Helpful Hints

The simplest way to slice a bunch of cherry tomatoes is to sandwich them between two plastic lids and run a long knife through all of them at once!

Keep brown sugar by storing with a couple of marshmallows.

Far cheaper than having colored keys specially cut!

Install a regular coat rack low down the wall to store shoes safely of the floor.

Repurpose a cereal canister as trash can for the car.

Deodorize sponges in the microwave. Soak in water spiked white vinegar or lemon juice and put on fill power for one minute. Use tongs to remove as it will be hot.

Use magnetic strip to store bobby pins on inside of a cupboard.

…Or store them in an empty Tic-Tac dispenser!

Clean cat litter trays quickly by lining with a garbage bag.

Use a Post-It note when drilling to catch the dust.

Organize jewelry on cork board for easy viewing when deciding how to accessorize an outfit.

Repurpose an old picture frame as a serving tray.

Boil orange peel and cloves to get rid of unpleasant smells in the kitchen.

“File” clothes vertically in drawers so you can see your clothes at a glance.

Fill an old box with skewers to make an all purpose knife block.

Hang onions in cut-up tights or old stockings to make them last for months!

Create a thrifty watering can by puncturing holes in the top of a used milk bottle.

USe paper plate to prevent splatters when using an electric whisk.

Store cupcake and muffin cases in a mason jar.

Remove pet hair from furniture and carpets with a squeegee.

cover paint trays with aluminum foil to make cleaning up afterwards a breeze.

Place a layer of waxed paper on top of kitchen cupboards to prevent grease and dust from settling. Switch out every few months to keep them clean.

Flip a toaster on its side to make grill cheese.

Easily draw out a splinter for easy removal by applying a paste of baking soda and water.

Create a thrifty organizer for wrapping paper using cup hooks and painted dowel rods. This technique is also ideal for storing rolls of foil, kitchen  roll and grease proof paper on the inside of pantry doors.

Water straight from tap becomes cloudy when frozen. To make ice cubes crystal clear, allow a kettle of boiled water to cool slightly and use this to fill your ice cube trays.

Use large muffin tin to cook stuffed peppers in the oven – it will help keep them upright.

Hang a bundle of chalk in the closet to keep everything fresh and dry. The chalk absorbs excess moisture – a thrifty alternative to an electric dehumidifier!

 

To prevent potatoes budding, add an apple in the bag.

Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to the water when hard-boiling eggs to make the shells incredibly easy to peel off.

Tie a sprig of eucalyptus to your shower head. The steam will help infuse your bathroom with an invigorating fragrance.

Use bread tags to label power cords.

 Use non-stick cooking spray in votive holders to prevent wax from sticking to the sides.

WD40 can be used to remove crayon marks from n y surface!

Use a tension rod and shower hooks to store saucepans inside a cupboard.

Make a simple laundry bag using an old pillowcase and an embroidery hoop.

Use a lint roller to clean the bottom of your handbag.

To get rid of the musty smell on old towels, wash using 1 cup of white vinegar on a hot cycle, then repeat with 1/2 cup of bicarbonate of soda.

Use fork to press garlic when there isn’t a garlic crusher available.

When hanging a picture frame, put a dab of toothpaste on the frame where you need the nails to be. Then simply press against the wall to leave marks ( which can later be wiped ) as guides for hammering in.

Put a dry towel in with a wet load to reduce the drying time ( this really works, I’ve been doing it for years! ).

To tell if the eggs are fresh, immerse them in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs will lie on the bottom, while stale eggs will float to the surface.

Use hairspray on the end of your sewing thread to help it slide through the eye of your needle.

Sprinkle salt in the spaces between patio slabs and at the bottom of walls to get rid of pesky weeds ( but careful NOT to get salt near plants you want to keep as salt will kill them! ).

Repurpose an old CD spindle to make a pretty small cake/biscuit holder.

Clean patio with a solution of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water in a spray bottle. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse off ( soiled areas may require a little scrubbing ). Also helps get rid of weeds too!

To clean a wooden chopping board, sprinkle on a handful of Kosher salt and rub with a half lemon. Rinse with clean water and dry to ensure it is clean and germ free.

Use scrap paper to help hang an arrangement of picture frames easily. Cut templates for each frame, marking nail locations on the paper, then tack to the wall until you find the ideal arrangement. Then simply nail through the marks on the paper!

Use ice-cubes to lift out indentions made by furniture on your carpets.

Prevent soil from escaping through the holes in the base of flowerpots by lining with large muffin cases.

Place a length of masking tape along the edge of a spirit level and mark the location of nail holes for your picture frame. Then simply transfer the level to the wall to ensure you hang your pictures straight.

Use toothpick to prevent tape ends from sticking back to the roll.

To easily peel a potatoes, boil with the skins on them immerse in cold water for 5 seconds. Then twist the potatoes between your hands and the skin will peel right off!

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