Gin-swilling housewife thread

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I only recently discovered that the combination of dishwasher detergent & boiling water does wonders for coffee-stained stainless steel carafes. Prior to making this glorious discovery, I'd tried scrubbing the damn thing with baking soda and salt, then Comet (OK, that was stupid), then that Oxy-Clean stuff. I tried a variety of sponges and brushes. (Not all in the same session, mind you.) The Oxy-Clean stuff worked pretty well but required a lot of rinsing and smelled weird.

I did some reading about this vexing problem on the InterWeb, and several people extolled the virtues of dishwasher detergent, preferably the gel stuff. Instructions were: (1) squirt some detergent into the carafe, (2) pour in boiling water about 2/3 of the way up, screw on the cover, and shake the carafe gently, and (3) let it sit for about 30 minutes. When I opened the carafe and poured out the solution, all the gunk flowed out, and it was sparkling clean! I nearly soiled my under-drawers, I was so excited!* I believe I actually said, "Holy sh!t!"

So please, share your household tips. I'm not sure this should cross into the medical, but I know of at least one person who may wish to offer a recipe for homemade spermicide. Disclaimers and caveats may be necessary.

*Slight exaggeration.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Salt and cold water will clean your carafes also.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Vinegar and water makes a good douche.

[john & jean 37]

Vinegar and water makes a good douche.

do the sheep approve???

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Rubbing alcohol will remove the markings from an ink pen or marker on most surfaces that normally aren't written on....unless you are 2 years old and quick with the pen. (A handy tip for parents)

[Empress of Groovy 373]

Vinegar and water makes a good douche.

and a great valentine's day gift!

Salt and cold water will clean your carafes also.

Oh yeah...I seem to remember trying that but ended up injuring myself.

[MissStacey 1]

Spray some Mr. Clean around the house- it will smell like you've been scrubbing for hours!

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

If you spill candle wax on your carpet, cover it with a slightly moist cloth and run an iron over it. The wax will cling to the cloth.

[scandal 951]

How do I remove tarnish from silverware? I've got a silver tray that is horribly tarnished. None of the polish compounds I've tried do a darned thing. Suggestions?

[spookyturtle 9,466]

How do I remove tarnish from silverware? I've got a silver tray that is horribly tarnished. None of the polish compounds I've tried do a darned thing. Suggestions?

Buy a new tray?

[scandal 951]

Buy a new tray?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Spray some Mr. Clean around the house- it will smell like you've been scrubbing for hours!

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Wash it with sulfuric acid?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

How do I remove tarnish from silverware? I've got a silver tray that is horribly tarnished. None of the polish compounds I've tried do a darned thing. Suggestions?

There was a late night infomercial awhile back for that, but I can't remember the product...but maybe try RONCO...

[Peikko 1,575]

I can't find the gin, who's hiding it?