# 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:** 16
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/302 "2012-07-20T09:57:41Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > If anyone has any tried and true methods for cleaning mirrors, I’d be all ears. I’m pretty terrible at it. They’re just glass… you clean them like any other glass. That said, I prefer a brand of glass cleaner which is an opaque, white liquid to the transparent varieties: the one I like works along the lines of “pour along top of glass, use cloth to distribute all over glass, let dry, use dry cloth to remove what’s now white dust (sunglasses may be needed for this final step)”. There was an old post where someone mentioned putting rice grains in the saltshaker: it works for sugar too, but in either case, it’s best if you place the rice in a small piece of cloth closing it with a rubber band. Much easier to change it and to avoid getting rice where it should not be, and the little package won’t clog the holes in the shaker. ---
**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, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/303 "2012-07-20T12:52:09Z")
> [@olivesmarch4th](#): > > If anyone has any tried and true methods for cleaning mirrors, I’d be all ears. I’m pretty terrible at it. 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water, and paper towels. Though newspaper was once the best thing to use, the change in ink now means it will leave streaks. So, **olivesmarch4th** , just spray it on, and wipe it off. Then admire yourself and your fine work at the same time 😃 ---
**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, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/304 "2012-07-20T16:00:35Z")
But staple removers are such [**dinosaurs**](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/t-rex-staple-remover). ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/305 "2012-07-20T16:06:06Z")
I’ll represent for baby shampoo and eye cleaning; it’s useful to remove oil from eye-makeup remover in your eyes. Especially handy if you have to use the heavy-duty stuff to remove waterproof mascara. I also use it to wash out hosiery in the sink. In fact, I don’t even use baby shampoo for kids any more! ---
**Author:** ![InsomniaMama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ad7895/32.png) [@InsomniaMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InsomniaMama)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2012, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/306 "2012-07-21T01:36:30Z")
> [@6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](#): > > Surely [this](http://www.papierplume.com/index.php/product-catalogue/furniture-office/desk-accessories/0-2.html)is the one you _reeeally_ want.. Majestic, yet pricey. ---
**Author:** ![tomcar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tomcar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomcar)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2012, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/307 "2012-07-21T03:17:49Z")
The best material for cleaning computer screens, tvs, mirrors, etc are blue shop towels. Take a warm damp and wipe the surface. Then take a dry one and wipe that water off. You get great results. Blue shop towels also are great for dusting. Dust clings to them. ---
**Author:** ![DummyGladHands](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2012, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/308 "2012-07-21T05:03:40Z")
Another vote for Magic Erasers, and that bathroom one is the bomb. We have very hard water. And get calcium magnesium build up in the toilet bowl. And a septic, so bleach is out. A non-bleach toilet cleaner and vinegar, and gone! When I was first widowed, I despaired the laundry-trying to get enough to properly separate darks and lights, when there was just me. A single pal told me about Shout Dye Catcher sheets. They work!! No more separating the clothing (towels never get washed with clothing), and no color transference! ---
**Author:** ![Seagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Seagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seagirl)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2013, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/309 "2013-05-09T22:06:35Z")
Hi everyone. I happened upon this fab and funny as heck site and have been laughing my butt off. I love all the answers and have decided everything all of you have to say works better with vodka or wine. That being said, I have my wine and can’t leave this site, after I figure out how it works…love all of you…wow … seagirl ---
**Author:** ![Seagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Seagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seagirl)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2013, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/310 "2013-05-09T22:15:20Z")
> [@Ellen\_Cherry](#): > > I’ll represent for baby shampoo and eye cleaning; it’s useful to remove oil from eye-makeup remover in your eyes. Especially handy if you have to use the heavy-duty stuff to remove waterproof mascara. > > I also use it to wash out hosiery in the sink. In fact, I don’t even use baby shampoo for kids any more! Hi. Do you ever wonder why this appears in your eyes? The arthritis book says this is a sign that you are not getting enough oil in your body. The liver takes everything it wants from what you eat and then you get what is left. Interesting isn’t it… ---
**Author:** ![Seagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Seagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seagirl)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2013, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/311 "2013-05-09T22:19:15Z")
> [@6ImpossibleThingsB4Breakfast](#): > > 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water, and paper towels. Though newspaper was once the best thing to use, the change in ink now means it will leave streaks. > > So, **olivesmarch4th** , just spray it on, and wipe it off. > > Then admire yourself and your fine work at the same time 😃 Professional mirrors cleaners in our condo use warm water towels and wipe with a dry cloth to dry. Perfect. Now I do it on all mirrors and glass. Just be sure the dry cloth is clean and change when it gets too wet. ---
**Author:** ![Seagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Seagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seagirl)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2013, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/312 "2013-05-09T22:27:19Z")
> [@Scarlett67](#): > > Another sure sunburn remedy: white vinegar. Add a few glugs to a cool bath, soak yourself, and no more sting. You’ll smell a little funky but feel a lot better. Oh Miss Scarlett , have you ever tried this. When I was a young girl, I think I remember, I got a burn from hell and bought vinegar and poured it in my bath tub with water. When I got in I thought I had gone straight to hell and passed go. I came up screaming nearth death. This older lady, every bit of 20’ told me to put on COLD can milk, it’s heavier than regular milk. It saved my life as it draws the fevor or heat out and dries and you just repeat it until you can at least live. ---
**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:** [May 10, 2013, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/313 "2013-05-10T02:29:35Z")
My cats frequently spill water from their dishes on to the kitchen floor. The other day, I spotted a Hello Kitty (how appropriate!) dining tray at the local Targe Boutique and bought it. It now catches the spilled water and is easier to clean than the kitchen floor. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2013, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/314 "2013-05-10T09:55:29Z")
> [@Seagirl](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > ``` > > Originally Posted by **Ellen Cherry** [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/images/buttons/viewpost.gif](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=15293942#post15293942) > > I'll represent for baby shampoo and eye cleaning; it's useful to remove oil from eye-makeup remover in your eyes. Especially handy if you have to use the heavy-duty stuff to remove waterproof mascara. > > > > ``` > > > > I also use it to wash out hosiery in the sink. In fact, I don’t even use baby shampoo for kids any more! > > Hi. Do you ever wonder why this appears in your eyes? > > The arthritis book says this is a sign that you are not getting enough oil in your body. The liver takes everything it wants from what you eat and then you get what is left. Interesting isn’t it… I would assume the oil from oil based makeup remover appears in your eyes because you just used it to remove your makeup … nothing your liver has to do with anything. And the liver isn’t some little parasite living in your guts slurping up resources - it is effectively a factory churning out chemicals that help break down and build up materials your body needs to function with. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2013, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/315 "2013-05-10T14:48:58Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > There’s a tip I’ve heard, but never tried. If you get a coffee stain on something and it won’t come out, make a big pot of coffee and soak the whole shirt (blouse, whatever) in it. Essentially, dye the whole shirt to match the stain. It’s not a bad color. > > Like I said, I haven’t tried it. But it’s so clever I really want it to work. Someone has made a business model out of this idea. Selling shirts that are permanently stained with red dirt. [http://www.dirtshirt.com/](http://www.dirtshirt.com/) ---
**Author:** ![RedBloom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/dbc845/32.png) [@RedBloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedBloom)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2013, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/316 "2013-05-10T14:53:01Z")
After years of hearing about the benefits of exercise, I actually started doing it and guess what… It helps my mood and I’m losing weight. !!! ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/317 "2013-05-10T15:03:53Z")
> [@bibliophile](#): > > To get the smell of onions or garlic off your hands, rub a stainless steel knife across your skin while running cold water over your hands. > **[Amazon.com: Amco Rub-a-Way Bar, Stainless Steel Odor Absorber (4" x 2.25") -...](https://www.amazon.com/Amco-8402-Stainless-Steel-Absorber/dp/B000F8JUJY)** > > Amco Housework’s, an award-winning brand, has been making cooking and cleaning easier since the 1970s. It's a commitment that's earned it the love and respect of professional and home cooks around the world. Amco Houseworks creates quality,... ---
**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:** [May 10, 2013, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/318 "2013-05-10T16:44:07Z")
I finally remembered one - when looking for a carton of unbroken eggs, if you run across one broken or questionable egg, instead of starting your search in a new carton, just take a whole egg from another carton and replace the one questionable egg in the carton you’ve already looked at. It took me way, way too long to figure this one out! ---
**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:** [May 10, 2013, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/319 "2013-05-10T16:48:40Z")
> [@Enright3](#): > > [Amazon.com: Amco Rub-a-Way Bar, Stainless Steel Odor Absorber (4" x 2.25") - Dishwasher Safe Kitchen & Outdoor Essential for Garlic, Onion, Fishing, Hiking Odors - Natural Odor Remover : Home & Kitchen](http://www.amazon.com/Amco-318402-Rub-Away-Bar/dp/B000F8JUJY) I rub my hands over my stainless steel kitchen faucet, and that works too. ---
**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:** [May 10, 2013, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/320 "2013-05-10T17:02:18Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I finally remembered one - when looking for a carton of unbroken eggs, if you run across one broken or questionable egg, instead of starting your search in a new carton, just take a whole egg from another carton and replace the one questionable egg in the carton you’ve already looked at. It took me way, way too long to figure this one out! Ok, first of all, why is it that the one time every 6 months or so, when I say fuck it and grab a carton of eggs, that’s when I get a broken one but every time I carefully inspect the carton, they’re all fine? Secondly, you must be much more picky than I am because my method is grab a carton, open it and look for cracked eggs, close it, flip it over and look for wet spots. If an egg is questionable via this method, it’s not gonna come out of the carton without breaking entirely. ---
**Author:** ![AaronX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7bcc69/32.png) [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2013, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/321 "2013-05-10T17:15:40Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I finally remembered one - when looking for a carton of unbroken eggs, if you run across one broken or questionable egg, instead of starting your search in a new carton, just take a whole egg from another carton and replace the one questionable egg in the carton you’ve already looked at. It took me way, way too long to figure this one out! It’s a slippery slope to upgrading eggs… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425.md?page=15) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425.md?page=17)