odd things everyone should know

WinnerVictorious
WinnerVictorious Posts: 4,733 Member
in Chit-Chat
just trying to add something useful here... we all have learned tips over the years that make life easier/better. here are a couple that i know that maybe not everyone knows.

1) light bulbs.

ever wonder why your bulbs don't last as long as they should? i wondered. then one day, i learned that i was putting them in wrong. i used to screw them all the way in tight. apparently, because of low cost manufacturing techniques used for incandescents, this is a "no, no". it causes an issue with the solder on the bottom and leads to premature bulb failure. apparently, the correct way to screw in a light bulb (insert joke here) is to turn the switch on, gently screw the light bulb into the socket until the moment the bulb lights up, then go 1/4 additional turn. that's supposed to give you the longest bulb life.

2) dish rags & sponges.

put them in your dishwasher every week or two in the compartments used for utensils and run them through the wash. this helps kill the bacteria that starts growing in them when used/stored around the kitchen sink.

feel free to add your own.
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Replies

  • miriamwithcats
    miriamwithcats Posts: 1,120 Member
    rinse your sponges in soapy water then zap them in the microwave for 20 seconds to kill the bacteria. or don't use sponges
  • wow29
    wow29 Posts: 283 Member
    I put the kitchen sponge in a solution of bleach and water that is in a container in the sink. I leave it there a about 10 minutes or more then rinse and remove. If left too long the sponge will decay. I do not use my dishwasher. Change out the solution as needed.
  • SeaRunner26
    SeaRunner26 Posts: 5,143 Member
    Problems with fruit flies? Put a small amount of apple cider vinegar in a glass. Stretch some plastic wrap tightly over the top of the glass and put a rubber band around it to keep it sealed. Poke several holes with a small nail in the plastic wrap. The flies will go in and won't be able to get back out.
  • love4fitnesslove4food_wechange
    love4fitnesslove4food_wechange Posts: 6,897 Member
    Ripening apples, as well as other fruits and vegetables (especially avocados, pears and peaches) give off ethylene. Ethylene is a plant hormone that will hasten ripening, breaking down of cells in the fruit, as well as the deterioration of chlorophyll (thus the change from green to a riper color, depending on the plant).

    So if you store apples with other fruits, especially in a closed area they will ripen faster. Even the apple will -- if you put an apple in a plastic or paper bag, it will ripen faster than one sitting on the counter next to the bag. This is because the ethylene concentrates in the bag and affects the fruit. Farmers sometimes artificially shorten the times of ripening by exposing their fruit to ethylene.

    you can use this to your advantage--> by taking advantage of ripening process. or simply be aware to slow down the ripening time.
  • WinnerVictorious
    WinnerVictorious Posts: 4,733 Member
    dirty inside the microwave?

    put a bowl of water inside, nuke/boil it for several minutes on high, then wipe out the inside of the microwave with paper towels. careful, the bowl of water will be hot.

    essentially, you're steam cleaning it.
  • mmrp79
    mmrp79 Posts: 167 Member
    Problems with fruit flies? Put a small amount of apple cider vinegar in a glass. Stretch some plastic wrap tightly over the top of the glass and put a rubber band around it to keep it sealed. Poke several holes with a small nail in the plastic wrap. The flies will go in and won't be able to get back out.

    I will have to try this....thanks!!! I hate fruit flies!!!
  • jschowell
    jschowell Posts: 2
    That is very interesting about the light bulbs...I'll have to try that. I also "mircowave" my sponges on a regular basis.
  • giggitygoo
    giggitygoo Posts: 1,978 Member
    1. All you need to clean your shower is dish soap and vinegar. Warm 1 cup vinegar, pour in spray bottle, add 1/4 cup dish soap. Spray on shower, and rinse it off when you're in there. So much cheaper and better than fancy "shower cleaner"

    2. Save your rinds from good parmesan cheese in the freezer. Next time you're making soup, drop in the rind at the beginning for an extra flavor boost. DELISH
  • Brianna72994
    Brianna72994 Posts: 887
    Put some orange juice inside an empty soda bottle, put the cover on, and cut a few holes in the side. Bees will be attracted to the orange juice, so they will fly in, and wont be able to escape. Bee trap!
  • waltersjoshua
    waltersjoshua Posts: 6
    Store leftover pizza in a sealed bag (or just throw it out!). Storing it in the box causes it to dry out much faster.
  • DaniJeanine
    DaniJeanine Posts: 473 Member
    Wrinkled clothes in the dryer? Dampen a wash cloth and put in the the dryer with the rest of the wrinkled clothes. Run the dryer for a few minutes on wrinkle release or low. Essentially, it steams the wrinkles out :)
  • Heather_Rider
    Heather_Rider Posts: 1,159 Member
    things everyone should know...

    When shutting the truck door, make certain you move your leg. Its very important. If you fail to do this.. It may result in...................


    WP_0026472_zps7f296ae1.jpg

    :laugh: My newest "im a clutz" bruise!
  • misty0413
    misty0413 Posts: 212
    put a coffee filter on the bottom of a popsicle stick to catch drips.
  • LowFatMama
    LowFatMama Posts: 625 Member
    Here is one for you Halloweeners! hehe weeners! :laugh:


    If you spray inside of carved pumpkin & carved areas w/ bleach + water mixture (about 1tbs of bleach per quart of water) let it set about 15-20 minutes then rub vasoline on carved areas your pumpkin will have a much longer life. Won't start wilting for about 10 days or so !!

    Happy Halloween!
  • Shootersplusgal
    Shootersplusgal Posts: 3
    Bump
  • drmerc
    drmerc Posts: 2,603 Member
    Get a free lunch by going to the McDonalds drive though and telling the lady on the speaker that you forgot your wallet
    Then pull up to the second window and score a free lunch
  • giggitygoo
    giggitygoo Posts: 1,978 Member
    Here's just a general life one:

    Use cut up old towels instead of wasting money on paper towels. 1 bucket for clean, one for dirty. When all the rags are dirty bleach the bejeezus out of them to sterilize. Enjoy savings.
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    Homemade ice packs: 1 part rubbing alcohol to 3 parts water. Seal in ziploc bag.

    Cut the ends of a 'skirt hanger' and use a chip bag clips

    Shower rings on a hanger can hold scarves, belts etc....

    store bobby pins in a tic-tac containter

    Use the 'O' shaped stickers for binders to do a french manicure

    I could go on and on... Thanks Pinterest.
  • Anaconda62
    Anaconda62 Posts: 181
    I use empty Kleenex boxes (the small cubed ones) for many things:

    1. As a little trash can in the car or on my bedside table. Throw away when filled.

    2. As a dispenser of plastic bags from the grocery store.

    3. As a storage container inside drawers. I cut the top off and put in small items like medicine bottles, etc.
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    put a coffee filter on the bottom of a popsicle stick to catch drips.

    Or cupcake liner. You can also stab a straw through the liners and use as 'lids' to keep bugs out of outdoors drinks in the summer.
  • BeeElMarvin
    BeeElMarvin Posts: 2,086 Member
    bump
  • robmcd88
    robmcd88 Posts: 85 Member
    For any scientists out there who keep brains in jars, here’s a tip... add a slice of lemon to the jar, for freshness.
  • pattesterman
    pattesterman Posts: 18 Member
    good ideas
  • ahviendha
    ahviendha Posts: 1,291 Member
    tired of soggy pizza when reheating in the microwave? heat it up on a pan, makes the crust crispy. put a pot lid on top to keep heat in to melt the cheese.

    bananas ripen faster on the stem. separate bananas to slow the ripening process.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    Problems with fruit flies? Put a small amount of apple cider vinegar in a glass. Stretch some plastic wrap tightly over the top of the glass and put a rubber band around it to keep it sealed. Poke several holes with a small nail in the plastic wrap. The flies will go in and won't be able to get back out.

    I will have to try this....thanks!!! I hate fruit flies!!!

    It works! We use this method. Just keep an eye on the saran wrap - you may have to replace it if the fruit flies rip the holes too large.
  • megalin9
    megalin9 Posts: 771 Member
    <
    Catch the ball with your glove and not your face.
  • tinamarie0604
    tinamarie0604 Posts: 308 Member
    Egg whites for a skin burn. Helps soothe the pain and heal the area faster with less scarring.
  • jess7386
    jess7386 Posts: 477 Member
    If you don't have a speaker on hand, put your iphone in a bowl... it will amplify the sound!

    2pzy4h4.jpg
  • dumbbanana
    dumbbanana Posts: 138
    That I don't like mustard.
  • happypath101
    happypath101 Posts: 534
    When unpacking your groceries, rinse your lettuce then tear into leaves. Roll out a few sheets of paper towel and place still damp lettuce leaves on it. Roll it and put it in a plastic bag (you can turn a used bread bag inside out, shake out the crumbs, and re-use it for this).

    You will have crisp, unwilted lettuce for 10 days or so. It's amazing how long they stay fresh like this.

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