9 Things You Don't Know You Need To Know

Olive Oil works great for removing grease, grime, tar and basically any kind of dirt your hands can get in to. Good for the environment and good for your hands.  You might have to give them a second coat if all does not come off the first time.  Add some sugar for an abrasive scrub if you need to.  Just rinse with warm water when you are done and dry with a paper towel.


This is a test to see if a piece of your cookware is "microwave-safe" or not.  Place your dish in the microwave next to a glass measuring cup half full of water.  Heat at full power for one minute. If the dish is hot, it should not be used in the microwave.  If it is warm, use it only for reheating.  A room temperature dish means it is safe to use for all microwave cooking.

One more thing to note.  Do not use gold or silver trimmed dishes in a microwave;  this could damage the microwave.

When buying anything for your house.  Always write down the details (id numbers, paint color, dimensions, dates, cost) as they pertain to that item on a 3 X 5 card and add it to the file. (you know the box where you keep this information).  When it comes to replacing, repairing or whatever comes up with that item in the future.  You will have all the information you need at your fingertips.

Most common tip for removing candle wax that I have heard until now has been either putting the candle holder into the freezer or setting it down into boiling water.  Here's a new idea to try to get the wax out.  Heat the glass candle holder for 3 minutes in the microwave.  It should pour (drip) right out).  Before putting a candle back into the  holder add about a teaspoon of water or some petroleum jelly for easy removal next time around.

We should be using more power tools when cleaning the house to make our life easier.  The power tool I am going to mention using is something most everybody has already.  Have you guessed it yet?  Use a blow dryer to dust knick knacks.  After dusting if dirt is visible, place all of your knick knacks on a tray and submerge them in the tub using a lil' bit of dish detergent.

You won't forget about a soiled garment thrown in with other items in the laundry.  Use colorful clothespins to mark the spot and you will know exactly where that spot is at all times.

Sprinkle baking soda on dirty clothes piling up, waiting for laundry day.  This will help to combat any odor that should arise.