Helpful Hints

Kirsten Strecker

WD-40 as Crayon Cleanup

To remove crayon marks apply just a small amount to almost any surface (plastic, metal, TV screens, freshly painted walls) and rub away with a clean cloth.

James Wojcik

Baking Soda as Container Deodorizer

Soak plastic containers in warm water and baking soda overnight to banish smells.

James Wojcik

Club Soda as Stainless Steel Polisher

Shine stainless-steel cookware and fixtures. Buff scuffs with a soda-dampened cloth, then wipe dry.

James Wojcik

Coffee Filter as Mirror Cleaner

Get a streak–free shine by using a coffee filter to buff a mirror or window.

James Wojcik

Cotton Swab as Silver Polisher

Apply a dab of polsih to the end of a cotton swab to shine those hard to reach crevices in silver flatware and serving dishes.

James Wojcik

Denture Tablet as Wineglass Cleaner

Do away with red-wine dregs in goblets. Fill the glass with warm water, drop in a tablet, and let it dissolve.

James Wojcik

Ketchup as Copper Polisher

Revive the color and shine of copper cookware. Squeeze ketchup onto a cloth and rub it on pots and pans. After five minutes, rinse with warm water, and towel dry.

James Wojcik

Uncooked Spaghetti as Frosting Protector

Preserve a topnotch frosting job. Poke a few stiff pieces in the surface and sides of a dessert before wrapping it for easy transport.

James Wojcik

White Bread as Painting Cleaner

To clean an oil painting, softly rub a piece of white bread over it to remove dust or dirt.

James Wojcik

Zippered Plastic Bag as Gum Remover

Remove stuck-on gum. Rub with a baggie filled with ice cubes until the goo hardens, then shatter it with a blunt object and vacuum it up.