Re-using bottles is a great practice. Not only can you save some money by just using a bottle that you already have instead of buying a new one, it is also very earth-friendly. You know, less trash.

However, there are times that even if you really wanted to reuse the bottle, there’s that lingering smell that’s not quite right.

So today, I’d like to share some tricks that will help get rid of those funny odors from your bottles. Strange smells be gone!

How to Remove Odor from Bottles

• To remove strange smells from bottles, you can put half a cup of vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours before rinsing with cold water.
• To clean a flask and remove funky odors, you can also try crushing an eggshell and dropping it into the flask. Add hot water. Shake the flask for a minute or two. Leave the eggshell to soak overnight. Rinse thoroughly the following day.
• Tea and coffee always leaves a lingering smell in bottles. To remove the odor or tea and coffee, put two tablespoons of soda bicarb and one cup of water in the bottle. Shake well. Leave the solution inside the bottle for ten minutes before rinsing with boiling water.

Hope these tips will help you get rid of those strange smells from your bottles. They’re very easy to do and the things you need are readily found in the pantry. So go ahead and try them. You might finally be able to use those empty bottles you’ve hidden for so long.

Photo credit: Dreamstime – Stock Photography and Free Images

A wrinkled outfit is a definite no-no especially when you are on a job search. Wearing a proper attire during job interviews is part of “putting your best foot forward”. A carefully picked outfit that is properly laundered and ironed is dressing up for success. Why? Because you, your clothing and how you carry yourself is the first thing that an interviewer will see.

Here are a few quick tips on ironing clothes.

Tips and Tricks on Ironing Clothes

• There is a difference between ironing and pressing. Ironing entails going over the entire clothing with long, smooth strokes. On the other hand, pressing is just lifting and lowering the iron with enough pressure on specific wrinkled areas.
• Ironing time can be cut in half. The trick is to iron only one side of of the clothing. No need to worry. You can iron both sides at once by putting an aluminum foil beneath the ironing board cover. The foil absorbs the heat and reflects it back up to the iron, working on your clothing double time.

The bedroom is the most private and personal space in the house. It is very rare that house owners would invite guests into this area. Its primary function is for sleeping and spending some “down time” alone. Therefore it is only fitting that a bedroom would be comfortable.

Here are some “must-haves” in order to keep the bedroom comfortable and enjoyable.

The Things You Need for a Comfortable Bedroom

• a bed with a firm mattress
• bed sheets
• huggable pillows (throw those saggy pillows away!)
• proper ventilation
• screened windows
• vanity dresser with mirror
• a desk with a study lamp / nightlamp
• a bookcase with your favorite books
• trash bin (gotta keep the room clean and clutter-free!)

The secret to a good night’s sleep is a comfortable bedroom. It doesn’t have to be luxuriously expensive, but it has to have the essentials.

Photo credit: Dreamstime

OMG. I love doing the laundry. By hand. I just love the soapy water, the soap suds, bubbles. Whee! LOL

Kidding aside, washing by hand may be fun but it can be a chore, especially washing denim pants. OMG, how much heavier can they be? This is the reason why sometimes I love using a washing machine.

Today I would like to share with you two simple tricks on using your washing machine.

Washing Machine Usage Tricks

• Always be sure that your washing machine is well-maintained and cared for. Check the parts such as plastic knobs, timers and rotators are working properly before you start doing your laundry.
• To clean your washing machine of soap deposits and scum, fill the tub with hot water. Add two cups of white vinegar into the water and run the machine for eight to ten minutes. Drain the machine and wipe it dry.
• Always close zippers before putting the clothes into the washing machine. Closing the zips will make sure that they will not get damaged or caught in the machine rotator.

I do hope you find these tips very helpful. Taking care of your washing machine and using it properly will ensure a longer life span of your appliance, saving you money from always buying a new one.

What about you? Do you have other tricks on using a washing machine? Share it with the community by commenting on this post or by emailing me at blog@mommymakeitbetter.com. I would be so happy to hear from you.

I’m sure we’ve all been there – trying to pull out an ice cube tray from the freezer and taking us forever to do so because it got stuck. Don’t let your guests get parched and thirsty. Here are a few ways to help you pull out that ice cube tray.

Avoid Stuck Ice Cube Trays in the Freezer

Oil

Try oiling the underside of ice cube trays before placing them in the freezer

Wax Paper

Line your freezer, or at least the part where you place the trays, with waxy paper.

Tray Already Stuck? Try This!

Get a towel and soak in in hot water. Place the towl next to the tray for a few seconds. This will help ease the stuck tray from the freezer.

What about you? Do you have other tips on avoiding stuck ice cube trays? Or maybe tricks to ease a stuck one out of the freezer? Let the community know by commenting on this post or by emailing me at blog@mommymakeitbetter.com. I’d be so happy to hear from you.