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Mumsnet classics

Good GOD Mumsnet tips actually work!

546 replies

stinkingbishop · 07/04/2014 12:26

  1. Have smeared the twins' cradle cap liberally with rapeseed oil, left, combed through, left Dentinox on in the bath for ten mins, rinsed through, and it all came off in big satisfying clumps. I got a bizarre amount of pleasure from this.


  1. I bit the bullet and got Plumbs round to reupholster my awkwardly shaped sofa and it's gorgeous! And the covers are just about less tricky to take on and off than a sleeping bag is to put back in its bag IYKWIM and they're machine washable. I, embarrassingly, may have punched the air. I need to get out more.


  1. Storing complete bedding sets inside one of the pillow cases has led to uncrumpled sheets and duvets that MATCH.


  1. Tomatoes out of the fridge are sweet and juicy.


I is DELIGHTED with the MN service. Please continue revolutionising my life Smile.
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pud1 · 07/04/2014 13:41

tethersend. i think it might. it would probably do a good job if you used the corners or edge as it would get into the little grove

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BuzzardBird · 07/04/2014 13:50

Get into the grove girl...

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ohmymimi · 07/04/2014 13:50

I love this thread, they're some great ideas. A couple from me are:
Make non-abrasive pan scourers from citrus fruit nets - pop 6 or so nets inside another net and secure (I just tie a knot). Easy mash -either microwave or boil potatoes in their skins, pop into potato ricer (cut big 'uns in half), remove empty skins from ricer as necessary.

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HappyHippyChick · 07/04/2014 13:53

Could I have a pm re the cost of sofa covers, mine are shocking Blush

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BuzzardBird · 07/04/2014 13:55

I've got one of my own. Buy a cheap 99p paddling pool from Asda before you go on holiday in summer to put all your hanging baskets etc in so that you don't come back to dead plants.

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OnTheBottomWithAWomansWeekly · 07/04/2014 13:56

Happy mine cost 30 (Euro) for 2 covers - 3 throws at a tenner each.
Have you a friend that would sew them for you if you don't sew yourself?

Plus I've scraps left over and have been meaning to make matching cushions...

The sites that make bespoke IKEA covers start at about 300 a sofa.

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MommyBird · 07/04/2014 13:57

This thread has made my day! Cant't wait to try some of these. I also had a life once. then I had kids.

One from me!
If you need to lighten your hair, crush some Vitamin C tablets up and mix with shampoo. Leave for about 3/4 hours and your hair will have lightened upto 2 shades ligher!

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BuzzardBird · 07/04/2014 14:00

Oh, I have another one. If you accidentally shrink knitwear put in a bowl with a whole bottle of the cheapest hair conditioner, soak overnight and stretch back out next day on a flat surface.

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stinkingbishop · 07/04/2014 14:01

Done, happy. Blimey. I should charge them commission!

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Cerisier · 07/04/2014 14:04

My favourite MN tip was to look at the dashboard in a hire car and see if there is an arrow beside the petrol pump picture. If there is, it points to the side where the fuel cap is.

Good GOD Mumsnet tips actually work!
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HappyHippyChick · 07/04/2014 14:05

Thanks stinking and onthebottom

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snorris · 07/04/2014 14:07

I fold double sheets but single bed sheets are rolled after putting the corners together and folding lengthways. It means everyone can tell the difference and not just me!

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tethersend · 07/04/2014 14:11

Burnt pans come up like new if you boil some biological washing powder in them for twenty minutes or so.

Thanks usualsuspect for that one Wink

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Mothergothel99 · 07/04/2014 14:22

My god, I've just cleaned my aga with the dishwasher tab method, the grease fell of it.
Seriously this is a life changing tip for me, it looks lovely, plus I usually have to spend hours cleaning it when it's that dirty!!!


Thank you.

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hotcrosshunny · 07/04/2014 14:26

My favourite MN tip was to look at the dashboard in a hire car and see if there is an arrow beside the petrol pump picture. If there is, it points to the side where the fuel cap is

GENIUS

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hotcrosshunny · 07/04/2014 14:27

Use soda crystals (£1 a bag) in place of some washing powder. I'm in a hard water area (London) and this saves me a lot of washing powder and makes the clothes really clean. Basically use the least suggested amount of powder then top up with soda crystals.

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BuzzardBird · 07/04/2014 14:28

Not in most cars.

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Parliamo · 07/04/2014 14:30

I can't believe no one has mentioned frozen potato waffles in the toaster yet.

Or pulling envelope neck baby vests down, thus not coating baby's hair in the poonami. I'm still pleased with myself when I share this one.

I didn't learn the folding fitted sheet thing on mumsnet, but mine still don't look very tidy. Better than DH's bundle and stuff approach that drives me nuts. But I am going to try the bedding set in a pillow case thing next.

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Mothergothel99 · 07/04/2014 14:36

Cheats mashed potatoes, microwave spuds till cooked, cut in half, scoop out innards, add butter.
You can freeze the skins for making potatoe skins another day. Saves wasting them.

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MummytoMog · 07/04/2014 15:01

Clean the grime off the woodburner glass with scrunched up newspaper dipped in water, with a bit of ash on it. LIFECHANGING. For me anyway, who used to spend hours with the damn OvenPride trying to get it clean. Waffles in the toaster for kids cook in minutes. Soda crystals make my washing cleaner (I put a scoop in each wash and they cost 1 a bag in Tesco) and can be used to do a maintenance wash. Also cleans burnt on crap in pans if you put them in some water in the pan then boil it up for a bit on the stove. Good on Le Creuset, but does take the shiny coating off the enamel (I had burnt milk dry in it, so was already screwed).

BUY A SLOW COOKER. That changed my life.

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CrazyHhas5kitties · 07/04/2014 15:09

Stinking Any chance I could have a pm as well as I have been meaning to get mine done Smile

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stinkingbishop · 07/04/2014 15:13

Done crazy.

When this thread has run its course I am seriously considering printing it out and storing it somewhere very accessible. I actually genuinely cannot wait for some things to get dirty so I can try some of these tips!

My life is practically over, isn't it...

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BuzzardBird · 07/04/2014 15:14

Ooo Mummy do you think my soda crystals would work on the cast iron rests on the range cooker without removing the coating on them? I am sick of trying to get them clean. And YY to all your other tips. I just used the mushy dishwasher tab that I oversoaked to get the log burner door clean too which worked well.

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CountessOfRule · 07/04/2014 15:22

What about microwave white sauce? Method also works for Birds custard.

And yy to Vests Go Down.

Tell me more about dishwasher tablets on filthy ovens? Mine sets the smoke detector off above 180 degrees Blush

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yourlittlesecret · 07/04/2014 15:24

Just bookmarked this thread but it is in chat so it will go poof.Sad

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