Thursday, July 21, 2011

Handy Everyday Tips


Here are a few handy tips for those of you wanting to read your neighbors mail everyday tips that I know I can sure use! And hey... If I can use them, you probably can too! So... I'll share because I'm nice like that. You're welcome.

* To open a sealed envelope put it in the freezer for a few hours. Slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.

* Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to. (And they're a heck of a lot cheaper than those handy cord strap thingies!)

* To prevent icy door steps in freezing temperatures, get warm water and put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze.

* To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.

* Got kids? Got crayon marks on walls? Dip a damp rag in baking soda. The marks come off with little effort.

* To remove permanent marker from appliances and counter tops use rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

* Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads , I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad in half. After years of having to throw away rusted, unused, smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened'' this way!

* Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Pour hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! (Okay, this one is a little odd...)

* Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows.This way you can tell which side has the streaks. Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak. (And... THAT would imply that I was windows!)

* Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in every room to create a lovely scent in each room when the light is turned on. (Hmmm.... The kids' room HAS been smelling a little funky. I think I'll try that!)

* Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.

* Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.

* To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm! (Interesting idea, but easier to just buy a new arrangement!)

* To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top. (I do this ALL the time, even when I'm camping. This one DOES work!)

* Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains. (I've heard this one before, too. I've not tried it (probably too lazy or forgetful or something) but I've heard of it.)

* Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

* When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.

* Got a headache? Cut a lime in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away. (That's AFTER you've finished the margarita, obviously... I think in reality you're just too drunk to realize that rubbing a lime on your head won't really make your headache go away... But hey... It's worth a try!)

* To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.

* Ants are said to never cross a chalk line so get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself what happens.

* Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell with the shine.

* When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily. Duct tape works even better.

* Check out what you can do with Alka Seltzer! Use it to clean a toilet... Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill it with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets. Use it to polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes. Use it to clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let it soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary). Use it to unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.


Okay, gotta run! Sounds like a trip to the store for dish soap and Alka Seltzer is in order!


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