Tips & Tricks

Dirty neck rings around shirt or blouse collars can be removed by putting shampoo on them. Rub the shampoo in like you were washing your hair. Shampoo is specifically made to remove body oils. A cheap bottle of shampoo kept by the washing machine is handy for all kinds of stains in clothing. Don't forget this trick when you are traveling.

Use 3 tbsp. Of TSP (trisodium phosphate) to a gallon of water to clean scuff marks or crayon marks off walls. TSP can be found in the paint department of a hardware store. Wear gloves and do not use on semi-gloss or gloss paint or wood surfaces.

A small amount of hydrogen peroxide dabbed onto stained area will remove bloodstains with ease OR rinse the stain in cold water, then rub in some moistened cornstarch. Place the item in the sun.

The effect of a red wine spill can be removed simply by dousing the stain in white wine or, once the stain has dried, simply use a dab of Barbasol shaving cream with an old toothbrush, and scrub scrub scrub.

Use paintbrushes to dust cracks and hard to reach places in telephones, stereos, etc.

Set aside a regular short period of time each week for the family to straighten up the house. It teaches good habits to the kids and gives the family a project to do together. Everyone will feel better when the job is done, and might just look forward to the day when they know things are going to be neat and organized.

Candle wax can be removed from walls or other surfaces with an iron and facial tissue. Set the tissue over the wax and gently iron. When the wax seeps through or the tissue begins to brown, apply a new tissue.

Club soda or seltzer water will clean chrome.

Hair spray will remove magic-marker ink from surfaces.

Place a bowl of vinegar out to absorb smoke odor.

Car wax applied to a sticking door will ease opening and closing.

Cigarette burns in carpeting can be repaired by cutting the blackened fibers from the hole. Squeeze liquid glue into the hole and fill with fibers trimmed from carpet remnants.

Clear nail polish will repair small holes in window screens.

There are, of course, acid bowl cleaners available from grocery stores, home centers, and janitorial supply stores that will remove rust from toilets, but for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to remove rust, try this: Once a month sprinkle a layer of Tang™ Breakfast Drink or lemon Kool-Aid™ on the sides of the toilet and in the water, leave for 1 hour, brush and flush. Repeat if necessary. (For those of you who are wondering, citric acid oxidizes the rust.)

You can use this formula to remove hair spray residue from any hard surface -- vanities, tile, floors, walls, etc. Mix a solution of 1/3 liquid fabric softener and 2/3 water in a spray bottle. Spray on the surface to be cleaned, and wipe. Not only does it remove hair spray, it also acts as a dust repellent and shines vanities beautifully.

Read all about it! A newspaper is a terrific cleaning tool—use it to shine faucets, polish chrome, dry sneakers and absorb odors—perhaps that's why so many of us read it whilst on the throne! Recycle when done!

Get crackin'! Put egg shells into your sink's garbage disposal or make vinegar ice cubes and send them into your sink's garbage disposal to maintain its edge. The vinegar will also act as a natural deodorizer for all the crap you send your disposal's way.

Take two and call me! Dissolve two to four aspirins in a half-cup of warm water, let perspiration-stained area soak for a few hours and wash. You can double or triple dosage to cut soaking time. Call me in the morning if perspiration stains are still there!

Plop, plop! Drop two Alka Seltzer or denture tablets into your toilet bowl. Fizz, fizz for at least 20 minutes. Brush with a disposable toilet brush tool and flush along with your flushable pad.

Vinegar is one of those tried 'n' true all-purpose products that no accidental housewife should be without. It can be used to remove fruit stains on your hands, shine countertops, kill bacteria on cutting boards, erase soap scum, cure hiccups and highlight your brown locks…not to mention its many tasty virtues! Vodka is another unexpected gem. It is a facial fixer, sore throat rx, cleans eyeglasses, band-aid remover, jewelry sparkler (not for pearls) and flower freshener.

Use everyday household items like shampoo, hand sanitizers, toothpaste, hairspray, shaving cream and white wine to get out everyday stains such as:

• Grass: Dab with a cloth 'drunk' with vodka OR apply toothpaste, rub, and rinse thoroughly.
• Mud: Use a spud to get out the mud.
• Ink stains: Saturate with aerosol hairspray and blot with a sponge or paper towel. Keep rinsing out sponge or use a fresh paper towel. Rinse thoroughly.

Believe it or not, a new tennis ball helps fight static cling. They also help keep the poof in your pillows and comforters. So if you can stand the noise from them plopping about in your dryer, lob a few in!

Dry, dry stuff! This may sound odd, but throwing sheets, linens, and light-weight clothing that's been sitting in the closet or drawer in the dryer with a damp towel will remove wrinkles.

Flat-line 'em: A hair flattening or straightening iron works like a mini press. Place slightly wrinkled area on iron and hold for a second or two. Repeat as needed. Do not use plastic or any other synthetic material.

Ask yourself:

Is your clutter time-sensitive? Does it exceed height and space limitations? Is it really worth saving? Does it deserve a better life?

Identify your organizational style:

Are you a Stuffer, Schmearer, Hoarder or Shifter?

Get Chi!

Point a cup of coffee toward your mouth and get energized. Facing North is optional!

Simultaneously wash your dishes and child's scummy baseball hat while poaching salmon, in your dishwasher. No streaking, no shrinking, no cooking—the only bubbles you'll taste are those of the accompanying sparkling wine you may serve!