Home hints:
Georgina Bitcon has a variety of tips and tricks that will make household tasks a little easier.
decorative ideas to revamp your home
ASK THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY
QMy children’s white sports socks never look really white after washing. Bleach just makes them yellow. Do you have a tip?
J. Beetson
Put ¼ cup Lux soap flakes in a large pot with half a lemon and the dirty socks, add enough water to cover, bring to the boil, simmer for 5 minutes, then drain. Now toss the socks in the washing machine and wash as usual.
Opening gambit
If you struggle to open zip-up bags, cut a “V” in one side only of the top strip (don’t cut into the sealer) and you’ll find it much easier to pull the two halves apart.
Photo ID
If you have taken a holiday photo of a statue, painting or landmark that you can no longer identify, open Google images, upload your photo and Google will search the net for the same image – chances are someone else will have snapped it and identified it for you.
Baby bath helper
A plastic laundry basket makes a good “bath within a bath” for a baby or young toddler: it’s less slippery and all the toys stay near at hand. Do not leave the child unattended at any time.
Cooler freshener
Wipe out your chilly bin with a few drops of vanilla before storing it, or dry it carefully and throw in a couple of unused teabags – no nasty odours when you open it for the next use.
Personalised labels
To prevent excess drips from clogging up the rim when you open a new can of paint, use a hammer and large nail (or an electric drill) to make a few “drain” holes around the inner rim before you start. They will seal when the lid is replaced.
Give your homemade jams, pickles and marmalades a professional look by printing your own sticky labels from free templates that you can find on the internet.
Iron with ease
Make ironing easier – put 1 litre of water and a teaspoon of lavender oil in a spray bottle, spritz over dry, wrinkled clothes, leave on coat hangers for 30 minutes, then press.
Scratch protection
Keep your non-stick pans scratch-free for longer by popping a paper plate into each one before storing another saucepan on top.
Non-stick grating
Place your grater in the freezer for 15 minutes before using it and food will be less likely to stick. You can also give it a quick spray with oil – especially good for cheese.