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Organizing

12 Homekeeping Multitaskers

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    • Crisscross strips across the top of a vase, creating a grid to help stabilize flower stems in an arrangement.
    • Use sticky side to pull out tiny cactus spines stuck in skin.
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    Chopsticks

    • Dislodge mud from boot treads.
    • Stake houseplants for extra support.
    • Tease apart roots when repotting.
    • Tamp soil into tight spaces.
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    Garment Steamer

    • Flatten wrinkles in your bedding, including skirts and sheets -- right on the bed.
    • Smooth creases in curtains as they hang.
    • Unfurl corners of area rugs so they'll lie flat.
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    Toothpicks

    • Outline letters and designs on a cake before piping the icing.
    • Clear the holes in a strainer or garlic press.
    • Unclog the burners of a gas stove.
    • Use colored frilled toothpicks to identify grilled burgers (rare, medium, or well-done) and highlight vegetarian appetizers.
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    Clothespins

    • Grip a nail with a spring-type clothespin when hammering it.
    • Suspend floating row covers (lightweight fabric used to protect plants from frost and insects) by clipping them to the plants.
    • Slip one-piece pins into the fingers of just-washed woolen gloves to retain their shape.
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    Baster

    • Replace the water in a vase with minimal disruption to the floral display.
    • Water houseplants with dense leaves by getting direct access to the soil.
    • Extract excess liquid from a plant saucer after watering so that the plant won't rot.
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    Tongs

    • Extend your reach for items stored on high shelves.
    • Adjust hot pans or baking sheets in the oven.
    • Rearrange hot coals in a grill.
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    Plastic Jugs and Bottles

    • Trim off the top to use as a funnel.
    • Cut to make a scoop for soil, fertilizer, sand, or birdseed -- or even to clean out gutters.
    • Fill with sand or water to hold down the edges of tarps and other lightweight covers.
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    Soft Paintbrushes

    • Dust lampshade pleats, carved picture frames, wicker furniture and baskets, and even spiny or velvety houseplants, such as cacti and African violets.
    • Remove debris from window screens.
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    Lint Roller

    • Clean vacuum attachments.
    • Whisk away dust from surface protectors on the bottom of furniture legs.
    • Pick up small scraps after crafting or sewing.
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    Painter's Tape

    • Clean vacuum attachments.
    • Whisk away dust from surface protectors on the bottom of furniture legs.
    • Pick up small scraps after crafting or sewing.
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    Wine-Bottle Corks

    • Scrub the blades of scissors and pruning shears using lemon juice and coarse salt.
    • Slice a cork into disks and attach them to the bottom of a planter to allow drainage or to the saucer to protect surfaces.
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