Household Tips/Tricks


  • Ok. I kind of love Babble.com right now. I also kind of love well organized spaces. Combine these two passions and you get THIS super awesome slideshow. I'm planning on implimenting, like, at least HALF of these ideas.


  • To clean the inside of the dishwasher, occasionally run an empty dishwasher with a cup of baking soda and 1 1/2 cups of vinegar. This not only cleans the inside of the dishwasher, but also freshens it.


  • To send ants running (and keep them away) use a mixture of black pepper and baby powder. First sprinkle the black pepper where you see them gathered (and by any known entrances/colonies), and watch those little fuckers scramble. Next, repeat with baby powder.


  • Cornmeal absorbs grease on light colored fabric or upholstery. Pour enough on to cover the soiled area and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Vacuum to remove the grains.


  • Use a dryer sheet (ie. Bounce) to keep baseboards clean.


  • Essential Oils are a good all-natural cure to a variety of ailments:
    Lavender - Universal (multi-purpose). Use on bug bites, bruises, sleep deprivation, allergies, inflammation, sunburns, lice, ringworm, and many more.
    Lemon - Cleansing. Use for intestinal parasites you might get, reducing fever, helping the digestive system and liver work. It's also a disinfectant and an antiseptic.
    Peppermint - Pain Relief. Use for headaches or any muscle aches or pains. It is also is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory; and can be used for shock, colds, nausea, colic, and heartburn.
    Helichrysum - Healing. Use for bruising, sprains, swelling (basically any injury that does not have broken skin), treat shock, allergies, and fight against infections and viruses.
    Purify (a blend of lemongrass, tea tree, lavendar & citronella) - Purification. Use to kill airborne bacteria, viruses, mold, or fungus. Also useful for neutralizing poison from insect or spider bites; bee or wasp stings, treat respiratory conditions, help with skin healing, and repel bugs and mice.