# The "I'll be damned, it actually works" helpful tip thread **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 30, 2010, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425 "2010-11-30T16:59:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![kjbrasda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/74df32/32.png) [@kjbrasda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kjbrasda)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/282 "2012-07-19T06:22:18Z")
re: warts and duck tape - It really does work. I removed a bunch of Plantar warts this way. Only had a problem with one very large one on my toe (got large enough to hurt and affect walking), mainly because the tape would not stick for as long as it needed to stay on. After a few years I got fed up and tried a few other things that would block air from the wart. Tried super glue but that didn’t stay on either. Finally tried nail polish. It stayed on wonderfully, only had to reapply it after bathing. Use a bottle you never intend on using on your nails again, apply in several thin coats. The wart was gone in about two weeks. Vegetable shortening works really well on pine tar. Especially on clothes where other oils might stain. Tea takes a lot of the sting out of bad sunburns. Prevents some of the peeling IME too. Soak a regular black teabag in about a cup of water, dab on sunburn. Remove clothes first, because the tea will stain. Related, you can use tea to dye cloth to an antique looking sepia. ---
**Author:** ![6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/6/e19adc/32.png) [@6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/283 "2012-07-19T08:44:06Z")
Polish the tiles and glass of your shower stall with Brasso or Silvo and the water will bead for almost a year - meaning that there will be no soap scum or mildew, so cleaning it will take seconds. If you don’t take this sage advice 😃 soap scum is most easily removed with white vinegar and pantyhose. Commercial mould removers generally only bleach the mould rather than permanently removing it, and the smell can be overpowering. Mix 10 drops of oil of cloves in a bucket of water instead, apply, and wipe off after about 30 mins. The mould will not return…! ---
**Author:** ![Orionizer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orionizer/32/4442_2.png) [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/284 "2012-07-19T15:19:46Z")
If you have painted wheels and a problem with brake dust on them, wax them with your car wax. It lasts quite a long time and the brake dust comes off MUCH easier! ---
**Author:** ![DirkGntly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DirkGntly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DirkGntly)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/285 "2012-07-19T16:06:33Z")
> [@Dragwyr](#): > > In the States, I believe its called “Bag Balm”… And it works miracles. It also works as a lube during anal sex…(this is second-hand information, people!) ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/286 "2012-07-19T16:51:14Z")
> [@Nars\_Glinley](#): > > When I’m not carrying keys and think I might get shocked, I always touch the doorknob with the back of my hand. It’s much less sensitive than fingers. When I know a shock is coming from a metal surface, I first give it a quick little slap with my fingertips. If you move quickly enough, there’s no air gap, so there’s no spark, so there’s no pain whatsoever. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/287 "2012-07-19T17:32:45Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > You can pretend the de-stapleizer is a monster? What a great idea! RAWR! RAWRARARARAR!! That’s me playing monster at you with the destapleizer. CLICK CLICK. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/288 "2012-07-19T17:36:03Z")
Got eye crusties? Eye boogers? You know, those hard “sleep” chunks you get in the corners of your eyes? It turns out they can actually damage your eyesight, by drying out the under layer of moisture below the oily covering of your eyeball (especially if you rub at them, like I did). Every time you shower, wash your eyes with baby shampoo. You’ll never have them again, and your vision might improve (mine did). ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/289 "2012-07-19T21:34:26Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > RAWR! RAWRARARARAR!! > > That’s me playing monster at you with the destapleizer. CLICK CLICK. I bite you with my [shark destapleizer!](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb2WPS4wQPo/ThXCeXdp8pI/AAAAAAAABbs/NKKjxhp525M/s1600/shark-bite-staple-remover.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![cher3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/da6949/32.png) [@cher3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cher3)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/290 "2012-07-19T21:42:51Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > RAWR! RAWRARARARAR!! > > That’s me playing monster at you with the destapleizer. CLICK CLICK. You people are ridiculous. It’s clearly a snake. (bite bite) ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/291 "2012-07-19T22:28:04Z")
[Staple removers are very useful.](http://media-cache5.pinterest.com/upload/259519997247250993_pBqLNq7K_c.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/292 "2012-07-19T23:10:14Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > [Staple removers are very useful.](http://media-cache5.pinterest.com/upload/259519997247250993_pBqLNq7K_c.jpg) WHAAAT?! Why did I never think of that before?! Oh, and I’m going to go buy some googly eyes for my destapleizer tomorrow. THEN we’ll see who has the coolest monster. Click click. ---
**Author:** ![Battle\_Pope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@Battle\_Pope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Battle_Pope)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/293 "2012-07-19T23:24:01Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > RAWR! RAWRARARARAR!! > > That’s me playing monster at you with the destapleizer. CLICK CLICK. Stapler: _“Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!”_ ---
**Author:** ![Grestarian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grestarian/32/3227_2.png) [@Grestarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grestarian)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/294 "2012-07-20T00:57:31Z")
> [@Nzinga\_Seated](#): > > **stumbles up to bibliophile, eyes glazed, hands cut to ribbons and running with watery blood** … > > What now, bibliophile? My hands smell fresh and clean, but what do I do now? Lemon juice! No, wait… Taco Bell hot sauce – or maybe Tomato paste! Awww…Geez, Nzinga did I make the mistake of hitting \ instead of \? Sorry about that! What I meant to do was add a couple tips: 1. Straight lemon juice does wonders at cleaning off the road goop on your nice chrome wheels or other parts. I once cleaned my whole motorcycle (except the seats and grips) with a spray-bottle full of lemon juice and it did wonders. The only weirdness resulting was a strange toasty-sweet odor coming off my mufflers and exhaust pipes – but then I kinda liked the smell. 2. My friend in high school worked at Taco Bell in the afternoons and somehow discovered it cleaned rust off the steel in his knife collection. I mentioned the matter to my fencing instructor and she noted that it’s not so much Taco Bell’s formula but the acid found in tomatoes. Paste form makes it stick well to the blade, then you rinse it off when it gets rubbery. I use it on my various blades to remove rust, blood, and whatever else is sticking to them. 3. I saw Bobby Flay on the Food Network doing a series of barbecue-oriented shows. At the end of each episode, he would let the grill heat up and then just spray water directly on the grill. The quick shrinking action that would normally be hazardous to glass or brittle metals would cause 98% of the charred-on food stuff to crack and slough off. A little effort with a brush would take care of the rest. I’ve tried it myself with much success, but would add that you have to be prepared for the clouds of steam what will billow forth as you’re cleaning. –G! Wyatt: Well I’ll be damned! Doc: You will indeed…if you’re lucky. [Tombstone] ---
**Author:** ![InsomniaMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ad7895/32.png) [@InsomniaMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InsomniaMama)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/295 "2012-07-20T01:06:12Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I bite you with my [shark destapleizer!](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb2WPS4wQPo/ThXCeXdp8pI/AAAAAAAABbs/NKKjxhp525M/s1600/shark-bite-staple-remover.jpg) Want! Oh, yes, want … ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/296 "2012-07-20T01:32:20Z")
> [@](#): > > 1. My friend in high school worked at Taco Bell in the afternoons and somehow discovered it cleaned rust off the steel in his knife collection. I mentioned the matter to my fencing instructor and she noted that it’s not so much Taco Bell’s formula but the acid found in tomatoes. Paste form makes it stick well to the blade, then you rinse it off when it gets rubbery. I use it on my various blades to remove rust, blood, and whatever else is sticking to them. Try pouring Taco Bell hot sauce on a dirty penny sometime. In a couple of minutes it will look shiny and new. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/297 "2012-07-20T03:20:34Z")
> [@Lightnin](#): > > Every time you shower, wash your eyes with baby shampoo. You’ll never have them again, and your vision might improve (mine did). I am certainly going to try this! ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/298 "2012-07-20T04:23:21Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > Staple removers are very useful. That really is a brilliant use of them! ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/299 "2012-07-20T04:53:38Z")
> [@gonzoron](#): > > While the thread is bumped, a request: > Any ideas for dog urine in a rubberized rug pad? My steam cleaner gets it out of the rug pretty well, but there are still stains on the pad. > > pic of the kind of pad I have is on the right here: > [http://caravanhsv.com/rug\_pads](http://caravanhsv.com/rug_pads) Try “Nature’s Miracle” enzyme cleaner. It’s sold in pet supply stores. When I had an incontinent cat I bought it in half gallons, but you don’t need much. Removes urine odors completely, does well with stains too. ---
**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:** [July 20, 2012, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/300 "2012-07-20T09:25:23Z")
> [@Lightnin](#): > > Got eye crusties? Eye boogers? You know, those hard “sleep” chunks you get in the corners of your eyes? It turns out they can actually damage your eyesight, by drying out the under layer of moisture below the oily covering of your eyeball (especially if you rub at them, like I did). > > Every time you shower, wash your eyes with baby shampoo. You’ll never have them again, and your vision might improve (mine did). One ophthalmologist that I’ve gone to says to take a cotton swab and gently wipe around the eye rims with baby shampoo and water. He’s got a series of videos on eye health, and that’s one of the points. Personally, I’ve found that simply soaking a washcloth in very hot water and wringing it out and applying it to my eyelids is enough to steam the crusties away. I also wash my face first when I shower, and my eyelids get the first few swipes. Again, the steam helps to remove the crusties. I don’t need baby shampoo at all. ---
**Author:** ![6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/6/e19adc/32.png) [@6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/301 "2012-07-20T09:52:45Z")
> [@InsomniaMama](#): > > Want! Oh, yes, want … Surely [this](http://www.papierplume.com/index.php/product-catalogue/furniture-office/desk-accessories/0-2.html)is the one you _reeeally_ want.. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425.md?page=16)