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Household Hacks & Kitchen · Jan 11, 2023 edition

Stretch Your Condiments and Clean Smarter in the Kitchen

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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A near-empty bottle of ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce still has more life in it with a little help from the pantry.

Stretch Near-Empty Condiments With Vinegar

Adding two teaspoons of white vinegar to an almost-empty condiment bottle and giving it a quick shake, since vinegar is already a common ingredient in most condiments, loosens up what's left and stretches the bottle a bit further.

Don't Go More Than Three Uses Without Washing a Towel

A bath towel collects dead skin cells and bacteria fast, especially with a toilet nearby to send stray droplets its way when flushed. Washing it in warm or hot water with detergent after no more than three uses keeps it genuinely clean rather than just clean-feeling.

Clean a Blender With Soap and Baking Soda

Rather than reaching into a blender full of blades, filling it partway with warm water, a touch of baking soda, and a splash of dish soap, then pulsing for a few seconds, cleans it out safely. A rinse or a trip through the dishwasher finishes the job.

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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 →