Any Household hints to share?

[love2godeep]

I just discovered what to do with those reeking kitchen sponges. I haven't been able to train my household to rinse them and wring them out, and they can be naaasty!

I send them through the dishwasher, but that isn't always enough. The solution: Rinse and wring them out good, and nuke them for a minute at high speed!

It actually kills the bacteria and turns that stinker back into something useable.

 

[Natasha]

I just discovered what to do with those reeking kitchen sponges. I haven't been able to train my household to rinse them out and wring them out, and they can be naaasty!

I send them through the dishwasher, but that isn't always enough. The solution: Rinse and wring them out good, and nuke them for a minute a high speed!

It actually kills the bacteria and turns that stinker back into something useable.

Wow! Cool idea. Thx.

 

[HammerNoMore]

Ok, I know this is women only but I have to give out a household hint for the guys:

Whenever your SO asks you to do somthing around the house, make sure you make a bigger mess than you started with in the process ...

 

[ASUPaula]

The very best thing for helping me get my house in order has been flylady.com...I know it's hokey, but she's been a lifesaver!

 

[ScubaGoddess1]

My son loves his stuffed Pikachu (a Pokemon plush). It was once yellow, but has turned grey through much love and
daily attention.

On TV, I saw someone who recommended a cleaner to give new life to fading plush. I think it would work well on any material that needs brightening, but I would first use it on a hidden part of the fabrick first.

The mixture is equal parts rubbing alcohol, dish soap and water. Put this mixture in a spray bottle. Spray it on the fabric or toy and use a toothbrush to lightly brush it in. It immediately brightens up the fabric.

It worked like a charm on my son's toy. His Pikachu is yellow again.

ScubaGoddess

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Wow Great hints. Now I just hope I can find this thread when I need it! Reading the posts reminded me of some household hints I use.
Keeping animals out of gardens....use a spray bottle mixture of water and cayanne pepper or Tabasco sauce. Spray a "border." Won't hurt plants.
Keeping pets off of furniture. Ok, this sounds cruel, but it really works and does not hurt the animal. Mouse traps. I put them on the table, in the garbage can, where ever I don't want the critters getting into/onto. Works like a charm. (I have a friend who has a low, wide sitting type window sill. She painted the mousetraps pretty colors and nailed them on the sill to keep the dogs off.)
Fresh Coffee all day. Brew then turn off the coffee maker. When you want a new cup, microwave, it tastes much fresher this way.

 

[prplunicorn]

Lisa, that much I know but unfortunately even bleach doesn't work...
These are my favourite white summer trousers and there are several small rust spots on them. You know how it is on the boat - rust is everywhere....and so it's also on my clothes.
And you are right - I never saw a rust remover solution at home. So is that the reason to go to Honolulu?

Well, any reason is a good reason to go there
Mania

There's this stuff called Iron Out that should work. I get it at Wal-Mart. It should be in either the laundry or cleaning supply aisles.

 

[prplunicorn]

Oh, I have anoter one, too.

Rub baby powder or cornstarch into grease spots on clothing. It will soak up the grease before you wash it. It's also easy to carry one of the trial size powders in your purse when you're eating out.

 

[CathyI8205]

Crazy glue: If you have ever been in the situation and have gotten crazy glue on your skin..like glueing your fingers together - don't tear them apart. Hot soapy water will do the trick.

I've heard about the story of the wife "glueing" her husband to himself!

If you poke yourself doing needlework. Spit works for small spots of blood.

 

[Raven C]

This is a great thread. Lots of good ideas.

Can get that jar open??? Turn it upside down and firmly hit the lid flat on the counter or floor three times. It works! Really.

Love fried foods but hate to clean up the mess? After you remove all the food from the pan, leave on the stove and pour some water in the pan. The junk in the bottom bubbles right up and you can rinse the junk right out. This also works for broiling if you forget to line the pan. Just remove the contents from the pan, put water in it and place it back in the over for a couple minutes. OR for one of my favorite cooking appliances, The George Forman Grill. Once I've finished cooking, I leave it plugged up, place an empty catch pan in place and pour a little water on the grill with a glass or a sponge and every thing bubbles off into the pan. Then wipe it clean.

When painting from a can, place a rubber band around the can (across the opening) so you can remove excess paint from your brush as you take it out of the can after each plunge.

Spray painting??? Take a box or paper bag large enough to place the item in and paint it inside the box or bag to prevent overspray on everything. You can even remove one side to make it more accessible. Then throw away box or bag -- supper easy clean up.

Hard to clean blender. Just place some warm water in blender with a couple drops of liquid detergent. Close lid and slowly blend you appliance clean.

R