Bright ideas 2

1 info

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
Why Didn't I Think of That
published by The Wimmer Companies, Inc
ISBN 1-882232-15-1

Directions

: Use very large clips to hang wet rubber boots in the garage.

: A rolled-up magazine inserted inside tall boots will keep : them standing straight.

:

: Use a little talcum powder or cornstarch mixed with a few : drops of water as a filler for nail holes in plastered : walls. Force the mixture into the holes, then smooth with : your fingers.

:

: Keep extra fuses taped to the fuse box door, where they'll be : handy if the lights go out.

:

: If the head of your hammer is loose, soak it overnight in a : pail of water. The wood will expand and the handle will : automatically tighten around the base of the head.

:

: If boots or galoshes are a little snug, slip each foot into : a plastic bag first, then your foot will slide right in.

: This may also squeeze more wear from a pair of child's boots : that are a little too tight.

:

: Clean oil spots left by your auto from your driveway. Pour : some concentrated liquid detergent on the oil spill, : sprinkle cornmeal on top of the detergent and let stand for : 15 minutes. Then scrub with wadded up newspaper, a brush or : broom, or with a wad of crumpled aluminum and wash down with : a hose.

:

: When squirrels are beating the birds to the stuff you left : out in your bird feeder, grease the pole with petroleum : jelly or vaseline and the squirrels won't be able to scurry : up and down it.

:

: If your tent springs a leak on a camping trip, plug the : leaks with petroleum jelly.

:

: A stamp will peel right off if you rub lighter fluid on the : inside of the envelope behind the stamp.

:

: Packages tied with string will stay tied if you wet the : string before tying. As it dries it shrinks snugly around : the package.

:

: Use a party paper table cloth to gift-wrap a very large : package.

:

: Soaking for a minute or two in cold soap suds makes it : easier to remove rings from swollen fingers.

:

: Fingers stained from gardening or kitchen chores get clean : when you rub them with a piece of raw potato.

:

: Use a folded rubber glove to open bottle or jar tops.

:

: If glue becomes hardened in the bottle, add a little vinegar : as a softener.

:

: Dried out shoe paste in a tin may be made usable if you : moisten it with turpentine.

:

: Put a piece of chalk in your jewelry box to keep your : jewelry from tarnishing.

:

: A small chunk of charcoal tucked into a bookcase will absorb : dampness and protect books from mildew.

:

: When the glue won't come off after you've peeled off paper : labels or price stickers from glass ware, rub cooking oil : onto the glue with a paper towel. Repeat the process and the : glasses will be as slick as a whistle.

:

: Fingernail polish will erase ugly black marks on white : patent leather shoes and pocketbooks. Apply with a cotton : ball. And for a fast shoe shine, spray shoes with furniture : wax and rub with a soft cloth.

:

: Keep paint brushes soft and pliable by adding fabric : softener to the final rinse.

:

: Place paint brushes in hot vinegar, then wash in warm soap : suds to soften. If your paint can has no handle, place it : inside a child's sand pail.

:

: Foil wrap door knobs and other hardware before painting to : keep them spatter free.

:

: When painting the ceiling, tie a bag over any suspended : light fixtures to catch drips.

Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 12-05-94

Related recipes