Spring Cleaning Tip from HomeDecorators.com

How to Clean Wood Furniture

General Wood Cleaning

While dusting should always be done to enhance wood furniture, general wood cleaning will help maintain your wood's beauty. Once a year, wash your wood furniture with a sudsy solution of mild soap and water. Dip a clean, soft cloth into the soapy water and wring out. Work the cloth over a small area at a time, overlapping areas as you work. Next, rinse with a soap-free dampened cloth. Dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Remember to always test areas in an inconspicuous spot first. Following manufacturers' instructions is key to preserving your treasured wood furniture.
Removing Water Marks
White marks left by water or steam make a bad impression on your furniture. Catching them quickly gives you the chance to erase them for good. Just follow these simple steps to wipe out those white marks:

1. Grab a paper towel and spread a spoonful of mayonnaise on it.
2. Press the mayonnaise lightly over the white mark; leave for 15 minutes.
3. Lift the paper towel to see if stain is removed; reapply as necessary.
4. For older stains, leave on overnight.

Please note:
You should always follow manufacturers' instructions for the particular finish of your furniture.

* Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
* Oil can be substituted for mayonnaise.
* Contact a refinishing specialist for older or stubborn stains.
* For valuable furnishings, get professional advice from an antiques expert.

Shop wood Furniture at Home Decorators Collection.

Spring Break

Well it's that time of year again for college students to swarm the beaches for their spring break. With tuition and housing expenses, college is already expensive enough. But, going away for spring break is an experience that students remember all their lives. It's such carefree fun and in a lot of cases the last hurrah before the responsibilities of having a full time job and a family. Spring break doesn't have to break the bank though. There's many deals to be found if you spend the time and look for them. In no particular order, here's some of the places to start looking:

Orbitz lists the top 5 travel destinations as Fort Lauderdale, Acapulco, Nassau (as low as $304 for 3 nights!), Miami and Las Vegas.

Hotel and airfare packages to the Caribbean and Mexico can be found at Hotwire for $339.

Check out the "Cheap of the Week" at Cheap Tickets, coupon codes can be found on that page for extra special deals.

At Travelocity click on the site map at the bottom of the page and access the free Travel Video Gallery, Weather Center, Currency Converter, Passports & Visas, Destination Guides and more. Don't forget to check the top deals under Vacation Packages. While you're looking around, keep an eye out for the special Roaming Gnome to enter the sweepstakes sponsored by The Amazing Race and Travelocity. The grand prize includes round trip airfare to a mystery location, seven night deluxe hotel accommodations, $2,000 cash spending money and $1,000 hotel credit for spa and excursions. All entries are automatically entered to win a weekly gift pack prize that includes a CBS Amazing Race backpack filled with Amazing Race merchandise such as DVDs, hats, and other official gear.

If it's a cruise you're looking for, get a free Funship DVD from Carnival Cruise Lines. Click on "Specials" to see the great deals on cruise packages starting at $249.

If you already have a plane ticket or are driving to your destination and just need a place to stay, Hotels.com has a ton of Spring Break Specials right now.

Not to put a damper on the great fun but I have to end this entry with a strong warning for students to be very careful during your break. We all know about missing teen Natalee Holloway who was last seen in Aruba in May 2005. Please be careful. Only trust your friends and always be aware of what's going on around you. If you HAVE to drink, don't get so intoxicated that your judgement is impaired. Don't go anywhere by yourself if you can help it. Set up a system of some sort with your family where you check in with them at a certain time every day by phone, text message or email so they know you're safe.