# 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:** 8
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/141 "2010-12-07T14:36:53Z")
Sick of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Take a blob of shaving cream and apply it to the mirror, rubbing in with your fingers. Then take paper towels or toilet paper and remove the excess. Finally, take a cloth towel and polish until all the cream and haze are gone (this may seem impossible to achieve, but it will polish clean). Your mirror will no longer fog up for a good few weeks. ---
**Author:** ![Surly\_Chick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Surly\_Chick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surly_Chick)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2010, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/142 "2010-12-07T14:44:52Z")
A little bit of uncooked rice in the salt shaker keeps it from sticking together. My grandmother used to do this and I’ve recently moved to a humid state and it really works! ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2010, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/143 "2010-12-07T16:36:23Z")
Here’s one I learned on the weekend. Our afterschool program had let my kids use permanent markers. They washed off what they could in the bathroom sink which is white porcelain. There was a nice large spot of it (abount 12 sq. inches) that would not come off. Enter ceramic stovetop cleaner. It was awsome! It even took off some yellow stuff that I thought was a flaw (we got a discount on the sink because of it). (I then looked at the back of the bottle and it said it was for porcelain, as well.) On that front, it is also great for getting rust out of ‘stainless’ steel sinks. Polishes it up very nicely, as well. (It is also invaluable as a ceramic stovetop cleaner, of course.) ---
**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 7, 2010, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/144 "2010-12-07T16:38:08Z")
> [@perfectparanoia](#): > > Here’s one I learned on the weekend. Our afterschool program had let my kids use permanent markers. They washed off what they could in the bathroom sink which is white porcelain. There was a nice large spot of it (abount 12 sq. inches) that would not come off. > > Enter ceramic stovetop cleaner. It was awsome! It even took off some yellow stuff that I thought was a flaw (we got a discount on the sink because of it). > > (I then looked at the back of the bottle and it said it was for porcelain, as well.) > > On that front, it is also great for getting rust out of ‘stainless’ steel sinks. Polishes it up very nicely, as well. > > (It is also invaluable as a ceramic stovetop cleaner, of course.) Maybe it’s toothpaste. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/145 "2010-12-08T02:48:21Z")
> [@Gordon\_Urquhart](#): > > \*\*Bibliophile \*\*has mentioned the ol’ tablespoon of sugar for hiccoughs trick; here’s another one that works 98 percent of the time for me: drink a glass of water while holding your hands firmly over your ears (it’s easier with an assistant, but I’ve accomplished it myself). Alternately, you can drink from the far side of the glass. It requires you to lean far forward, and it takes a bit of practice to do it without spilling the water, but hot DAYUM it works. It’s my go-to remedy when I’ve had 20 minutes of hic hic hicdammit hic hicDAMMIT hic hicDAMMIT :). ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/146 "2010-12-08T03:29:22Z")
> [@KinkiNipponTourist](#): > > 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! Actually, you’re the one who is incorrect, caffeine is not a vasodilator. And that is not why it helps headaches, either. Many prescription (non-triptan) headache medications are also vasoconstrictors, limiting the amount of blood flow going to the vessels which are creating pressure and thus the headache. If you have a tension headache, more blood flow to your head does not improve it. Vascular headaches, such as tension headaches, are related to the dilation of cerebral blood vessels, so the medications work to constrict blood flow and limit the amount of pressure. ---
**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:** [December 8, 2010, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/147 "2010-12-08T03:55:58Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Alternately, you can drink from the far side of the glass. It requires you to lean far forward, and it takes a bit of practice to do it without spilling the water, but hot DAYUM it works. It’s my go-to remedy when I’ve had 20 minutes of > hic > hic > hicdammit > hic > hicDAMMIT > hic > hicDAMMIT > :). A spoonful of peanut butter always works for my hiccups. Plus, you get to eat peanut butter! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/148 "2010-12-08T04:04:53Z")
I just used the magic eraser today on some stains in the tub. Nothing would get 'em off - even harsh cleaners (I use 7th generation now for the most part). Tub generally looked grubby. Magic Erasers + a little effort paid off well. Looks almost new. ---
**Author:** ![skylar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b487fb/32.png) [@skylar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skylar)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/149 "2010-12-08T04:31:01Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > If you’re going to hand wash your undies, you might as well let them air dry as well. The heat in the dryer, and the tumbling action, will damage the elastic. You’d be better off just washing the undies in the washing machine and air drying them. And this goes double for bras…NEVER put a bra in the dryer. SERIOUSLY?! Why has nobody told me this? No wonder my bras turn into crap after a few months. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/150 "2010-12-08T04:53:06Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Alternately, you can drink from the far side of the glass. This is the only thing that ever works for me. It’s surprisingly soothing as well. ---
**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 8, 2010, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/151 "2010-12-08T09:37:06Z")
I have these large stains on the ceiling and walls in my shower - that is, the plain old walls above the tile. The only thing I can think of that it might be is dead mildew, but I can’t see how that could have happened… I’d like to think I’m better than that at keeping my bathroom clean. Anyway, whatever it is, it’s deep in the “valleys” of the texture. I’ve tried scrubbing with a mixture of bleach and soap, and I’ve tried Comet; neither had any effect. Would that magic eraser be good for this? Or, any other suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/152 "2010-12-08T11:44:38Z")
> [@GESancMan](#): > > I have these large stains on the ceiling and walls in my shower - that is, the plain old walls above the tile. The only thing I can think of that it might be is dead mildew, but I can’t see how that could have happened… I’d like to think I’m better than that at keeping my bathroom clean. > > Anyway, whatever it is, it’s deep in the “valleys” of the texture. I’ve tried scrubbing with a mixture of bleach and soap, and I’ve tried Comet; neither had any effect. Would that magic eraser be good for this? Or, any other suggestions? Painting with mildew-resistant paint? The eraser isn’t good for porous or textured surfaces, aside from the mild rubberized textures on fridge door handles and such. I’m in a similar boat. I usually just leave the bathroom door open when I shower as we live with just the two of us and our fuzzybutt menagerie. But now that the weather is colder, the steam vapors from the bathroom seem to trigger a smoke/corbon-monoxide detector at the top of our staircase, which makes an ungodly obnoxious sound when one showers with the door open. We can only seem to get away with it for the Spring and Summer months. We have a vent fan, but it is not enough to keep the mildew at bay. We also happen live in a generally moist environment on the coast. ---
**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 8, 2010, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/153 "2010-12-08T12:14:07Z")
> [@skylar](#): > > SERIOUSLY?! Why has nobody told me this? No wonder my bras turn into crap after a few months. ☹ Look at the washing instructions of your bras. Don’t they say “hand wash, line dry” or something similar? I always used to toss my bras into the washer, on the delicate cycle, but I made sure to fish them out and hang them on doorknobs to dry. ANY elastic will lose its stretch in a dryer, and bras have great swatches of fabric that are nothing but elastic. I also used to wash my knee his in the washer, but hang them to dry. In a similar vein, when my daughter was in diapers, some of her outfits came with matching panties that were basically diaper covers, and made of plastic. Those sorts of things shouldn’t be put in the dryer, either. I also had a lot of basic diaper covers (and I’ll be damned if I can remember what they were called) which were waterproof. Again, washing in the machine was OK, not the best, but OK, but drying in the dryer would cause them to crack and stiffen. A clothes dryer works by applying heat to clothes while tumbling them. Some fabrics can’t tolerate heat, or friction (caused by tumbling) or either one. ---
**Author:** ![ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/154 "2010-12-08T12:24:43Z")
Making excuses only for myself, I grew up out in the sticks with a washer with only a cold water setting and everything was line-dried. My mom still uses the same washer and still line-dries all of her clothes. By the time I got to college, the last thing on my mind was reading clothing labels and the apparently bad habit just propagated from there… ---
**Author:** ![PookahMacPhellimey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pookahmacphellimey/32/3175_2.png) [@PookahMacPhellimey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PookahMacPhellimey)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/155 "2010-12-08T13:12:29Z")
> [@janis\_and\_c0](#): > > You can also use it to fix scratched/dirty CD’s > Toothpaste? Is there anything you **can’t** do?! Seemingly not. But could I please have instructions on how to use the marvellous pasty goodness to fix CDs? ---
**Author:** ![Surly\_Chick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Surly\_Chick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surly_Chick)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/156 "2010-12-08T14:33:26Z")
> [@GESancMan](#): > > Anyway, whatever it is, it’s deep in the “valleys” of the texture. I’ve tried scrubbing with a mixture of bleach and soap, and I’ve tried Comet; neither had any effect. Would that magic eraser be good for this? Or, any other suggestions? Toothpaste. 😃 ---
**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 8, 2010, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/157 "2010-12-08T14:37:06Z")
> [@GESancMan](#): > > Anyway, whatever it is, it’s deep in the “valleys” of the texture. I’ve tried scrubbing with a mixture of bleach and soap, and I’ve tried Comet; neither had any effect. Would that magic eraser be good for this? Or, any other suggestions? The magic eraser will take of the top layer of anything you rub it against. I wouldn’t recommend you use it on any sort of textured paint or stippling or drywall or plaster. ---
**Author:** ![janis\_and\_c0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janis_and_c0/32/21_2.png) [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/158 "2010-12-08T15:52:55Z")
> [@PookahMacPhellimey](#): > > Seemingly not. > > But could I please have instructions on how to use the marvellous pasty goodness to fix CDs? Just apply a thin layer of toothpaste to the back of the CD, rubbing it in gently with the tip of your finger, paying special attention to areas that are most damaged/dirty. Rinse off with lukewarm water and dry throughly with a soft cloth. The data of a CD is stored on the inside and since the laser “reads” the outside the toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive to smooth out roughness and render the disc easier to read, or so it was explained to me, at least. ---
**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 8, 2010, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/159 "2010-12-08T17:51:47Z")
[Dragon Dictate for Mac.](http://www.macspeech.com/) It really works. I’m amazed. ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2010, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425/160 "2010-12-08T18:04:35Z")
**skylar** , if you look at the tag of a new bra, it says to wash delicately and hang dry or to wash by hand and hang dry. Says it for…pretty much all of 'em. Sorry, better you learn now than never. If you’re not into hand washing them, I strongly suggest a bag not of mesh, but of satiny like material. My google-fu is failing me and I can’t find one right now. But yes, they will last much, much longer this way. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ill-be-damned-it-actually-works-helpful-tip-thread/562425.md?page=9)