# 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:** 5
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2010, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/81 "2010-12-03T00:49:32Z")
> [@MoodIndigo1](#): > > This thread is brilliant. Agreed! This should be sticky and promoted! ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2010, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/82 "2010-12-03T01:17:57Z")
> [@phouka](#): > > - migraines and sinus problems: get a Neti pot. Cannot recommend it enough. For general sinus problems, just mix the salt/sodium bicarbonate with body temperature water and clean out your nasal passages. It also provides relief if your nose hurts from very low humidity. For migraines, choose whichever your headaches respond to - heat or cold - and mix it with that temp water. It’s unpleasant (a cold nasal lavage feels like being waterboarded) but it gives nearly instant relief.. Eh. Nasal lavage _does_ feel like being waterboarded, _doesn’t_ give me much relief at all, **and** makes me throw up. YMMV but I don’t think it’s worth it. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2010, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/83 "2010-12-03T01:52:26Z")
For cleaning a microwave, mix half water and half white vinegar in a coffee cup and cook on high for about 3 minutes immediately before you clean the inside. Most cooked on junk will just wipe off after the vinegar steam has softened it up. ---
**Author:** ![bibliophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e36b37/32.png) [@bibliophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bibliophile)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2010, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/84 "2010-12-03T04:15:06Z")
> [@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? Sorry about that. Now that I think about it, a spoon would probably work too. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2010, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/85 "2010-12-03T04:34:16Z")
> [@OpalCat](#): > > For cleaning a microwave, mix half water and half white vinegar in a coffee cup and cook on high for about 3 minutes immediately before you clean the inside. Most cooked on junk will just wipe off after the vinegar steam has softened it up. I use a couple of tablespoons of baking soda in a microwave-safe measuring cup or bowl filled with water. Mostly, this is to deodorize the microwave oven but it also helps to get it clean. ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2010, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/86 "2010-12-03T09:26:51Z")
> [@OpalCat](#): > > For cleaning a microwave, mix half water and half white vinegar in a coffee cup and cook on high for about 3 minutes immediately before you clean the inside. Most cooked on junk will just wipe off after the vinegar steam has softened it up. I always cover whatever I’m heating up with a paper towel… microwave doesn’t get dirty. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2010, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/87 "2010-12-03T22:13:14Z")
we have a cover that we put over things that are likely to splatter but sometimes we get surprised. ---
**Author:** ![Rhodes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhodes/32/273_2.png) [@Rhodes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhodes)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2010, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/88 "2010-12-03T22:46:24Z")
To keep your eyes from watering when you’re chopping onions, stick a bit of bread between your upper lip and gum. As long as you don’t mind looking like an idiot, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2010, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/89 "2010-12-03T23:04:38Z")
> [@Ellen\_Cherry](#): > > If you get a cramp in your calf, point your toe back up toward your face. That kills them every time. I learned this on the Dope, and it changed my life. I’ve even learned to do it in my sleep! ---
**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:** [December 3, 2010, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/90 "2010-12-03T23:29:24Z")
> [@Rhodes](#): > > To keep your eyes from watering when you’re chopping onions, stick a bit of bread between your upper lip and gum. As long as you don’t mind looking like an idiot, anyway. Or just keep the onions in the fridge. The fumes either don’t rise above the onion while it’s being chopped, or they don’t form, or SOMETHING, but cold onions don’t make me cry at all. ---
**Author:** ![causticsubstance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ba8739/32.png) [@causticsubstance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/causticsubstance)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/91 "2010-12-04T03:26:54Z")
Aspirin Mask: Get a few uncoated aspirin and wet them in your palm so that they become sort of grainy. Apply to a wet face (bonus: exfoliation!) You can either let it sit there so it looks like you fell face-first into sand or I put it on in the shower and let it run off. Either way, you’re left with a completely oil-free face. ---
**Author:** ![Rack-a-Bones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rack-a-Bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rack-a-Bones)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/92 "2010-12-04T04:06:46Z")
> [@PookahMacPhellimey](#): > > One of my students got the whiteboard perfectly clean using toothpaste as there was no alcohol and some of the stuff wasn’t wiping off. > > I don’t think this will actually come in useful often, but it just made my day at the time. > [@MoodIndigo1](#): > > If you get stains on wood furniture, put a dab of toothpaste on a piece of paper towel and rub gently. > This thread is brilliant. > [@Walkabout](#): > > When I get a cramp in my leg in the middle of the night I take a couple of Tums or eat a little bit of toothpaste. The cramps usually clear right up. I think it’s the calcium and flouride balancing things out. Toothpaste is amazing. Sunburn? Put toothpaste on it. Bug bite, burn, pimple, etc, put toothpaste on it. It also cleans silver pretty well. This thread is awesome keep 'em coming. Anyone got a remedy for itchy scalp? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/93 "2010-12-04T04:28:52Z")
Scratched wood furniture: Rub a piece of walnut meat on it. The walnut will stain the wood until it matches the surroundings, making the scratch much less noticeable. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/94 "2010-12-04T04:38:53Z")
> [@Rack-a-Bones](#): > > Toothpaste is amazing. Sunburn? Put toothpaste on it. Bug bite, burn, pimple, etc, put toothpaste on it. It also cleans silver pretty well. It also fills nail holes. I’ve had at least two landlords tell me that when I move out I can fill all the holes with white toothpaste. ---
**Author:** ![Wheeljack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@Wheeljack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheeljack)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/95 "2010-12-04T04:56:54Z")
This one’s a bit lame, but I’ve found it to be useful so I’ll pass it along. Constantly being shocked as you move in and out of the dry air whilst doing your shopping and such? Carry your keys as you walk across the parking lot, and when you get to that dreadful metal door handle, tap it with the key. The static will arc between the door and the key instead of between the door and your finger. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/96 "2010-12-04T05:05:09Z")
> [@Wheeljack](#): > > This one’s a bit lame, but I’ve found it to be useful so I’ll pass it along. > > Constantly being shocked as you move in and out of the dry air whilst doing your shopping and such? Carry your keys as you walk across the parking lot, and when you get to that dreadful metal door handle, tap it with the key. The static will arc between the door and the key instead of between the door and your finger. I do that all the time. At work, in winter, I get a shock every time I stand up from my chair and touch our safe. I keep a paper clip near by and use that. To expand on the car thing. I always try to keep my hand on a metal part of the car as I get out for the same reason. My last car had two screws in the door handle so I would just keep my finger on one of them. My current car doesn’t offer that luxury, so I keep my hand on the body of the car. I’ve also found that the arc can make it through my jeans and jump from my calf to the car body, so if I’m carrying something and don’t have a free hand, I keep my calf against the car as I’m getting out. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/97 "2010-12-04T07:21:34Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > Well, okay…but why in the world would ever even think of it??? The theory I’ve been told is it deprives the wart of air. Whether that’s the real reason or not, that type of reasoning is what leads people to try it. ---
**Author:** ![Turek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/turek/32/18782_2.png) [@Turek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turek)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/98 "2010-12-04T13:02:02Z")
> [@Wheeljack](#): > > Constantly being shocked as you move in and out of the dry air whilst doing your shopping and such? Carry your keys as you walk across the parking lot, and when you get to that dreadful metal door handle, tap it with the key. The static will arc between the door and the key instead of between the door and your finger. For some reason, I seem to induce a lot of static. I’ve gotten in the habit when I get out of my chair at work of touching my file cabinet with the back of my hand. I discharge the static that way, and since the back of my hand is much less sensitive than my fingers, it doesn’t hurt. Do your sheets have darkened spots due to body oil that won’t wash out? Pour half a cup of ammonia in when you wash them. It’ll turn the oil into soap (a process called _saponification_) and it’ll rinse right out. However, **DO NOT mix ammonia with bleach** under any circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![KinkiNipponTourist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e9bcb4/32.png) [@KinkiNipponTourist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KinkiNipponTourist)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/99 "2010-12-04T13:24:08Z")
> [@Lacunae\_Matata](#): > > Also for migraines: Excedrin, or store-brand equivalent. The caffeine constricts blood vessels, and can help prevent a full-blown migraine! nitpick: actually, caffeine is a vasodilator, relaxing muscle contractions in your blood vessels so blood flow is improved. More blood flowing helps the headache. I agree, Excedrin is good stuff! ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/100 "2010-12-04T16:10:42Z")
If you have a poison ivy rash, put Icy Hot next to the rashy area. It will short-circuit your brain from the itchiness. This also works if you get “the creeps.” That feeling of ants crawling on your skin. If you have dandruff problems, cycle between multiple types of dandruff shampoos. Use a coal-tar one one day, a selenium one the next, Nizoral the next, salicylic acid the next, etc. If you have environmental allergies, wash your hair at night. Hair traps allergens and you can end up sleeping on an allergen-laden pillow otherwise. Also, get pillow covers that are impermeable to dust mites and wash your linens in the hottest water you can. If your cat or small dog has an injury they keep aggravating my licking, if it’s on the body you can use control panty hose to fashion a little leotard that will prevent them from being able to reach it. For our itty-bitty Cosmo who had a deep puncture wound between her shoulder blades, I took a small pair of control pantyhose, cut off the toe, put two slits in the bottom then put it on her like a t-shirt. It was snug enough that she couldn’t get it off and it protected the wound from licking or irritation. Bigger pets need bigger sizes of tights. She did look a bit like a partially-furred sausage, though. Sock clips are lovely. You can use them for more than just socks. You can also use them rather like the old Garanimals by fastening a particular pair of pants to a specific shirt, etc. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425.md?page=6)