# Second Annual "Stuff That Works" Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 17, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991 "2010-11-17T16:21:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/1 "2010-11-17T16:21:47Z")
About a year ago I started a thread asking you guys to chime in and say what products out there really work. Whether it’s a specific laundry detergent, a Snuggie, or a certain kind of coffee maker…what do you use that really does work. Given that it’s the holidays I figured I would start another one and maybe we can pick up some gift ideas from this. Last year a big winner in this category was Rain-X. There is a HELL of a difference in how you drive in the rain if you have Rain-X, and if you don’t. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/2 "2010-11-17T17:49:14Z")
**Barkeeper’s Friend** (powdered cleanser in a gold-colored can) reallyreallyreally works to get metal clean, and also to get metal marks off porcelain. Turns out **a Neti Pot** (or its equivalent) really does help you breathe better. I started taking **biotin supplements** and can’t believe how much more often I have to trim my nails. (Also, I could skip a day shaving here and there with impunity - no more!) It really seems to affect all the keratin-based growth: skin, hair, nails … ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/3 "2010-11-17T18:05:08Z")
In the late fall, I drag out our warm mist humidifiers, fill them, and start them up. The house is much more comfortable when it’s not bone dry. I know that I’m not nearly so prone to nose bleeds, too. We use Vicks brand, though I haven’t had any bad experiences with other brands, it’s just that there was a special on Vicks humidifiers when I was shopping for them. I have found that even though I hate yogurt (except sweetened frozen yogurt), those live culture chewable tablets do a dandy job in re-establishing my gut culture. They’re not a miracle cure, but they do help a lot. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/4 "2010-11-17T18:50:07Z")
A Neti pot is, indeed, a wonderful thing. ---
**Author:** ![kath94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/67e7ee/32.png) [@kath94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kath94)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/5 "2010-11-17T20:20:08Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > **Barkeeper’s Friend** (powdered cleanser in a gold-colored can) reallyreallyreally works to get metal clean, and also to get metal marks off porcelain. This is the second recommendation I’ve had for Barkeeper’s Friend. It’s now on my shopping list. > [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > Turns out **a Neti Pot** (or its equivalent) really does help you breathe better. > > I started taking **biotin supplements** and can’t believe how much more often I have to trim my nails. (Also, I could skip a day shaving here and there with impunity - no more!) It really seems to affect all the keratin-based growth: skin, hair, nails … Hey **purplehorseshoe** : I had gastric bypass surgery years ago & it was recommended that I take biotin to reduce hair loss during the weight loss process. I never had a hair problem, but my nails are MUCH better than they ever were. I thought it was my imagination, but apparently not. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Mississippienne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d2c977/32.png) [@Mississippienne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mississippienne)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/6 "2010-11-17T20:31:01Z")
I bought a cheap rca mp3 player last summer from Sears. Best 25 bucks I ever spent. The thing has been dropped, bashed, rained on, lived in my pocket, and is scratched to hell and back. It works perfectly. It never freezes, the screen works, and the battery is just as strong as the day I took it out of its package. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/7 "2010-11-17T20:55:03Z")
[Fenix](http://www.fenixlight.com/product.asp?classid=3) flashlights. I’ve had an E01 on my keyring for the last couple of years, and the sucker has been priceless. Rugged, abuse-proof and light. ---
**Author:** ![ReticulatingSplines](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e274bd/32.png) [@ReticulatingSplines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReticulatingSplines)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/8 "2010-11-17T21:03:00Z")
I like the Neti Pot but had to stop using it because I got tired of having water pour out of my nose half the day. And this is even after hopping around for five minutes trying to drain it myself. Who knew that damn thing could hold so much water? ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/9 "2010-11-17T21:03:25Z")
Neti pot: my three choices in life are to take Claritin daily, use a neti pot daily, or have recurrent sinus infections. Food mill: our crank-style food mill made gardening worthwhile, this summer. Use it to remove skins from tomato sauce and apple sauce rather than peeling raw fruit. Use it to remove seeds. Use it whatever way feels right. Also, Apple peeler-corer-slicer: the only way apple pies and crisps get made in this house. It’s really slick. Electric fences: they keep the deer out. Nothing else does. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/10 "2010-11-17T21:07:38Z")
> [@ReticulatingSplines](#): > > I like the Neti Pot but had to stop using it because I got tired of having water pour out of my nose half the day. And this is even after hopping around for five minutes trying to drain it myself. > > Who knew that damn thing could hold so much water? Um, maybe _I’m_ doing something wrong, but I blow my nose thoroughly after using my Neti pot. Never have had a problem with unexpected emissions. ---
**Author:** ![ReticulatingSplines](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e274bd/32.png) [@ReticulatingSplines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReticulatingSplines)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/11 "2010-11-17T21:16:07Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > Um, maybe _I’m_ doing something wrong, but I blow my nose thoroughly after using my Neti pot. Never have had a problem with unexpected emissions. You might just have a differently shaped cavity, but for me the water pools somewhere I can’t blow it out. It either unexpectedly comes out my nose when I tilt my head OR it goes down my throat. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/12 "2010-11-17T21:41:23Z")
I use my neti pot just before I blow-dry my hair, which involves holding my head in lots of odd positions. The water all runs out then, for me, and I’m happy and dry the rest of the day. I can’t blow my nose after I use it. Stuff gets into my eustachian tubes and I risk an ear infection. ---
**Author:** ![BetsQ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/fbc32d/32.png) [@BetsQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BetsQ)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/13 "2010-11-17T21:56:30Z")
> [@Sattua](#): > > Apple peeler-corer-slicer: the only way apple pies and crisps get made in this house. It’s really slick. Link to one you like? ---
**Author:** ![BobArrgh](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobarrgh/32/2881_2.png) [@BobArrgh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobArrgh)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/14 "2010-11-17T21:56:47Z")
I was having problems with joint pain until someone told me about glucosamine with chondroitin, Within 3 days, my joint pain had completely disappeared. Also, I use a CPAP machine at night. My model has a humidifier in it, and I was plagued with a lot of condensation when I exhaled. The condensation was blocking the exhaust holes in the face mask and caused a lot of whistling. It was really annoying. A friend told me to make a sleeve out of flannel or fleece and cover the CPAP hose to warm it up and prevent the condensation. Wow! It is amazing how well it works! ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/15 "2010-11-17T21:57:23Z")
Huh. Live and learn, I guess. Sorry for those who can’t blow after or can’t blow it all out. [Adrian Monk] It’s … magical. [/Adrian Monk] ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/16 "2010-11-17T22:08:26Z")
OxyClean. I don’t know about whitening, but if I have any laundry that stinks (like teenage boy socks or towels with that mildew smell), the OxyClean takes the odor out completely. It’s good stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/17 "2010-11-17T22:16:08Z")
[This](http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Apple-Potato-Peeler/dp/B0000DE2SS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1290032147&sr=8-1) is the one I have - it’s fantastic. ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/18 "2010-11-17T22:26:55Z")
This ones pretty stupid but ceramic cooktop cleaner. If you have a ceramic cooktop, don’t be like me and be too cheap to buy some. It is the only way to get everything off. (My mom included some in my christmas gift one year.) Seems like I should get a Neti pot. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/19 "2010-11-17T22:34:55Z")
Is there a gizmo that will actually make my shower easier to clean? I bought that [Scrubbing Bubbles robot](http://www.automaticshowercleaner.com/), and I might as well have taken $40 and wiped my ass with it. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2010, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991/20 "2010-11-17T22:37:11Z")
> [@BetsQ](#): > > Link to one you like? This is the one I have: [Amazon.com: Back To Basics A505 Peel Away Apple Peeler (Casr Iron Suction Base), Red: Home & Kitchen](http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Apple-Potato-Peeler/dp/B0000DE2SS) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-annual-stuff-that-works-thread/560991.md?page=2)