Household Tips That Work! Save Time and Money with These Tricks

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Discussion Overview

This thread features a variety of household tips aimed at saving time and money, shared by participants. The tips cover cooking techniques, cleaning hacks, and solutions for common household problems.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of reheating pizza in a skillet to maintain a crispy crust, noting it works better than using a microwave.
  • Another participant mentions using a zip lock bag to make deviled eggs, highlighting the ease of cleanup.
  • Several users discuss expanding store-bought frosting by whipping it, which allows for more frosting with less sugar per serving.
  • One participant suggests using a cup of water in the microwave to reheat biscuits and pancakes, keeping them moist.
  • Another participant describes using wet newspapers to suppress weeds in gardens, suggesting it is more effective than plastic.
  • One participant mentions using a dry cotton ball to pick up small pieces of broken glass, while another suggests a damp paper towel as an alternative.
  • Several users note placing a dryer sheet in pockets to repel mosquitoes, with one adding a humorous comment about the scent.
  • One participant shares their experience of using cayenne pepper to deter squirrels from plants.
  • Another participant discusses using a paper towel roll with a vacuum to reach tight spaces.
  • One participant mentions using a safety pin to reduce static cling in clothing.
  • Another participant suggests filling measuring cups with hot water before adding sticky ingredients for easier pouring.
  • One participant shares a tip about using a chalkboard eraser to clear foggy windshields, while another mentions a commercial product, Rain-X, for the same purpose.
  • One participant describes a method for reopening sealed envelopes by placing them in the freezer.
  • Another participant shares a tip for getting rid of fruit flies using apple cider vinegar and dish soap.
  • One participant mentions using cornmeal to eliminate ants, noting it is safe for pets and children.
  • Another participant suggests using baby powder at the beach to easily remove sand from skin.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

No clear consensus emerges, as participants share a variety of tips and personal experiences without indicating agreement or disagreement on specific methods.

Contextual Notes

The thread reflects personal experiences and tips shared by participants, primarily focusing on household hacks and cooking techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Participants within the consultant community looking for practical household tips and tricks may find this discussion beneficial.

chefkristin
Gold Member
Messages
2,903
Unique and Useful Tips!

Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, Set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.


Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away w hen done easy clean up.


Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.


Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.


Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants; work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.


Broken Glass
Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little broken glass pieces of glass- the fibers catch ones you can't see!


No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.


Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.


Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.


Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and - voila - static is gone.


Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.


Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!


Reopening envelope
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Voila! It unseals easily.


Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...


Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small gl ass fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!


Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," & can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, esp. if it rains, but it works & you don' t have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!


Take baby powder to the beach
Keep a small bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. When your ready to leave the beach sprinkle yourself and kids with the powder and the sand will slide right off your skin.
 
Thanks Kristin!!! These are neat.
 
Thanks for the tips, Kristin! They are great!
 
chefkristin said:
Unique and Useful Tips!

No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.
Not to mention, most of your friends who'll think you smell like a laundromat.

chefkristin said:
Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and - voila - static is gone.
I'll remember that next time I wear panty hose under my suit trousers.

chefkristin said:
Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.
Or just sell 'em a Measure All Cup.

chefkristin said:
Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!
Rain-X makes a product for this so you won't even need anything to wipe off the windshield. Regular Rain-X on the outside produces amazing results during rain, keeping bugs off the glass and, during the winter, makes ice removal a snap.
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Rain-X makes a product for this so you won't even need anything to wipe off the windshield. Regular Rain-X on the outside produces amazing results during rain, keeping bugs off the glass and, during the winter, makes ice removal a snap.
WOW! That is a great tip! Thanks.

I hate those nasty bugs on the windshield!
 
chefkristin said:
Unique and Useful Tips!

Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, Set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.
Or heat it up on a stone for the same result.
Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.
I really like that one!

Broken Glass
Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little broken glass pieces of glass- the fibers catch ones you can't see!
Or use a damp paper towel.

Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and - voila - static is gone.
I never heard that one before! I will definitely try that.
Take baby powder to the beach
Keep a small bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. When your ready to leave the beach sprinkle yourself and kids with the powder and the sand will slide right off your skin.
Just in time for our trip to the beach! Thanks!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some quick kitchen tips to save time while cooking?

One effective tip is to prep your ingredients in advance. Chop vegetables, measure spices, and marinate proteins the night before. This way, when you're ready to cook, everything is organized and within reach, significantly speeding up the cooking process.

How can I save money on groceries using household tips?

Plan your meals for the week and create a shopping list based on those meals. Stick to the list to avoid impulse buys. Additionally, consider buying in bulk for non-perishable items and using coupons or apps that offer cash back on grocery purchases.

What are some effective ways to clean kitchen tools and utensils?

For a quick clean, soak your utensils in a mixture of warm water and vinegar for 15 minutes. This helps to remove stubborn stains and odors. For cutting boards, sprinkle baking soda on the surface, scrub with a damp sponge, and rinse thoroughly to keep them fresh and clean.

How can I organize my pantry to save time when cooking?

Group similar items together, such as canned goods, grains, and snacks. Use clear containers for easy visibility and label everything. This organization allows you to quickly find what you need, reducing the time spent rummaging through your pantry.

Are there any tips for reducing food waste in the kitchen?

One effective method is to use leftovers creatively. Incorporate them into new meals, such as turning roasted vegetables into a soup or using stale bread for croutons. Additionally, keep an eye on expiration dates and prioritize using items that are nearing their end to minimize waste.

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