Brainwaves
Check out this amazing advice from our readers...
The big freeze off
One of my kids accidentally got chewing gum on one of our sofa cushions. I just took off the cover, popped it in the freezer for a few hours, and the gum scrapes right off. Cathy Vaughn, Cambridge
What a time saver!
Cut a load of cherry tomatoes at once! Place them all on a small plate, then place another plate on top of them. Use a knife to cut through the middle of them all at the same time – it works for grapes, too! Janine Wright, London
Honey, I shrunk the shirt
If you’ve shrunken your shirt in the wash, soak it in a bucket of ice water and hair conditioner to get it back to its normal size. Rosie Pearson, Coventry
Clean bright lights
I had friends coming over and couldn’t find any holders for my tealights. Then I spotted my washing machine balls! I have tons, and they gave such a wonderful glow. I had lots of compliments from my guests. Jenny Young, Margate
Minty fresh shine
Rub toothpaste on your bathroom taps and leave for about an hour. When you wash it off, they’ll come out lovely and shiny! Tina Haworth, Chippenham
Forget your hang-ups
Hang your clothes with all the hangers facing one way. Whenever you wear something, hang it back with the hanger facing the other way. By the end of the year, the hangers that haven’t been turned around show you the clothes you never wear and can donate. Claudia Mullins, Hull
Unwanted odours
After chopping onions, garlic or fish, cover your hands in salt water and then wash them. It gets rid of unwanted lingering smells. Nora Fields, Fife
Mellow yellow
To ease a burn, rub yellow mustard over it. It stops the pain straight away and even prevents scarring. Stacey Penney, Boston
Don’t cook your eggs
Wash a mayonnaise jar using cold water only. Hot water makes the egg whites start to cook, making it harder to clean. Lynn Bowen, Chester
Stop the splatter
Add salt to your oil before frying anything. It stops it from splattering and burning yourself. Sophie Ryan, Swindon
Make a healthy tasty snack
Cut tortillas into triangles and bake them in the oven for a few minutes. They come out nice and crispy and make for a healthy alternative to crisps. Delicious with hummus! Gina Terry, Portsmouth