Helpful Hints for the Homemaker

Removing Blood Stains

1. Blood stains can be removed by sponging with an ice cube. Mop and sponge until the stain is gone.
2. Saliva will also remove blood stains. It is always best to get to the stain before it sets. Saliva contains various enzymes which break down food stuffs when we eat. These enzymes are relatively broad based and act on a variety of things, including proteins. Because blood contains a sizable amount of protein, it, too, can be broken and dissolved by saliva.
3. Meat tenderizer containing papain mixed with water to form a paste will also remove blood stains.
4. Peroxide will work too but it may bleach the fabric.

Removing Ball Point Pen Ink Stains

Ink from a ball point pen is best removed with cheap hair spray. Saturate the area and blot, Repeat as many times as necessary, then wash out the hair spray.

Removing Brown Age Spots from Quilts

Brown age spots can be removed by soaking the effected area in a mixture of a quart of buttermilk, one tablespoon vinegar and one gallon water. Repeat as necessary and rinse treated area afterwards.

Removing Rust Spots

Rust spots can be easily removed by sponging lemon juice on the spot and holding it over a steaming kettle. Keep your fingers well away from the hot kettle. Rinse thoroughly after treatment and be advised the treatment may weaken old fabric.

Magazine Storage

Empty laundry detergent boxes with the lid and part of one side cut off can be covered in pretty paper and used to store magazines.

Sewing Basket

Fishing tackle boxes make the nicest sewing baskets. There are compartments for thread, needles, tape measure, and all your sewing notions. They are also wonderful storage for beading supplies.

Work in Progress

If you are making a quilt clip your finished blocks to a skirt hanger to keep them wrinkle free and out of the way.

Line Dry Sweaters

Use panty hose to line dry sweaters. Pin the waist band to the line, thread the legs through the neck and out the sleeves, and then pin the feet to the line.

Static Electricity

When static electricity flattens your hair to your head, gently rub your hair back in place with a dryer sheet. Take a sheet with you when you go clothes shopping to restore your hair after trying on clothes.

You can also rub a dryer sheet up and down your legs to release the hold your panty hose may have developed on clingy skirts and dresses.

Retrieving Lost Articles Behind Stove or Refrigerator

Slip a magnet down the leg of a pair of panty hose and drop it down behind the stove or refrigerator to retrieve lost spatulas and other objects.

Remove the Core from a Head of Lettuce

Bang the hard end of the head of lettuce against the side of the sink to remove the core