As I rifle through my virtual mailbag where readers send their best ideas for how to save time and money, some invariably arrive without the sender’s name. Not all are worthy of passing along, but now and then, one of these orphans is just too good to cast aside. Today I have a collection of these no-name submissions that are up for adoption.
Organized Linens
Binder clips are a great way to organize not just your papers but your linens, too. Clip together folded and matched napkins and placemats in your linen closet for quick retrieval. Binder clips come in many sizes—available in office supply stores, online, Walmart, and Target, too.Sweater Shaver
Instead of buying an expensive pill-shaver for your old sweaters, try using a pumice stone. Rub gently and firmly over the sweater to remove pilling.Dryer Sheets to the Rescue
If you have some smelly shoes that could use a good deodorizing, place a dryer sheet in each shoe overnight. Your shoes should have a fresh, clean smell by morning.No-Scuff Nail Removal
When removing nails from a wall with a hammer claw, it’s not easy to avoid an ugly scuff mark. Try placing a dry, clean sponge between the hammer end and the wall as you pull out the nail. The sponge, and not your wall, will take most of the pressure from the hammer.Chopping Walnuts
To chop walnuts or pecans quickly and without creating a big mess on your counter, use a rolling pin. Place the nuts in a large plastic bag, and seal the bag. Then roll the rolling pin over the nuts until they are well crushed.No More Gooey Ice Cream
If you dislike opening your carton of ice cream to find a gooey film on the top, place a piece of wax paper directly on top of the ice cream before replacing the lid and putting it into the refrigerator.Keep Windshield Clear
Even during the harshest winter weather, it’s easy to make sure you'll never have to scrape ice off your ungaraged car again when you do this: When you park it for the night, wipe the windshield and windows with undiluted plain white vinegar. I keep vinegar in a spray bottle in a handy spot inside the car. This will prevent frost and ice from building up on the glass, and that means no more scraping.Bowl Caps
If you have bowls or kitchen equipment that you stack inside one another in the cabinet and rarely use, you know that dust often settles inside them. To prevent this from happening, simply take a shower cap and stretch it over the top of the bowls.No-Stick Garlic
If you have to chop garlic by hand and don’t want it to stick to your hands, put a little drop of vegetable oil on the clove, and then begin chopping. The garlic pieces won’t stick to your skin or the knife.Protecting Dishes
When you stack your good china plates or bowls on top of one another in the cabinet, place a coffee filter between each china piece to prevent scratches or chips.Fun Fried Eggs
If you are frying eggs for a special occasion or just want to amuse your family, pour the egg into a metal cookie cutter sitting on the hot frying pan. The egg will cook in the shape you choose.Quick Earring Fix
Lost an earring back and still at work? Cut a piece of a wide rubber band or the eraser from the end of a pencil, and press the back of the earring through it. It won’t be visible, and it works like a charm!Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at EverydayCheapskate.com/contact, “Ask Mary.” Tips can be submitted at Tips.EverydayCheapskate.com. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” Copyright 2020 Creators.com
