  1 baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water will wipe that stain right off. Be careful to use only the amount of water prescribed, then gently rub the paste in a circular motion on the ring.

To clean an old, foggy mirror, use a mixture of two parts and one part rubbing alcohol, being careful not to get any of the mixture on the frame.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_4617623_clean-antique-mirrors.html

It's important to vacuum furniture before using it, and then do your cleaning project outside. Then, a grocery store cleaner should help remove odors and kill any bugs that might have piggybacked alongside.

source: http://www.ehow.com/how_6498879_clean-used-couch.html

If a stain is too serious to handle on your own, you may want to consider handing it over to an expert, and passing up on the next questionable item.