# Products That Really Work **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 1, 2003, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619 "2003-04-01T02:54:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/81 "2003-04-03T13:54:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SilkyThreat \* > \*\*After having a fire recently (as posted in another thread) I can vouch for **OdorNix**. It completely eliminates smoke smells from _everything_. It saved my mattresses (when I was told this was an impossibility) and sheets, blankets, and clothes as well. > > I bought it at Wally-World, but it’s kind of difficult to find. It’s sometimes on the laundry aisle, but I also have found it in the household goods section. > > According to the back of the bottle, it is used in autopsy rooms and obliterates all smells. That it does. (Anybody else here picturing Clarice Starling wiping it under her nose?) > > \*\* This product probably contains \*\* zeolite \*\* a naturally occuring mineral that does absorb all smells. We use it in buildings that have smoke damage, mildrew damage, and one memorable house where a person died on a July Friday and wasn’t found till the following Monday (don’t ask). It is truly amazing! ---
**Author:** ![NutMagnet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ea5d25/32.png) [@NutMagnet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NutMagnet)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/82 "2003-04-03T14:39:53Z")
In a momemt of madness? optimism? idiocy? I ordered a Gopher® from an infomercial. > **[KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com](https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/)** > > News, weather and sports for Abilene and the Big Country I got 2 for the price of one. (About 10 bucks each). It actually works! I picked a tissue up off the floor! I changed a lightbulb! I reached hard-to-reach places! I dicovered the exclamation mark!! I was empowered! I love my Gopher®. [sub]I need a life.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![rsa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/83 "2003-04-03T14:55:44Z")
**Gillette Mach3** Best shaver ever. ---
**Author:** ![B\_Williams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@B\_Williams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/B_Williams)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/84 "2003-04-03T15:08:59Z")
Lime-A-Way.great stuff for kitchens and bathrooms. ---
**Author:** ![Sunglasses](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5fc32e/32.png) [@Sunglasses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunglasses)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/85 "2003-04-03T15:09:37Z")
Something I’ve started using recently that I just love is **Saran** cutting sheets. They are truly sturdy enough to cut on and not damage countertops. I love the fact that they are flexible so I can just pick up the sheet with the chopped onion, carrots, whatever, and dump them in the pot/salad. The thing I love the most, though, is that they are disposable. No worrying about cutting chicken and spreading bacteria (I am just a leeeeeeeeetle bit anal about sanitation). ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/86 "2003-04-03T16:19:54Z")
> [@](#): > > I am just a leeeeeeeeetle bit anal about sanitation). Don’t think of it as being anal, think of it as a hobby. ---
**Author:** ![japatlgt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df705f/32.png) [@japatlgt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/japatlgt)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/87 "2003-04-03T16:25:21Z")
Another vote for George Foreman’s grill. As a matter of fact I think I’ll go dig mine out and make some burgers or sumpin. That George Foreman certainly is clever! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Arden\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b487fb/32.png) [@Arden\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arden_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/88 "2003-04-03T16:34:36Z")
**Zenster** , whatever those chocolate covered cherries were you sent to Jr Ranger I last year were the best anywhere ever. Sadly, I cannot remember the brand. ---
**Author:** ![Velma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/85e7bf/32.png) [@Velma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velma)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/89 "2003-04-03T16:40:53Z")
**Zenster** or **Xema** , where can I buy the Xyliss garlic press? Is it a specialty item or can I get it at any kitchen store? I ask because I got a crappy garlic press yesterday which I used once and promptly broke (literally 2 cloves and it broke) and I vowed to get a good one. ---
**Author:** ![MissTake](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misstake/32/3189_2.png) [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/90 "2003-04-03T16:55:30Z")
**Velma** - you can buy a Zyliss at any cutlery store or housewares store. I have found them at both low end and high end stores. Kitchen: **Wusthof-Trident** knives. DON’T screw with my knives. They keep an edge wonderfully- I steel them every time I use them and have yet to actually sharpen them. Sadly, my 2.5" paring knife disappeared and I am truly at a loss without it. **Reynolds Aluminum Bags**. Faboo for BBQ’ing. I love to slice taters, onions, garlic, add tons of butter and pop them on the grill. They stay together very well. I will also take a coupla chicken breasts, add veggies, some italian dressing and pop it in the oven. Works well every time. **Watkin’s Vanilla**. Very good vanilla! **Ghirdhelli Chocolate Chips**. I am a baker. OK, not by trade, but it’s what I do. They are the best tasting chocolate chips. ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/91 "2003-04-03T19:07:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Arden Ranger \* > \*\ ***Zenster** , whatever those chocolate covered cherries were you sent to Jr Ranger I last year were the best anywhere ever. > > Sadly, I cannot remember the brand. \*\* Yust [click](http://www.harryanddavid.com/) on Harry and David’s website. Really glad to know they were enjoyed so much. They’ve been in business forever and doing a right good job of it. ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/92 "2003-04-03T19:09:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MissTake \* > **Velma** - you can buy a Zyliss… Well, at least someone around here can spell, unlike myself. ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/93 "2003-04-03T19:16:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Shirley Ujest \* > Oh sure, start up \*your thread \* when \*I’ve \* been meaning to start up a similar thread entitled: \* Products You’d Endorse \*. Feh. 😃 … Neener, neener! GMTA. ---
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/94 "2003-04-03T19:31:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Velma \* > \*\*Diet Dr. Pepper really does taste more like regular Dr. Pepper. \*\* Hooray! Someone else believes! I have nothing to add to this thread other than a little product called Carbona Stain Devils from the UK. Just a little of the “grass variation” eliminates grass stains from my cricket whites. ---
**Author:** ![DrLizardo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5fc32e/32.png) [@DrLizardo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrLizardo)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/95 "2003-04-03T19:55:34Z")
Simple Green. Despite the weird root beer smell. ---
**Author:** ![Moeman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c37758/32.png) [@Moeman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moeman)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/96 "2003-04-03T20:02:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SilkyThreat \* > \*\*After having a fire recently (as posted in another thread) I can vouch for \*\*OdorNix. > \*\* I love Odoban - from SAM’s wholesale. I wonder if it is the same stuff as Odornix? I have a herd of pets and it removes any and all smells of them from the house. Febreeze bites compared to this stuff. George Foreman Grill - is a god send. Make wonderful juicy chicken in minutes. Cast Iron skillets - wonderful, long lasting, and get your iron daily 😃 Smart Ones - tv dinners are really good. Anyone have suggestions for stuff to remove ink stains from carpets without destroying them. ☹ Those pets and pens ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Vixenation](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/278dde/32.png) [@Vixenation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vixenation)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2003, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/97 "2003-04-03T20:50:57Z")
Another vote here for Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara. I have complete strangers come up to me and complement me on my eyelashes when wearing this. It’s also a celeb make-up artist favorite (speaking of which, you can find out what the stars wear at [http://www.makeup411.com](http://www.makeup411.com) ). I swear by Feria conditioner (yes, the wonderful conditioner they package in the Feria haircolor kits, sold in a big bottle at most Sally Beauty Supplies) and Frederic Fekkai Protein Rx Hair Mask for those deep conditioning days. Sally Hansen French Manicure Kit is GREAT for getting a perfect at-home French manicure, and it comes in three colors (nude, light pink, dark pink). La Mer moisturizer and Sage cleanser ([http://www.zerozits.com](http://www.zerozits.com) ) are great for making a flawless face. Also, anyone who has hyperpigmentation, light sun damage, acne scars, or an uneven skin tone should check out the Obagi Nu-Derm system and see if it’s right for you. I had acne scars at 17, used this, and in 10 weeks my face was almost flawless. ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2003, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/98 "2003-04-04T07:13:28Z")
**CLEANING PRODUCTS** **Scotchbrite** :[ul]While the name brand is rather pricey, there are many lower cost substitutes that perform nearly as well. It outperforms steel wool and does not rust. Its secret lies in the use of alumina (Al[sup]2[/sup]O[sup]3[/sup]). The hardness of aluminum oxide is nearly that of diamonds. It is sputter deposited onto the plastic fibers after they are meshed. I use the red semiconductor grade in my house. WARNING: **Do not** use fresh **Scotchbrite** on fine China, crystal stemware, soft plastic, cultured marble or porcelain. Likewise for anything that is gold or silver plated. It is abrasive enough to scour plated coatings right off and will scratch high-finish surfaces. A well worn pad may be used but I recommend caution.[/ul] **FOOD** **House Rayu Hot Sesame Oil** :[ul]Available only in Oriental markets, this is one of the great secrets of Asian cooking. Beware of other brands. Many of them dilute their products with cottonseed or soy oils. [**House Rayu**](http://www.katagiri.com/ctlg/jpgf/j/j1461.htm) has only two ingredients; roasted sesame oil and red pepper. A few drops in a bowl of ramen lifts it out of the ordinary. Mixed with soy sauce it becomes a fantastic dipping sauce for potstickers, egg rolls, lumpia or dim sum.[/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Velma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/85e7bf/32.png) [@Velma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velma)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2003, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/99 "2003-04-04T18:35:41Z")
I’m getting a Zyliss garlic press! A friend of mine just called me from an outlet mall to say she found one on clearance, and she’s getting it for me! (I didn’t even ask her to look for one, she just read this thread. How’s that for efficient?) **Zenster** , you have officially influenced my purchases. If it’s no good, let me assure you I will be back to make my displeasure known throughout the world. ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2003, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619/100 "2003-04-04T19:13:56Z")
A word of caution **Velma**. I recall seeing a new _plastic_ version of the Zyliss garlic press recently. **Do not** buy this as only the metal ones are worth their salt. I hope your thoughtful friend managed to get a metal one for you. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-that-really-work/165619.md?page=6)