Good Housekeeping
Use matching containers in your cupboards to make stacking easier.
Question: I need an easy way to store plastic lids for containers. My cupboard is a mess and I spend way too much time trying to match the container with the lid. I am also looking for a way to store plastic grocery bags so that they don’t take up so much room.
— Jess
Answer: Have you considered placing a dish rack with separators (used for drying dishes) or a CD rack inside the cupboard? Put the lids between the slots and stack the containers nearby. Another option is to purchase a vertical plastic drawer system; they often go on sale in January. They are usually available with wheels, making it easy to wheel the drawer system to the dishwasher when unloading the machine. Put the smallest lids in the top drawer and bigger lids farther down. It is also smart to remove any mismatched or broken containers. Try not to collect a multitude of container sizes, to make stacking easier. Or set a container in your cupboard with the corresponding lid underneath; you will no longer need to search.
To store plastic bags, cut a rectangle shape in the lid of an empty coffee can. Push plastic bags inside the container. Through the slot pull out one bag at a time.
Question: I become very frustrated in the winter when I wash my car. After it sits for a while in freezing temperatures, the doors are stuck and seem impossible to open. Any advice?
— Lorne
Answer: After the car is clean and dry, spray non-stick cooking spray on the inside frame and the inside door. The doors should no longer stick. Be careful not to spray the coating on your upholstery.
Grandma’s secrets revealed
My grandma used to make pancakes in the shape of gingerbread men, every Christmas morning. I couldn’t figure out how she did it until one year, I got up early and spied on her. She placed a gingerbread cookie cutter onto the frying pan and poured the pancake batter inside. When the batter set, she took the cutter off and flipped the perfectly shaped pancake.
— Henry
Instead of purchasing all kinds of stuff to prevent area rugs from slipping, my grandma caulked the border on the underside of her area rugs, after the acrylic-latex caulk dried, she flipped the carpet over and this stopped the rug from moving. The texture of caulk holds carpets in place.
— Abraham
My Grandma is the world’s smartest lady! She uses Glad Press ‘n’ Seal paper to line the shelves in her fridge. When they become dirty, she tosses them. No wiping and no mess!
— Justine
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca
