Great Ideas...Cool Tips (Part 4)

Vinegar

1. Clean a Coffee Maker.  Get rid of stains and mineral deposits by filling the reservoir with 1 part vinegar, 2 parts water and brewing.  Repeat every 3 weeks.
2. Prevent Colors from Running.  To keep new clothes and towels from losing color, soak them in 1 part vinegar, 1 part cold water for 15 minutes before washing.
3. Kill Grass and Weeds. Pour vinegar on upshots between bricks and flagstones.  The acidic component kills young weeds in one dousing.
4. Freshen Wilted Vegetables.  Perk up soggy leafy vegetables by soaking them in 2 cups cold water mixed with 2 Tbsp vinegar for 10 minutes.  Rinse, dry and serve.
5. Avoid Moldy Cheese.  Soak a cloth in vinegar, wrap it around hard cheese and seal in an airtight container or ziptop bag.  Done!  The vinegar prevents mold spores.
   

Ziptop Backs

1. Make Changing Mat.  Tear open the seams of a gallon-size bag and lay flat for an emergency diaper-changing area.
2. Pack Accessories.  Organize by category (jewelry, scarves, hosiery) so they're easier to find in your suitcase.
3. Knead Dough.  Use two quart-size bags as gloves to avoid getting your hands sticky.  You can also also use a bag to store extra dough.
4. Create a Temporary Funnel.  Improvise a funnel  for anything from shampoo to children's beads and glitter.
5. Clean a Showerhead.  Pour a little white vinegar in a bag, rubberband it to the showerhead and soak for a half-hour.
   

Wax Paper

1. Protect Pans.  Put a sheet between cast iron pans when stacking them.  The thin coat of wax prevents rust.
2. Store Candles. Roll colored candles in sheets of wax paper and twist ends to seal.  They won't get nicked or scuffed when they are placed in drawers.
3. Shine a faucet.  Rub chrome fixtures after cleaning to prevent water spots and finger smudges.
4. Clean a Handheld Can Opener.  Run a piece of wax paper through the gears; it loosens dirt and coats them so they can run smoothly.
5. Unstick Pages.  Insert paper between wet pages of a book.  When they dry, they'll be good as new.
   

Chalk

1. Remove Stains.  Mark a ring-around-the-collar stains heavily with chalk before washing.  The dust helps absorb the oils, making the stain easier to clean.
2. Stop Tarnish.  Wrap chalk in cheesecloth and store with silverware.  It absorbs moisture and helps prevent tarnishing.
3. Steady a Screwdriver.  Rub chalk over the handle of a screwdriver to prevent slipping.
4. Keep Ants Out.  If ants are trotting into your house, draw chalk lines around their entry points.  Many chalks contain calcium carbonate, which ants don't like.
5. Hide Cracks.  Cover hairline clacks in walls until you're ready to paint by rubbing over them with a matching color.