 When
storing tomato sauce, spray your plastic container with nonstick cooking
spray first. This prevents the red sauce from staining the container and
makes clean up easier.
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To
remove a buildup of soap scum from shower walls and doors - without endlessly
scrubbing - simply sponge on full strength, liquid dishwasher gel, then
rinse.
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If
a desk or bureau drawer sticks, you can get it to glide smoothly by rubbing
it's runners with fine grain sandpaper, then a candle or piece of soap
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When
fixing a cup of warm milk, prevent it from boiling over by rinsing the
pot with cold water before you pour in the milk.
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Don't
toss out week old carrots and celery that have wilted. Use them to make
broth; simmer veggies until the fall apart, strain and refrigerate the
liquid - or freeze for up to 2 months.
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To
make your home smell warm and welcoming, sprinkle cinnamon on a piece of
aluminum foil, place inside a warm oven - and leave the door open. (Even
if you don't bake, this makes your house smell so good a Christmas)
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Ever
get those leather shoes drenched in a sudden downpour? Protect their shape
and guard against shrinkage by stuffing wet footwear with newspaper before
leaving them to dry.
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Rewhiten
kitchen appliances that have yellowed with age by mixing 1/2 cup bleach,
1/4 cup baking soda and 4 cups warm water. Wipe on and let set for 15 minutes.
Rinse; repeat if necessary.
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Store
sewing bobbins in empty aspirin bottles. The threads won't get tangled,
making your next sewing project much easier.
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Next
time you boil potatoes, rather than pouring the water down the drain, use
it as a nutrient rich soup stock, or mix it with powdered milk to give
mashed potatoes an extra dose of vitamins and flavour.
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If
you love to nibble carrots but hate to peel them, here's a fast and easy
way to remove the skin: put carrots in a small colander and place in a
pan of boiling water. Turn off the heat and let sit for five minutes. Transfer
carrots to cold water, then drain. Slide skins off with fingers, no peeler
necessary.
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To
make sure your toddler doesn't slip and fall in his new shoes, improve
the traction by lightly scratching the soles with a piece of sandpaper.
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Clean
food encrusted cast iron pots and pans with oven cleaner. Spray it on,
let it stand one hour, then wash with hot soapy water and dry.
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When
you buy new glassware, plates and bowls, remove the sticky price tags (and
glue residue) by wiping with mineral spirits on a cotton ball. Simple and
fast.
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Need
to remove bloodstains from clothing.
Of
course the faster the better. Soak in cold water immediately, remember
hot water will set the stain. Hydrogen peroxide is very good for removing
blood stains. The fresher the easier of course, but even dried blood comes
out with a little effort. The hydrogen peroxide seems to do no damage to
any fabric I've tried it on.
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Save
on boneless chicken breasts by doing the boning yourself with a sharp knife.
To bone chicken breast, partially freeze or (defrost) them first. As well
as, beef, pork or lamb, that is to be, cut into thin slices before cooking.
They are much easier to handle if partially frozen.
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Prevent
raw potatoes from sprouting buds by tossing them into your fridges produce
bin - along with one apple.
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To
remove burnt-on food from a skillet, fill it with soapy water and bring
to a boil. The food particles will loosen, making them much easier to wash
away.
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Silence
squeaky metal bed springs with a coat of spray on furniture wax.
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Keep
sneakers and canvas shoes spotless with carpet shampoo. Simply dip an old
toothbrush in the shampoo and rub in the canvas until it gets foamy. Wipe
away the shampoo - and dirt - with a clean cloth.
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Store
lemons and limes in empty egg cartons. They won't roll around - or get
lost - inside the fridge.
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To
keep pasta warm for up to an hour without overcooking, place it in a colander
set above a pot of simmering water. Cover until needed.
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When
baking muffins, quick cool the pan by placing it on a wet towel as soon
as you remove it from the oven. The muffins will slide out much easier.
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Ripen
an avocado fast by placing it in a plastic bag with a piece of banana peel.
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To
soften brown sugar, just add a crust of bread and reseal your container.
The brown sugar will soften right up.
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Before
arranging a bouquet of dried flowers, mist them with water, then place
in a plastic bag for 30 minutes. They'll be less brittle and much more
manageable.
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