Useful tips

Don't throw away old pillows. They are useful for kneeling on in the garden or when decorating.

I've said these before, but perhaps new members might find them helpful?

When ironing long curtains, position your ironing board parallel to the banisters and as you iron each section allow them to fall over the banisters rather than crumpling up on the floor.

To get the last bit out of shampoo/ketchup any liquid really, make sure the cap is tightly closed then with the top pointing downwards, sort of whisk round in a circular motion. The centrifugal force will bring most of the remaining substance down into the neck.

Buy a bag of soda crystals. For around £1 you can use them for all sorts of things, I recently mixed a couple of tablespoons of soda with just a dash of detergent to wash down tiles. Brilliant result, no need to rinse or wipe. They also make a great soak for baked on stuff in oven trays, dishes etc.

Baby wipes clean up most spills!!! I should try the sherry NanKate and let us know whether it works!

I've used baby wipes for removing makeup when I've run out of my usual brand.
I read the other day that they are recommend, as they are kinder to your skin. 'face like a babies bum'

If sealing walls with PVA prior to decorating, and a few drops of light coloured emulsion so you can see areas you've missed.

add a few drops

I agree phoenix. I also use them to put down drain holes to clear pipes, especially in the shower. A lot cheaper than expensive liquids on the market.

Bicarbonate of soda mixed to a paste with bleach and brushed onto mouldy sealant round the bath. Leave for 30 mins and rinse. Also cleans grout. Bicarbonate of soda dissolved in the bath is very soothing to little ones with chicken pox. Don't get those two mixed up!

I live in a bungalow, Phoenix. What do I do with my long curtains?

I like that one durhamjen!

Errrm, you either farm them out to someone else, or offer to show someone who lives in house how to do it, demonstrating with your own curtains of course?

PS Alternatively put your ironing board parallel to you bed and keep popping round the to the other side to pull the ironed bits across the bed as you go?

Ironing curtains now are we. What is the world coming to.

Baby wipes are useful for cleaning stainless steel taps and light switches etc. I also use them for dusting off my sewing machine.

No need to iron curtains if you have a steam cleaner. You just hang them up and steam them. That's what they do in dry cleaners.

When you buy a new duvet, put the old one under the bottom sheet and lie on it. So comfortable!

I water down shampoos, bubble bath, shower gels, washing up liquid and fabric conditioner and put bubble bath or whatever into the handwash bottle now. It's only soap after all. I do think that manufacturers make these things too thick and a little goes a long way but I probably would still pour out the same amount regardless of thickness. Therefore, too much is used, so I water it down. I'm not tight, just not giving money away needlessly.

I'm into watering down too Ruby excellent tip.

I always cut open bottles/tubes of face lotion etc. It is amazing how much is still in there. I scrape them out into little jars. Sometimes I use the bread knife to cut them open, or a Stanley knife. I do come from Yorkshire originally after all!