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Useful Tips

(82 Posts)
TAB12 Thu 20-Mar-14 09:06:00

One of my tips is when taking the washing out of the washing machine fold it and stack it before hanging it, it saves on the ironing. I have been doing that foe many years now.

Looking forward to hearing more tips smile

Culag Thu 20-Mar-14 09:18:04

I do that all the time. It also means I NEVER do any ironing. grin

TAB12 Thu 20-Mar-14 09:29:12

wow I really thought I was the only person that did that, my family think I'm nuts and do not understand why I do it....I hardly ever do ironing but was afraid to say that out loud..

KatyK Thu 20-Mar-14 09:38:08

That's the good thing about Gransnet Tab, you needn't be afraid to say anything really (as long as it's not offensive obviously) smile

Nonnie Thu 20-Mar-14 09:39:05

Better tip: get someone else to do your ironing! grin

shysal Thu 20-Mar-14 10:01:09

When younger, I used to sit on folded clothes. They never needed ironing! Nowadays I just do the smoothing, folding thing. The only items I iron are my starched cotton sheets and pillow slips, because I love the feel of crisp cool bedding.

I hang my clothes in my large wardrobe in rainbow colour order, and each section ranging from pale to dark. A bit OCD I know, but I can lay my hand on a wanted item immediately. Unfortunately I still sometimes decide that I have nothing suitable to wear!

Anne58 Thu 20-Mar-14 10:11:01

I'm pretty sure we had a whole thread of good tips, anyone volunteering to find it?

harrigran Thu 20-Mar-14 11:02:20

Why would you not fold washing when removing from the washer ? the alternative is a jumbled tangle.

janeainsworth Thu 20-Mar-14 11:10:25

I simply retrieve the jumbled tangle from the machine then give each item a good shake before hanging up.
In extremis I just transfer the jumbled tangle to the tumble dryer.

TwiceAsNice Thu 20-Mar-14 11:25:54

I,m going to take my life in my hands here and admit I really like ironing. When I,m visiting DD I do hers as well she loves it! My best tip is to rotate things so they all get used equally instead of the first one that comes to hand. For example if dishes are stacked on top of each other in the cupboard take the one from the bottom so you don,t use the last one you put in all the time, towels the same and so on.

I like the colour coded wardrobe much easier to find items I would have thought. I,ll reorganise my self!

Nonu Thu 20-Mar-14 11:47:28

I ALSO LIKE ironing Twice , we are in the minority , but who cares , not me . Find it therapeutic .
Whatever floats your boat !!
smile

soop Thu 20-Mar-14 11:55:37

Ironing ready to do this afternoon, Nonu...I agree that dashing away with the smoothing/soothing iron is therapeutic. I'm easily pleased smile

MiceElf Thu 20-Mar-14 12:16:22

Yes, I like ironing too. In fact I've just done all of DiL's. It's clean, warm and I can listen to Radio 3.

Now, if only someone would volunteer to mop my floors and clean the bath and sinks....

janerowena Thu 20-Mar-14 12:20:11

If you are determined to make extra work for yourself, as I appear to be, then do not use a paintbrush to paint garden trellis. Instead, wear a surgical glove, and over that, a fleece glove. Dip your fingers in the paint and rub along the trellis. It halves the time.

I only discovered this on my 12th house and probably 100th piece of trellis.

janerowena Thu 20-Mar-14 12:20:46

It also only uses half the amount of paint.

Nonu Thu 20-Mar-14 12:31:06

SOOP , MICE .
Sometimes , it is the simple things eh!
smilesmile

Anne58 Thu 20-Mar-14 12:32:16

I don't mind mopping floors at all, especially with my steam mop!

Have just put the first coat of Klear on the hall floor, waiting for it to dry before second coat and will then do the same in the kitchen.

Anne58 Thu 20-Mar-14 12:35:45

I know I've posted this on the other tips thread, but here goes anyway,

When ironing things like long curtains that seem to re-crease themselves as you go (you know, when they sort of pile up on the other side of the board as you move them to do the next bit) position your ironing board parallel to the bannisters and as you iron each section let them hang over, so that they are falling straight rather than sort of folding themselves on the floor.

(I do hope this makes sense!)

Anne58 Thu 20-Mar-14 12:37:19

here's a link to one of the previous threads, I know there were others.....

www.gransnet.com/forums/house_and_home/a1196455-Tips-and-Wrinkles

janerowena Thu 20-Mar-14 12:51:09

I like the curtain ironing tip.

On the old post, someone mentions that some curtains may be too heavy for the washing machine. I have some very heavy wool wide long pale cream curtains - yes, I know, really stupid especially with a woodburner. So I vacuum them, then draw them and use the steamcleaner on them after spraying with a carpet cleaning spray first.

GrannyTwice Thu 20-Mar-14 13:12:05

Have been hesitating to post my first contribution but this is a lovely thread - how nice to be able to admit to enjoying ironing without being mocked!

mcem Thu 20-Mar-14 13:16:40

Like the tip about draping curtains over the bannister. Since I moved to a flat I can't do that but I set the ironing board parallel to my bed and by spreading ironed section over the bed it cuts down on creasing.

janerowena Thu 20-Mar-14 13:19:22

I hate it, but wouldn't dream of mocking anyone! We must all have jobs we hate and those we don't mind as much. I like cleaning out my woodburner and polishing its little glass window.

Instead of buying nasty chemical cleaners for woodburner glass, dip a scrumpled piece of wet old newspaper in woodash and rub the dirty pane in circular motions. Repeat and just throw the used paper in the fire.

soop Thu 20-Mar-14 13:20:49

Nonu Sure is...grin

Charleygirl Thu 20-Mar-14 13:31:53

I do not mind washing floors, cleaning loos, bath etc. Much preferred to ironing which I have not done for many months. I bought a new iron last year and I have never used it.