TIPS FROM WANDA & BOB BANKS #306

"Thought this might be something for the blog," wrote the Banks in #306. I agree.
Some are oldies but goodies that deserve a repeat and others are new to me. All my best in 2008 and hoping this will make your life a little easier!

CONSTANCE'S KITCHEN

How many of these did YOU know about?

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).
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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.
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For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and
put Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They
won't refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years)!
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To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the
freezer for a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
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Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag,
dipped in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is)!
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Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt
BLUE)! Rubbing alcohol on paper towel.
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Whenever I purchase a box of SOS 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 SOS pads last me indefinitely! In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened' this way!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at
least 3 hours prior to burning.
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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!
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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.
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Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before
pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.
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Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator
and it will keep for weeks.
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When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help
bring out the corn's natural sweetness
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Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on
your forehead. The throbbing will go away.
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Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes
for future use in casseroles and sauces ........
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To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on
the area and you will experience instant relief.
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Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never
cross a chalkline. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.
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Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and
better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of
water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
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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).
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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.
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Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, doesn't it?