 When you break a light bulb in its socket,
it can be very difficult to unscrew it for replacement. Try
jamming a bar of soap, a large cork or a piece of raw potato in to the
base of the bulb and then twisting it. The broken bulb should come
out with no problem.
For hands covered with grease or paint,
sawdust can work magic. While your hands are still wet, rub them
with sawdust and watch them come clean before your eyes. It's
safer and more economical than using a solvent or commercial cleaner.
When making meatballs, mix your
favorite ingredients together in a bowl. Flatten the
hamburger mixture in a rectangle shape on a cutting board. Using a
sharp knife, cut length-wise then horizontality making each square
relative in size. (about 1-1/2 to 2 inches square) . Before
rolling each square into a ball, wet hands to keep meat mixture from
sticking to your hands. I makes all meat balls the same size and
keeps your hands from that messing feeling. -
submitted by Jack & Anne
I keep a roll of
masking tape in my kitchen drawer and use it to seal food and
other packages of all kinds. I also use it to label foods, spices, etc.
with the date of purchase. I can't imagine working in my kitchen without a
roll handy at all times! - submitted by Paula
Test the power of baking powder by putting a small
amount in some hot water. If it bubbles, it's fresh.
To unstick a stuck zipper, try
one of these ideas: Draw on the teeth of the zipper with a pencil or dab a bit
of lip balm on the teeth. Work the zipper up and down until it moves smoothly.
Trying to get a single coffee
filter out of the stack can be a little frustrating unless you turn the stack inside out.
Make a handy curling iron rod
cover from a regular kitchen pot holder. Fold in half and sew around the outside
leaving one small side open. Now if you're rushing out of the house or traveling and
don't want to leave your recently unplugged curling iron, just slip it in this handy
case.
Hang a vinyl shoe bag on the
back of your child's door to hold Barbies, Beanie Babies, toy cars or any small toy that
has a habit of piling up in their room.
Clearing the dishes from your
dinner table? Do it restaurant-style...Load everything into a big dishpan so that
everything is cleared in one shot.
Hang a squeegee in your shower
and teach your children and husband to wipe down the walls after they shower to prevent
soap scum build-up.
Keep a running list on your
fridge of small jobs that need to be done around the house. When a family member has
a spare moment, have them check the list to see what job can be done. With it in
plain view, tasks are more likely be done sooner without the chance of being
"forgotten".
Don't waste time looking for tweezers, nail clippers, or small
scissors. Instead, attach a magnetic strip to the inside of your medicine cabinet
door.
Keep bathroom drawers neat by putting plastic silverware trays in
them. Their great for holding lots of small things.
Save your refrigerator from becoming the school art gallery.
Hang a large piece of corkboard on your child's bedroom wall to post their beautiful
artwork.
Instead of buying those expensive bleach cleaners, combine 1 part
bleach to 10 parts water in a spray bottle. Just make sure you label the bottle to
avoid any accidents.
Want to prevent that grimy residue on the top of your
refrigerator? After cleaning, lay old cloth placemats on it.
A quick way to clean your bathroom...run your shower at the hottest
setting and close the door till everything gets steamy. Then grab a cloth and start
wiping.
If you don't use an appliance or gadget at least once a week that
has made a home on your countertop, find a spot for it in one of your cabinets. This
helps to reduce clutter on your countertops. |
