Ketchup on the carpet? Ink on your shirt? Get out the shaving cream and hair-spray and you're on your way to remove these problems and many more. Graham Haley, author of "Haley’s Hints," reveals the gold mine of ordinary items and products you have in your home that will help you solve your everyday mishaps.
Removing scuff marks from linoleum tilesPersistent scuffmarks can often be removed from linoleum by applying a small amount of toothpaste to a dry cloth and wiping the scuff firmly. Once the mark has been removed, clean off with a damp cloth.
Hairspray can also be used instead of toothpaste.
Using a wooden hanger as a cookbook holderTo keep your paperback recipe book open and out of any messes, fetch a wooden pants hanger from your clothes closet. Clamp the book open at the page you require and hang it up at eye level on a cupboard doorknob.
Clean silver items and jewelryRun about a quart of hot water in your kitchen or bathroom sink (cool enough not to burn you). Dissolve 1 tablespoon of laundry water softener and 1 tablespoon of salt in the water. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the sink and place your tarnished silver on the foil. The silver that's both touching the foil and covered by the water should come clean within 10 seconds. If badly tarnished, rub silver item with a cloth after removing from the water. Works well on silver and gold jewelry as well.
Removing pet hair from cushions/couchRemove dog or cat hair from you upholstery by rubbing it with a rubber glove. A damp chamois works well too.
Prevent bathroom mirrors from foggingSmear shaving cream over the surface of the mirror and wipe it off well with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will prevent the mirror from fogging up from the steam for several weeks or until you next clean it.