If you could share one household tip/life hack, what would it be?

[Dandelion78]

Mine would definitely be that drying clothes in sunlight gets rid of tomato/sauce stains. Am weaning my second child and it's a bloody lifesaver. No more soaking things for hours that still come out with orange marks on them.

What other gems are there that I need to know?

@Koyto

Mum of boys here! magic sponges get rid of yellowing from under toilet seats. Bleach won't touch it but these sponges do it with just water 🤯

Oh my god, I was just googling this as our toilet is disgusting! I couldn't work out why as we've not had this before. But tonight my husband pointed out that it's likely the DC (boys 8/10) causing it. Thank you!

Have tried bleach and it didn't work. Will buy magic sponges tomorrow.

I never understand the bedding in a pillowcase one, it actually makes more work and if it's an ironed pillow case, it spoils the neatness of the case. You have to unfold the pillow case, make sure the duvet is folded small, put it inside, put the other pillow case/s inside, fold the pillowcase up again, then tip it all out when it's time to use it.

Why not just fold the duvet cover as usual, tuck the pillow cases inside a fold, put away. So much quicker.

My top tip is soda crystals. Cheap and bloody brilliant for cleaning, getting burnt on bits off pans, degunking sinks. So many uses.

Put a bit of curry powder in empty tuna and sardine tins before they go in the bin so they don't attract animals.

@SynchroSwimmer

Fill an old sock with absorbent cat litter and leave on your car dashboard during the winter - absorbs condensation and keeps the windscreen clear.

Noooooo.

@DrChrisWhitty

Don't peel carrots, mushrooms or potatoes. Wash and use.

After hoovering the floors, give your dog a quick once over with the hoover (as long as they're not terrified of it).

It's easier to repaint walls than wash them down. Buy a few tester pots when you buy your wall paint for future touch ups.

It's better to spend more money for a smaller selection of quality fruit and veg than buying a million things from Lidl or Aldi that turn into green sludge in 24 hours and taste like shit.

Hoovering the dog is a brilliant idea as she's a breed that sheds a lot. I'm not sure if she would have a heart attack though.

Buy a Eufy. I did after reading the rave reviews on Mumsnet and it’s been. a revelation. We have a cat and dog and it’s brilliant at picking up pet hair. My house has looked infinitely better since buying it. I like to sit on the sofa and read while it poodles about.

@Hughbert

Deal with paperwork, whatever it is, as soon as it enters the home (or inobx). Recycle, deal with, shred or file, but do not leave it.

This is what I need to do, thank you.

I'm so organised at work, not so much at home.

Pick it up and put it away or have it ready for when required.

Elastic band around jigsaw puzzle boxes.

Wet, muddy rugby kit is removed before they get in the car. Open boot and have dry sweatshirt at the ready; same with trackies and crocs. Wet muddy kit goes straight into a plastic box and is tipped straight into the bath as soon as boy exits.

If you have a sandpit on the patio, a hand held chargeable vacuum removes the sand in nano seconds and you just shake it back into the sandpit.

Keep on very good terms with your cleaner and be very clear about what needs doing and when.

Get a Spoon Plate. It changed my life.

Sticky label residue dissolves in veg oil.

Put a bit of curry powder in empty tuna and sardine tins before they go in the bin so they don't attract animals.

Or just wash them?

These are all fantastic! I already do some but some of the new ones I've learned are genius.

I'm feeling inadequate as the best one I can add is to buy 5 sets of school uniform (I buy it from the supermarket to keep the price down) and wash and dry the lot at the weekend. No running about looking for a clean(ish) polo shirt before school.

I highly recommend a boot liner for the car.

I also rate using a shared calendar (we use the Cozi app) for keeping track of family appts, childcare, ~stupid~ theme days at school etc, and scanning household docs then shredding/burning the paper.

Don't Have Horses

The mud follows you everywhere...

If you are stupid like me and purchase black granite worktops then a window vac is your friend.

Quick wipe with hot soapy water, window vac and hey presto shiny smear free granite.

The Marie Kondo tidying method - especially for drawers. It's a permanent drawers fix!

Buy a mini chopper
Onions, carrots, celery all chopped in seconds. Plus you can blitz stuff like mushrooms down into teeny tiny bits that kids don't spot can't pick out
Mine is a glass bowl and a blade so minimal washing up too

If you food prep, buy the glass containers with plastic lids. You can use them in the oven (minus lid!) and so do stuff like individual lasagne/cottage pie etc and they don't stain orange

Your kids really don't need mountains of toys.

All they need is a sand and water station, Lego, a handful each of toy cars, dolls and animals and some craft stuff.

When hanging large things to dry on a pulley maid or an airer, start at the back rail and make gravity work for you by pulling the fabric up and over the rails. No more stuffing things blindly from the front.

If you only have occasional guests, don’t buy and store spare pillows. A single duvet (150 x 200) can easily be folded in half lengthwise and then quarters to make a standard 75x50 pillow form. Also standard sofa cushions (50 x 50).

Klippits and elastic bands do most closures. Not wire ties. Fold cereal and pasta boxes like a house, it’s safer than the tongue closure.

I agree with sharing a weekly menu on the family WhatsApp. No more “Mummmm, what’s for dinner?” or eating the same thing at work.

@Polkadotpjs

The bleach thing is great unless it's in a place where you've nothing to hold it there. Corners/ along bath is fine but tiles higher up? I'm stuck there

Spray mould remover (bleach) on to round cotton pads and stick them to the wall. Leave overnight! Can use these anywhere on the wall including highest corners!

userxx tell me why you gave the resounding Nooooo to the idea using an old sock with kitty litter in the car?

Loving lots of these ideas & thought that one would be super handy as my car is parked outdoors & when I leave for work in the super early hours is often misty on the inside of the screen too (not UK)

Especially love the tips about not needing a husband ... just think how much of all this stuff would stay where it was/should be :)

ScrubDaddy doubles up as a brilliant exfoliator for legs, arms, elbows, feet, back etc.

When you have young children who have the four packs of jigsaw, label each jigsaw 1-4 on the back of each piece (it's initially time consuming but so worth it when they get jumbled). Then store each jigsaw in a reusable sandwich bag to minimise jumbling opportunities. Put back in the box.

@Nettleskeins

Don't shack up with a neat freak

Unless they like to clean!

That was going to be my tip; if you do live with a partner, choose someone that likes to clean and is good at it.

And yes, this is me bragging.

Another Christmas stocking one - but 2 identical ones so you can fill one in your room etc and then just swap it!