Sherri's Helpful Hints

Helpful Household Hints

When you break a light bulb in its socket, it can be very difficult to unscrew it for replacement. Try jamming a bar of soap, a large cork or a piece of raw potato in to the base of the bulb and then twisting it. The broken bulb should come out with no problem.

For hands covered with grease or paint, sawdust can work magic. While your hands are still wet, rub them with sawdust and watch them come clean before your eyes. It's safer and more economical than using a solvent or commercial cleaner.

When making meatballs, mix your favorite ingredients together in a bowl. Flatten the hamburger mixture in a rectangle shape on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut length-wise then horizontality making each square relative in size. (about 1-1/2 to 2 inches square) . Before rolling each square into a ball, wet hands to keep meat mixture from sticking to your hands.

Keep a roll of masking tape in your kitchen drawer and use it to seal food and other packages of all kinds. You can also use it to label foods, spices, etc. with the date of purchase.

Test the power of baking powder by putting a small amount in some hot water. If it bubbles, it's fresh.

To unstick a stuck zipper, try one of these ideas: Draw on the teeth of the zipper with a pencil or dab a bit of lip balm on the teeth. Work the zipper up and down until it moves smoothly.

Trying to get a single coffee filter out of the stack can be a little frustrating unless you turn the stack inside out.

Make a handy curling iron rod cover from a regular kitchen pot holder. Fold in half and sew around the outside leaving one small side open. Now if you're rushing out of the house or traveling and don't want to leave your recently unplugged curling iron, just slip it in this handy case.

Hang a vinyl shoe bag on the back of your child's door to hold Barbies, Beanie Babies, toy cars or any small toy that has a habit of piling up in their room.

Clearing the dishes from your dinner table? Do it restaurant-style...Load everything into a big dishpan so that everything is cleared in one shot.

Hang a squeegee in your shower and wipe down the walls after they shower to prevent soap scum build-up.

Keep a running list on your fridge of small jobs that need to be done around the house. When a family member has a spare moment, have them check the list to see what job can be done. With it in plain view, tasks are more likely be done sooner without the chance of being "forgotten".

Don't waste time looking for tweezers, nail clippers, or small scissors. Instead, attach a magnetic strip to the inside of your medicine cabinet door.

Keep bathroom drawers neat by putting plastic silverware trays in them. Their great for holding lots of small things.

Instead of buying those expensive bleach cleaners, combine 1 part bleach to 10 parts water in a spray bottle. Just make sure you label the bottle to avoid any accidents.

Want to prevent that grimy residue on the top of your refrigerator? After cleaning, lay old cloth placemats on it.

A quick way to clean your bathroom...run your shower at the hottest setting and close the door till everything gets steamy. Then grab a cloth and start wiping.

If you don't use an appliance or gadget at least once a week that has made a home on your countertop, find a spot for it in one of your cabinets. This helps to reduce clutter on your countertops.