Extend the life of tights

When you just buy a new pair of tights, rub it with a fabric softener sheet. The lubricating agent in the sheet will make the nylon fibers more pliant.

Cooking with garlic

Avoid the extra work of mincing garlic by infusing the pot with a whole head of the bulb. Cooking a soup for example, cut about 1/2 inch off the top of the head, wrap it in cheesecloth and toss into the pot. When ready, squeeze the softened garlic into the soup to add more flavors.

Quick homemade frosting

Mix one container of “frosting ready” with 3 oz of softened cream cheese. The result is a smooth and pleasant flavor, not too sweet.

Extend life of sweet onions

To keep sweet onions (Vidalia) fresh longer, store them without touching each other. Poke a few holes in small plastic bags, place one onion in each bag and tie a knot.

Longer life for poinsettia

Steep a sachet of white tea in a cup of hot water. When it is cool, pour the liquid on the plant’s soil. The antioxidants provide nutrients that helps plants longevity more than water.

Shipping delicate items

As a substitute for expensive packing materials, use some air popped popcorn to stuff boxes and protect all items that need to be shipped.

Cleaning colored candles

Pour about 1 cup of full fat buttermilk in a shallow bowl and dip your hands in the liquid. Run your wet palms quickly over each candle and buff with a clean dry cloth. Candles will be clean and shiny.

Prevent silverware from tarnishing

Add several packs of silica gel beads (save the ones that come in shoe boxes, as an example) to the container in which you store the silverware to keep moisture away. Silver tarnishes when moisture in the air causes it to oxidize.

Water ring on glass table

Soak a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol and use it to lightly dab at the stain until it disappears (do not rub!).

Help poinsettia buds to bloom faster

Place the plants in a large dark garbage bag for 2 weeks. Close loosely to keep light out and let air in. The darkness will speed blossom process.

Stressed out cat

Put a small portion of butter on the top of each front paw. This will keep your cat busy licking for quite a while settling him down.

Keep a wreath pretty

Mist the entire surface of your wreath with hairspray. The product will trap moisture and work as a bonding agent, ensuring the décor stay firmly in place.

Iron pleated clothing easier

Fasten a paper clip to the bottom of each pleat before you start to iron, and then continue as usual. Let your garment cool before removing the clips.

Keep ribbon ends from fraying

To prevent ribbon ends from unraveling, apply a thin coat of clear nail polish along the edge immediately after making the cut.

Controlling a salt dispenser

To prevent a salt shaker with too many big holes from over-salting your food, unscrew the lid and place it upside down on a flat surface. Use clear nail polish to carefully plug a few holes in the lid, wait to dry and screw the lid back.

Protect pearl buttons

To prevent faux-pearl buttons from peeling and losing their original luster, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish over each button. Reapply after a few washes.

End late night snacking

Place a bottle of clear nail polish near to you during the night. When you feel the urge to snack, brush on a topcoat. The wet nails will prevent you from reaching food.

Protecting your earlobes

If your earlobes get irritated, itchy and sore from costume earrings, try this trick. Coat the posts and backs of the earrings with clear nail polish and let them dry completely. The thin layer will create a protective barrier and you can wear them without worries.

Cracked eyeglasses lens

Temporarily seal the crack on your eyeglasses with a light application of clear nail polish. As it dries, the polish will bind the broken portions together.

Damaged wooden hanger

To protect your garments from any accidents, due to nicks and rough edges on your wooden hangers, apply a coat of clear nail polish to the uneven areas. The product will leave a hard layer that will smooth the jagged wood.

Get rid of warts

Apply a thick coat of clear nail polish to the area where the wart is growing. The product will create an airtight seal over the spot, suffocating and eventually wiping out the development.

Protect your heels

To prevent scrapes and scratches on your shoes heels, paint some clear nail polish on them. The gloss will add a layer of protection. Apply as needed.

Clear Nail Polish Week!

A lacquer that can be applied to the human fingernails or toenails... Clear nail polish can be a solution for some everyday issues as well...

Small scratch in car’s paint

When the mark is too small to take the car to a body shop, dip the tip of a straightened paper clip into matching touch-up paint and apply to the center of the scratch. The paint will spread to the edges of the mark, covering the damage. Using a paintbrush can result in an unwanted glob-like application.

Eyeglasses missing a screw

Grab a small and thin paper clip and unravel one end. Align the loose arm with the frame, insert the straightened wire into the empty screw holes and cut off the extra metal.

Broken zipper

Fix a missing zipper pull, temporarily, by inserting a paper clip in place of the tab.

Extend a ceiling-fan chain

You can make a temporary fix for a broken pull chain, by hooking several paper clips together, and then fasten it to the end of the split chain.

Stuck DVD player

To get a disc out of the DVD player easily, straighten out one end of a paper clip and insert it into the tiny hole by the tray (front or side of the player, depending on brand). Give it a gentle push to manually activate the drawer mechanism.

Hanging flowers to air-dry

Hold together a few flowers with a rubber band, forming a small bouquet. Unravel a paper clip, insert one end under the band and bend the other half creating a hook. Hang the bouquet upside down and let the flowers dry completely.

Easily pit fresh cherries

Grab a clean paper clip, take the smaller loop of it and vertically unfold it from the larger loop (it will look like an “S”). Insert the smaller loop into the top of the cherry where the stem used to be, gently wiggle to loosen the pit, and pull. The seed will pop right out.

Avoid pin marks on papers

Hang important papers (photos, documents, artwork etc.) on a cork board without leaving any damages or perforation marks. Secure a paper clip to the board with a pushpin, and then slide the paper into the clip.

Mark a recipe page in the cookbook

Avoid losing your recipe page while cooking, by sliding a paper clip onto the edge of the page in use, positioning it horizontally so it marks the recipe. You will never touch your book with dirty hands and miss an ingredient again.

Keep iced tea bags together

To keep tea bags together and prevent them from falling to the bottom of the pitcher, gather them in a pack and hook one end of a paper clip around the strings near the tabs. Secure the clip to the edge of the pitcher, pour in boiling water and steep as usual.

Paper Clips Week!

An object made to hold sheets of paper together, usually made of steel wire bent to a looped shape… Paper clips can also have several alternative uses...

Flowers with short and thin stems

To straighten and even out flowers with short and/or thin stems in a vase, insert each one into a plastic straw. Align the flowers and trim the straws to the desired length for your arrangement.

Protect paint brushes

Prevent paint brushes from rusting, by laying 4 plastic straws across the opening of an empty coffee can, creating a tic-tac-toe design. Fold the ends over the edge of the can and secure with tape. Place already cleaned brushes in the can, bristles up, and the partitions will prevent them from leaning against each other or touching the edge of the can.

Preserve an open caulk tube

To prevent an open caulk tube from hardening, insert a plastic straw into the tip and trim the straw, leaving 1 to 2 inches. Fold over the outside end and seal with tape.

Coring strawberries

Wash the strawberries and pluck the stems. Cut a plastic straw at an angle for sharpness, press and twist the pointed tip through the top of the fruit and pull back the straw. The hollow pipe will easily remove the unwanted core.

Grab-and-go iced tea

Ideal for a big family, when you buy powdered drink mix bulk. Make individual packets to add to water bottles whenever you need: cut several plastic straws in half; fold over one end of each half and secure with tape; fill each straw (use a funnel) with mix; fold over the other end and secure with tape.

Airtight seal for freezer bags

Remove all the air from the plastic zip bag, by squeezing out as much air as you can with your hands and closing the bag most of the way, leaving it slightly open at the end. Then, slide a plastic straw into the opening and use it to suck out the rest of the air. Quickly remove the straw and zip up the bag.

Straw Week!

A thin tube normally intended for transferring a beverage from its container to someone’s mouth, can also have some alternative uses... Check them out...

Quick clean for stainless steel appliances

Squeeze a dab of hand sanitizer onto a clean dry cloth and gently polish each stainless steel surface. The alcohol in the product will clean any dirt and/or fingerprints and leave appliances super shiny.

Quick fix for a leaky vase

Grab a similar shaded crayon. Carefully light a match over the stick, hold the 2 items over the crack and let the melted wax drip into the area. When wax cools, scrape away any excess.

Remove fat from stew

To easily defat a stew, place some ice cubes on a slotted spoon and drag it across the top of the liquid. The ice will attract all the grease. Try to do it fast, before the cubes melt, and discard them after all.

Peeling ginger

An alternative way to peel ginger, without removing a lot of the flesh along with the skin, is using a spoon. Hold the base of the spoon bowl and graze its edge down the side of the root to lightly scrape the skin away.

Overbaked sweet bread

To add moisture to an overcooked (hard and dry, but edible) sweet loaf, poke several deep holes through the top with a skewer and drizzle some honey, apple juice or maple syrup over the holes. Let sit for about 1 hour, slice and serve.

Perfectly cooked fish

Before baking a fillet of fish, fold the thin tail piece over itself and secure with toothpicks. This will ensure that your fish cooks evenly and the thin end of the fillet does not overcook.

Storing tub toys

Keep bathtub toys neatly organized, dried and mold-free, by attaching a mesh lingerie bag to a tiled wall in your bathroom. Use a suction cup hook to hang the bag.

Pencil marks on the walls

To remove pencil marks from the walls, grab a piece of rye or dark wheat bread and gently rub over the markings until they vanish. The large amount of gluten on these kinds of bread helps to erase non-grease-based stains.

Messy boot tray

To prevent your boot tray from becoming muddy after the dirt melts off the soles, place a layer of garden stones inside of it. All the dirt will drain through the rocks to the bottom of the container.

Protecting bandages from water

Keep a bandage on fingers and/or toes clean and dry, while bathing or dealing with water, by slipping an uninflated balloon over it. Secure with a rubber band or a hair tie.

Revive a rose bouquet

To double the life of a beautiful bouquet, pour 1/4 cup of lemon-lime soda into the water. The citric acid will kill bacteria while the sugar will feed the flowers.

More effective vaporizer

To clear the air and improve breathing, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the water in the vaporizer. The acetic acid helps to fight bacterial and viral infections.

Melted plastic stain

To clean melted plastic stain from a hard surface, soak a cotton ball with nail polish remover and apply to the stain until it disappears. The acetone in the remover will break the bonds in the melted plastic, making the cleaning process much easier.

Online impulse buys

When shopping online, before checking out, stop to drink a glass of water or to make a phone call. Researches show that a briefly interruption in the shopping process causes the brain's focus to move from "I cannot miss this deal!" to "How will this affect my finances?". When you return to the computer, you will be able to judge your virtual cart better.

Evenly baked cake layers

Wrap a thick strip of moistened newspaper around the outer edge of the baking pan and secure with paper clips. This procedure will lower the pan’s temperature so its edges will not set before the center, which would cause a bumpy cake layer.

Revive stale brownies

To refresh old brownies' fudgy moistness, place them in a colander set over 1 inch of simmering water and steam for about 1 minute.

Gummy rice

To prevent rice from ending gummy, place a double layer of paper towel under the lid of the pot until you are ready to serve your entire meal. The paper will absorb steam and avoid condensation forming on the lid and returning into the pot.

Keep steaks flat while cooking

To prevent steaks from curling when they are being cooked, use a paring knife to cut slashes about 1 inch apart along the outer edge of each piece. This will allow the meat to shrink without affecting its overall shape.

Stringy cheese in pizza

To prevent pizza cheese from getting stringy and making a mess when you eat it, add a little bit of lemon juice to the cheese before sprinkling over the dough. This will break down the protein strands that cause those long strings.

Birthday cake without wax drips

To save a cake from wax drips, insert each candle into a mini (or a fitted piece) marshmallow, then set the confections on top of the frosting. The wax will melt onto the marshmallow, which you can just discard later.

Clean sticky sap from skin

To remove any sticky sap from your skin, rub the area with some olive oil. Wipe clean with a paper towel, and wash with soap and water. The oleic acid in the oil will help to dissolve the sap.

Storing needles and pins

Use a leftover pillar candle to stick the needles and pins directly into the wax. The waxy surface will keep them in place and lubricate their tips, ensuring they will slide through fabric easily.

Prevent ski goggles from fogging up

Cut a row potato in two and rub the fleshy part of one half on the inside of the goggles. The starch in potatoes leaves behind an invisible film, preventing water beads from adhering to the lenses.

Organizing medicine cabinet

Keep track of all different prescription medication for the whole family, by assigning each person a different color of nail polish. Paint a dot on the top and side of each bottle before placing it in the cabinet, preventing confusion and mistakes in the future.

Protecting pet’s paws

Keep your pet’s paws safe from frozen surfaces by coating his pads with medicated lip balm. The waxy moisturizer will protect them against ice and snow, and the camphor will soothe delicate pads and help heal any minor cuts and scrapes he may have.

Quick sparkling tiles

Improvise a quick refresher for your bathroom. Mix 16 oz of water and 1/2 cup of mouthwash in a bucket, submerge a mop in the solution and use to clean all tiles. You will kill the germs and leave a mint-fresh scent around.

Longer life liquid foundation

Double the life of your favorite and expensive liquid foundation by squeezing a few drops of facial toner (alcohol-free) into the container. Shake and apply as usual. The cleansing and moisturizing ingredients in the toner will keep the foundation from drying out and cracking.

Helping your diet

Research shows that dieters are unlikely to overeat in sunlight. People are less inhibited indoors but feel self-conscious in a well-lit area, so they eat less outdoors. Sun exposure also increases levels of the appetite-suppressing hormone serotonin.

Quick solution for greasy hair

In case you overdose your hair with serum, instead of running back to the shower to wash it again, just apply some hairspray to it and finish up with a quick blast from a blow dryer. The alcohol in hairspray will absorb the oil.

Fix lumpy gravy

If your gravy turned out lumpy and too thin, mix it in a blender until smooth, pour it back into the pan through a strainer or sieve and reduce to the desired consistency.

Hot cup of coffee with milk

You like your morning coffee with milk, but adding the dairy straight from the fridge makes it just lukewarm, and heating the milk first requires more time and work. To speed the entire process, add the milk into the empty carafe of your coffeemaker before brewing your coffee, and have a cup just the way you like.

Milk boiling over

To prevent milk from boiling over and making a mess on the stove, just rub a pat of butter along the top edge and inside the lip of your saucepan before adding the milk. The foam will stop when it hits the rim of butter.

Cleanup for doughy counters

To easily clean your countertops, after preparing your dough, use a ruler (or an old credit card) to scrape them. The thin and flexible material is ideal for picking up all dry dough and flour left behind. A wet sponge will just make the mess worse.

Cooking rice pilaf

Sauté the rice pilaf and other ingredients first, then add very hot chicken stock. Cool stock lowers the pan’s temperature, shocking the grains and causing them to bloat.

Thin mushroom slices

To accomplish very thin mushroom slices, when you do not have a mandoline handy, place mushrooms uncovered in the freezer for about 5 minutes, to harden them before slicing, which will make your task much easier.

Stuck wine cork

To easily remove a stuck cork from a wine bottle, run a paper towel under hot water and wrap it around the neck of the bottle. The heat will expand the glass but not the cork.

Buttermilk substitute

Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice for every cup of buttermilk called for in a recipe and let it sit for about 10 minutes before adding to the batter. The acidic juice mimics the tenderizing effect of the enzymes in buttermilk.

Pretty cheesecake

Freeze the cheesecake for about 1 hour before decorating. When the poured topping (melted chocolate, pureed fruit or caramel sauce) meets the ice-cold surface, it slows to a stop before dripping down the sides of the cake hitting the plate.

Browning butter sauce

First, fill a bowl with 2 inches of ice water. Then watch the butter cook on the stove. When it changes from yellow to caramel in color, remove from heat and place the pan on the ice. The cold will stop the cooking process and prevent the residual heat in the pan from turning your sauce to black.

Slow-cooking stew

To accomplish savoring soft beef stew, bring the meat to a simmer on the stove and finish cooking it in an oven set to 350F. This temperature ensures the stew will continue to simmer, and the indirect heat will cook it more uniformly.

Quick fix for torn lace

To fix a small tear in your lace item, place a piece of wax paper behind it and brush a layer of clear nail polish across the tear. Let dry and remove the paper. The polish will leave behind a hard layer that will seal the gash.

Stay-put garbage bag

To prevent a bag from sliding down inside your garbage can, cut the waistband off an old pair of pantyhose and stretch the piece around the folded-over bag, placing it just under the edge of the can. The elastic material will keep the bag in place.

Prevent remote from scratching furniture

Wrap a wide rubber band around each end of the remote. The added padding will cushion the gadget so its edges will not damage your furniture. It works very well when you have kids around.

Preventing stove top spills

When you have to divide your attention with multiple pots at the same time, often you worry that one will boil over and make a mess on the stove top. Avoid spills by placing a metal spoon in each pot as you start cooking. Metal absorbs heat and prevents the liquids from bubbling over.

Yellow stained collars

Cover each stain with baby powder, set your iron to medium heat (steam on), and hold the iron about an inch above the area to steam for about 5 seconds. Press down for about 3 seconds and shake off any excess powder. The talc absorbs the oil that causes yellow stain while the steam sets in the powder, cleaning the collars.

Missing an earring back

Cut a small piece from the end of a cork using a pair of manicure scissors. Then put on the earring and stick the post through the piece of cork.

Healthy indoor plants

To make sure your potted houseplants get the moisture they need, crush some bottle corks in a food processor and add 1/2 cup of the powder to the soil of each plant. The material will perform as a natural insulator and prevent water from evaporating.

Organizing pointy objects

Use an old cork to hold each type of pointy objects in your storage. Ideal for safety pins, tacks, pushpins etc. The porous material safely keeps the potential piercing items in place.

Keep glare out of the eyes

When doing outdoor activities, keep the glow from interfering with your vision with this athletes tip. Burn the end of a cork and let cool, then rub the singed end under your eyes. The dark charcoal will help to deflect the sunlight.

Protect wood floors

Use a sharp knife to cut 1/4"-thick discs from corks. Add some wood glue to each disc and attach to the bottom of chair or tables legs. The soft material will pad the piece of furniture, protecting the wood floor from scratches and helping the legs to slide easily across the room.

Cork Week #2!

Commonly utilized as wine stoppers, corks can have several alternative uses as well... Let's check some of them...

Keeping knitting projects on hold

To keep your unfinished knit work from falling off the needles, insert the pointed ends into an old cork, preventing yarn from slipping off the slick tips.

Improvise craft stamps

Grab a craft knife and carve shapes (like stars, hearts, circles etc.) into the ends of old corks. Dip the designs into ink pads or finger paint and press onto paper. After use, clean the corks soaking them in a mix of 1 part rubbing alcohol and 3 parts water for about an hour.

Dingy stainless steel

To remove stains from stainless steel, dip an old cork’s end in 1 tbsp olive oil and use it to scrub marks. The textured surface will act as a mild abrasive, removing buildup without scratching the piece.

Control the flow of oil

To regulate the oil flow from bottle’s wide opening, cut a 1/4" wedge down the length of a cork, remove the slice, then slip the stopper into the bottle neck. The thin gap will gradually disperse the liquid.

Homemade place-card holders

Give your table place card holders a Tuscan-style décor. Bundle 4 corks together and tie firmly with a rustic thin string, then write each guest’s name on hard cardstock and place one in the center of each bundle.

Cork Week #1!

Commonly utilized as wine stoppers, corks can have several alternative uses as well... Let's check some of them...

Streak-free windows

Soak a small squeegee in a bucket filled with 1/2 gallon of water, 1tsp of liquid dish soap and 1tsp of cornstarch, and use to wash your windows and mirrors, rinsing the squeegee occasionally in clean water. Dish soap eliminates dirt and cornstarch absorbs streak-causing residues.

Drilling the ceiling

To minimize dust and mess when drilling holes in the ceiling, poke the drill bit through the center of a coffee filter (paper curling up away from the drill’s handle). The basket shaped filter will catch falling ceiling crumbs and dust, making cleanup easier.

Washing stuffed animals

To protect stuffed animals when washing them in a machine, place the toy inside a lingerie bag and use delicate detergent and cycle.

Remove ink stain from leather

If you find a pen mark across your leather accessory, squeeze some antibacterial hand sanitizer onto a cotton swab and use to lightly cover the stain. Let sit for about 15 seconds and remove any excess with a clean cloth. The alcohol in the product dissolves ink’s oils and the gel has moisturizing properties, so it will not dry out leather.

Healthy and crunchy French toast

When you bake French toast, instead of frying, the crust does not crisp in the same way. Next time, try coating the soaked bread slices with crumbled cornflakes. Cook in a 500F oven for 10 minutes, turning once. The flakes sear quickly and you will get the fried texture without adding any fat.

Cooking lamb

For a mild and tender taste, soak the lamb in milk for 30 minutes (or up to 5 hours) before cooking. The lactic acid in milk will break down the meat’s proteins.

Tinting white chocolate

To tint white chocolate properly, add the food coloring before melting it. If you add the color after melting it, chocolate will harden immediately.

Reduce the bitter taste in broccoli rabe

Before you sauté the vegetable in garlic and oil, blanch it in salted boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to a bowl of ice water and drain. This procedure will remove any extra bite out of the green.

Keep salad greens crisp

Sprinkle the washed and dried leaves with some sea salt. The granules will absorb extra moisture and the greens will stay crunchy for hours until you are ready to serve your salad.

Fluffy homemade bread

To accomplish fluffy bread, chill the butter and the flour. Ensuring the butter stays cool while being worked into the flour results in airy bread. If the butter melts (even a little) during the work, it seeps through the flour making a denser product.

Glass cleaner substitute

An excellent alternative for regular glass cleaners is rubbing alcohol. It is less offensive and much cheaper than classic chemicals.

Wrinkle-free scarf storage

To prevent scarves from getting wrinkled, wrap each one around an empty paper towel tube. Run a ribbon through the tube and tie to keep fabric in place.

Cleaning crystal pieces

To clean a delicate crystal piece with deep etchings, just grab a soft head clean toothbrush. Its bristles are rigid enough to access tiny carvings but gentle enough not to damage the glassware.

Closing envelopes

When sealing envelopes, in case you do not want to lick the flaps or you run out of glue, just brush a little bit of clear nail polish on each adhesive flap, and work will be well done easily.

Against Mosquitoes

Mix 1 part garlic juice with 5 parts water, put the solution in a spray bottle, and spritz yourself as needed.

Seeding spicy peppers

To prevent that burning sensation on your hands that last for hours, cut off the stem end of the pepper with a knife, insert a vegetable peeler and rotate. The tool will pull out ribs and seeds without hurting you.

Curling parchment paper

Grab 4 refrigerator magnets and place one on each corner of a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. The paper will be firmly attached to the metal, making your baking job easier. Remove the magnets before cooking.

Keep casseroles crispy

The best part of a casserole is its golden cheesy topping. To keep it crispy after cooked, place a paper towel over the top of the dish before wrapping it in foil. The condensation from the hot pasta will be absorbed by the towel, instead of forming on the foil and dripping back onto the dish making it soggy.

Fluffy whipped cream

To make sure your topping stays fluffy all day, add 2 tbsp of marshmallow cream for each cup of fluffy cream. It also adds just the right amount of sweetness to your dessert.

Cleaning mushrooms

Washing mushrooms under a running faucet results in waterlogged veggies. Use a clean, dry soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them. Its small head slips easily under the gills to capture and scrub away the dirt.

Cleaning an electric grill

To clean burnt-on grease and food bits from your electric grill, first unplug the appliance. Then place a few dampened paper towels in between the metal plates, while it is still warm, and close the lid. This will create steam that loosens residues and, after the grill cools, you just need to swipe it with a clean paper towel.

Scented window curtains

In a spray bottle, mix 1 tbsp of liquid fabric softener, 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 3 cups of water, then spray where needed. Vinegar will neutralize odors, while the laundry softener provides the fresh smell.

Prevent car door dings

If the dings are being caused by the contact between the car door and the garage wall, attach pieces of fluffy carpets along the wall where the car door normally swings open.

Removing tub decals

Point a hair dryer, on the hottest setting, at each decal for about 2 minutes. The heat will dissolve the bond between the adhesive and the tub, turning up the sticker’s corners, and you just need to peel it off.

Unsealing an envelope

If you mistakenly sealed an envelope, just place it in the freezer for about 2 hours. The cold temperature will make the glue to become hard and crack, splitting the seal that secures the flap without damages. To seal it again, hold the envelope over the steam of a tea kettle to melt the glue, for about 10 seconds.

Keep refrigerator closed

When your guests are constantly going to the fridge to get drinks, it is typical to find its door open once in a while. To prevent that from happening, before your party starts lift the front of the fridge 1 inch, placing a piece of wood under each side. This creates a slight upward angle that allows gravity to pull the door shut automatically.

Cleaning a keyboard

Sweep a new eye shadow applicator between the keys. If you find a grimy area, dip the applicator in rubbing alcohol to get an added disinfectant benefit.

Tea stain on carpet

If your cup of tea spilled onto your carpet, use a dry paper towel to soak up as much liquid as you can, then dab some beer on the stain with a clean cloth for about 10 seconds. The alcohol will act as a natural solvent.

Minor car radiator’s leak

A temporary fix for a minor car radiator’s leak is to pour 1 egg white into the radiator, immediately after turning off the car. The heat from the engine will rapidly cook the egg and the solid particles will sink into any holes. Bring the car to the shop ASAP!

Beautiful and healthy plants

To keep outdoor (or indoor) plants healthy, crush leftover eggshells and sprinkle over the soil. The calcium in the shells will help them to grow robust and gorgeous.

Smooth a bitter coffee

To smooth a bitter coffee without using cream, add 1tsp (for a 10-cup pot) of crushed dry eggshells to the grounds. The calcium carbonate in the egg shell neutralizes the acids in coffee grounds.

Glue substitute

If you run out of glue when doing a paper (or any light materials) project, just apply some egg white to it, using a paintbrush.

Revive frizzy and dry hair

Mix 1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 cup of water all together. Apply to damp hair from roots to tips, let sit for about 10 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. The nutrients in the ingredients of this mask will fight damage, fortify and add shine to the hair.

Prevent piecrusts from getting soggy

Using a pastry brush, coat the bottom of a prebaked crust with 1 egg white. Let sit for 2 minutes before adding the filling and then bake as usual. This procedure will form a waterproof barrier that will keep your crust dry.

Remove bubble gum stain from clothes

Using a toothbrush, apply 1 beaten egg white to the stain, let sit for about 15 minutes and then rub the area with a wet sponge. Beating eggs activates a foaming agent that dissolves the adhesives that stick gum to fabric.

Eggs Week!

In addition to their nutritional value, this week you will find some interesting alternative uses for eggs…

Long-lasting lip color

Apply your lipstick as usual and pat a similar shade of powder blush on top. The pigment in the blush will prevent your lip color from fading, just like face powder sets foundation.

Quick hair style correction

When you find your look with some uncontrollable hair, just apply a little hairspray on an old clean toothbrush and comb it through the affected area. The toothbrush’s fine bristles will quickly disperse the hairspray through your hair for a graceful look. Rinse the brush well with hot water to avoid stiff buildup.

Helping your diet

To get rid of those "hard to lose" last 5 pounds to accomplish your goal weight, eat an apple every day before your main meal. The fruit's combination of filling crunchy texture and high water content helps you to feel satisfied on fewer calories.

Red wine stain on clothes

If you spilled red wine on your clothes, immediately rub a dab of white toothpaste (colored gel may stain fabric) with baking soda, and rinse with cold water. The alkaline ingredient neutralizes the acidic tannins in the wine that causes stains.

Perfect brownie cuts

To cut perfect brownie squares, wash an old credit card and press it into the confection (do not drag). Besides nice cuts, you will keep your pan scratch free.

Sticky goat cheese crumbles

Goat cheese tends to stick to fingers instead of breaking into pieces. Next time you have to crumble this kind of cheese, cut off the amount you need and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Take it out and it will crumble much easier.

Prevent pear slices from browning

Pour some seltzer water over the pears. The carbonation increases the acidity of water and will keep the fruit from browning without changing its taste.

Avoid tears when cutting onions

Before slicing or chopping onions, cut them in half and run the pieces under cold water. This washes away some of the sulfur compounds that irritate eyes.

Perfect zucchini bread

To accomplish perfect zucchini bread you need to squeeze as much water as you can from the veggie. Place the shredded zucchini in a colander set over a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Then place a heavy can (or a jar) on top of the plastic and let sit for about 10 minutes, pushing down on the can once or twice, and your vegetable will be ready to use.

A fix for thin pasta sauce

If you find your homemade fresh tomato sauce too watery, stir some parmesan cheese directly into it, rather than topping each portion of pasta with cheese. The parmesan will improve flavors and also thicken the sauce.

Fresh-smelling dishwasher

Squeeze the juice of one lemon and one orange into the liquid-detergent compartment. Run the dishwasher while it is empty, setting it to steam dry. The citric acids bleach away stains and neutralize odor-causing buildup from the interior.

Extend the life of jack-o’-lanterns

After cutting pumpkins out, dip each one’s lid in cinnamon, which has antibacterial properties and will prevent deterioration. When it is time to lit the candle inside and close the lid, you will get an extra nice fragrance from your entryway.

Muddy footprints on carpets

To get rid of the dirt marks on your home or car’s carpets, pour a thick layer (about 1/4”) of Epsom salts on top of them and let sit for about 15 minutes. Epsom salt is super absorbent and will reduce the moisture that sticks dirt to fabric, so you just need to use a vacuum over the marks after all.

Messy pet’s meal

Every time your pet eats, he takes a mouthful of food from his bowl, drops it onto the floor and then chows down. Next time, serve him with a large shallow dish, which will allow him to chew in comfort. Deep bowls crowd pet’s meal and cause him to pick up and transfer food out of the dish.

Prolong a marker’s life

If your marker runs out of ink when you are almost finished with your project, dip the tip in white vinegar, close the cap and lay the marker on its side for about 15 minutes.

Saving water at home

For a little help on saving water at home, grab an empty plastic bottle, fill it with sand and place inside the toilet tank. This will take some space and reduce the amount of water used in each flush.

Cooking a perfect roast

To accomplish that caramelized surface and seal in the flavor and juices, raise the oven temperature by 50F for the last 10 minutes of cooking your roast beef.

Make sure pet’s water dish stays full

If your pet has a very energetic way to drink water and his dish keeps turning over, try this. Hammer a pole through the center hole of a rust-free angel food cake pan to keep it in place, and then fill the pan with water.

Hair color mistakes

When your hair dye goes wrong, ASAP wash your hair once or twice with a strong antidandruff shampoo. The zinc pyrithione in the lathers opens up cuticles, allowing hair to release color.

Static cling on clothes

When clothes start "grabbing" your body, rub the positive end of a new battery (AA or AAA) over the fabric several times. This will neutralize the negatively charged electrons on clothes that cause static cling.

Helping women’s weight-loss plans

Start your diet on the day your period ends. You will avoid the hormonal variations that activate cravings, making it easier to follow your new plan.

Button popping off

Apply some clear nail polish on each button of your apparel, front and back. This seals the threads, preventing them from popping off and going missing.

Brownies sticking to the pan

To prevent brownies from sticking to the pan, line the tray with greased aluminum foil, letting some hang over the edges. When brownies are cool, you will be able to lift out the entire batch very easily.

Break in new leather boots

Saturate a few cotton balls with rubbing alcohol and apply them to the areas inside your boots that cause pain and/or irritation. Put on the boots while they are still damp (wear socks!). The moist makes leather more flexible, and the boots will adjust to the shape of your feet.

Perfect baked potatoes

Sprinkle some kosher salt onto a flat baking sheet and place the potatoes on the salt bed. The grains will draw just enough moisture from them, and the result will be crispy skins and fluffy inside. It works better than wrapping potatoes in aluminum foil.

Help ketchup to slide out of the bottle

Take a drinking straw and slide it all the way down to the bottom of the bottle. Remove it, allowing in air to break the vacuum seal and help the sauce to flow faster.

Avoid twisted bacon

Use a skewer to poke holes in the strips before cooking. As the bacon crunches, the fat drains through the holes stopping the meat from curling.

Perfectly white chicken breast

Chicken breast often contains unappealing dark spots. To ensure it cooks all white, marinate it in salt water for a few hours before preparing your dish. Salt draws out blood, and gives the poultry extra flavor and moisture.

Easy fresh orange juice

To avoid the hard work of squeezing over and over, first microwave the uncut oranges for about 20 seconds. Then lightly roll them on the countertop, breaking down the tiny cells in the fruit so the juice will squirt out without too much sweat.

Perfect filet mignon

Make sure your steak will be perfectly tender by letting the meat sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. Steaks cook more evenly if they are not ice-cold in the center when you place them on the grill.

Make a moist burger

To prevent beef burgers from drying out, mold the patties around pieces of ice. As they cook, the ice will melt and prevent the inside from drying. Cook until a meat thermometer reads 160F.

Easily sharp your scissors

Snip your scissors through 3 layers of tin foil about 10 times. Try them cutting a piece of paper to see if the blades are sharp enough. If not, repeat the process.

Watering indoor plants while on vacation

Run a wick made of soft cotton rope (or nylon hose) from the soil in the pot to a container of water. The plant will gradually suck moisture through the string and water itself.

Keep a door from catching on the floor

Tape a piece of sandpaper rough side up to the catching spot. Through normal use, the door will slowly be sanded. When it is moving freely, remove the sandpaper and clean the area.

Improvise a carpet shampoo

To remove any unexpected spill or grease stain from a rug, apply some shaving cream to the spot and let sit for about 5 minutes. Scrape off the foam with a spatula and dab the area with a wet cloth. Let dry and vacuum as usual.

Avoid splatters after painting projects

To prevent paint splatters from happening when you are doing your job, dip a clean cloth in petroleum jelly and run it around the edges of whatever you want to protect (windowpanes, doorknobs, hinges etc.). Wipe up any after work mess with a damp clean cloth. This tip works well for windows, metalwork and floors (even linoleum and tiles).

Cleaning a narrow-neck vase

To wash a vase with a narrow neck, pour 1 tbsp of uncooked rice, a drop of dish detergent and some warm water into it. Cover the top with your hand and shake it vigorously. The rice works as an abrasive, removing all the grime.

Extra simple and neat storage in a bathroom

When you need more storage in your tiny bathroom (or if you will just have overnight guests), hang an over-the-door shoe bag to hold lotions, styling products, soaps and other toiletries.

Broken key stuck in the lock

Dab some superglue onto the broken edge of the free piece, slide it into the keyhole and press it firmly against the stuck half. Let dry for about 3 minutes and remove the whole key.

Fragrance for your home

Before using the vacuum cleaner, damp some cotton balls with your favorite scent oil and place them on the floor. As the machine runs and recirculates the air, your home will get a very enjoyable smell.

End facial redness and bumps

Make a cup of green tea, cool it down with ice cubes and apply the liquid to clean skin with a cotton ball. Green tea contains anti-inflammatories that minimize swelling and redness.

Yellow stained fingernails

If you fingernails are stained yellow from that beautiful dark nail polish, cut 2 tooth-whitening strips into 10 nail-size pieces, apply to nails and leave on for about 20 minutes. Repeat the process daily until your nails are clear (it should take a few days).

Ease your annoying cough

If remedies are not helping, eat some dark chocolate. It contains theobromine, which calms the nerve responsible for generating coughs.

Dying MP3 battery

If you notice that your MP3 player’s battery is running low, do not touch those “next” and “back” buttons. Searching through songs requires your device to access its hard drive more often, which drains the battery.

Controlling crying

To stop tears before they start, squeeze the bridge of your nose with your thumb and forefinger. This stimulates the eye movement controlling oculomotor nerve to keep your eyes open, which stops tears.

Rescue unappealing broccoli

To revive an old head of broccoli that it is still edible, just cut and discard the bottom 1/2 inch and stand the stalk in a big glass filled with water. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

Cooking with pot partially covered

When your recipe requires simmering in partially covered pot, use 2 parallel chopsticks to balance the lid. That will leave enough space for steam to escape, and will prevent lid from sliding back into place.

Fix an over-spiced chili

To take the heat out of a too spicy chili, add some sour cream to the pot. This procedure should balance the chili's flavor.

Buttering delicate dough

When working with delicate pastry that requires a coat of melted butter, use a small foam paint roller instead of a brush. The job will be done faster and the pastry will be coated much more evenly. Store the washed roller in the freezer and let it thaw for an hour before using.

Storing winter woolens

Keep stored sweaters dry and fresh, by tying a few sticks of white chalk into a pack and place in the container with your clothes. The chalk will absorb moisture and prevent mildew.

Revive yellow roses

To recuperate a bouquet of fading yellow roses, recut the ends of the stems, place the flowers in a vase with warm water and add 0.5oz of yellow liquid food coloring. The stems will soak up the water and disperse the dye throughout the petals, turning them brighter in a few hours.

Peeling oranges

To easily remove the white membranes from an orange, place it unpeeled in boiling water for about 5 minutes and let cool. The pith loosens from the skin and peeling it off becomes an easy job.

Keep peppers fresh longer

If you have to use only a portion of a bell pepper, slice the vegetable from the bottom. The top holds the seeds which will keep the moisture for a few more days without the veggie becoming soft.

Perfect grilled cheese sandwich

Buttered bread slices tend to burn before the cheese is melted. Next time, use mayonnaise instead. Mayo has a higher smoke point and gives your sandwich a richer flavor.

Cooking roast meat

Instead of searing the roast before placing it in the oven, and having the tough task to flip it later, just pre-heat oven to 450F. Slide in the roast, reduce the oven’s temperature to the one specified in your recipe, and let it cook. This “oven sear” will make your crispy and moist dish much easier.

Cleaning leeks

To get all the grit off leeks, place the stalks in a colander set in a bowl of water to rinse and lift the colander to leave all the dirt behind.

Mealworms in the kitchen cabinets

Place a bay leaf inside each container of flour or pasta. You can also tape a leaf to the shelf or to the inside of the cabinet doors. Mealworms do not like the smell and taste of the herb.

Scratches on glass tabletops

To protect your glass tabletops when you have to place trays on top of them, cut the erasers off some pencils and place 4 under each serving platter, using double-sided tape to stick them.

Wrinkle-free curtains

After washing your curtains, hang them while they are still damp and insert butter knives in the opening at the bottom hems. The weight of the knives will force the fabric to straighten. Once dry, remove the utensils and drapes will look like pressed.

Static cling in clothes

Next time you wash your clothes, ball up a piece of aluminum foil and throw it in the dryer. The foil is an electrical conductor and will force electricity to move fast through the garments, and the opposite charges that create static when they are tumbling will be neutralized.

Extra soft skin

During winter time, give your skin some extra smoothness e moisture. Heat your body lotion with the hair dryer, on the low setting, for about 15 seconds, and then apply the warm lotion to your body.

Locating studs on the wall

When you need to hang a frame and do not have your stud finder handy, just grab a men’s electric razor, plug in and run it over the wall. When the razor passes over a stud, its tone will change and you will know exactly where to hang your décor.

Cleaning candlesticks

To de-gunk glass or ceramic candlesticks, place them upside down in a veggie steamer and position over a pot of boiling water (just like if you were cooking vegetables). Cover the pot and let steam for about 15 minutes. Let cool and remove from the steamer. The softened old wax will have slipped off the holders and dripped into the water below.

Noisy cabinet’s hinges

To mute squeaky hinges on your kitchen cabinets, apply some cooking spray on top of the hardware and let the oil run down while opening and closing the door a few times. Clean excess oil with a paper towel.

Red-eye in photos

Avoid red-eye in pictures by focusing your eyes on a nearby lamp, or other light source, right up until the shot is snapped. Red-eye frequently happens when your irises dilate to let in more light so, when you fix your eyes on something bright pre-photo, the irises will shrink back to regular size.

Fix for dull and flat hair

To get glossy and glamorous hair in a blink, grab a silk scarf and run it over the strands from the roots to the tips. Positive particles on fabric will be transferred to negatively charged hair, giving it a much better look.

Quick fix for a popped button

If the popped button has a shank or ring on the back, just slide a safety pin through it and attach to the garment. You can use the same tip to customize clothing, changing buttons to diversify your outfit.

Crunchy potato chips

Reheat your fried potato chips on a baking sheet in the oven, instead of bringing back to oil, right before serving. They will be crispier and more flavorful.

Quick and crispy fried chicken

Fry each piece of chicken for about 10 minutes, and then move them to the oven, on a baking rack, until it is totally cooked. Chicken will be crisp on the outside and tender and juicy inside.

Cooking bacon right

Use thick-cut bacon and roast it in the oven on a rack set in a broiler pan (no need to turn it). Brush it with some maple syrup at the end to give an extra hit.

Keep mashed veggies warm

To keep any mashed vegetables warm until you are ready to serve, put them in a bowl set over simmering water. Do not forget to add water to the pot while heating your dish.

For a crisp salad

When making your salad, put the vinaigrette in the bottom of the bowl and place the greens on top. Only toss it when you are ready to serve. That can keep salad crisp for 1 to 2 hours.

Dusting radiators

An easy way to clean hard-to-reach areas of a radiator is to hang a damp towel behind the unit and use a hair dryer to blast air between its grooves. The towel will catch all the dirt.

Improvise a toilet bowl deodorizer

You just realized you do not have any toilet cleaner left, and unexpected guests will arrive soon. Pour in 1/4 cup of mouthwash and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes. Swish the solution with a toilet brush before flushing. The result is a clean and smelling minty fresh bowl.

Cleaning candles

Candles that you only use for “special occasion décor” often become covered with lint and dust while in storage. To leave the wax spotless, roll each one inside the leg of an old pair of stockings.

Quickly peel hard-boiled eggs

After draining the cooked eggs, return them to the pot, put the lid on and shake gently to crack the shells. Place them in ice water for about 3 minutes so they shrink away from their shells, and then you can easily peel.

Improvise a table trivet

If you realize that you are missing a table trivet while setting up your buffet, improvise one by using a mouse pad. It will contain the heat of your casserole and protect the table’s surface.

Smoky odors on clothes

When your favorite silk shirt is smelling like cigarette and you do not have time to take it to a dry-cleaner, you can try this tip. Close the window and door of your bathroom, fill the tub with hot water and 3 cups of white vinegar, and then hang the shirt from the shower rod for about 30 minutes. The steam will neutralize odors while the moist air will reduce wrinkles.

Keep ribbons organized

To keep ribbons well organized and ready to use, sort them on a multi-tier pants hanger, simply sliding the spools onto the rods.

Underarm sweat stain on clothes

Attach a mini panty liner to the inside of your garment’s underarms and wear to absorb moisture on hot days.

Helping your diet

To prevent dessert cravings, eat a nice amount of cherry tomatoes before dinner. They are very alkaline and will shift the body’s pH from acidic toward neutral, helping you to turn down sweets.

Cleaning silver jewelry

Make a paste of 2 parts water to 1 part cornstarch and apply to the pieces with a damp cloth. Let dry and then wipe off with a clean damp cloth.

Blackheads on your skin

A quick fix for a cluster of blackheads on your nose is to apply a thin layer of all-purpose white glue over the area. Let dry and peel off gently, pulling out the oil and dead cells that leave you with skin spoilers.

Avoid impulse online purchase

Do not save your personal information in a web store, instead, reenter your billing and shipping info every time you place an order. This extra effort can prevent an impulse purchase, since storing the data makes transactions so quick that you do not have enough time to think twice about your action.

Pet nail-clipping nick

Accidentally, you clipped your pet’s toenail too short and now it is bleeding. As long as the cut is minor, you can apply a pinch of cornstarch onto the wound and use your finger to, very gently, press the area for about 1 to 2 minutes, helping to speed coagulation. You do not need to brush off the product.

Tangled yarn

To prevent balls of yarn from twisting while you are knitting with 2 different rolls, string each roll through a plastic drinking straw before starting your work.

Crayon marks on hardwood floor

Hold an ice pack against the stains until they are frozen. Scrape off the ice (and pigment) with an old credit card, and waxy remains should come right off. Dabbing at the marks will push the color deeper into the wood and ruin the floor.

Use the last drop of a spray bottle

When your spray bottle has only a few good spritzes to go and it is not discharging any more drops, open it, place a few small marbles (gravel or river rocks) inside and refasten the top. The material will raise the baseline of the fluid, making easier to spray out.

Storing tablecloths

Storing tablecloths in overstuffed cabinets or drawers can cause them to wrinkle. An easy way to keep them ready for use is to clip the fabrics to the racks of a tiered skirt hanger (place a folded tissue under each clip to avoid marks), and then hang in a closet. They will stay flat and less susceptible to wrinkling.

Hide an adjustment on your garment

If an alteration left your garment with visible lines of stitches, simply wet a clean rag in a solution of equal parts distilled vinegar and water, and pass it over the lines. Using an ironing board, place your garment on it, and iron until the stitches disappear.

Long life to silk garments

Wash your silk clothes by hand, in cold water, with a few shots of baby shampoo. Test for colorfastness first! Protein in this kind of non-alkaline product will feed the proteins in silk, and garment will be clean without any chemical damage.

Improvise a quick pedicure

When you do not have time to go to a salon, soak your feet in a bowl of whole milk for about 15 minutes. The lactic acid helps skin to retain water, reducing the appearance of cracked heels and promoting an overall glow. You can also add a cup of rose petals to tight and tone the skin on your soles.

Never forget to reply an e-mail

If you have a daily overcrowded inbox that you have to go over to decide what to respond and what to delete, and you do not want to miss or forget anything important, try this trick. When you read an important one, hit “reply” and save the blank response to your drafts folder. When you finish reviewing all received e-mails, go to that folder, compose and send all your important responses. You will never forget anything important again, and you will not force yourself to rush and answer it as soon as you read it.

Squeezing lemon slices

To prevent lemon juice from going all over the place, instead of just to your glass, make some slits in each wedge before squeezing. That will break up the fruit’s center membrane and the juice will come out easier.

Save overbeaten egg whites

If your egg whites clump up in the middle of making a meringue, just slowly beat in a fresh egg white. It will remoisten and smooth out the lumps.

Perfectly cut steak-fry potatoes

To make the job easier, cut each potato in half crosswise, and then use an apple corer to get the perfect slices.

Accomplish extra tall meringue

To ensure a high meringue pie, when beating the egg whites, start the mixer on low speed and beat for 1 minute. Then switch to high speed. Beginning on low allows proteins to loosen and take in more air.

Picking parsley leaves from a bunch

Instead of picking parsley leaves off the stems one by one, hold the herb with leaves facing away from you and graze a chef’s knife along the length of the bunch. Keep the blade almost parallel to the stems, and all the leaves will come right off.

Chopping nuts without a mess

Place your cutting board inside a rimmed baking sheet before you star chopping nuts. They may roll off the board, but they will stay within the limits of the pan, keeping the job clean.

Cooking artichokes

To cook perfect tender artichokes, just watch their outer leaves while they are on the stove. When you can easily pluck off one of them without lifting the whole head out of the water, it is done.

Keep fruit tart shells crisp longer

To prevent fruit tart shells from becoming soggy, use a pastry brush to coat the inside of the shells with melted white chocolate. Once chocolate hardened, you can fill them with cream and fruits. Your tarts will be crispy with an extra nice flavor.

Hair with split ends

Spray a large round brush with hairspray, roll the ends of dry hair under and hit with a blast of heat from your blow dryer. Do this for all ends. Spraying the brush, instead of the strands, will coat the hair from all angles.

Make reassembling items easy

When you need to fix an object that has a lot of screws and bolts, as you take it apart, lay each tiny piece onto the sticky side of some duct tape in the order you remove it. When you have to reassemble the item, you will know the order for putting everything back together.

Painting the ceiling without drips

Before you begin the job, poke your brush through the bottom of a coffee filter so the paper curls up in the direction of the brush. You will catch paint drips while you work, and prevent mess all over the place.

Release a rusty screw

Pour a capful of club soda over the screw to dissolve the rust and sediment that prevent it from turning. The carbon dioxide will bubble the rust and dirt away.

Hand-washing silverware

Next time you have to hand-wash a large number of utensils, place a colander in the sink before starting the job. As you wash each piece, put in the colander, and just rinse all together at the end. You will save a significant amount of time and water in the process.

Quick fix for cracked cuticle

When your cuticle is dry and cracked, and you cannot treat it right away, dampen the area with water and apply a little lip balm to it. The balm seals in moisture, keeping the skin from drying out even more.

Storing tall boots

Slip empty 1L soda bottles into the calves of the knee-high boots, and then zip them up before storing. The bottles will keep them in perfect shape.

Quick fix for a pimple

Combine a pea-size amount of honey with 1 drop of orange juice and apply to the area. Let sit for about 5 minutes and rinse with cool water. The citric acid in the juice removes excess oil, while the antioxidants in the honey speed healing.