* tenderize meat? Rub the meat with baking soda and let is sit in the refrigerator for 3-5 hours. Rinse before cooking.

* bake better beans? A pinch of baking soda will reduce the bloating and gas that results from consuming baked beans.

* make omelets fluffier? For every 3 eggs, add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

* deodorize your garbage can? Use a a wet paper towel dipped in baking soda to clean the inside of the trash can. Rinse with a clean damp towel or rag, and let dry. Sprinkle some baking soda inside the can before putting in a new liner.

These tips and many many more are in Reader’s Digest’s compilation of Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things. This is a mega-list that is sure to provide with hours of reading, and tons of useful information. I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of this treasure trove of tips. Take a peek and share your most surprising finds with us!

Post from: Keeping the Castle

For a while now, I’ve seen a dingy looking area in our vinyl bathroom floor. It’s hardly noticeable except when I remove the bathroom rug for washing. And there, in all its un-glory, was brown beside the almost pristine floor that was protected by the rug. I figured the light brown stain was made by years of hair-spray use in front of the mirror. Particles of hair spray would settle on that area and attract dirt. No amount of sweeping or regular mopping would remove it.

Finally, I stumbled on a solution. Scrubbing Bubbles! I sprayed some on the vinyl, and let it soak for a few minutes before wiping away with a paper towel. Repeat as needed. Now the entire floor is spot-free, rug or no rug!

Note: My bathroom floor is vinyl and there seemed to be no harmful effects from the use of Scrubbing Bubbles. However, I will not be held responsible for any damages that result from this tip. If you’re not sure, test Scrubbing Bubbles in a small out-of-sight area first.

Post from: Keeping the Castle