Housekeeping Hints worth remembering

[Zimectrin]

You may already have these in your arsenal, but if not.

Well One good idea makes it worth reading...

==============================================
A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmmmmm...)
============================================
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.
=================================================
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
=================================================
To remove old wax from a glass candleholder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candleholder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
=========================================
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
=================================================
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) 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 into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and 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! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! Now, where to put the body?
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
=================================================
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!
=================================================
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
================================================
Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
================================================
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.
================================================
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
================================================
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
================================================
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
================================================
Ants, ants, ants everywhere .... Well, they 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.
================================================
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to 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.
=====================================
Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer.
================================================
Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.
================================================
Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
================================================
Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
=================================================
Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
================================================
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.
===============================================

[Zimectrin]

You may already have these in your arsenal, but if not.

Well One good idea makes it worth reading...

==============================================
A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmmmmm...)
============================================
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.
=================================================
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)
=================================================
To remove old wax from a glass candleholder, put it in the freezer for a few hours. Then take the candleholder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
=========================================
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
=================================================
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!) 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 into halves. After years of having to throw away rusted and unused and 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! Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time! Now, where to put the body?
=================================================
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.
=================================================
Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.
=================================================
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!
=================================================
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.
================================================
Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
================================================
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.
================================================
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
================================================
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.
================================================
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.
================================================
Ants, ants, ants everywhere .... Well, they 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.
================================================
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to 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.
=====================================
Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer.
================================================
Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China.
================================================
Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.
================================================
Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
=================================================
Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).
================================================
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.
===============================================

[Liz (the bad one)]

I use cheap denture cleaner (from the dollar store) for cleaning instead of the alka-seltzer. It might be cheaper.

Especially works on coffee carafes in the office......

[Lorna]

David uses Oxyclean for his dentures so we don't buy denture cleaner (cheap kind works too but not as well). Remember to rinse well.


But don't you
"put de lime in de coconut, you drink 'em bot' togedder
Put de lime in de coconut and you'll feel better,
Put de lime in de coconut, drink 'em bot' up,
Put de lime in de coconut and call me in the morning."

[Working in the USA]

WD-40 has some great uses. (the list I have is really long, so I just pulled ones fit for RVers)

1. Gets oil spots off concrete driveways
2. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
3. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill
4. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards and vinyl bumpers.
5. Removes splattered grease on stove.
6. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
7. Removes all traces of duct tape.
8. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. It's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
9. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately, and stops the itch.
10. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly. Use WD-40!

[RVinMeMo]

Man...wish I would have read this thread a couple weeks ago...before I spent an entire day cleaning bug guts off my car so I could trade it in. I'll be picking up some WD-40 to keep my new Mountaineer bug free!! Lots of other great tips as well.

[Dream Weaver]

That's a great list. Thanks for posting.

DW

[Medorg]

Dont forget... WD40 contains distilates... that will eat your clear coat, and ruin your shine faster than bug guts !!

Wash well with a light soap after using the WD40. But just the same it is great for removing tar too...

[CharlieM]

Actually the main ingrediant in Water Displacement Formula 40 (WD-40) is Menhaden (fish) oil.

[CactusCampin']

Steve;
Thanks for the List !!
I just got a couple of new ones that I am going to try!
Soak Pine cones in 1 gal. water and 1 lb. Borax, let dry & put in the campfire for color flames! My grandkids Love these !!
......also use a flea collar in the ouside compartment of water heater, stove, fridge, or storage to keep bugs out !

[Salome]

For bugs, sap and other sticky yuck I use one of those orange oil based products. To date I have never ruined a darn thing.

[glfprncs]

We stayed in an area once where the field mice were a REAL problem. However, Bounce dryer sheets are a mouse deterrant, so I placed them in various places around the coach where mice might try to climb aboard. I would lay them in the basement area, stuff one in the hole where the power cord travels, etc. Everybody else in the campground was buying mousetraps, but not us.

In addition, if you rub a Bounce dryer sheet on your skin (and the fur of your pets), it acts as a nice bug repellent.

[bsavage]

What great ideas! Living in Arizona, let me take the scotch tape for removing splinters one step further, if (heaven forbid) you ever fall into a cactus, use duct tape to remove the thorns (yes, it might hurt, but so does pulling them out one by one. Think: ripping off a bandaid fast).

Another thing I've learned, if I have pretty things that I like to have out but they don't travel well (I have a small vase that I like to keep some cut flowers in)... velcro! I put self adhesive velcro on the base and the counter, and it stays put really well.

[rivercat]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">
10. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly. Use WD-40! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

A dampened dryer sheet worked just as well!