Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 197 August 15 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have been getting quite a few new subscribers each day, so I would like to offer a warm welcome to all the new subscribers.
I apologize to anyone that tried to post feedback this morning. There was a glitch on the website that prevented people from posting but it is fixed now.
We have a nice article by Ellen Brown about Saving Energy With Trees in the More Reading section. For new readers, the More Reading section contains articles that are too long to post in the newsletter. We link to them in the bottom of the newsletter.
We have nearly 40 new requests today. I realize this may be too many for a lot of people to read, but please look over the table of contents at the titles and see if there are any that you might be able to offer advice on.
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. The weather is beautiful here in the Washington State.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
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Today's Photos
Cookie Cutter Decor
Here's a way to display my cookie cutters. Some are gifts, some are ones I bought, some are my mom's, and some are my grandmother's. I can't tell you what wonderful memories they all hold for me, as I can remember why I bought or received every one. I get lots of compliments on them, too!
By Margie Minard
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Beautiful Garden Path
I have 3 teenagers and a 9 year old. We went rock "hunting" and searched all over for free wood chips. Filled the truck load after load and layed the chips down on top of plastic. And made this garden path on the side of our home. We trimmed some trees and made trellises. The only thing we purchased for the garden path was a birdbath I got for Mother's Day and some flats of flowers...we love it. The best compliment I received was "Dang Tracey, I feel like I should be paying to walk on your path" : )
By Tracey
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Butterfly Napkin Rings
By Connie Decker Brown Use this beaded napkin ring at your next meal to add a special touch to your place settings.
Supplies:
- 24" of 24 gauge bead wire for each napkin ring.
- Colorful beads - small, medium, and large
Directions:
1. Cut a 24" length of bead wire.
2. Leaving 2" of wire at the end, place 17 beads on the wire for the large wing. Alternate small and medium size beads.
3. Bend into the shape of a wing.
4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other large wing.
5. Place 16 small beads on the wire for a small wing.
6. Bend into the shape of a smaller wing below one of the large wings.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the other small wing.
8. Shape butterfly and wrap the 2" of wire from the beginning around the center of the butterfly 2-3 times to stabilize it.
9. Connect the ends of the wire by twisting, leaving a loop large enough to fit a napkin in.
10. Using your glue gun, glue one large bead to the center of the butterfly to cover the wire wrap.
11. Use these at your next meal to add a special touch to your place settings.
12. You can even make extras and add them to your centerpiece for a coordinated look.
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Dried Floral Frame
By Shauna Smith Duty Like old memories, dried flowers have a comforting appeal. What better way to incorporate dried flowers into your décor than using them to decorate a photo frame? This simple project takes only a few minutes, and it makes great gifts for any occasion.
What you'll need:
- Photo frame with a wooden edge, at least 1" wide
- Bunch of dried flowers
- Glue gun
- Scissors or floral snips
Clean and wipe the wooden frame to clean it of all dust and debris. Snip the heads off of the dried flowers and lay them on a towel. Snip the filler flowers, like baby's breath and ferns, into lengths of 1" to 2".
Start by gluing the larger flower heads onto the wooden frame, leaving small gaps in between. Do not attach flowers to the sides of the fame, and do not attach them toward the center or they may cover your photo area.
Between the flower heads, glue and tuck in little pieces of the filler flowers. The filler flowers should give width to the arrangement, protruding beyond the outer frame edge. Sit the frame upright and view it from all angles, adding flowers to cover all empty spaces.
For a special touch, you can add an arrangement of buttons or charms in a corner, or you can add a small satin ribbon, wound through the flowers and tied into a bow at the top or bottom. Dried flowers collect dust and are too fragile to clean with a rag or feather duster Craft stores stock cleaning spray for dried florals that remove dust without harming the flowers.
Add a photo and display the frame in your home, or give it as a gift.
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Nitro (Rottweiler/Lab)
This is Nitro. He is a 5 year old Rotti/lab mix. We have had him since he was 8 weeks old and he is a wonderful dog. His best friend is a deaf cat whom he sleeps with. He loves kids and any other animal. He is over 100 lbs. and still for some strange reason thinks he is a lap dog. A true gentle giant.
By Dawne D.
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Today's Tips
Placemat Tote Bag
I have been making purses or tote bags using placemat. Most placemat are lined or reversable so there is no need to line the purses. Just fold the place mat in half and sew a seem up each side. Stitch across the flattened bottom corner to make a flat bottom for the purse. Turn it inside out so that the seams are inside the purse. You don't even have to hem the top side of the purse because it is hemmed already on the place mat.
I had a number of cotton webbed belts that I never wear so I cut those to make handles. I just stitched one hanndle to the top of both ends of the stitched together placemat. I also used corse ribbon for handles, ties I had cut off slacks that were made to look like draw string waist lines, and with some I folded a fabric scrap and stitched on top of it to make the handle. They can be left open at the top or attach some velcro or a large snap to close the top.
By Martha
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Washing Fruits and Vegetables
Tips for washing fruits and vegetables. Post your ideas.
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Vanilla Extract Substitue
No Vanilla When Baking? Don't despair if you find yourself low on vanilla while baking. Whiskey makes a great substitute, as it will give your recipe a wonderful flavor that'll set your dessert apart from all the rest!
By Terri
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Double Check Your Tire Changing Tools
If you buy after market mag wheels for your vehicle or if you buy a used vehicle with mag wheels, while at home, before going on a trip, check the original manufacturer's tire tool kit to see if you can change the tire if needed. Recently, my husband stopped to help a couple with a PT Cruiser with mag wheels. They needed a Phillips screwdriver to uncover the nuts, which my husband had. But none of my husband's nor their sockets or wrenches would fit the lug nuts. Thus, having to call a tow truck (in the hot desert heat, they'd been there for 4 hours already.)
By Terri
Editor's Note: It is always a good practice to do a practice run on a flat tire. I've found over the years that with used vehicles quite often the jack, the lug wrench or the spare either do not work or are wrong for the car or truck. Also check to make sure you spare tire isn't flat from time to time.
It's much easier to get the proper equipment before you have a flat than after. This is a especially helpful for younger drivers who will likely be changing a tire for the first time if they get a flat. Jacking up a heavy car can be quite dangerous if you don't know what you are doing or have the wrong tools for the job.
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Slicing Bacon
When preparing to slice raw bacon, pancetta, or any other meat. Slip it into the freezer for a few minutes. Remove from freezer & proceed to slice. It will be easier to slice than before.
By Terri
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Keeping Ants off Trees
I wrap duct tape with the sticky side out around all my trees. Keeps any little critters like ants off of my trees.
By Joan in CT
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Protecting Sheets and Mattresses
To stop incontinence from staining your sheets and mattresses, place a rather large rubber-backed bathroom rug with a soft top under the butt area, and nothing will get through to the sheets or below. I keep three of them in the house since I took care of a female relative with this problem.
By Joan in CT
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Selling Books at Your Yard Sale
If you have lots and lots of books to sell at your yard sale, rather than letting them sell for .25 cents each. Put a pail or small bucket nearby so your shoppers can use as a shopping cart and then sell the bucket load for a bigger price, say $2-$3 minus the bucket (keep that for fellow shoppers). If this does well at your sale, word of mouth gets around with shopper and readers alike, you'll have a better and better clientele with each sale.
By Terri
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Removing Nails From Drywall
Here's a tip for removing nails from drywall without denting it. I have usually used a piece of wood and a hammer but I couldn't always get in tight spots like next to the molding of a window. So recently I decided to try my 4" metal putty knife. I just slide it under the claw of my hammer or even better, I use a nail puller that has a rounded claw and rubberized grip which I bought at Home Depot. It's inexpensive, quick, easy and no dented walls! I had removed paneling from my walls so I had lots of nails to remove!
By Karen
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Hangers for Your Crafts
When you need something to use as a hanger for one of your craft items, just hot glue soda pop tabs to the back of your craft. Uses one or two tabs depending on the width and weight of your artwork.
By Terri
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New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 16 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
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Contest ends August 31, 2005
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New Requests
Getting Rid of Fruit Flies
I have what i think are fruit flies. I found larvae in the oranges that were on my kitchen counter. I threw all my fruit out but 1 week later they are still flying around! I read some of the tips that were posted, ie, dish soap, and leaving vinegar out in a dish, i hope those works. I hope these buggers don't like onions or potatoes because I have those out on my counter, but see no evidence of bugs on them. I also have some plants in my garden window. Could the these be plant gnats in addition to fruit flies?
Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks,
MIA from CA
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Paint on a Nylon Dress
I recently have been painting bedrooms in my house and somehow I got paint onto the dress I was wearing that day. The dress is made of 100% rayon. When I realized that I had gotten the paint on my dress it was already dried. I hand washed the dress but no luck the paint was not coming off, any ideas of how to remove the paint?
Vicki from Arizona
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Representing Colors Biblically
My church is hosting a rainbow tea party and we are trying to think of themes for each table using the bible. Can you help by suggesting how each color of the rainbow could be represented bibically?
Ms. Cassie
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Changing A 30 Amp Outlet and circuit Breaker to a 20 Amp
I am changing a 30 amp outlet and circuit breaker to a 20 amp. I am installing a new air conditioner that is rated for 20 amps. My old air conditioner is a 30 amp. I am running it through AWG 10 wire. To "make ready" for my NEW A/C, I believe I have to change both the receptacle to match the plug type (20 amp) and the circuit breaker to 20 amp. Is this correct? I think the existing AWG 10 wire can stay? Will it fit into the 20 amp receptacle and breaker?
Thanks,
Mike
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Storing Lettuce
I read somewhere, that storing lettuce in aluminum foil would keep the lettuce crisp and fresh a lot longer. Is this true and if not, what is the best method?
Sincerely,
Bob From New Jersey
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Viewing My Own Posts
I just registerd today, and I need to know how to view my own posts to see if they went through? I can't seem to access that? Thank you.
Mia - request for new member
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Swimming in a Pool Turned My Hair Green
I was wondering if lemon juice would take the green out of my hair? I have highlights in my hair and they are green now from me swimming in a pool. Will lemon juice it take it out? If so, how long do I have to leave it on my hair to work?
Thanks,
Autum
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Craft Uses for M&M Tubes
Does anyone have any good ideas for making a craft or reusing the M&M mini's candy tubes?
clemson1
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Permanent Marker on Walker
I was recently give a walker, which I assume is aluminum or some light weight metal. A previous owners name was written on it in what appears to be black permanent marker. There is also a sticker on it that will not peel off. Is there a way I can remove the name and sticker?
Linda
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Mallard Duck Layed Eggs
I have been feeding two mallard ducks (male and female) for a long time, and my female (named Peepers) just laid eggs. She has six so far, but I'm worried because she only goes to the nest to lay a new egg every night. She and the male (Beepers) still come to me 3 times a day to be fed. Otherwise, they're swimming in a nearby pond. It's getting cold now, and Peepers still doesn't sit on them at all. What should I do?
Lexi
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Removing Tint Glitter From Car Windows
How do you get tint glitter off of car windows? The tint is off but left the windows with a glitter look this glitter is a mess.
Deb from Nebraska
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Cloudy Stain on Glass Table
By helene Our new clear glass table top, has a cloudy stain on it after we had dinner on it one day. The problem is this stain is unremovable, I've tried a razor, lighter fluid, nailpolish remover and nothing has budged it. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this before, or do you have any solutions?
Thanks,
Helene
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Main Dishes That Don't Use Mushrooms
I would dearly love to see some recipes for main dishes that don't include mushrooms or give a substitute for the mushroom soup and any type of mushrooms that are being used in the recipe. I can't be the only person in the world that doesn't like mushrooms.
Ettamae from CA
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Water Rings on Furniture
I have an older pine table that is stained but not sealed. I have kept it oiled with lemon oil in our dry Colorado climate. I have a water ring that I cannot remove all the way. What can I take it off with? It is a new ring.
Help in the Rockies please...
Sue in Colorado
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Liver Pate Recipe for a Wedding
My daughter is getting married in December, our very hot period. Her wedding is to be about 190 kilometers away from home and I need to make liver pate and another sort. I do not know if I can make it ahead and freeze it or is there another alternative? Can someone please help me?
Thank You,
Barbara Iam from South Africa
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Surprise Party Help
I'm planning a surprise party for my Mom's 50th birthday. She's a good person but a little more reserved than some.
Any ideas for a theme? I have roughly about 70 people invited so far. Which is better, a barbeque with hamburgers and hot dogs, or a sit-down-knife-and-fork mostaccioli dinner?
Also, my parents are divorced, but my Dad would be hurt if I didn't invite him. However, my Mom's side of the family aren't exactly on good terms with him.
What should I do?
Jackie from Michigan
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Burnt Flavor in Spaghetti Sauce
I made spaghetti sauce last night which i cook all day. The sauce burnt to the bottom of the pan. Now, the sauce has a burnt flavor. How do I get rid of the aroma and flavor of the burnt sauce?
Thanks,
Terrie
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Removing Weeds From Lawn
I live in the Maryland area and my grass is full of weeds. Currently we have not receive a steady flow of rain for months. I would like to get rid of the weeds and put down more grass seeds. But because it has not rain much if I put down weed killer or grass seeds I will need to water them every day which will cause me to have a high water bill.
Do you have any suggestions.
Thank You,
Derrick from Washington
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Fall Flowers in North Texas
I live in North Texas and want to plant some flowers in some pots, but I have no idea what to plant or where to look for ideas. I want some flowers that will last through the winter and still be blooming in the spring. Is that even a possibility here?
Thanks,
Sandra
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Ideas for a "Black Out" High School Dance
I am a senior in high school and I am on student council. I am in charge of planing our 1st school dance and I want to make it really fun because we don't have a good history of attendance. The theme is "Black Out" and everything is going to be black and dark. Any ideas on anything to add or sell? Please Help! Thanks!
Allison
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Flies Biting Dogs Ears
We have two Pits and a Rotwieller that are having trouble with flies biting their ears. We have tried fly sprays and ointments, but they aren't working well. Also, the dogs just rub the ointment off as soon as we apply it. I know this has to hurt, but I need to know what we can do to stop this. These are outside dogs that are not comfortable inside and we have two little inside dogs and not much room anyway. Please help us to help our dogs
Thank you,
Brenda from TN
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2002 Chrysler Town & Country
When do you need to flush a transmission on a 2002 Town & Country?
Mike
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Getting Rid of Pesky Vines
I would like to know how to get rid of pesky vines that rap around
all the flowers in my garden. Anyone out there have any ideas?
Laatsch
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Lights Dimming
I am experiencing the electricity dimming and changing consistency frequently. I have contacted the Electric Company and they did an analysis by setting up some sort of measuring meter. As far as they know, it's not coming from their outside lines, therefore is coming from inside the house. What should I look into? How can I approach the problem to test it out? I just want to have as much knowledge so I don't get ripped off.
Jaime
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Planting Hollyhock Seeds
I recently received hollyhock seeds and was wondering when I needed to plant them so they will come out next year?
Corrie
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Homemade Neck Coolers
I want to make some neck coolers to keep us cool from the heat.Ii plan to make them from material. I keep reading that most of them you can purchase online have some kind of gel beads that help to keep you cool. I'm not sure where to locate these gel beads to make them. If you have any ideas they would sure be appreciated.
Thank you,
April from Henderson, NV
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Repairing Rubber Backed Curtains
Recently I had some acrylic (rubber) backed curtains dry-cleaned and the backing broke down so that light shines through in various patches. Is there anyway they can be rescued? A separate backing was attached at a cost, but the light still shines through.
Pat from Brisbane
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Warm Fuzzies and Cold Pricklies Story
I am looking for a story that was read to me when I was in middle school which was a very long time ago. I can't remember the exact name of it but it was something along the lines of Warm Fuzzies and Cold Pricklies. It was about a witch who came to a town and was turning all the warm fuzzies into cold pricklies. The teacher who read it to us gave us a hard pricklie sweetgum ball for the cold pricklies and a brightly colored pom pom ball for the warm fuzzies. I still have both of mine somewhere in all of my old school stuff.
If anyone could help me find this story I would be so apprecitiative. I would love to share it with some friends who have very young children.
Thanks,
Tonya from Texas
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Inexpensive Party In New Zealand
I am turning 40 in October. I would like to have an inexpensive but fun get together of about 20 of my girlfriends. I live in a small town in New Zealand and we are in the middle of a very cold and chilly winter.
Does anyone have any ideas for an inexpensive but fun way to spend an evening together that is not going to cost me a fortune and please remember that we do not have things like your wonderful $1 stores here. I do not want to ask my guests to bring a plate of food.
I would very much appreciate your ideas for a fun night with dear friends to celebrate this milestone in my life.
Thanks so much,
Ang
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Cleaning Aluminum Cookie Sheets
Is there any product that'll clean aluminum tin cookie sheets and pie pans like Easy Off cleans stainless steel and glass? I can't stand the baked on grime anymore!
Tressa
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Hoodia Diet Supplement
I was wanting to know if anyone has ever tried the new diet supplement called Hoodia? If so please let me know about it, as I was interested in it myself.
Have a good day.
Teresa from VA
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Training a Cat Not to Bite
I just got a 5 month old male cat this week. The people I got him from said that he would bite your ear. It is not just the ear he bites how do I keep him from biting?
Raylene
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Flower Embellishment for a Plain Dress
I would like to make a flower embellishment for a plain dress I purchased. Do you know where I can get a free pattern or a How To page? It will be made from the hem cut off the dress to shorten it so it's the same fabric. Any ideas?
Thank you,
Arlene
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Training an Older Cocker Spaniel
We just adopted our second Cocker Spaniel (a male) from the animal shelter. He is 5 1/2 years old. The first Cocker miniature (female) that we adopted (7 years old) was crate trained and is just perfect. So we bought a crate for him to sleep in but he just shook the door so badly over and over that we let him sleep on the floor in our bedroom.
I am wondering if there is any way to teach him that he will be ok if he goes in the crate to sleep or is it too late as he is already set in his ways? Since he seems like he has some separation anxiety we are going to have to put him in there when we have to leave the house for short times so that he doesn't destroy anything. He was left inside once while my husband mowed the yard and he scratched at the front door and had an accident on the floor.
We found out that his owner just let him go as he was getting too old to care for him, so he was picked up as a stray. He is a beautiful dog though and seems to be good otherwise. Any suggestions would be most helpful.
Thanks.
Wanda in Nebraska
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Cats Spraying Outside My Door
How can I keep the neighborhood cats from spraying outside my sliding door? The spray comes through and the odor is bad. I've tried Nature's Miracle and have spent over $50 in supplies but to no avail. The cats run wild all over my patio in the middle of the night, and there's no way to be around to catch them in the act. There's an 8 week waiting list with animal control for a a trap, so what does anyone suggest?
Thank you,
Mia
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Making a Money Tree
I have a friend who is to retire soon and we are planning her a party and would like any ideals as how to make a money tree for her. This should not a very large tree since we will have to carry it to the party. Any ideals would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Janice
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Tomato Plant Dying From the Top Down
We planted 2 tomato plants in our garden and one is dying eventhough it has about 7 huge beefsteak green tomatoes on it. Can anyone tell me what would make it die from the top down and not from the ground up? The other plant is still lush and healthy.
Shirl of PA
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Cleaning a Garbage Can Uses for Pet Waste
I'm looking for advice on cleaning and deodorizing a garbage can used to store dog poo cleanup (dirty paper towels, etc...). It's a plastic garbage can, is kept covered, and used only for pet cleanup. After dumping the garbage I can't find a good way to get the strong odor out of the garbage can, even after airing on the porch.
I've tried washing with pinesol, comet, etc., but none are 100% successful at removing the smell.
I am open to any ideas, even using a different type of garbage can if that would help.
Thanks!
Jenny
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What is Flash Freezing?
What exactly is flash freezing?
Reece71
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Today's Sponsors
Get "The Complete Budget and Bill Organizer" Free
When you subscribe to my newsletter "The Budget Stretcher"
you will receive this easy guide to effectively organizing and
managing your money absolutely free. Get all of the Budget
Forms and Worksheets you need to make it work for you. Click
the below link to learn more:
http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/confirmsubs.html
More Reading:
Save Energy With Trees
By Ellen Brown According to the Department of Energy, strategic planting of as few as three trees can provide the average household with an energy savings of between $100-$250 annually. It may be the best long-term investment for reducing heating and cooling costs.
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