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Household Hacks & Cleaning · Aug 10, 2022 edition

Clean Narrow-Necked Jars With Gravel, Plus Two More Hints

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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Clean narrow-necked jars and vases with a little gravel (aquarium gravel works best). Fill the jar about a third full with water, add a handful of gravel, then stir and shake. The gravel scours the inside clean. Dump it into a strainer, rinse it off so it doesn't stink, and save it for next time.

Spot-Clean Bathrooms Nightly

Just as clutter attracts clutter, bathroom funk quickly multiplies. Stock every bathroom with wipes, and quickly clean the countertop and toilet while brushing teeth or helping kids get ready for bed. While wiping, floss, hair ties, and other clutter naturally get put away too.

Oil Your Knife Before Mincing

Before chopping up something very finely with a kitchen knife, wipe the blade with a touch of olive oil. It helps keep whatever's being minced from sticking to the blade and getting in the way.

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