Socks the Sock Monkey
I love your post. I also have a small collection of old and new sock monkeys. (I prefer the older ones, but love all of mine.) Theres actually a Sock Monkey Museum in Rockford, Ill. - the city where the socks are manufactured. They do take you back to the simpler...
Finding House Cleaning Service for Floors Only?
Ive been in the business (for myself) for 27+ years. I have always been willing to customize to each individual needs. My advice is, to find a reputable cleaning lady, who works for herself. You will get a more personalized service. Ask around, as it is always...
Removing Cat Urine Odor from Subflooring?
I had the very same problem, but got completely rid of the odor - immediately. My solution sounds messy...& it is...but it worked so well (I was amazed & would do it again, if the need ever arises). I swabbed tomato juice over the areas & instantly it was gone...
Using the Oven for Canning?
Yes! Prepare everything as usual. Place in sterilized jars & put on seals. Put into a cold oven. Turn oven to 250 degrees for 45 minutes. Turn off off and let sit inside oven overnight. You can hear the lids popping as they seal! Love this way so much better...
Cleaning a Crock Pot
Thanks for the feedback!!! Thanks Countessj for the baking soda idea. I will try it too! I ALWAYS spray my crock pot with cooking spray, but when I make certain recipes it still messes up my crock ( ribs, etc.). And Neeinil...YES, I love the Reynolds crock...
Removing Blood Stains from Cotton Fabric?
Straight hydrogen peroxide will take out blood from cotton. Lay fabric over a bowl and poor it right on to the stain. You can gently rub it if necessary. You may have to do this several times, depending on how bad it is. As with any stain, if youve already...
Cleaning Stains in Toilet?
Yes, I just used the pumice stone the other day & it works when nothing else will!!! I bought mine (on a handle and made especially for that) at my local grocery store for $7.50. It wore down some, but I probably have 20 more uses out of it, at least. You can...
Finding a Basket Spring for an Eight Cup Percolator?
If you are unable to contact the manufacturer of your percolator, go to, or call the nearest restaurant supply store. If they do not carry it, they surely will be able to help you locate one. Hope that helps.
How Do I Remove Scuff Marks From Hardwood Floors?
Being in the cleaning business for 27 yrs., I have cleaned many hardwood floors. From what I have learned is to never use anything with a polish (such as Pledge Hardwood Floor Cleaner), as this leaves a very thin coat of polish on your wood floors. Chances...
Rust Stains in the Bathtub?
There is a product called Whink, that you can buy at any local hardware store. The best stuff Ive ever used & no scrubbing. It just melts the rust away, without harming the finish. Youll wonder what you ever did without it!
Spending Money to Save Money
On a very limited income. I also spend more money up front to buy bulk, especially paper towels, t-paper, tissue, paper plates etc. simply because it keeps me out of the stores! It seems every time I ran to the store for a couple of things. I Always spent at...
What Is Sweet Milk?
Lilac is correct. Sweet milk is a termed used many years ago, when many families used everything they had, & when milk became souredor clabbered, instead of pitching it, they added it in baking. Some recipes still call for it today. Sweet milk, is simply fresh...
Hard Water Stains on Granite?
Take a couple of layers of paper towels (plain white because sometimes the dyes can bleed) & lay it onto the water stains. Douse it with white vinegar & let it sit for about 20 or 30 minutes, making sure it doesnt dry out. You can lightly scrub any remaining...
How Do I Get Permission to Use a Copyrighted Materials?
Many years ago I did a few magazines...and, unless the laws have changed since then, we didnt need to get permission as long as you credited the author who wrote it (and did not change any of the wording.) Laws are basically set up to prevent people from claiming...
Removing Hairspray from a Mirror?
Rubbing alcohol will take it right off! Pour some on a paper towel & rub it directly on the hairspray. Melts it right off!
Cleaning Aluminum Cookware?
I take a cheap can of oven cleaner ($1) & spray a heavy coat onto the bad areas, then seal it in a plastic bag over night. The next day use rubber gloves & S.O.S. pad to remove the build up. Then make sure you wash it very well with dish soap & rinse, to get...
Cat Litter For Traction On Ice
Ive used the kitty litter a few times & will not again. At least in my cases, the cat litter turned to a nasty mush! Didnt help me at all for tire traction, ust sprayed the mush all over the place. Protect your clothing if you try it! I didnt. :(
Holiday Crockpot Recipes?
Thank you Heather, and JoRock for your response. Cant wait to try the stuffing! Trying to make my holidays easier (since I do all the cooking). Tired of being chained to the kitchen! Now if I could just find an easier way for the clean-up! Thanks again!
Good Seasons Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe?
You can still get it. Google Kraft Good Seasons Dressing and it will show you where! Its my favorite too!
Tips for Sweeping Up Hair?
If a rubber broom or vacuum is not possible, spray the broom bristles with a little furniture polish before sweeping. This grabs the hair to the broom.
Washable Markers For Temporary Hair Streaks
This is a great idea, since it does wash out easily! As for Sharpies & Kool Aid. They are too condensed to wash out easily. Washable markers are fantastic!
Cat Won't Poop in Litter Box?
My cat, also, hates using the litter box. I tried the shredded newspaper idea. He used it alright and every other newspaper in my house! Just make sure you put your good newspaper where the kitty cant find it! :)
How Can I Tell if I Have a Flea Problem Indoors?
If theres one theres probably more. It doesnt take long to become an infestation. Dont waist your money on foggers or sprays, go straight to the vet, or a farm supply place and purchase a high quality flea ointment for your animals...such as Advantage. This...
Flying Bugs in My House?
About the gnats in bath and kitchen areas. If they are the gnats that look like baby flies with big round wings. Take a can of foam bug spray. Spray down all drains before you go to bed. (Those kind breed in the drains.) You may have to repeat this one more...
Stains on Fiberglass?
Being a cleaning lady of 25 yrs., I would take a fairly thick pad of plain white paper towels (6 or 8 sheets) and saturate it with bleach to let sit overnight. (Plain white so the print will not transfer). If that is not successful, you may try a product called...
Disinfecting Kitchen to Get Rid of Odors?
Sounds like odor has been absorbed into the surfaces. This works for horrible odor instantly! Straight tomato juice! Its messy, but youll never have the odor again! Brush or pour it on. Let sit for a few hours, and wash off! Also, works like a miracle for cat...
Bed Making Tips
My 9 yr. old son decided he didnt want to make his bed anymore, so, after he made it the last time...he put his sleeping bag on top of it and slept in it so he would never mess it up again! I thought that was so funny - yet clever - for a 9 yr. old, that I...
Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub?
Ive had a cleaning business for over 30 years. This absolutely works. However...use on fiberglass ONLY. Do NOT use on enamel tub because it will remove the paint.
Store Sheets Inside Pillowcases
Love doing this! I hadnt thought about it before, but when I followed your tip. I turned the pillowcase inside-out so the side touching your face is kept clean, place the neatly folded sheet set into the very back, then neatly folded the loose end of the pillowcase...
Reducing Dust Bunnies?
The carpet idea is the way. Being a cleaning woman of 26 yrs., I first-hand know that carpet is much easier to take care of than hardwood floors. It does keep the dust bunnies from flying all over & collecting in hard to get places. As a rule, you are suppose...
Remedy for Muscle Spasms?
I posted about the bar of soap in the bed, back on 11-8-08. After putting the soap in my bed, I had not had a muscle spasm for about a week. I am now, very pleased to report, I have NOT had a muscle spasm for 1 1/2 years! To all you skeptics. I am a very hard...
Removing Silicone from a Bathtub?
I read the article from Anonymous and, being a cleaner for newly constructed spec homes, just be careful of Goof-Off. It will take the shine off, Goo-Gone does not. And to spare your fingers from rubbing, use a large pink eraser or a Magic Eraser by Mr. Clean...
Stretching One Meal Into Five
I love this idea! My family has no problem eating the same meat all week, as long as the tastes are changed (and we not boring cooks here). As far as the carbs, etc....obviously, any of these suggestions can be changed up to suit your diet. I am all for eating...
Homemade Solution For Cleaning Stainless Steel Cookware?
Make a paste of powdered cream of tartar (found in the spice section at most grocery stores) and vinegar. Smear a good amount on & let sit for a several minutes, then scrub right off! This removes the everlasting black marks left after burning food!
Mom's Best Housekeeping Tip
Thank you for your advice and also the book recommendation. I have had a small cleaning business (for over 30 years) and for the last several years, Ive had a hard time getting motivated to clean my own! Hope this helps me!
Unusual Oriental Coleslaw
I always toast some broken Ramen Noodles, etc., & keep them sealed in a jar for the next day. Add them in about an hour before serving. This way the noodles stay crunchy for the second serving!
