Handy tips and tricks

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Pasta—draining

To skip the step of transferring pasta from the pot to the colander to rinse, cook pasta in a pot with a metal colander or large strainer inside. Then simply lift out the colander and drain in the pot.

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Potato—peeler uses

Potato peelers can be used to grate cheese, and save time on cleanup; also useful to shave off small pieces of butter

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Jar lids—tight

When you can’t remove a tight lid from a jar, this handy hint may do the trick: Take a heavy-duty rubber band, put it around the lid, and twist. Because the rubber band gives you something to grip, the lid should come off easily. You can also wear a rubber glove and try this way

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Linens—herbal fragrance

For a subtly sweet-smelling table setting, put cinnamon, raspberry, orange, or lemon herbal tea bags in the drawers where you store your table linens

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Critters—in outdoor bins

Sprinkle a small amount of household ammonia in your outdoor bins. Animals will be repelled by the strong odour.

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Gardening—cleanup with sugar

After a day of gardening, wash your hands with soap and water and a teaspoon of regular table sugar. The rough granules will scour your hands clean

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Picnics—flies

Keep flies from the picnic area. Put a vase filled with sprigs of lavender, mint, or elderberry in the center of the table. Be sure to rub the leaves frequently to release their scent

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Plants—nutrition from boiled egg or pasta water

Don’t throw out the water in which you’ve boiled eggs or pasta. The calcium and starches are great for watering houseplants

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Messy job—when answering door or phone

When you’re painting or doing other messy jobs around the house, keep a couple of plastic sandwich bags nearby. If you have to answer the door or the phone, just slip your hand into a bag to avoid spreading the mess

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Painting—baseboards

Borrow your kid’s skateboard (if they have one !) when painting skirting boards. Sit on it and roll along as you work.