More Tips for the Housewife!

I can't help but share useful  and tested info like the following  tips to make us be able to "cure" some  household common problems. These are courtesy of Martha Stewart:

How to Whiten linens with lemons: Damask napkins, linens, even white socks can be whitened on the stove - Fill a pot with water and a few slices of fresh lemon (or calamansi as the case may be) and bring to a boil.  Turn off heat, add linens and let soak for up to an hour; launder as usual.  For extra brightening, spread them out in the sunlight to dry.

How to store candles: Candles should be kept in a dark, cool, dry place.  Why? Because light can cause the colors to fade, as heat can cause the candles to warp and moisture can make the wicks difficult to light.

How to keep cut flowers fresh and alive: For cut flowers to survive, give them sugar for nourishment and an acidic ingredient like lemon-lime soda or aspirin, which allows the plant to absorb water more easily.  A drop of bleach prevents bacteria and also lengthens their life

How to remove melted wax: Candlelight is romantic, but there's nothing lovely about prying or scraping melted votives out of their holders.  Instead, place the glass holders in the freezer for a few hours; the wax should shrink just enough to pop right out.

How to steady a wobbly chair: Once they've done their duty as wine-bottle stoppers, corks can come in handy elesewhere in the house.  In the kitchen or dining room, they are a simple solution to an exasperating problem: a wobbly chair.  Simply cut a slice of cork horizontally and slip it under the troublesome leg.

How to make your mirrors sparkle: Commercial window cleaner evaporates quickly, making it better for mirrors than homemade solutions.  Never spray the mirror itself with the cleaner, instead spray a clean, lintless cloth, wipe down the mirror.  To avoid streaks, dry immediately with another clean, lintless cloth.  (I personally use damp old newspapers to have a better sparkle.)

How to store tomatoes: Unlike many other fruits and vegetables, tomatoes should always be kept at room temperature.  In a shallow ceramic bowl, they look beautiful on the kitchen counter, or even as a centerprice.  Place underrripe tomatoes in a sunny spot or in a brown paper bag for about 2 to 4 days to ripen.  Check them every day to catch them at the right time.

How to remove red wine stains:  Fear of red wine stains probably keeps more lfine linens ont he shelf than on the table.  Here's a sure, easy way to get rid of red wine stains.  Wet the stainw ith lukewarm water, then add a layer of table salt.  Rub and let it sit for 5 minutes.  Pull fabric taut across a heat-proof bowl and secure with a subber band.  Place in sink and carefully pour boiling water on the stain from a height of 3 feet.  The combined pressure & heat of the water will eliminate the stain.