Tips & Tricks 281005

Tub Have a Soapy Film Around It?

• You can remove it simply by pouring a bit of cheap hair shampoo on a sponge. Then rub the filmy area, let it sit for a while and rinse with clear water. Try to do this after each bath or shower you take, so there won't be a buildup.
  

Keeping Lemons and Limes

• Freeze wedges or whole citrus fruit in a heavy plastic freezer bag. When you need to use one, remove it and put into the microwave for a minute or two and then let stand for about 10 minutes before using.
  

Removing Ink Stains

• " A little lemon and seltzer will remove those pesky ink stains after you've been fingerprinted." (Thanks dcriley71 for this one!)
  
  

Adding Punch to Prunes

• These dried plums can be revitalized by soaking them in water, tea, wine or brandy. If they are cooking in a dish that contains lots of liquid, then they don't have to be soaked in advance.
  

Cleaning Fiberglass Tubs

• Fiberglass tubs and shower stalls are not easy to clean. Try this: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the tub or stall and leave on for several hours or even overnight. Let water run to remove the paste. If any stains are still there, sprinkle a cloth with fresh baking soda and gently rub with a damp cloth.

Tips & Tricks 221005

Refrigerator Smelly?

• First, throw out any outdated products! Then take two or three charcoal briquettes and put into an open margarine tub. Place in the refrigerator to help absorb odors. Check under the refrigerator too!

Fire Safety at Home

• Draw a plan of your home and mark the fire-escape routes. Then teach your children about the exits and how to get out in case of a fire or disaster. Be sure to hold fire drills for the entire family twice a year to make sure everyone knows the importance of what to do in a fire emergency.

Removing Grease from Clothing

• Just sprinkle talc or baby powder on the greasy spot. Leave it on for about two hours and use a dry, clean toothbrush to remove the powder. Brush lightly. If the spot remains, repeat the process. Then apply liquid laundry detergent to the area, let sit, then wash as usual.

Festive Ice Cubes

• Serving punch? Jazz up ice cubes by dropping a maraschino cherry or a slice of lemon or fresh mint into each cube. It will make the punch look very decorative and fun to eat.
  

Need a Last-Ditch Stain Remover?

• Use my homemade formula ONLY on white and bleachable fabrics (not for silk or rayon). Mix one gallon of hot water, one cup of powdered dishwasher detergent and one-fourth cup of household liquid chlorine bleach. Let the garment soak in the solution for five to ten minutes. If there's still any stain left, soak it a bit more. Wash as usual.

Tips & Tricks 151005

Preventing Paint from Getting on Windowpanes

• Before you start to paint windowsills, smear petroleum jelly on the windowpane. It will make it easier to remove any paint that accidentally splashes onto the glass.

Have Leftover Rice?

• Don't throw it out. Instead jazz it up with onions, peas, bell peppers or bacon bits. Heat it up in a pan, add an egg or two and sprinkle with soy sauce for a quick fried rice.

Making A Bruised Lip Feel Better

• It seems inevitable that little children will take a tumble or two and create an "ouchie" on their lips. To ease the immediate trauma and tears, give them a frozen ice pop to "cure" the hurt. Of course, if it's bleeding and more serious they will have to visit the doctor.

Reviving Darkened Aluminum Pots

• If these cooking pots have turned a color you don't like looking at or cooking in, you can remove it simply by boiling 1 to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar in the water.

Recycle Envelopes

• When opening mail, don't toss those envelopes out. Instead, recycle them by using the backside for writing out grocery lists and filling the inside with coupons.