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Household Hacks & Cleaning · January 06, 2022 edition

Clear Clogged Drains, and Two More Quick Fixes

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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Every month or two, keep the pipes clear of grease, oil, and hair clogs.

Clear Clogged Drains

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar. The mixture will foam up; let it stand for a few minutes, then pour hot water down the drain to wash out any clogs.

Get Wax Out of a Votive Holder

After burning a votive candle, stick the candle (with holder) in the freezer for an hour; when you take it out, the candle easily slides out. Or try this instead: spray the inside of a votive holder with a thin coating of cooking spray before dropping in a tea light. After the candle has burned down, the remaining wax will slip right out.

Clean Bottles and Vases With Eggshells

Use broken eggshells from hard-boiled eggs to clean the hard-to-reach places in bottles and vases. Drop some crushed shells in the bottle, add warm water and a drop of dishwashing liquid, and give it a good swirl. The shells scrape off the gunk you can't reach, saving your elbow grease for the dinner dishes.

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