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household hints

Super Easy Way To Unclog Your Toilet

June 13, 2019 1 Comment

If you have been having trouble with your toilet getting clogged up, you are going to LOVE this simple solution. It truly is the super easy way to unclog your toilet! 

Super easy way to unclog your toilet #tips

How do I put this delicately.  Well, maybe there is no way to do that so please forgive me for being direct.

Our toilet gets plugged up OFTEN with poop. There you go. I said it! It happens a lot around here. I have absolutely no idea how so much fecal matter can be produced by one person to regularly cause this problem, but I sure was getting tired – VERY TIRED – of trying to solve it.

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You would think that using a plunger would do the job. Plungers were always my go-to-tool but lately it had become a miserable failure. Then I got really desperate and tried using drain cleaner even though the label on the bottle said NOT to. Did it help? Nope! That toilet was still as plugged up as ever.

I considered the possibility that we were using the wrong toilet paper but I still don’t see where that is possible. We use single-ply toilet paper that is recommended for homes with septic systems. It dissolves easily.

So, I started to search around and found this method but it seemed way too simple. It is so light-weight for a heavy-weight problem that I almost didn’t try it. Oh, I am so glad that I pushed back that reasoning and DID try it. It works and it works for our household EVERY TIME.  Try it. Hopefully it will work for you, too.

 

Simple method for clearing a stopped up toilet #tips #cleaning

So, what is this simple solution to unclogging stopped up toilets? Dish washing liquid. Yes. You read it right. Use dish soap to unclog your toilet.  I used the store brand because it was the cheapest and it worked.

Easy Way To Unclog A Toilet

Pour 1/2 cup or more of dish-washing liquid into the toilet.

Let it sit for 30 -45 minutes

Flush

Most of the time, you will find that it flushes beautifully the first time.  If it does not, repeat the process. I have only had to repeat it one time. From there on, it has worked on the first try every time.


Toilet Cleaning Tip

Tip: Nice thing, using dish-washing liquid to unstop toilets also cleans the toilet bowl. I regularly, now, squirt dish-washing liquid around the rim of the bowl and let it sit for a little while followed by swishing it with a toilet bowl brush till it’s clean. The toilet is sparkling clean and flushes well, too.

Ever struggle to unstop a stopped up toilet? This method is SO EASY! #tips #momlife Click To Tweet

Disclaimer: manufacturers of dish-washing soaps do not say anything about using it in toilets. At least, I don’t think they do. This is a “mom tip” that is out of the norm and, for me, it has worked. As always, when using products differently than the label guidelines is we all take personal responsibility for the decision. If you believe it to be unwise, then don’t do it. 

Do you have any interesting mom-tips? What household hints have you discovered?

Enjoy!

 

 


 

 

Filed Under: cleaning, Home, How-to, Lifestyle, tips Tagged With: cleaning tips, household hints

How To Butter A Skillet The Easy Way

October 31, 2018 Leave a Comment

It is very simple to butter a skillet but this is how to butter a skillet the easy way!

How to butter a skillet the easy way #tips

The goal should be to spread the melted butter evenly over the surface of your frying pan without the butter burning.

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It sounds like it should be simple to do but that is not necessarily so. I have tried buttering a frying pan using just butter on a knife, but the butter didn’t spread evenly. Then I tried pressing a spatula onto the butter and rubbing it around. I still could not reach every part of the pan’s surface.


Another technique is to drop a wad of butter into the skillet, allowing the butter to melt by itself.  Of course, I’ve tried that way as well. As the butter melted, I moved the frying pan around to get it to cover. The results were just so-so. Often it took too much butter to do it and sometimes, when I put the skillet back on the burner, the butter began to change color. It was starting to burn.

So, this buttered bread method quickly became my favorite. It works perfectly every time.

Ceramic non-stick frying pans #ad

How To Butter A Skillet The Easy Way

Turn the burner of your stove on medium.

Place the cold skillet on the burner.

Tear a piece off a slice of bread at least 3 inches square.

Slice off a pat of butter and place it on the bread.

Holding the piece of bread in your hand, wipe the butter side of the bread all over the cooking surface of the skillet.

You now have a perfectly even coating of melted butter in your pan!

Spreading butter in a skillet is so easy this way! #tips

Of course, there are other ways to prepare a skillet for cooking. You can spray it with non-stick pan cooking spray or even use cooking oil instead of butter. In our household, we prefer the buttery taste and, since our non-stick skillets have begun to age a little bit, we use butter every time to keep food from sticking. [In theory, brand new non-stick skillets shouldn’t need greasing at all.] 

How to butter a skillet the easy way! #tips Click To Tweet

Love practical solutions to everyday problems? Try these tips:

How To Seal Envelopes Without Licking Them

How To Gift Wrap A Big Box

How To Get A Throat Culture Without Gagging

Simple Food Safety Tips At Home

Enjoy!


Filed Under: Food, Lifestyle, tips Tagged With: cooking tips, household hints

Laundry Piling Up? You Can Conquer It!

February 12, 2018 2 Comments

How busy are you? Are you unbelievably busy? Busy people’s lives can cross the fine line between order to chaos in no time! When you are tightly scheduled, it just doesn’t take much to tip the scales to the messy side of life. All it takes is an unplanned for interruption of your regular schedule, such as a bout of illness or your car needing to go to the shop, to do it. That’s when stuff starts piling up.

Laundry piling up? You can conquer it! #tips

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

The two areas of the home that clutter faster-than-fast are the kitchen and the laundry room. When life is on track, we can keep up with it. If we lose our rhythm, it collects really fast. So then, today let’s talk about laundry.

How do you dig out from under piles of laundry and regain peace and order? First, recognize that it is not impossible. You can do it. Now, create a plan and follow through.

Pick your strategy. What will your plan be? Decide whether you will take it on in one day, one weekend or over a whole week.


Implement the plan. You can multi-task this rescue operation with other projects that need to be done but make the commitment that you will complete “the cycle” to the end. Do not stop midstream, leaving some clothes in the washer and some in the dryer.

The Cycle:

  • Wash a load
  • Dry it
  • Fold it
  • Bring it to it’s destination
  • Put it all away.

Be consistent and don’t get distracted. Whether you make your way through the pile of laundry all at once or over a period of days, stick with the plan. Do not stop until all of the dirty laundry is clean and put away.

Maintain your success. After all of your clothes are clean and put away, continue this good habit so that you don’t get behind again. If life takes over, and sometimes it will, you’ve succeeded in the laundry room once before so, do it again.

Laundry piling up? You can conquer it! #tips #momlife #cleaning #organizing Click To Tweet

Simple tools to make doing the laundry easier #tips

Your Tools:

The right tools make a job so much easier. How do you handle your laundry? Do you use laundry hampers, laundry baskets, or both?

How many laundry baskets do you use for the process? Do you hang some clothes in the laundry room before moving them to the closet?


To simplify the cycle, you should have at least two baskets. One for transporting the dirty clothes to the laundry room. The second one is to put in the bedroom to replace the full one you just removed.

There are some really nifty tools you can add to your arsenal that will help you better enjoy conquering that pile of laundry including: narrow laundry carts fashioned to fit between your washer and dryer, garment racks to hang clean clothes straight out of the dryer and drying racks to lay sweaters and delicates out to dry.

Enjoy!

 

 

 


 

Filed Under: cleaning, organizing, tips Tagged With: household hints, laundry

8 Cleaning Hacks That Every Parent Should Know

January 11, 2018 Leave a Comment

Whether you’re dealing with the latest toddler tantrum, ferrying your kids to various clubs or running the school gauntlet, being a parent and keeping the house tidy can seem impossible.

Especially when children seem to make mess faster than you can clean it!

The good news is there are plenty of ways to speed up household chores. Try the tips below next time you’re in a hurry to clean up – you’ll be surprised at how much time they can save.

8 cleaning hacks to help busy parents save time and get the job done! #tips

1. Get Rid of Hair with a Rubber Glove

Stray pet hairs can make any sofa look old and dirty. Hair can be difficult to remove though – especially if your vacuum cleaner doesn’t come with a turbo tool.

A cheap alternative is to use the static electricity provided by rubber gloves. Simply wear the gloves and run your hand over the sofa. Hair will stick to your hand with very little effort. When your gloves are “full,” submerge them in a bowl of water and the hair will float to the top.

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2. Remove Juice Stains with White Vinegar

Juice is often spilt at lunch time – and it can be surprisingly difficult to remove from clothes.

There’s a trick for getting rid of most juice stains though – and it relies on the amazing properties of white vinegar. Start by rinsing in cold water, then soak in a mixture of ½ teaspoon of laundry detergent, a tablespoon of white vinegar and a liter of water. After soaking for around 15 minutes, run the clothing through the washing machine to get rid of whatever is left.

3. Protect Your Fridge with Plastic Wraps

Fridges can get dirty quickly – especially if your children often spill food or drinks when putting them back (like mine!)

An easy way to cut down on cleaning is to line each shelf with sticky food wraps. Once they get dirty, you can replace them without needing to clean.

4. Lint Rollers are Great for Dusting

Lampshades, windowsills and fireplaces are magnets for dust. Some vacuums come with dusting brushes, but these can be awkward to use if you’re in a rush.

A faster alternative is a lint roller. Run a roller over lampshades or other dusty items to remove dust without needing a vacuum. The sticky surface will also remove lumps of fluff and other debris without damaging delicate items.

On a side note, I always keep a fresh supply of lint rollers around the house. They can be a lifesaver when you realize your work clothes are covered in dog hair or fluff.


5. Clean Finger Marks from Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances look great – but fingerprints can be almost impossible to prevent.

A quick way to make stainless steel shine again is to use some rubbing alcohol with a microfiber cloth. Make sure you rub with the grain of the surface and pay extra attention to the handles.

6. Find Earrings or Other Small Objects with a Vacuum and Tights

If you’ve lost an earring, finding it amongst the daily clutter of a family home can be a nightmare. Fortunately, there’s an easier solution than crawling on your hands and knees.

Start by cutting a leg off a pair of old tights, then fix the fabric over the end of your vacuum cleaner’s hose. You can use a hair elastic to secure it.

Switch on the vacuum and direct it under sofas, down crevices and anywhere else your earring may have fallen. Air can pass through the tights, so your vacuum’s suction won’t be affected, but earrings (or other larger items) get caught in the fabric.

7. Freshen Dirty Trainers with Baking Soda

If your kid’s trainers are starting to smell, an easy way to neutralize the odor is with baking soda.

Just sprinkle the baking soda over the shoes, including inside, then leave it to sit for a few hours. The baking soda should absorb the worst odors and is easy to brush off.

8 cleaning hacks every parent should know #tips #cleaning #timesaving Click To Tweet

8. Save Time by Maintaining Your Vacuum Cleaner

Abraham Lincoln once said, “if I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I would spend six of those hours sharpening my axe.”

A similar ethos can be applied to vacuum cleaners, as a clogged vac will struggle to remove dust, dirt and hair. So, if cleaning your floors seems to be taking longer than usual, some vacuum maintenance could do the trick.

Start by cleaning your vacuum’s filters. When these become clogged, air flow is reduced and the vacuum becomes less effective. If the filter you’re using can be washed in water, make sure it’s completely dry before you use it again. The filters of small vacuums or handheld models (such as those found here) often need to be cleaned more regularly, as they clog faster.

Next, check your vacuum’s beater bar for hair or string. When hair is wound around the bar, it may not spin as quickly. It’s also a good idea to empty your vacuum’s canister each time you use it, as a full dust bin can reduce suction power.

Summary

Being a parent and taking care of housework isn’t easy, but it doesn’t need to be stressful either. By adding these cleaning hacks to your arsenal, you’ll be able to keep your house cleaner in less time – even if your children excel at making mess!

Guest post by James Hall – freelance writer and cleaning expert. 

Thanks so much, James, for the great tips! If you have any cleaning questions for him, you can share them in the comments.

Follow me on Bloglovin' #socialmedia

 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 


Filed Under: cleaning, tips Tagged With: cleaning tips, household hints

Unclogging Your Drain Can Be As Simple As This

September 21, 2017 Leave a Comment

There is nothing new about a plunger. And, of course, there is nothing new about clogged drains, either! I’ve used a plunger on clogged toilets and clogged kitchen sinks. What I have never done is to use one for the bathtub drain, until now. 

household hints and tips

The story begins with my bathtub drain hadn’t been working well for a long time. It had been installed in 1998. Within a year or two the lever that opens and shuts the drain stopped working. Thank goodness, it was stuck open and not closed. From there on out, we could only take showers but that was not such a big deal. Most of the time, we would have showered anyway.

Moving up the timeline to last week, all of a sudden the drain was slow – terribly slow. To unclog it, I poured in half a bottle of drain opener, let it marinate for 30 minutes and ran super hot water through. It made almost no difference. A day later, the tub wasn’t draining at all. Now what?

We had a big problem. Something was blocking the water from draining out and I had no idea how to fix it.  Dollar signs started flashing in my mind. What would a plumber cost? Would my bathtub need to be replaced? How would anyone get inside there to fix it without tearing the whole thing apart? What does the inside of it look like anyway?

I said “Lord, what am I going to do?” And, right that moment, I saw a plunger in my mind. Could it be that simple? Worth a try. It did work! I plunged it for only a moment. The suction must have reopened the stopper inside. My bathtub now drains better than ever. Yippee!

                           This is what the inside of a bathtub stopper drain looks like.

    Have you ever found a simple solution to a household problem?

We’d love to hear about it!

Unclogging your drain could be as simple as this! #tips #home #DIY #bathroom Click To Tweet

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Note: this author is an Amazon affiliate. What does that mean? Well, anything that you buy from Amazon by first clicking on an ad, link or using an Amazon search window on Ducks ‘n a Row will, at no extra cost to you, result in a small commission for me. In advance “thank you!” … Sinea


Filed Under: Home & Garden, tips Tagged With: DIY, household hints

How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies Naturally

June 29, 2017 Leave a Comment

Fruit Flies are small little flies that live on fruit as adult insects, their eggs and larva. Sound way too familiar? Here is how to keep fresh fruit in your kitchen and fruit flies OUT!
how to get rid of fruit flies naturally, fruit fly trap
Some time ago I told you about my battle with pantry moths. That was a long ordeal. This fruit fly solution is so much simpler and it works well!

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

 

fruit flies, fruit fly trap, pests, insects
We love fruit. We hate fruit flies. Since their eggs and larva are microscopic, it behooves us to wash the fruit before consumption. Even so, if you have a basket of fruit on the kitchen counter, eventually you will find some flying in the air.
Take a look at my beautiful display of washed fruit. There is an invader. See him on the orange on the left? Yep. There he is!
clean fruit, pests, insects
So, how do you get rid of them?
Trap them!
This method is easy and chemical-free.
fruit flies, insects, fruit fly trap, get rid of fruit flies

Fruit Fly Trap

  • Wash your fruit and pat it dry.
  • Display the fruit on the counter.
  • Get out a clean cup from the cupboard.
  • Fill it about halfway with water.
  • Add 2 T. vinegar.
  • Cover with clear plastic wrap, tightly.
  • Poke holes in the plastic in several places.*
  • Place it near the fruit on the counter.
In time, you will see that the fruit flies have wiggled their way through the holes but they cannot get back out again. Eventually they die. 
 
*I used a toothpick to poke the holes but I think the sharp end of a knife works better. You’ll have to experiment to see what works best for you. Obviously, if the holes are too big, they could find their way back out again.
Katchy indoor small flying insect manual trap #ad
Indoor small flying insect trap for mosquitoes, fruit flies, no see ums and more!  #AD

Love tips and tricks?

10 smart mom tricks you will love #tips

 

 Love fresh fruit but HATE fruit flies? Join the club! Here is an easy and natural way to get rid of them! #tips #momlife Click To Tweet

Enjoy!

 



Filed Under: cleaning, Home, tips Tagged With: fruit flies, household hints, pest control

Can You Fold A Fitted Sheet? Here is How to Do It!

April 20, 2017 Leave a Comment

household hints, momlife, storage, cleaning, organizing
This blog contains affiliate links. ♥
Do you know how to fold a fitted sheet? Can you do it well? Personally, I stink at it. I watched this fun video by Martha Stewart, hoping it might help. I cannot say that I have conquered it but seeing Martha laugh her way through the process makes me feel so much better! (Reading this by email? If the video is not there, come to my blog to see the video. Just click on the title of the post.)




So, now what?

Actually, my solution to the dilemma has been to not do it at all.
My arms are too short.  I mean it.  Did you see how these ladies were stretching their arms to get them into the corners?  At my 5 foot 2 inches of shortness and folding a King Sized fitted sheet? I don’t think so.

So, my answer has been to only own one set of sheets per bed. That way I am FORCED to wash, dry and put them back on the bed immediately. Problem solved!

But, in case you do own more than one set, here is how:

 
household hints, tips, cleaning, organizing, storage, bedroom

How To Fold A Fitted Sheet

1. Take two opposite corners of the sheet, inside facing out.
2. Put your hands in each corner and flip one side onto the other hand – in the video she takes the right hand and flips onto the left. Now you have two corners nestled onto your left hand.
3. With the free hand, slide it down the two open edges and go down to the fold. *Keep your one hand inside those two nested corners.
4. Shake it to get the sheet to straighten out a bit.
5. Slide your free hand straight down the elastic edge to get to the third corner.
6. Tuck in the elastic edge.
7. Fold!

Can you fold a fitted sheet? Me neither, until now! #tips #home Click To Tweet
Our 20-something son Zack could have used some lessons.  He let his dog sleep in his bed with him and, therefore, purchased several sets of bed linens to keep it clean (for which we were very glad.)

His folding technique? Balling up the clean extra sets and throwing them in a corner. He is married, now, so his lovely wife can deal with it LOL!

 

Martha Stewart, household hints, mom tips, storage, organizing, cleaning
 
What is your greatest laundry challenge? 
Let’s share some ideas!

 

Enjoy!

 
photo credit: Bedroom by piyato on freedigitalphotos 




Filed Under: Lifestyle, tips Tagged With: household hints

Genius Brownie Holders

April 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

Love baking brownies? They are a big favorite with any crowd. I adore classic brownies, frosted brownies and especially cheesecake brownies. But, I never sent them to school with my kids. Why? 

 

baking, tips, momlife, household hacks

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

Whoever the mom is that thought of this is a genius! This simple brownie holder makes it neat and clean to send brownies to school for a classroom treat! #tips Click To Tweet

Because brownies are sticky and get little hands really messy. I was trying to be thoughtful. So, this week when one of my preschool moms sent brownies for her daughter’s birthday celebration, I was thrilled to see her genius idea.


You are going to love the simplicity of it.  She made holders by placing each individual brownie in a cupcake liner. They looked even more special and, above all, no mess! Great idea, huh? I will never hesitate to send brownies as a treat anywhere again!

 

mom tips, ideas, household hints, baking
Got any nifty little ideas? We’d love to hear about them … share them with us in the comments!

Enjoy!


Filed Under: How-to, Lifestyle, tips Tagged With: Baking, household hints, momlife

The Many Amazing Uses For Dryer Sheets

November 7, 2016 Leave a Comment

 

When you do the laundry, do you use fabric softener sheets? Don’t they do a great job of freshening and softening your clothes! And they remove the static while they do it. Towels fluff up so nice–what a great invention.
(Who did invent dryer sheets? Conrad Gaiser  When? Late 1960’s First company to introduce it? Proctor and Gamble  Click for more)

This blog contains affiliate links. ♥

There are a multitude of great other-uses for dryer sheets – new and used. After you read this list, you’ll want to go right out to the store and stock up on a bunch of them.

The Many Amazing Uses For Dryer Sheets

Bee Repellent: bees chasing you? Dryer sheets will chase them away. Either pin one to your clothes or place it nearby. I’ve tried this myself and it works like a charm!
household hints and tips
Candle Wax Remover: Don’t scrape the candle wax off your furniture, wipe it away with a fabric softener sheet.

Computer and TV Screen Cleaner: before throwing them away, take your used dryer sheets for a “once around” the house to clean the screens on your computers and television screens. There will be enough anti-static left to get the dust easily.


Deodorizer:
  • Keep clothes fresh in drawers, luggage, diaper bags.
  • Cigarette smell in your car? Tuck a new dryer sheet away to kill the smell.

Dust furniture with a used dryer sheet. The anti-static properties of the sheet removes dust so much neater and faster.

Fight Mildew: if you have outdoor furniture that has been tainted by mildew from the moisture, don’t throw it away. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the furniture and scrub using a little water and the dryer sheets. Rinse and wipe dry. You’ll find that the smell is gone and replaced with a lovely light aroma.
Ironing: clean your iron by rubbing it with a dryer sheet to remove residue.
Kitchen Miracle: use softener sheet to clean cooked on food from pots and pans. Just put a little hot water in the bottom of the pan and lay a dryer sheet over it. Let it soak for a while. Now, wipe away with a scrubby sponge. Also works on stove tops and in ovens.
Nervous Pets: some dogs get particularly nervous when a storm is coming. They can feel a prickly sensation in their fur. If this is the case with yours, gently rub her fur with a dryer sheet before the storm arrives and see if she makes it through in peace.
household hints, hacks
Painter’s Best Friend: Makes your paintbrushes like new! Soak your used paint brushes in warm water with a dryer sheet soaked in it. Latex paint will slide off in minutes Sewing: use as embroidery backing, store threaded needles to keep them tangle-free.
Pest Repellent: Bugs, bees and rodents all flee when dryer sheets are around! Hide a dryer sheet in your pocket, if you are a person that the bugs just “love” to bite. Landscapers have discovered that if they keep some dryer sheets on them when they work, mosquitoes take a hike—far, far away!
household hints, hacks
Soap Scrum Remover: Scrub your bathtub and shower stall with a new dryer sheet to melt away built up soap scum.
Smelly Gym Bags? Sweeten the smell of gym bags, golf club carriers, sports bags, old luggage, trunks of cars.  Put in a new dryer sheet inside once in a while to keep things smelling fresh.
Static cling? Reduce it fast! Rub a sheet on clothes that cling or even fly away hair!
Tree Sap: Ever get tree sap on your hands? It is miserable to get off. Guess what? Yep, dryer sheets get it off in no time!
Wet dogs smell yucky! After a bath or coming in from the rain, towel dry your canine and then rub the surface of his fur with a dryer sheet. He’ll smell great.

Windshields: Got dead bugs stuck to the windshield or your car or truck? Fabric softener sheets get them off fast!

The many amazing uses for dryer sheets - you won't believe some of them! #tips Click To Tweet

Do you have some more uses for dryer sheets? We’d love to know. Tell us your experiences and ideas in the comments below!

Note: remember that dryer sheets do have chemicals on them. Use them wisely when applying them to human beings and pets. There are green versions on the market. I have no idea if all the listed uses will be as effective when using them. If you try it, let me know!

Enjoy!



Photo Credits: Freedigitalphotos.net
  • Bee by James Barker
  • Paint Brush by Suat Eman
  • Bathtub by sixninepixels

 

Filed Under: cleaning, Home & Garden, Lifestyle, tips Tagged With: household hints, tips

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