I would like this household hints web page to be a "reader contribution" page. Folks who read
this household hints page can submit their own helpful household hints and
I will attempt to publish the "Hints of the Month". If this idea does not
work out I will give up.
MARCH 2000
HINTS OF THE MONTH: - Thanks
From P. Abernathy
Wood Cutting Board - Never soak a wooden cutting board in water. The board absorbs the water and when it dries the board may warp (and sometimes split -jr).
Wood Cutting Board - Sprinkle salt on the board when it needs to be cleaned. Then take a lemon wedge to work. This will take care of all sorts of spots as well as clean it (the acid in the lemon helps to disinfect, the salt helps discourage undesirable tenants from moving in between uses -jr).
Wood Cutting Board - Another method to clean and disinfect: wash with a light sudsy bleach solution, do not soak. Let it dry completely after rinsing before seasoning.
Wood Cutting Board - To season: When it looks dry and dull rub it with mineral oil (do not apply liberally -jr). Never use vegetable, olive or other cooking oils as they will turn rancid.(this will also season wood knife and other utensil handles - jr)
Wood Cutting Board - Fruit tastes like garlic? Mark with a permanent marker "Fruit" on one side and "Savory" (or spice or seasoning or garlic, you get the idea)on the other side. (And we all know to have a seperate cutting board set aside for raw meat -jr)
From L. Smith
Celery - wrap in aluminum foil before refrigerating. It will keep for weeks.
Pretty Pie Crust - brush with egg white before baking for a glossy finish.
Brown Sugar like a rock? Place a slice of apple in it to soften it back up.
Corn on the Cob - Boil with a pinch of sugar to bring out the natural sweetness.
Jars hard to open? Use rubber latex dishwashing gloves for a better grip.
From Joe Rider
FIRE ANT BITES - For those living in areas cursed with these creatures (in the south and south west) believe it or not if you apply regular everyday chlorine bleach to the bite(s) immediately they will not be so sore and itchy. They also heal MUCH FASTER (mine usually take up to 3 weeks to dry up and heal due to allergies). The redness fades sooner also. I got this tip years ago from a Sunday School teacher (they kept a bottle close to the play ground door) from LuLu Florida.
Wood Cutting Board - One more time, another way to disinfect your cutting board is to put a layer of apple cider vinegar on it for approx 20 minutes, then rinse. This will kill bacteria and fungus.
Well, that's it for this month folks. As I receive more hints I will save them up and add them to the page, with the most recent month on top.
Please e-mail your hints to joerider@usa.net with "HINTS" in the subject line.
All submissions become property of Helpful Household Hints
February 2000
HINTS OF THE MONTH: From L. Smith - Thanks
Ice Cream Cones - Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.
Pancakes - Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle for perfectly shaped pancakes every time.
Boiled Eggs - to prevent egg shells from cracking add a pinch of salt to the water before boiling.
Rice Krispie Treats - Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispie treats in the pan, the marshmallow won't stick to your fingers. (vegetable oil rubbed on your hands also helps - joe)
Lemon Juice - 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.
Pans with Burnt Food - For easier cleaning add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then let stand for a couple minutes. The pan will be much easier to clean.
January 2000
HINTS OF THE MONTH: From P. Abernathy - Thanks
Medicine Storage - Most medicines are kept in the bathroom. There is no worse place for them for dampness harms most medicines. Store them in a DRY PLACE such as a kitchen cupboard. (dark cool place with a stable temp is helpful also - joe)
Soap Slivers - Put those little soap slivers in a COTTON SOCK. The soap filled sock can replace the sudsy washcloth anytime. (great idea for the shop, the sock can be hung right over the water supply - joe)
Sealed Envelope - Put the envelope in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.
Icy Steps - To clear icy steps fill a bucket with HOT WATER and add enough DAWN detergent to make it sudsy. Spread on steps. The hot water will melt the ice and the Dawn will prevent it from refreezing. (I haven't tried this, please be cautious. Detergent may cause wood or painted surfaces to become slippery when wet - joe)
Removing Makeup - Use a warm, damp WASHCLOTH rather than cotton balls to remove makeup. This works great and saves natural resources.
Bathroom Deodorizers - Run out of room deodorizer? Always keep MATCHES in the bathroom (away from children of course). Strike the match and drop it in the toilet to eliminate odors. Keep matches in your pocket or purse for public restrooms.
Facial Moisturizers - PETROLEUM JELLY can be used as a moisturizer. Wash your face and while it is still damp apply a tiny amount of jelly. Continue rubbing in a circular motion, adding very warm water until the jelly is spread evenly. Your skin will be soft and non-greasy even in winter.(great to prevent chapped cheeks and hands - joe)
Clogged Drains in Tubs and Showers - Use a CROCHET HOOK to remove tangles from nonremovable strainers.
More Clogged Drains - If you can't get all the gook out, pour 1 cup BAKING SODA down the drain. Wait a few minutes, then pour 1 cup of VINEGAR. Follow with 1/2 gallon of BOILING WATER. (by the way, baking soda is a great natural deodorizer and vinegar a great disinfectant for just about anyplace - joe)
Storing Potatoes - When you purchase a bag of potatoes put an APPLE in with them to keep them from wrinkling and sprouting for at least 8 weeks. (storage in a cool dry place with some air movement is helpful to prevent rotting - joe)
Potatoes and Onions - Do not store them together. The moisture from the potatoes will rot the onions. Store them seperately.
January 1999
For those marble and plastic bathroom fixtures
20 Mule Team Borax works great without scratching. Use it just as you would regular cleanser with a small amount of water.
One gallon size zip lock type plastic bags make a great way to carry a spare set of clothing for your kids....in the car or to pre-school.
If you travel with dogs in a dog box in the back of your truck, this is for you. Buy 5 gallon buckets with lids (or stop at your favorite burger stand and ask them to save the pickle buckets for you). Cut a round hole in the lid about 3 inches inside the lip of the lid. Put the lid on and fill the bucket with water. Put this inside your dog box or stock trailer. Your dog will have a good water supply that won't spill out every time you make a turn.
Fleas got you down? Sprinkle 20 Mule Team Borax around your house, wait 2 days and vacuum. You'll be glad you did. Click HERE for more specific details.
Urine stains and odors on carpets (pet stains) and beds can be prevented if treated with apple cider vinegar diluted with equal amounts of water, toweled dry and allowed to air. Clothing can be treated in the washer with a vinegar rinse to remove these and other odors.
Helpful Household Hints makes no claims or guarantees or warranties concerning any household hints listed on this web site. Use at your own risk.