Household Hints - How to get T-shirts and other clothes SUPER White and Clean - Laundry Tips

This one was submitted by Carol in my Kitchen Crafts 'n' More Newsletter way back in 2001.

Add 1/2 cup 20 mule team borax along with bleach and laundry detergent to keep white things white. Of course remember Hot water with whites whenever you're washing.

Household Hints - How to Make Your Own Hummingbird Feeder Nectar

I have always made my own Nectar for the hummingbirds at a 3 to one ratio of water to sugar. For example 3 cups of water to 1 cup sugar, and then I boil the mixture to prevent it from spoiling.(This will fill 2 feeders).I have also seen recipes that call for a 4 to 1 ratio, but I prefer to make it with the 3 to 1 ratio. Do not use honey or artificial sweeteners it must be sugar. You will cause malnutrition with honey or artificial sweeteners.I always have lots of hummingbirds around who really enjoy this nectar. (I have heard that red food colouring will ruin their kidneys, I don't know if this is true or not so I do not add it to the nectar just in case it is true, I just make sure the feeder is red.)

Submitted by Cheryl

Household Hints - Removing Odors and Stains from Carpets

1 bottle hydrogen peroxice
1 T. baking soda
1 T. dish soap

Mix together, put on area where smell is. I rub it with a scrub brush and then blot with a towel.So far, I have had a great experience with it. And I used it on bright blue carpet and avocado green carpet, no problem.

Thanks to Laura for sending in this great tip on removing carpet stains and odors! For more natural cleaner recipes, visit http://www.happyslob.com

Household Hints - Cleaning - Microfiber Cloths to Dust

Use microfiber cloths for dusting and you don't even need furniture polish! They're also great for wiping fingerprints off stainless appliances as well as cleaning mirrors and eyeglasses.

Submitted by Laura

Household Hints - Make Your Own Flavored Microwave Oatmeal

Instead of buying those pre-made packets of flavored oatmeal, I just make up interesting flavors myself! I use regular, quick cooking oats (which are more healthful for you than the instant kind in those envelopes of pre-made mix), and experiment by adding spices like cinnamon, dried fruit (raisins, apricots, craisins - dried cranberries - dried cherries, etc) and even some chopped nuts.

All it takes is 1/3 cup of uncooked quick cooking oats with 2/3 cup of water. Mix together, and cook in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir well and add your favorite additions to the mix, and cook on high for 45 more seconds. Let sit for a minute or two to thicken up a bit. Delicious! It's cheaper and better for you - and it really does taste a lot better.

Other ideas to flavor your own oatmeal:

* Maple syrup or maple sugar add a lot of natural sweet flavor

For more fun ideas and household hints, visit my website: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net

Household Hints - Keep Fresh Herbs Fresher Longer

Here's a handy household hint that we tell people at the kitchenwares shop where I work. To keep your fresh herbs (that you buy at the grocery store) fresher longer in your fridge, just wrap some moistened paper towels at the bottom of the herbs, and place loosely in a plastic zipper-type baggie. :) It should keep your fresh herbs useable and lovely for longer - and tasting delicious for all your favorite recipes.

Household Hints - How to Clean CDs - Using Windex to Clean CDs

My sister-in-law uses windex to clean the DVD's and CD's.
Submitted by Charles

Household Hints - Pet Hair Removal - Getting Pet Hair off Furniture and Clothes

We love our pets, but we don't love the fur they leave behind all over our clothes and furniture! An easy solution: lightly mist a pair of rubber gloves with some water. (Some people also swear by using the Very Vinegar Solution all Happy Slobs know and love.)

Wipe the moistened rubber glove all over the clothing or furniture that you want to remove the pet hair from. The hair should collect up into a ball, and will be easy for you to pick off and remove from the surface.

Have any great household hints to share? Please send them to me (Christina) at christina@happyslob.com

Household Hints - Natural Cleaning Tips - Baking Soda Cleaner

One of my very favorite natural, non-toxic cleaners that you can find right in your own pantry is baking soda. Of course, there are many uses for cleaning with baking soda (many of my favorites are listed at: Baking Soda Uses on HappySlob.com) but one very easy use you can try right away is to replace your harsh, chemical powdered cleansers with good old baking soda.

It's especially great for cleaning out pots and pans, scrubbing the bathtub, or cleaning out sinks. Just sprinkle the baking soda on, scrub it with a scrubby sponge, and rinse away the gunk and goo. :) It'll look great!

Household Hints - Disinfect Surfaces with Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

How to Disinfect Surfaces - Handy for in the kitchen or bathroom

To disinfect surfaces, spray with a mist of straight vinegar followed by a mist of hydrogen peroxide. Allow to sit for five minutes. Then wipe with a paper towel or clean cloth.

Submitted by Laura