Bowl of chocolate

Bowl of chocolate.- Is this the ultimate in baking craft????

Milo malva poedig

45 Uses for Vinegar

45 Uses for Vinegar

Unleash the power of white vinegar―an all-purpose cleaner, brightener, herbicide and more. Just a bit of this multitasker, straight up or mixed with water, can replace many pricier products huddled under your sink. Try these tips to see how vinegar can make your life cheaper and easier.

Find the Best Deals on Vinegar Near You!

1. Freshen up the fridge. Clean the shelves and walls with a solution of half water and half vinegar.

2. Brighten coffee cups and teacups. Gently scrub stains with equal parts vinegar and salt (or baking soda).

3. Eliminate odors. Swab plastic containers with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

4. Kill bathroom germs. Spray full-strength vinegar around the sink and tub. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

5. Save a garment. To remove light scorch marks on fabrics, rub gently with vinegar. Wipe with a clean cloth. This technique also works on antiperspirant stains.

6. Tidy up a toilet. Pour a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar into the bowl. Let sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with a toilet brush and flush.

7. Lose the carpet stain. Make a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and ¼ cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the stain and let dry. Vacuum the residue the next day. (Always test an out-of-sight part of the carpet first.)

8. Renew paint brushes. To remove old paint, place brushes in a pot with vinegar. Soak for an hour, then turn on the stove and bring the vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

9. Wipe off a dirty faucet. To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

10. Stop static cling. Add ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to your wash cycle. The acid reduces static and keeps dryer lint from sticking to your clothes.

11. Make old socks look new. Get the stains out of old socks and sweaty gym clothes by soaking them in a vinegar solution. Add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring to a boil and drop in the stained clothes. Let them soak overnight, and in the morning stained clothes are fresh and bright.

12. Restore handbags and shoes. Wipe white distilled vinegar on scuffed leather bags and shoes. It will restore their shine and help hide the marks.

13. Banish weeds. Pour white distilled vinegar on the weeds growing in the cracks of your walkway and driveway. Saturate the plant so the vinegar reaches the roots.

14. Living droopy flowers. Don't throw out cut flowers once they start to wilt. Instead, add two tablespoons of white vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar to a quart of water. Pour the solution into your vase, and the flowers will perk up.

15. Put an end to itching. Dab a cotton ball soaked in white vinegar on mosquito bites and insect stings. It will stop them from itching and help disinfect the area so they heal faster.

16. Whiten your teeth. Brush your teeth once a week with white distilled vinegar. Dip your toothbrush into the vinegar and brush thoroughly. It will help prevent bad breath, too.

17. Make nail polish last longer. Before you apply your favorite polish, wipe your nails with a cotton ball soaked in white distilled vinegar. The clean surface will help your manicure last.

18. Keep car windows frost-free. Prevent windows from frosting over in a storm by coating them with a solution of three parts white distilled vinegar to one part water. The acidity hinders ice, so you won't have to wake up early to scrape off your car.

19. Let your dog shine. Spray your dog with one cup white distilled vinegar mixed with one quart water. The solution is a cheap alternative to expensive pet-care products, plus the vinegar will help repel pests like fleas and ticks.

20. Battle litter-box odor. Cat litter can leave behind an unwelcome smell. Eliminate it by pouring a half-inch of white distilled vinegar into the empty litter box. Let stand for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water.

21. Kill bacteria in meat. Marinating in vinegar knocks out bacteria and tenderizes the meat. Create a marinade by adding ¼ cup balsamic vinegar for every 2 pounds of meat to your own blend of herbs and spices. Let the meat sit anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor, then cook it in the morning without rinsing.

22. Prevent cracked eggs. Prevent eggs from cracking as they hard-boil by adding two tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. The eggs will stay intact, and the shells will peel off more easily when you're ready to eat them.

23. Steam away a microwave mess. Fill a small bowl with equal parts hot water and vinegar, and place it in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. As the steam fills the microwave, it loosens the mess, making clean up a breeze.

24. Repair DVDs. If you have a worn DVD that skips or freezes, wipe it down with white distilled vinegar applied to a soft cloth. Make sure the DVD is completely dry before reinserting it into the player.

25. Get those last drops. If you can't get that final bit of mayonnaise or salad dressing out of the jar, dribble in a few drops of vinegar. Put the cap on tightly and shake. The remaining condiments will slide out.

26. Rinse fruits and vegetables. Add 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar to one pint water. Use the mixture to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, then rinse thoroughly. The solution kills more pesticide residue than does pure water.

27. Brighter Easter eggs. Before your kids dye Easter eggs, mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with ½ cup of hot water, then add food coloring. The vinegar keeps the dye bright and prevents the color from streaking.

28. Loosen a rusted screw. Pour vinegar onto the screw, and it will easily unstick.

29. Remove gum. To remove gum from fabric or hair, heat a small bowl of vinegar in the microwave. Pour the warm vinegar over the gum, saturating the area. The gum will dissolve.

30. Keep cheese from molding. Wrap cheese in a vinegar-soaked cloth, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate.

31. Renew a loofah. Soak your loofah in equal parts vinegar and water for 24 hours to dissolve soap residue, then rinse in cold water.

32. Remove wax. If you get melted candle wax on your wood furniture or floors, gently wipe it away with a cloth soaked in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.

33. Take a relaxing bath. Add ½ cup of vinegar to warm bath water for a cheap spa session at home. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving you feeling soft and smooth.

34. Brighten your hair. Remove hair product buildup by rinsing a tablespoon of vinegar through your hair once a month.

35. Freshen fabrics. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spritz your home to neutralize odors in fabrics, carpets, shoes or any sprayable surface.

36. Erase crayon. If your kids get crayon marks on the walls or floor, dip a toothbrush in white vinegar and gently scrub. The vinegar breaks down the wax, making for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to clean up after children.

37. Sticky stickers. Don't scratch at the residue left by stickers or price tags. Instead, apply vinegar to the gunk, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the glue away.

38. Clean the dishwasher and coffee pot. Reduce soap buildup and food residue by pouring a cup of vinegar into your empty dishwasher or coffee pot once a month and letting it run a full cycle.

39. Sanitize pet accidents. You can remove the stain―and smell―of your pet's accident by mixing ¼ cup vinegar with a quart of water and blotting the mixture onto the mess with a washcloth. Continue dabbing until the spot is gone.

40. Prep for summer grilling. To remove charcoal buildup from your grill, spray white distilled vinegar on balled up aluminum foil and scrub the grate thoroughly.

41. Restore showerhead pressure. If your showerhead gets clogged with mineral deposits, soak it for 15 minutes in a mixture of ½ cup vinegar and 1 quart water.

42. Clean your scissors. When your scissor blades get sticky, wipe them down with a cloth dipped in full-strength white vinegar. Unlike soap and water, vinegar won't ruin the blades or rust the metal.

43. Unclog drains. For a natural, nontoxic way to clean clogged pipes, pour one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of white vinegar, down the drain. Let the products bubble and foam, then flush the pipes with a pot of boiling water.

44. Eliminate dandruff. If your scalp is feeling dry or flaky, vinegar can be a simple at-home remedy. Once a week, pour one cup of apple cider vinegar over your scalp, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

45. Soften your feet. Summer sandals leaving you with cracked heals and calluses? Soak your feet for 20 minutes a day in one part vinegar to two parts warm water. The vinegar removes dead skin, leaving your feet soft and smooth.

31 Surprising Baking Soda Uses (Koeksoda)

<![if !vml]><![endif]>31 Surprising Baking Soda Uses

Baking soda can do a lot more than just sit in the back of the fridge. Try these easy tips and put baking soda to work in every room of your house!

<![if !supportLists]>1.     <![endif]>Skip produce washes—just put some baking soda on a damp sponge, scrub and rinse.

<![if !supportLists]>2.     <![endif]>Soak hair brushes and combs in a mixture of 1 teaspoon baking soda and a small amount of warm water. Rinse and dry.

<![if !supportLists]>3.     <![endif]>Before you store your patio furniture for the season, scatter baking soda under chair cushions.

<![if !supportLists]>4.     <![endif]>Keep your grill clean all summer long by putting some baking soda on a damp brush, scrubbing the grate, then rinsing.

<![if !supportLists]>5.     <![endif]>Freshen rugs by sprinkling baking soda on carpet, wait at least 15 minutes (preferably let sit overnight), then vacuum up.

<![if !supportLists]>6.     <![endif]>Add 1 cup of baking soda to your next load of laundry (along with your regular liquid detergent) to get clothes cleaner and brighter.

<![if !supportLists]>7.     <![endif]>Remove baked-on residue by shaking a generous amount of baking soda on pots and pans. Then add hot water and dish detergent, let sit for 15 minutes and wash as usual.

<![if !supportLists]>8.     <![endif]>Deodorize a funky-smelling hamper. Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the hamper (or over dirty clothes) to keep items fresher until laundry day.

<![if !supportLists]>9.     <![endif]>To brighten a dull floor finish, dissolve ½ cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water. Mop and rinse for a shiny floor.

<![if !supportLists]>10.   <![endif]>Make your own bathroom scrub by mixing ¼ cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add vinegar to give it a thick, creamy texture.

<![if !supportLists]>11.   <![endif]>To put out a grease fire, scatter baking soda over it by the handful to extinguish flames.

<![if !supportLists]>12.   <![endif]>Clean the dishwasher and coffeemaker by running an empty cycle with baking soda.

<![if !supportLists]>13.   <![endif]>Add ½ cup baking soda to your bath for an at-home spa treatment.

<![if !supportLists]>14.   <![endif]>To shine tarnished silver, combine three parts baking soda with one part water. Rub onto silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry.

<![if !supportLists]>15.   <![endif]>Sprinkle baking soda in the kitty box, then add litter on top to keep smells to a minimum. Or make a DIY litter, mixing a small box of baking soda with 3 inches of sandy clay.

<![if !supportLists]>16.   <![endif]>Use baking soda to brush your pets' teeth.

<![if !supportLists]>17.   <![endif]>For instant relief from bug bites, sunburn and poison ivy, mix baking soda with a little water and apply it directly to the sore.

<![if !supportLists]>18.   <![endif]>Pour in 1 cup baking soda followed by 1 cup hot vinegar to quickly unclog the kitchen drain.

<![if !supportLists]>19.   <![endif]>Fight dandruff by tabling the shampoo for a few weeks and massaging your wet scalp with a handful of baking soda instead.

<![if !supportLists]>20.   <![endif]>Gargle with baking soda, or use it as mouthwash.

<![if !supportLists]>21.   <![endif]>Soak toothbrushes in a mixture of ¼ cup baking soda and ¼ cup water; let brushes stand overnight for a thorough cleaning.

<![if !supportLists]>22.   <![endif]>Make a fluffier omelet by adding ½ teaspoon baking soda for every three eggs.

<![if !supportLists]>23.   <![endif]>Use a pinch in a gallon of freshly-brewed iced tea, to take out the bitterness and prevent cloudiness.

<![if !supportLists]>24.   <![endif]>Scatter baking soda on icy sidewalks―it's not as corrosive as salt.

<![if !supportLists]>25.   <![endif]>Discourage weeds by sprinkling baking soda into the cracks on your driveway and walkways.

<![if !supportLists]>26.   <![endif]>Surround Fido's food bowls with baking soda to keep pests away.

<![if !supportLists]>27.   <![endif]>Mix a little baking soda into your conditioner and lather on your hair to keep it healthy and resistant to split ends.

<![if !supportLists]>28.   <![endif]>Have heartburn? Create an antacid by mixing ½ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ cup of water.

<![if !supportLists]>29.   <![endif]>To clean a toilet, add ¼ cup baking soda to the bowl, swirl, then scrub.

<![if !supportLists]>30.   <![endif]>Exfoliate your skin with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Apply gently with your fingertips in a circular motion, then rinse

<![if !supportLists]>31.   <![endif]>To deodorize a drain, pour about ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup vinegar. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clean residue. NOTE: Use this method only if your pipes are metal. And never mix with other cleaning solutions. Don't try this if you've recently used a commercial drain product.

Genius Uses for Coffee

Genius Uses for Coffee

<![if !vml]><![endif]>Make Iced Coffee Cubes

Save your leftover coffee, coffee grounds and even coffee beans to use in  unexpected ways around the house.

Next time you make a pot of coffee, pour some into ice cube trays. Once frozen, you can use them to chill iced coffee without diluting it.

Exfoliate Skin

For smoother skin, mix coffee grounds into regular body lotion to make it exfoliating.

Freshen Air

Deodorize unpleasant kitchen smells (such as in the freezer or refrigerator) by placing a small bowl of coffee grounds anywhere you want odors absorbed.

Wash Hands

Rid stubborn smells from hands after cooking by gently rinsing them with coffee grounds.

Scrub Dishes

Coffee grounds can help clean grimy, grease-stained objects such as pots and pans – just be careful of light-colored items that might be stained.

Diminish Cellulite

Diminish cellulite with this easy trick: Mix warm coffee grounds with any basic massage oil and rub onto skin. Caffeine (an ingredient found in many skin creams) can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Repel Bugs

Repel insects (particularly ants and slugs) by sprinkling coffee grounds anywhere you want to keep bugs out.

Shine Hair

Many experts say that coffee is the secret to ultra-shiny strands. Brew a pot of coffee, let it cool, and then rinse over wet hair in the shower.

Repair Furniture Scratches

Fix light furniture scratches by rubbing damp coffee grounds onto the mark. You should see an instant improvement.

Make a Natural Dye

Steep coffee grounds in hot water to make a natural, sepia-colored dye for Easter eggs or crafts.

Decorate

Liven up a clear decorative vase by putting coffee beans in the bottom, then use as a holder for makeup brushes or pens.

Fertilize Plants

The nitrogen in coffee grounds can help fertilize plants that require acidic soil, such as roses and hydrangeas

Prevent Air Pollution

Before cleaning a fireplace, sprinkle any leftover ashes with coffee grounds to prevent dust and ash from polluting the air in the room.

Protect the Garden

Keep pets out of the garden by sprinkling a mixture of coffee grounds and orange peels in the area

Clean Shoes

Absorb odors by sprinkling coffee grounds in the soles of dirty shoes.

Compost

Coffee grounds are great for composting.

"COKE" SJOKOLADEKOEK

"COKE" SJOKOLADEKOEK
500 ml koekmeel
5 ml sout
500 ml suiker
250 g botter
45 ml kakao
250 ml coke
375 ml malvalekkers in kwarte gesny
5 ml koeksoda
125 ml karringmelk
2 eiers geklits
5 ml vanielje geursel
Waspapier
Verhit oond tot 180 grade
Sif meel en sout bymekaar en meng saam
Voeg suiker by en hou eenkant
Verhit coke, botter en kakao saam in 'n kastrol oor stadige hitte
Wanneer warm is voeg die malvalekkers by en hou aan roer tot gesmelt (dit moenie kook nie)
Plaas die warm kastrol in koue water en roer sodat dit kan afkoel tot glad
Meng nou die koeksoda met die karringmelk in 'n aparte bakkie
Maak 'n holte in die middel van die meelmengsel en gooi die cokemengsel daarin en meng goed
Voeg die geklitste eiers en vanielje by en roer
Voeg die koeksoda/karringmelk mengsel by
Sny die waspapier vir die bodem van 'n goed gespuite koekpan
Voeg die beslag in die koekpan
Bak vir 1 uur
Versiersel
125 ml sagte botter
45 ml kakao
90 ml coke
500 g versiersuiker
100 g neute
5 ml vanielje geursel
Verroom die botter
Voeg coke by
Voeg die kakao en vanielje by
Voeg die versiersuiker bietjie-vir-bietjie by terwyl jy goed roer
Laat die koek goed afkoel en versier met die versiersel
Sprinkel neute bo-oor
COKE-VARKTJOPS
8 varktjops
1 blikkiecoca-cola
1 t sesamsaad
Vir die sous:
4 e tamatiesous
4 e bruinsuiker
1 e sojasous
1 e Worchestersous
1 e sweet "sweet chilli sous"
1/2 e paprika
1 Ui
2 Knoffeltoontjies
Sout & peper
Aluminiumfoelie
Verhit oond tot 180 grade
Spuit 'n oondpan goed met Spray & Cook
Skil die ui en knoffel en sny in stukkies
Voeg coke, bruinsuiker, tamatiesous, sojasous, worchestersous, paprika en sweet chilli sous in oondpan en meng saam
Plaas varktjops een-vir-een in die sous en draai om om die tjops elkeen, aan beide kante met sous te bedek
Sorg dat die varktjops goed met die sous bedek is
Gooi uie en knoffel oor asook sout en peper
Sprinkel laaste die sesamsaad oor
Bedek met foelie en bak in oond vir 'n uur
Bron:  Kos-is-oppie-Tafel-TV-program van Facebook

Uses for Mayonnaise

Uses for Mayonnaise

Get Gum Out of Hair

Gum stuck in your hair? Skip the peanut butter and reach for the mayo! Take a bit of mayonnaise and rub it around the gum with your fingers, gently sliding it down the strand of hair.

Give Yourself a Mayo Mani

Before a manicure, dip fingers in a bowl of mayonnaise and soak for five minutes to soften nails and cuticles.

Clean Piano Keys

To make dirty piano keys look like new, simply apply a little bit of mayonnaise on the keys. Wait a few minutes, then wipe off with a cloth.

Condition Hair

For healthy, shiny hair, massage into your scalp as you would conditioner, then rinse out.

Remove a Stubborn Ring

Have a ring stuck on your finger? Rub some mayo on it to help it slide off easily.

Get Crayon Marks Off Walls

To clean hard-to-remove crayon marks, coat them with mayonnaise and let sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping off with a cloth.

Remove Stickers and Price Tags

Cover a sticker or a stubborn price tag with a dab of mayo. Let it sit for a few minutes before gently wiping off with a cloth (the sticker will peel off with it).

Give Yourself a Facial

For an easy, homemade facial, use mayo! Gently cover your face with mayonnaise, let it sit for 10-20 minutes, then rinse off with cold water.

Clean Sticky Residue

Use mayonnaise to clean sticky residue (such as pine sap and tar) from your car. Cover pine sap with mayonnaise, wait a few minutes and then wipe off. 

Make Plant Leaves Shiny

Put a dab of mayonnaise on a paper towel and rub on houseplant leaves to make them super-shiny.

Relieve Sunburn

No aloe? You can use mayonnaise as a substitute to soothe sunburned skin.

Kill Lice

Many doctors now recommend using mayonnaise to kill head lice – it’s cheap and less toxic than over-the-counter treatments. Massage into scalp, cover with a shower cap and let sit overnight. Rinse out in the morning.

Take Off Bumper Stickers

Cover any bumper stickers that you want to remove with mayonnaise and let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe off with a cloth.

Soften Dry Skin

Rub mayonnaise on any rough patches (target elbows, knees, ankles and heels) and let sit for ten minutes, then rinse off with cold water.

Wipe Water Stains Off Wood

To remove water stains from wood, dab a bit of mayo on the area with a towel. Let sit for a few minutes and then wipe off.

Heal and Prevent Hangnails

Rub some mayonnaise on a hangnail, let sit for a few minutes and then rinse off. The mayonnaise will smooth skin and help prevent new hangnails.

Fix Cracks in Wooden Furniture

Fill in the crack with some mayonnaise (make sure you wipe off any excess). After a few days, the mayonnaise will shrink the crack, making it harder to see.

Lubricate Squeaky Doors

Dab some mayonnaise on a squeaky door hinge for an easy fix.

Hoender vlerkies in Coke

HOENDERVLERKIES in COKE
500 g hoendervlerkies
500 ml coke
Sout en peper na smaak
12 ml goue stroop
12 ml sojasous
1 t tamatiesous
1/2 ui
1 knoffeltoontjie
sout en peper
Sny knoffel en ui in stukkies
Gooi coke in kastrol
Plaas hoendervlerkies in kastrol
Voeg sout en peper na smaak by
Voeg die knoffel en ui by
Kook saam tot gaar
Voeg dan die stroop, sojasous en tamatiesous by en kook tot lekker taai tameletjie (moenie bedek met deksel nie)
Bron:  Kos-is-oppie-Tafel-TV-program van Facebook

Ideas

Try a New Use for: Chalk

• Get out grease stains from clothes: Rub the stain with a stick of chalk to absorb any lingering grease. Toss the clothes in the wash and the stain should be gone at the end of the wash cycle.

Try a New Use for: Vodka

• Keep flowers fresh: Add a few drops of vodka to your flower vase to keep them alive longer. The alcohol prevents bacteria from growing in the water and stops the production of a chemical that causes the flowers to age

Try a New Use for: Alka-Seltzer

• Clean burned food off glass cookware: Add 5 tablets to a sink full of hot water and let your dish soak for an hour. After the dish soaks, lightly scrub it with a non-abrasive pad.

Try a New Use for: Dryer Sheets

• Clean soap scum off shower doors: Get a second life out of a used dryer sheet by using it to wipe soap residue off a dirty shower door. Add a few drops of water to the sheet for the best results.

Try a New Use for: Paper Clips

• Make a phone stand: Use this holder to prop up your smartphone so you can enjoy a video with friends or read a recipe while cooking. Start with a jumbo paper clip and straighen out all the bends. Bend in half, like a hairpin. Measure 1 1/4" down from the bend, and bend each leg forward. Measure another 1 1/4" down and bend each leg forward again. Place on a table and set your phone in it on its side.
• Fix a zipper: If you are missing the pull tab on a zipper, thread a paper clip through the zipper loop.
• Repair eyeglasses: Tighten or loosen the arms of your glasses by using the tip of the clip as a screwdriver.
• Unclog spray bottles: Get rid of the gunk by inserting the end of a clip into the spray hole.
• Correct a wardrobe malfunction: Should your skirt or pants hem come undone during the day, use a paper clip to hold it up until you have time to fix it.

Try a New Use for: Wine Bottles

• Roll out dough: Empty or full, the bottle does the trick.
• Paint them pretty: "I spray-paint wine bottles and use them as vases or candleholders

Try a New Use for: a Can Opener

• Open plastic packaging: Struggling with a tightly sealed clamshell package? Use your can opener in place of scissors to save time and energy.

Try a New Use for: Toothpaste

• Spackle your walls: Use white toothpaste to fill in small nail holes.
• Soothe bug bites: Rub a dab onto itchy spots for quick relief.
• Clean sneakers: Scrub white leather sneakers with an old toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Banish odors: After chopping garlic or onions, use a small amount on hands to eliminate any lingering odor.
• Remove water rings: Rub paste onto the wood with a soft cloth. Then wipe with a damp one.
• Brighten jewelry: Give metal a shine by applying paste and buffing with a clean, dry cloth.
• Scrub hands: "I wash my hands with toothpaste to remove ink stains."

Try a New Use for: Coffee Filters

• Craft a wreath: Mix 1 tsp. acrylic paint into 1 cup of water; stir. Dip filters into dye, wring out and let dry. Stack 2 filters. Make a fist with your left hand. Push center of filters into center of fist. Open fist, twist center of flower, and hot-glue twisted end to wreath form. Repeat until form is covered.
• Get dust off screens: Instead of using cleaning spray or a microfiber cloth on your computer and TV screens, grab a coffee filter. It grabs dust without leaving behind the fibers or streaks that paper towels do.
• Line planters: Place at the bottom of a houseplant container to prevent soil from leaking out of the drainage hole.
• Keep the microwave clean: "When I'm heating up food in the microwave, I cover it with a filter. It's the perfect size to fit over a bowl and prevent messes."

Try a New Use for: Straws

• Make a koozie: Cut off the ankle portion of a sock and slip it over a bottled or canned beverage to keep it insulated.
• Style your locks: "Wrap sections of damp hair around a sock and tie the ends together. Leave in overnight; remove in the a.m. for nice waves." -- Tina Butler, 47, Royse City,

Try a New Use for: Socks

• Make a koozie: Cut off the ankle portion of a sock and slip it over a bottled or canned beverage to keep it insulated.
• Style your locks: "Wrap sections of damp hair around a sock and tie the ends together. Leave in overnight; remove in the a.m. for nice waves."

Try a New Use for: Tinfoil

• Sharpen scissors: Use scissors to cut a few strips of foil and -- voila! -- no more dull blades.
• Scour pots and pans: "If you run out of scrubbing pads, try using crumpled-up foil instead. It works great on baked-on foods and is a good way to reuse foil

Try a New Use for: Binder Clips

• Money clip: Fold bills and clip them together to keep them neat and organized.
• Corral cables: Attach an extra-large binder clip to the back of a desk or table, then thread a charger cord through the handle to prevent multiple cords from getting tangled.
• Cover razors: To prevent accidents, clip over your shaving razor when storing or packing for travel.
• Squeeze toothpaste: As you roll the tube, secure the end with a binder clip to help ensure that you get every last bit.
• Hold a wet sponge: Place the flat part of a clip on a counter with the handles pointing up. Wedge the sponge between the handles.

Try a New Use For: Baby Wipes

• Shine leather: Bring out the luster in your leather goods, including bags, shoes and even sofas, with a quick pass of an alcohol-free wipe. Be sure to test the wipe first in an inconspicuous spot.
• Clean your cell phone: Keep harsh chemicals away from your skin by wiping down everything but your screen with baby wipes.

Try a New Use for: Newspaper

• Wrap a gift: Choose an appropriate section or article, like the comics or horoscope, to give a present a touch of whimsy.
• Dry shoes: Leather shoes got soaked in a rainstorm? Place a few crumpled pieces inside overnight to help soak up the moisture.
• Keep the produce bin clean: Line it with newspaper to absorb spills and prevent caked-on messes.
• Fend off frost: Lay a few sheets over your car's windshield and secure overnight with the wipers -- you won't have to de-ice in the morning!
• Eliminate odors: Place small balled pieces inside plastic food containers and let them sit for a day to remove bad smells.
• Stop stray shoots: "Lay wet newspaper in the garden, then cover with a thin layer of dirt. The paper keeps weeds from sprouting. When planting bulbs, make sure you leave a large hole so the plants can grow

Try a New Use for: Aspirin

• Stain remover: Make a paste of two aspirin and warm water, then use it to presoak clothing for two hours

Try a New Use for: Bananas

• Polish shoes: Rub the inside of a banana peel on the shoe. Wipe clean with a soft cloth. The oils and potassium in the peel will add shine.

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Scuff remover

To get rid of scuff marks, rub the inside of a banana peel over silverware, leather shoes and leather furniture. Wipe with a soft cloth. Be sure to test on a small, inconspicuous section first

Try a New Use for: a Bowl

• DIY speakers: Place your iPhone or iPod in a bowl or glass to amplify the sound

Wallpaper cleaner

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Soft chunks of crustless white bread will get smudges off wallpaper and wipe away fingerprints and other grime.

Hardwater stain remover

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>To get rid of lime buildup, make a paste of 1 teaspoon vinegar and 2 tablespoons salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth.

Drain cleaner

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Sprinkle 1/4 cup baking soda in the drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with a pot of boilng water.

Stovetop protectant

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Rub a thin veneer of car wax on your stovetop, then wipe it off. The wax allows future cooking spills to lift off more easily.

Enamel repair paint

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Use correction fluid (like White-Out) to cover nicks and chips on white enamel kitchen appliances like ranges and mixers.

Stainless steel polish

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>A staple in most garages, WD-40 also works wonders on stainless steel. Just spray and rub with a cloth for a spotless shine

Washing machine cleaner

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Using the warm water setting, fill the basin and add 2 cups white vinegar. Let stand for an hour, then run the cycle as usual.

Laundry bleach

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>For a natural bleaching effect and to save money on energy costs (you don't have to use the dryer!), hang your whites outside to dry.

Mirror Cleaner

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Clean a bathroom mirror with shaving cream (the old-fashioned white kind, not a gel variety), then wipe with a soft cloth. This tip also helps keep the mirror fog-free after showers.

Blind duster

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Use an antistatic spray on blinds to keep dust from piling up.

Antibacterial bathroom cleaner

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>To kill bathroom germs, spray full-strength vinegar around the sink and tub. Wipe clean with a damp cloth

Silver jewelry polish

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Using a soft toothbrush, scrub pieces of silver jewelry with a bit of toothpaste containing baking soda. Rinse with warm water to restore sparkle

Drawer lubricant

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Unstick drawers and keep them sliding smoothly by rubbing the runners with a candle or bar of soap.

Anti-tarnishing paper

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Place a piece of white chalk in your silver or jewelry chest to absorb moisture and prevent tarnish.

Fan duster

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Slip an old pillowcase over each blade of a ceiling fan, then apply mild pressure as you peel it off. The dust will stay in the case.

Vase cleaner

<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>To get glass vases sparkling clean, fill three-quarters with hot water, add a teaspoon of baking soda and shake. Let stand overnight; rinse.

Cord organizer

Store cords tangle-free by winding each one back and forth, then inserting it into an empty toilet paper tube

Plant duster

Clean and shine the leaves of houseplants by wiping them down with the inside of a banana peel.

Paint remover for skin

To take off oil-based paint on your skin, put a little extra-virgin olive oil on a soft cloth and rub clean.

Weed killer

Instead of using harsh chemicals, spray vinegar in the cracks of your walkway to get rid of weeds.

Grill degreaser

To maintain a clean barbecue grill, sprinkle dry baking soda on a damp brush, scrub, then rinse.

Coffee Grounds

Use your morning pick-me-up to eliminate odors in the fridge. Simply place coffee grounds, new or used, in a bowl on a shelf. Replace them every two months for a fresh, slightly caffeinated smell.

White Vinegar

 Keep your dishwasher extra clean with white vinegar. Pour ½ cup into the detergent cups and run the empty machine for a complete cycle. Cleaning tips: you can also use a few tablespoons of powdered laundry bleach, Tang or lemon-flavored Kool-Aid (it must be lemon) for the same results.

 Ice Cubes

It won't be a pretty sound, tossing ice cubes into the garbage disposal break sup grease and keeps it clean. Every few weeks, toss in a handful of cubes, turn on the disposal and run cold water. Add some orange, lemon or lime peels to ward off odors

Dryer Sheets

Get baked-on foods off pots and pans with these laundry cleaning tips. Just place a dryer sheet in a pot, fill with water and let sit overnight, then sponge off the next morning. The antistatic agent weakens the bond between the stuck-on food and the surface of the pan, while the fabric softener works its loosening magic

Sponge and Baking Soda

Use this classic combo to get rid of scuffs on vinyl flooring.

Play-Doh

Use this playtime gear to pick up tiny slivers of broken glass (you know, the ones you don’t notice until you’ve stepped on them). Simply press a piece into the area to grab those smaller shards. Be sure to wrap the glass up carefully before throwing it away!

The Microwave

To keep bacteria from taking up permanent residence in your kitchen sponges, rinse them with water at the end of each day, squeeze, then put in the microwave for three minutes. Let cool before touching. Do the same with your cutting boards, if they are microwaveable

Lemons

Harness the power of citrus to clean your microwave. Cut a lemon in half, squeeze juice into a small bowl of water, add both lemon halves and place in the microwave for five minutes. The fresh scent eliminates cooking odors, and condensation from the steam loosens random splatters that have hardened. Wipe away the loose stains with a damp cloth.

Floss

It's not just for yout teeth! Use dental floss to remove debris from the cutting disc on your electric can opener

Mouthwash

The same product that kills bad-breath germs also zaps the gunk beneath your feet. Add a capful of mouthwash to a gallon of water and mop vinyl or tile—but not wood—floors with the mixture

Disinfecting Wipes

Grab a few disinfecting wipes to give faucets, sinks, tubs, toilet seats—you name it—an easy daily touch-up.

Baby Oil

After going over your bathtub, sink or shower with disinfectant, wipe the area with baby oil or lemon oil. Do this once or twice a month to help dirty water bead and roll down the drain faster, buying you more time before the next cleaning.

Antacids

Freshen the toilet bowl with effervescent tablets (denture or antacid) in between scourings. Drop two in the water, let soak for at least 20 minutes, then brush and flush. A can of cola dumped in for one hour also does the trick. The phosphoric acid in this mixture removes rust rings and other mineral deposits

Vinegar and Rags

 Get rid of lime buildup on sinks by soaking an old rag in vinegar, then wrapping it around the faucet and clasping with a hair clip. Let sit for an hour, then take off rag and dry faucet.

Baking Powder and Lemon Juice

Combat mold and mildew on tiles and shower curtains with a paste of equal parts lemon juice and baking powder. Spread on the mixture, leave for two hours, then rinse.

Paintbrush

A dry paintbrush (with bristles at least 3 inches long) is great for both the surface and grooves of your collectibles. Dust framed photos with a pastry brush, which is softer than a paintbrush and easier to dip into corners and places that are difficult to reach.

White Gloves

Take a hands-on approach to your mini blinds and venetians. Just slip on a pair of white cotton gloves, dip fingers into a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm tap water, then run your fingers across both sides of each slat. Rinse gloves as necessary in a bowl of clean water.

Potatoes

Slice a potato in half and gently rub the cut end on a muddy slipcover or comforter. Soak the fabric in cool water, then throw it in your next load of laundry.

Houseplants

Keep air pure with houseplants. Research from NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America suggests that palms, English ivy, ferns, mums and similar plants remove up to 87 percent of indoor pollutants.

Lint Brush

Use a lint brush with disposable sheets to dust lamp shades and plant leaves.

Rice

To wash a narrow vase, pour in 2 tablespoons of dry rice and ½ cup warm water, cover with the palm of your hand, shake vigorously, then rinse.

Blow Dryer

Give chandeliers a quick cleaning with a blow-dryer (set on low) or a feather duster. For tougher jobs, fill a spray bottle with one part vodka to five parts water, spritz on fixtures and blow-dry

Golf Club

Wrap a microfiber cloth over the bristles of a regular broom or around the end of a golf club, secure it with a rubber band and use to get rid of cobwebs or dust in hard-to-reach places

Hair Spray

Did your child use the painted walls as a canvas? Mist them with hairspray and wipe immediately to remove colored marker. For crayon, scrub with a toothpaste-covered toothbrush, or gently massage with baking soda and a damp microfiber cloth.

Ketchup

Shine brass using a dab of Worcestershire sauce or ketchup. Squeeze the condiment onto a cloth, rub the item, then rinse with water and dry with a towel.

Tennis Ball

Use a new tennis ball to wipe scuff marks off tile, vinyl, woodwork—even painted walls. It won’t harm the surface.