Home hints: handy tips

Georgina Bitcon gives advice on ridding the house of doggy smells, cleaning a tricky ceiling, making the tub sparkle and more.

In damp, humid conditions it’s best to use a hair dryer on a wet dog.

ASK

THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY

QAfter recent prolonged rain, my house and furniture now smell of wet dog, although we bath the dog frequently. Any remedies?

J. Martin

In damp, humid conditions, it’s best to use a hair dryer on a wet dog, if possible, to get him completely dry and prevent bacteria growth. To remove residual smell, wash and dry removable upholstery covers, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the carpet overnight, then vacuum up next day – and spritz any non-washable fabrics with a 2:1 solution of water and apple cider vinegar.

Dishwasher sparkle

Put your ceramic toothbrush holder and soap dish in the dishwasher every so often – both will emerge sparkling clean.

Ceiling solution

To clean an acoustic “popcorn” ceiling without knocking down pieces of it, roll a damp, high-nap paint roller over it, picking up dust and cobwebs as you go.

Hung out to dry

If you peg wet items across parallel lines on your clothesline, you can fit considerably more things in the same space. Try it!

Best for zest

Instead of throwing the peel away when you squeeze a lemon, put it in a resealable bag in the freezer and keep it for when you need to grate lemon zest.

Pressing issue

When you need to press a biscuit crumb mixture down firmly and evenly in the tin, cover the mixture with baking paper and press down with the flat of your hand or fingers. It flattens much more easily than with the back of a spoon and doesn’t stick.

Clean tub, no rub

If you suffer from a bad back, try cleaning the bath with a squeeze mop – it’s much easier.

No more spills

To pour paint or other liquid without a funnel, hold a chopstick, long-handled spoon or even a pencil vertically across the mouth of the pouring can while you tip it – the liquid will follow the free end of the stick into its new container.

Whip into shape

For perfect whipped cream without a whisk or beaters, tip cold cream into a large jar, screw on lid and shake vigorously for a few minutes.

Pool cue

Use your inflatable paddling pool as an indoor playpen for a sitting baby. It’s portable, comfortable, stainproof and the soft sides mean no banged heads.

SHARE YOUR DOMESTIC SECRETS

Send your handy hints or questions to: Home hints, The Australian Women’s Weekly, PO Box 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141, or email awweditor@bauermedia.co.nz with “Home hints” in the subject line. While every effort is made to ensure the efficacy of each hint, we cannot take responsibility for individual results.