A grimy coffee maker doesn't need replacing, just a couple of denture cleaning tablets dropped where the water goes, then run through a cycle or two to clear out any built-up gunk.
Cleaning Tricks with Stuff You Already Have at Home
There are dozens of tricks, like the old clean-your-toilet-with-Coca-Cola idea, for keeping a house, its appliances, and its furnishings clean using products already on hand.
Use Denture Tablets to Clean a Coffee Pot
Scrub a Cast Iron Skillet With a Potato
Skip the soap on a cast iron pan: pour in some coarse salt and use half a potato to rub it in until the mess breaks up, then rinse off.
Make Sink Fixtures Gleam With Wax Paper
After cleaning a sink with an antibacterial cleanser, polish the taps and handles with a sheet of wax paper. The wax also repels water, helping prevent future water spots.
Eliminate Upholstery Stains With Shaving Cream
Rub a little shaving cream (not gel) into a stain, let it sit up to 30 minutes on stubborn spots, then blot dry. Test on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't affect the upholstery's color.
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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive — 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →