Here's some more new tips! Thanks to Sammi from over at
Crafty Moments. I think she's got a tip for just about everything. Enjoy!
http://communities.msn.com/CraftyMoments
Helpful Household Hints
1. 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.
2. Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.
3. 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!
4. Are flies or bees bothering you? Spray them with
hairspray and they will take a quick dive.
5. Sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.
6. Use empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords in. It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs
7. 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.
8. Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag dipped in baking soda. Comes of with little effort (elbow grease that is!).
9. Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!); rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
10. Whenever you purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves. Now a box of S.O.S pads last indefinitely! And scissors get sharpened this way!
11. Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works every time!
12. 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.
13. Spray a bit of perfume on the lightbulb in any room to create a lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on. DO NOT APPLY TO A HOT BULB!
14. Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
Helpful Cooking Hints
1. Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.
2. Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle and you'll get perfectly shaped pancakes every time.
3. To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.
4. To prevent eggshells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling.
5. Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispies treats in the pan and the marshmallow won't stick to your fingers.
6. To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring them to room temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter before squeezing.
7. 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 stovetop.
8. Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray
before pouring in tomato based sauces, there won't be any
stains.
9. When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.
10. If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant "fix me up."
12. Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.