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hatredisnotavalue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:17 PM
Original message
Name a really, really useful household hint
I am thinking about writing a book about this. No joke. My sister-in-law was really impressed about the below tip. And she is very, very hard to impress.

Mine: Don't buy those long expensive matches to light a candle when the wick is really hard to get to.
Use a piece of spaghetti or a piece of straw from the broom. Light the end, wait until it flames and then use it to light your candle. You can reuse the same piece of spaghetti or straw over and over again.

Yours?

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XemaSab Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:20 PM
Response to Original message
1. There is very little
that vinegar and baking soda can't clean.

TOGETHER! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
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NMDemDist2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:22 PM
Response to Reply #1
2. ROFL
:spank:
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Hugin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:04 PM
Response to Reply #1
11. *hic*... Eyee Purfur the Alllcholo.... *hic* My, dear...
*hic*... How maany are there of you, ennyway?

*thunk*
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khashka Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:11 PM
Response to Reply #1
14. Damn it, girl! That was gonna be MY household hint!


:)


Khash.
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Left Is Write Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:08 PM
Response to Reply #1
39. Vinegar is the perfect cleaner for vinyl floors.
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Random_Australian Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:23 PM
Response to Original message
3. Sticky stuff left on bottles?
Edited on Wed Mar-08-06 06:24 PM by Random_Australian
Eucalyptus Oil, 1 drop on a cloth, instantly gone.

NO EUCALYPTS ARE NOT NATIVE TO CALIFORNIA!
An edit: FROM LABELS U DIRTY MINDED so and so!
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NMDemDist2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:24 PM
Response to Reply #3
5. i knew that
both of them :rofl:
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Hugin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:05 PM
Response to Reply #3
12. Peanut butter is also good for that...
especially when it's on a vertical surface.

;)
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Gormy Cuss Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:47 AM
Response to Reply #3
70. re: EUCALYPTS NOT NATIVE TO CALIF
Want them back?
:hi:
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Sequoia Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:15 PM
Response to Reply #3
79. Down Under
Why did you give us those trees....crikey!!! They suck up all the ground water. But, they can be pretty with their trailing branches and such.
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NMDemDist2 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:23 PM
Response to Original message
4. check out the frugal living group
some of the old threads have some really good tips in them

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=353
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hatredisnotavalue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:26 PM
Response to Reply #4
7. Thanks great thread! n/t
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Lorien Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 01:51 AM
Response to Reply #7
122. And check out the Progressive living group-same idea, but we
don't shop at Wal-Mart or any other red establishments: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=255
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Deja Q Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:25 PM
Response to Original message
6. Dust mites create preseratives for food AND furniture!
:rofl:
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redwitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:35 PM
Response to Original message
8. Helpful hints from Heloise years ago
recommended cutting a leg off a pair of panty hose to use as an umbrella holder if the original was lost.
Lovely for the person seeking that " I live under a bridge, can you spare some cash? look.

Also recommended bringing hot dogs on a trip to drive in (I think) in a tupperware container of hot water.
Thus, keeping the hot dogs hot AND as an added bonus, the water from the hot dogs could be used to wash the children's little faces.
Eew!

Your hint was a good one.
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hatredisnotavalue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:00 PM
Response to Reply #8
10. You are too funny redwitch...I am thinking about a book where....
someone writes in and says I can't get this bullet hole blood stain out of my shirt. What do I do?


Answer: Burn it.

I remember Heloise. What the F!. ( I got lipstick on a paper napkin, how do I get the stain out) The all time most useless hints ever!

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Caoimhe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:17 PM
Response to Reply #8
18. lol the hotdog juice as wet cleanup
Now that's just so nasty! I've seen lots of "aged" women use pantyhose for everything under the sun. I guess it harkens back to the depression. A great aunt of mine would buy a gallon of milk, pour half in another jug and fill both to the top with water. It was pretty disgusting, but at least we always knew what to expect. She'd also say of someone who was looking thin "she looks like a well used bar 'o soap"

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SoCalDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 05:41 PM
Response to Reply #8
104. Yep.. rambunctious kids boucing around inside a car AND a tub of hot water
That makes for an enjoyable evening at the movies... That AND the hot-doggy smell in your car afterwards when one of the kids spills it ...On his brother:)
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BrotherBuzz Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 06:49 PM
Response to Original message
9. Never cook bacon in the nude
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Caoimhe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:14 PM
Response to Reply #9
15. LOL! n/t
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khashka Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:14 PM
Response to Reply #9
16. Or pancakes.....
Getting the batter out of your chest hair? Not fun. At all.

Khash.


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LynzM Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 08:49 PM
Response to Reply #16
34. LOL, nice one, Khash
:rofl: Ow.
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khashka Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 04:14 AM
Response to Reply #34
56. Nice one?
It wasn't nice at all!

I'm gratified that you find my pain and humiliation funny, though.


:)

Khash.
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LynzM Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:22 AM
Response to Reply #56
57. I just meant nice tip, silly
I've never had that happen with pancake batter, only bacon grease. Owie!
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Hugin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:36 PM
Response to Reply #9
22. Right! Listen up folks! Important safety tip!
This should be left to the naked bacon cooking professionals!
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Castilleja Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:41 AM
Response to Reply #9
48. I won't say how I know this, but...
that is a very wise tip. Cooking eggs while nude? Also bad..... ;-)
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EFerrari Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 06:01 PM
Response to Reply #9
108. No! It's "Never cook bacon naked"
lol, title of hubby's first book. :)
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DainBramaged Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:08 PM
Response to Original message
13. Clean your microwave
put a large glass of water in, set to high for 6 minutes. The steam from the water will loosen all the gunk in the microwave. Please remember to make the glass large enough to leave some water in it, and PLEASE USE AN OVEN MIT TO REMOVE THE GLASS.
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hatredisnotavalue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:31 PM
Response to Reply #13
21. Thanks! That is a great hint
I just learned this one today. I had a large clog in the bathroom sink and I poured a bottle of lemon juice down the drain. Worked way better than Drano or Mr. Plumber.
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redwitch Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:43 PM
Response to Reply #21
27. that is a great tip!
and lots less toxic than Drano
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KyndCulture Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:53 PM
Response to Reply #13
30. Hyrdrogen Peroxide removes blood from fabric...
in case you are going on a killing spree and are a neat freak...

:evilgrin:
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mikeytherat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:39 AM
Response to Reply #13
61. You can add lemon juice to the water if your microwave ie really nasty
Works like a champ.

mikey_the_rat
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AllegroRondo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:46 AM
Response to Reply #13
68. Never dry your socks in the microwave
you can never get the smell out. all you food will smell like socks.
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Sequoia Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:32 PM
Response to Reply #13
86. Throw in lemon juice for extra shine!
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trof Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:14 PM
Response to Original message
17. Pasta is flammable?
I ain't ever eatin' that dangerous crap again.
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Caoimhe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:19 PM
Response to Reply #17
19. I had no idea either
Edited on Wed Mar-08-06 07:20 PM by Caoimhe
but I did have a roommate that would test if her spaghetti was done by flinging a piece against the refrigerator. If it stuck, it was done. I thought it a bit odd but who knows :shrug:

*on edit* I've taken her "hint" to a new level. When I make spaghetti, I always take a few cooled strands and fling them on the cats. It provides entertainment for a good few minutes, because they can't just pull it off, it comes off in chunks. Am i cruel?
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trof Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:26 PM
Response to Reply #19
20. No, you are not cruel.
You have a highly developed sense of humor which I'm sure your cats appreciate.
;-)
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riona Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 03:56 PM
Response to Reply #20
100. cats
need something undignified to happen to them occasionally
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Texasgal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:40 PM
Response to Original message
23. An old sock or panty hose
filled with rice and placed in the microwave makes a GREAT warm compress for back pain...or any other pain that requires heat!
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hatredisnotavalue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 08:42 PM
Response to Reply #23
33. Great tip
Also a bag of frozen peas is the best ice wrap because it forms itself around the wound unlike a bag of ice and holds the cold longer than water.
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jberryhill Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:51 PM
Response to Reply #23
43. Why do these things...
Edited on Wed Mar-08-06 09:56 PM by jberryhill
...always require an "old" sock.

I mean, can't I use a new sock?

If I put one of MY old socks in the microwave, then it'll empty the house.

Actual Google Advertisement:



Hint:

Discarded tampon applicators can be used in the cupboard as spacers between dishes so that they put away wet and not take up counter space while drying, because you are too godamned cheap to use a dishwasher.


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rbnyc Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:57 PM
Response to Reply #23
45. fill with potpourri and put in your sock drawer to keep...
...or other clothes drawer for a fresh smell.
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NV Whino Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:17 PM
Response to Reply #23
81. Caution
use only once before allowing it to cool down for a loooong time. You can get major burns if you reheat immediately.
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Left_Winger Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:40 PM
Response to Original message
24. Booze makes an excellent all-purpose disinfectant and it never expires
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Hugin Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:43 PM
Response to Reply #24
26. *hic*... Sec... Sec... Uh, Doubled... Make that a double... *hic*
An ushe the good stuff this time...

*hic*
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Whoa_Nelly Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:41 PM
Response to Original message
25. Another use for pantyhose (gardening)
Pantyhose legs make for a soft, yet durable, ties when needing something to hold a newly planted tree to support stakes. The pantyhose won't cut into the tree trunk, and is flexible as the tree sways.
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underpants Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:01 PM
Response to Reply #25
72. Bacon keeps rabbits away
so I hear
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GoddessOfGuinness Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:49 PM
Response to Original message
28. Remove ball-point pen ink with hairspray
Use the cheap-o brand. It really works!
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CornField Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:52 PM
Response to Original message
29. Water marks on wood
Mix some mayonnaise with cigarette ashes to make a paste. Put paste on water marks and leave overnight. Wash off in the morning and the water mark is gone.
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Caoimhe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:19 PM
Response to Reply #29
41. I admit that one is bizarre
I'll have to try it.
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EFerrari Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 06:07 PM
Response to Reply #41
110. My musician first husband used to polish his Martin with
mayo.

Seemed to work.

On the other hand, I divorced his @ss. :)
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amitten Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:04 AM
Response to Reply #29
128. Actually, plain mayonnaise does the trick. n/t
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LibraLiz1973 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 07:20 PM
Response to Reply #29
146. That one works for me every time
When people see me do it they always go Ewwwwwwwwww.... and then when they see how it works they ask for the directions.

I lay the mayo on first and then sprinkle the ashes on top.



The thing is- now I dont smoke anymore. I just realized that the next time it happens I am screwed
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Missy Vixen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 07:55 PM
Response to Original message
31. Stains on clothing?
Before washing the clothing, turn inside out and spray stain remover on the BACK of the stain. This causes the stain to be forced out through the fibers of your clothing, and the stain will magically disappear in most cases!

Julie
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hatredisnotavalue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 08:40 PM
Response to Reply #31
32. Great one!
Also if you pour white wine on a red wine stain it will remove the stain altogether on a rug.
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Patiod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 03:47 PM
Response to Reply #32
98. If you pour additional red wine all over the entire rug
You won't notice the first stain....
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Initech Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 08:55 PM
Response to Original message
35. You can use old motor oil to fertilize your lawn
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hatredisnotavalue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:05 PM
Response to Reply #35
37. You can also use used motor oil to treat the under pinnings of your
deck to treat untreated wood and make it impenetrable to pests and moisture.
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Initech Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 01:44 AM
Response to Reply #37
54. Ah, I see the Fight Club reference was lost here!
:evilgrin:
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jmowreader Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:47 AM
Response to Reply #37
69. You do NOT want to do this!
While most waterproofers are flammable when they are wet, eventually the solvent evaporates leaving the non-flammable active ingredients. Motor oil stays flammable forever--and it's a hard fire to put out.

Besides, it's a "surface" treatment--real pressure treatment goes clear through to the center of the wood.
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TallahasseeGrannie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:39 AM
Response to Reply #35
62. NO YOU CAN NOT!
Really? You can? How?
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Nicholas D Wolfwood Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:05 PM
Response to Reply #35
76. His name is Robert Paulsen
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On the Road Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:50 PM
Response to Reply #35
90. And You Can Make Homemade Soap
with discarded fat from liposuction clinics.
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ET Awful Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 08:58 PM
Response to Original message
36. If you lose the back to your earring, a piece of pencil eraser will do
quite nicely until you can find a new back.

I couldn't believe that ladies I work with hadn't heard of this, one lady was freaking out one day because she'd lost the back to her nice earrings and was afraid she'd lose the earring, I calmly handed her a pencil eraser and showed her what to do and she was in shock at how clever I was :P.

Why was she in shock you ask? Because I'm a non-earring wearing guy who just knows all kinds of weird useful things :P
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Caoimhe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:15 PM
Response to Reply #36
40. yes it would shock me if a guy suggested that to me
but i work with RW redneck men.
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Left Is Write Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:07 PM
Response to Original message
38. For food scorched/burnt onto the bottom of a pan...
Boil some water and a squeeze of dishwashing liquid in the pan. It will loosen the burnt on food and make it easy to wash away. I learned this tip - and found it to work perfectly! - one time when I forgot about some rice on the stove.
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Patiod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 03:49 PM
Response to Reply #38
99. Dishwasher soap is amazing on burnt stuff, and no boiling
We don't have a dishwasher, but keep dishwasher soap around for burnt-on stuff...
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Fleshdancer Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 07:18 PM
Response to Reply #38
114. a used fabric softner helps for this too...
Pour warm water in the pan and put a used fabric softner in it and let it soak overnight. Technically you could use a new fabric softner, but why waste it?
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havocmom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:42 PM
Response to Original message
42. Peanut butter to get gum out of hair.
How you get rid of the dog going after the peanut butter is your concern :evilgrin:
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DemBones DemBones Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:02 AM
Response to Reply #42
126. But it's best to use smooth peanut butter.

I have done it with chunky peanut butter and it was . . . strange.
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havocmom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 05:56 PM
Response to Reply #126
145. LOL I would imagine!... um, are you blond too?
Ice cube works well too. (The frozen water kind, not the creamy chocolate type)
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no name no slogan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:53 PM
Response to Original message
44. Don't Trust Whitey
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underpants Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:02 PM
Response to Reply #44
73. First thing I am teaching my daughter
great advice
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Babette Donating Member (810 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 09:59 PM
Response to Original message
46. And ruin a wise old broom by burning it?
I use baking soda for almost everything... cleaning stinky drains, as a scouring powder.

As for household hints...

Use marjoram as a floor sweep to pick up negativity?...

Wash your doorknobs with rosemary tea?...
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ashling Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Mar-08-06 11:01 PM
Response to Original message
47. I found a clipping
in an old book the other day that my mom had cut out about how to wash a drip dry dress in the bathtub.
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Floogeldy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:46 AM
Response to Original message
49. Clean soiled wooden floors with a Brillo pad and toothpaste.
On second thought, DON'T.
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Lydia Leftcoast Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:57 AM
Response to Original message
50. One I learned on DU:
Get grease spots out of clothing by pre-washing the spot with dishwashing liquid.
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linazelle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 12:26 AM
Response to Reply #50
118. That's a GOOD tip. I'll remember it,
:hi:
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FuzzySlippers Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 01:07 AM
Response to Original message
51. Learned this one from Martha Stewart.
Peel and chop onions next to an open flame, such as a gas burner on a stove. It really works to reduce eye irritation. I used to suffer the torments of the damned trying to chop onions. It's still irritating, but considerably less so, using this method.
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underpants Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:04 PM
Response to Reply #51
75. toothpicks under your tongue
works really good
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DS1 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:26 PM
Response to Reply #51
84. Only a rich beatch like Martha Stewart would suggest running
an open flame because the wunywuns make your little eyes hurt.

F'in ridiculous waste of energy
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begin_within Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:38 PM
Response to Reply #51
88. Or just have a fan on the side, to blow away the eye-stinging vapor.
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On the Road Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:58 PM
Response to Reply #51
91. Or If Your Eyes Do Get Burned from Peeling Onions,
stick your head in the freezer for a minute. You'll recover faster.
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reyd reid reed Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 01:08 AM
Response to Original message
52. Use Cascade (powder kind) instead of or along with bleach
in your whites. Brightens 'em up.

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Benfea Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 01:36 AM
Response to Original message
53. If you can make it to the end of a familiy gathering...
…without killing any relatives, then you win!
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politicat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 01:47 AM
Response to Original message
55. Shampoo works as a stain remover.
It also removes dried latex paint from hard surfaces and is an excellent soap for washing cars.

To remove dried on food from baking dishes, soak in water with a squeeze of shampoo over night.

Get a shower head with a handheld thingy. Rinse down the bathtub when you're done. Prevents soap scum.

Using liquid soap or shower gel or bodywash instead of bar soap helps prevent soap scum.

Old electric toothbrush heads and the electric toothbrush save elbow grease when cleaning the stovetop.



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1gobluedem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:34 AM
Response to Original message
58. Toothpaste takes ink out of leather
Really. It works.
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henslee Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:36 AM
Response to Original message
59. Gum can come off fabric by putting item in freezer, letting gum get
hard and pulling it off.
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TallahasseeGrannie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:38 AM
Response to Original message
60. Hairspray dissolves ball point pen ink.
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AllegroRondo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:45 AM
Response to Reply #60
67. it also kills flying insects
by making their wings stiff so they cant fly. Then you just step on them.
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Caoimhe Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 11:28 AM
Response to Reply #67
135. Add a lighter and you can flame-throw their asses!
Can't believe I am gonna admit this, but we did this in high school at outdoor camp. The camp toilets were pit toilets with yucky spiders and gunk all over the block walls, so we used some aqua net and a lighter and burned it all off. I wouldn't recommend telling your kids about this.
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amitten Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:07 AM
Response to Reply #60
129. The HELL it does! That one never works for me!
I feel so all alone! ;(
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mikeytherat Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:40 AM
Response to Original message
63. Use old newspaper and vinegar for cleaning glass
This is the best, and cleans glass (and mirrors) like nothing else.

mikey_the_rat
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AllegroRondo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:43 AM
Response to Original message
64. Get dents out of linoleum
if you drop something heavy on your kitchen floor, you can remove the dent by placing ice cubes on it for a few minutes. really.
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LaurenG Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:44 AM
Response to Original message
65. Rachel Rays, Garbage bowl
I love that trick!
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AllegroRondo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:44 AM
Response to Original message
66. getting rid of ants
if ants get into your kitchen, pantry, or garage, wash the area with peppermint soap. Ants hate the odor of peppermint and wont cross areas washed with it.
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LaraMN Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 11:57 AM
Response to Original message
71. If you suddenly need to apply cosmetics but have none handy,
your own blood works well for the purposes of lipcolor and rouge.

:rofl:


I'm serious.
:scared:
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Strong Atheist Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:03 PM
Response to Original message
74. Don't stick your finger in the
outlets ...
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underpants Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:05 PM
Response to Original message
77. Keep a shovel handy for when the Zombies come
*BOOKMARKED*
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Arugula Latte Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:07 PM
Response to Original message
78. You don't tug on Superman's cape
You don't spit into the wind
You don't pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger
And you don't mess around with Jim.

Oh, and I use regular garbage bags instead of cat box liners; put the whole litterbox in the bag, fill w/ litter, then you can just pull the bag off and toss the whole thing it when it's time to change it.
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hatredisnotavalue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 06:03 PM
Response to Reply #78
109. WOW what a great idea. n/t
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Sequoia Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:16 PM
Response to Original message
80. Spray veggie oil on squeaky hinges.
I did my doors and wood burning stove.
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myrna minx Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:18 PM
Response to Original message
82. Used fabric softener sheets are great for removing dust from the TV.
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NV Whino Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:25 PM
Response to Original message
83. Bleach
Fill your kitchen sink with water and a bit of bleach. Throw in some whites you want to bleach. Let stand a hour or so. Viola, sparkling whites and a clean sink. Bleach can be used for toilet bowl, also. Pour in a dollup, use a scrub brush to scrub around the edges and under the lip. Let stand and flush.
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johnnie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:30 PM
Response to Original message
85. Reusable cold compress
Roughly 80% water and 20% rubbing alcohol into a freezer bag and then into the freezer. It won't freeze and it will be slushy so you can use it as a cold pack.
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begin_within Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:35 PM
Response to Original message
87. "Magic Marker" or "Sharpie" indelible marks can usually be removed with...
...hairspray and a kleenex.
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MadHound Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 12:40 PM
Response to Original message
89. WD40, it's good for lots of problems
Make sure you always have a can handy.
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Lautremont Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 01:03 PM
Response to Original message
92. Fill a mason jar with potpourri, thread in some Christmas lights,
and hot glue some colourful crepe paper to the top.

This is a real household tip I read in the local paper over the holidays. My god, it sounds like something the IRA would make for Christmas. As if the holidays aren't dangerous enough already!
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hyphenate Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 01:22 PM
Response to Original message
93. Well, it's not a household hint
but it is a good piece of advice: Never trust a man whose nails are better manicured than your own.

Actually, I do have a useful one. When making cakes or brownies from a box mix, mix it by hand with a wooden spoon instead of with an electric mixer. I don't really know why, but it really tastes much better that way.

I'll think of some more later.
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On the Road Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 01:25 PM
Response to Original message
94. To Keep Your Kitchen Sponges Sterilized,
Edited on Thu Mar-09-06 01:26 PM by ribofunk
squeeze them out and put them in the bottom of the dishwasher before running. The high temperature and chlorine detergent will kill the bacteria.
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RedCloud Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 02:09 PM
Response to Original message
95. Don't piss into the wind...
So many young boys find out the hard way...
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BlueCollar Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 02:38 PM
Response to Original message
96. do not attempt to unclog a toilet
using a high-powered assault rifle
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dolo amber Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 12:20 AM
Response to Reply #96
117. !
:rofl:
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Patiod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 03:42 PM
Response to Original message
97. Those Mr. Clean "magic" sponges really are magic
One of the few products I've ever purchased that FAR exceeded my expectations. Amazing on walls.

I posted this once in the lounge, and everyone who had tried them agreed with me!
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dryan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 04:31 PM
Response to Reply #97
101. To sanitize sponges and washrags...
put them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This kills bacteria and microbes.

Put a couple dryer sheets in your gym bag - will soak up all the moisture and keep smelling good, also your gym shoes or sneakers - keeps them from getting stinky.
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dryan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 04:31 PM
Response to Reply #97
102. To sanitize sponges and washrags...
put them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This kills bacteria and microbes.

Put a couple dryer sheets in your gym bag - will soak up all the moisture and keep smelling good, also your gym shoes or sneakers - keeps them from getting stinky.
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fleabert Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:10 AM
Response to Reply #97
132. They are freakishly wonderful! I had big doubts, but they do rub out
anything. at least everything I have attempted so far...
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Mrs.Matcom Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 05:38 PM
Response to Original message
103. Bloodstains
Soak in cold water and a few tablespoons of amonia. Take the stain out and doesn't eat the fabric like bleach!
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Katherine Brengle Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 05:49 PM
Response to Original message
105. Okay, I'll try...
I like those long grill lighters for lighting candles, but your idea shows a lot more ingenuity, lol.

I like to put dryer sheets in my drawers to keep my clothes smelling like they just got washed.

I also use baking soda to get grease off of my old pots and pans--seems to work better than those coarse sponges.

I don't know what else...
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WilliamPitt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 05:51 PM
Response to Original message
106. Buy a Dyson vacuum cleaner
The Windex with vinegar is great at getting out stains in upholstery.

Don't have ten drunken friends over every Friday for poker 'till dawn if you value your carpets.

Cat pee smells bad.
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EFerrari Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 06:09 PM
Response to Reply #106
111. Nature's Miracle really works on cat pee.
Your cat will never know their spot again.
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hatredisnotavalue Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 07:05 PM
Response to Reply #111
112. Also try windex on animal pee
When I used to be a newspaper reporter, a State Trooper told me this one.

Spray Windex on animal pee stains on a carpet after you clean up the stain from the rug, the pad and the floor. (I lay down a layer of paper towels on the floor, on top of the pad and on top of the rug, squirt dish washing liquid on top of each layer of towels and then leave for a couple of hours for the urine to wick into the towels. ) Clean the three layers with a wet paper towel. Let dry, vacuum. Spray the area with Windex.

Animals will not only never pee on that spot again, they will go where they are supposed to go. That was 20 years ago and it has worked with every animal I have had.

I have used this trick on all of the Orientals we have had and never had any damage to the rug. This trick has worked for probably dozens of cats and three large dogs.

If you have wall-to-wall carpeting. Squirt dish liquid on the stain and cover with a wad of paper towels for about three hours. Wipe the area with wet paper towels and then spray with Windex.
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kay1864 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:46 PM
Response to Reply #106
136. Consumer Reports isn't too keen on the Dyson vacuum cleaner
In other words, Dyson's "we're the only one that maintains the suction" ads aren't worth much.

For upright vacuums, CR sez:
1. Hoover WindTunnel Ultra U6439-900 (also 6436, 6453, 6454) $250
2. Eureka Boss Smart Vac Ultra 4870 $140 (a CR Best Buy)
3. Kenmore Progressive 34922 and 34923 $300

#6 is a Kirby ($1330), Dyson ($600) ranked #8, Oreck ($700) #9

(I sent Patiod a PM on this, so I had the info handy)
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WilliamPitt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:48 PM
Response to Reply #136
137. I dunno
I moved into a carpeted apartment two years ago that had never been cleaned. Used my Hoover on it. Then got the Dyson. The rug changed colors. CHANGED COLORS. I think it is great.
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kay1864 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:52 PM
Response to Reply #137
139. Was it the Hoover WindTunnel Ultra?
The models matter quite a bit--oftentimes in CR, the "Acme 3500" will be at the top of the ratings, but the "Acme 2100" will be at the bottom.

(Unless you're Wiley Coyote, of course :))
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WilliamPitt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:53 PM
Response to Reply #139
140. Um...
You know quite a bit about vacuum cleaners.

:P

(I have no idea what kind it was)
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kay1864 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 03:34 PM
Response to Reply #140
141. Naw, I just know how to cut-and-paste
Shamelessly, I might add :P
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fishnfla Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 06:01 PM
Response to Original message
107. Hurricanes are a great way to make firewood
burning wilma logs to-night
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Lorien Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:07 AM
Response to Reply #107
131. I got a stack of Charley logs alongside the house
:thumbsup:
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Zookeeper Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 04:00 PM
Response to Reply #107
142. A tornedo will work well for that, also...
I have a stack of tornedo logs in my yard. :)
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Alleycat Donating Member (992 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Mar-09-06 07:07 PM
Response to Original message
113. Get more juice out of a lemon by....
putting it in the micro for about 10 sec
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Floogeldy Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 12:26 AM
Response to Reply #113
119. Is that before or after the sledgehammer?
;)
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mykpart Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 12:05 AM
Response to Original message
115. Lemon juice and salt will remove rust stains.
Wash your dog with Pine-sol - it will repel fleas and ticks.
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zone Donating Member (376 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 12:10 AM
Response to Original message
116. If you clean the dogshit off the floor within 48 hours...
...it's easier to deal with (though it will eventually disappear).
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aQuArius Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 12:43 AM
Response to Original message
120. Freeze your kid's stuffed animals....
Put them in a plastic grocery bag and freeze at night or when they're at school. It will kill the dustmites since they're hard to wash in the laundry like sheets & blankets. :hi:
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leftofthedial Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 01:27 AM
Response to Original message
121. If you can't find the K-Y Jelly
Use butter, preferably unsalted
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LibraLiz1973 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 07:24 PM
Response to Reply #121
147. That-Was-Awful!!!!!
ROFLMAO
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Lorien Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 01:55 AM
Response to Original message
123. Baby wipes are a great all around cleaner-especially for plastic toys
and bottles. Revives them enough that they look like new-even huge bottles of shower gel that have hard water stains all over them.
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Beaverhausen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 07:37 PM
Response to Reply #123
153. Not to mention stinky cat butts!
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fleabert Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 01:59 AM
Response to Original message
124. use newspaper to clean the windows and mirrors instead of wipes or
paper towels, no streaks! Your hands may get dirty, but your windows will be spotless! and it reuses before you recycle.
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fleabert Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:00 AM
Response to Original message
125. Use pantyhose to store wrapping paper rolls, one in each leg, then put the
crotch over a hanger rod, keeps the edges from getting all ratty, and you can hang several rolls on one hanger and put them in a closet.
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Lorien Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:03 AM
Response to Original message
127. Cheap cat toys; fill old baby socks with catnip, or buy large bags of
1/2-1" pompoms (glitter poms are a kitty favorite) from the craft store for $1.99-2.99. Milk jug rings are also popular with many felines.

Also; if you buy feather wand type toys, just replace the feathers with those found at craft shops instead of replacing the entire toy.
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DemBones DemBones Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:07 AM
Response to Original message
130. When you chop onions and have

onion smell on your hands, soap them up (your hands, not the onions) and rub them on your stainless steel sink or a stainless steel pan. Et voila! No more onion smell on your hands!
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Lorien Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:10 AM
Response to Original message
133. Use expired sunscreen as a shave cream
works really well on the legs-and leaves them soft and moisturized, too.
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Lorien Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:13 AM
Response to Original message
134. Put dryer sheets (like Bounce) under car seats or in closets
to get rid of musty odors.
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jpgray Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 02:49 PM
Response to Original message
138. Let butter warm up for about a minute before melting it
For some reason it's much more flavorful. And also ALWAYS soak good basmati rice for about a half hour before cooking it. It tastes bland and flavorless otherwise. Shit basmati rice will taste bland no matter what you do with it.
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Zookeeper Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 04:23 PM
Response to Original message
143. Cat hair:
Wearing a rubber glove, you can just wipe cat hair off of upholstered furniture.

Use an old toothbrush to clean around faucets or in corners.

For cold-climate folks, save energy by hanging freshly washed towels to dry in the laundry area. It also adds a little humidity to bone-dry, centrally heated houses.

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ZippyTeapoe Donating Member (33 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 04:28 PM
Response to Original message
144. Transmission fluid removes grease from your hands
about a tablespoon will soften up the grease from working on older cars. Then you use an orange oil hand cleaner for that lovely smell.;)
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LibraLiz1973 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 07:26 PM
Response to Original message
148. To Remove Wallpaper
Score the gluey part of the paper (you can peel the top pattern part of the paper off)
then spray it down with a solution made of equal parts fabric softener & hot water.
The glue will dissolve and the paper will peel right off.


It's like MAGIC
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LibraLiz1973 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 07:29 PM
Response to Reply #148
149. Did anyone ever see the CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
where Larry finds out that Seltzer water and salt remove all kinds of stains? Like wine etc?

I've tried it and it worked. You just put a little bit of seltzer down, then put s good layer of salt on top. The salt absorbs the stain.
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Patiod Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-11-06 03:23 PM
Response to Reply #149
155. Much better to do this sober
One night years ago, I spilled red wine on my friend Diane (who was sober). My friend Meg, who was smashed, and I dragged Diane upstairs to the bathroom, and made her take off her expensive new white top.

We had obtained salt and seltzer water, and Meg decided it would work better if the Seltzer was poured from a distance. Being tallest, I was elected to stand on the sink vanity, and pour seltzer onto the salt-covered shirt in the sink. Meanwhile Diane was not pleased that we were ruining her new shirt, and the hostess was nervous about a large, slightly inebriated Patiod standing on her sink.

Don't remember if the stain came out, but I dont' think it did - in any case, Diane had to borrow a shirt from our hostess.

Hey, just call me Heloise.
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LibraLiz1973 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 07:30 PM
Response to Original message
150. Chimney Cleaner
To keep your chimney clean, throw a handful of salt on the fire
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LibraLiz1973 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 07:32 PM
Response to Original message
151. My all time favorite
To clean mineral deposits from the inside of your dishwasher, pour in a container of Tang Drink Mix and run the dishwasher (don't put dishes in the dishwasher for this load).

you will not believe what your dishwasher looks like after!
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LibraLiz1973 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 07:33 PM
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152. For all you cat lovers
To keep cat litter fresh smelling, mix baby powder in with the litter.
You can also use baking soda but baby powder works better
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LibraLiz1973 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Mar-10-06 07:39 PM
Response to Original message
154. Non-Stick Cooking Spray
Spray your cheese grater with a non-stick cooking spray before using so that the cheese will not stick to the grater.


To avoid stains in your tupperware spray with non-stick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces.


My sister uses it to stop "creaks"... She cant stand the smell of wd-40
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misanthrope Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Sat Mar-11-06 04:54 PM
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156. Here's one I found out about long ago...
...If you lay on your ass a lot, your house gets dirty.

I've also noticed a correlation between the amount of time that the television stays on and the filth level.
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