One fine day, while in Trivandrum this year, it rained heavily. We could not move outside. Since we had access to the Sainik school library materials, I spent some time reading an Indian ladies magazine, Femina. I particularly like to read the household tips section as the ladies submit many tips that are easy to do and based on natural cures (rather than using chemicals). I am sharing some here with you. I believe they are from the July 2007 issue, but unsure. They are listed in no particular order.
Adding a few drops of vinegar to the wash cycle (clothing) prevents discoloration.
I have not tried vinegar, I have tried salt, and this seems to work quite well.
Celery is kept crisp by wrapping in foil.
To chop coriander (cilantro) leaves neatly, trim it using scissors over a cup.
I have tried this and it works pretty well.
Add 2 teaspoons oil to dhal to prevent over boil.
I have tried this, but it still over boiled. Not sure what the trick is to this.
To prevent milk from over boiling add (sprinkle) cold water on it and/or wrap a towel around the pan.
I have not personally tried this, but I remember seeing friend’s mom’s doing the towel trick. I am not sure of the success rate though.
Clean stainless steel using club soda or rubbing it with a lemon.
To remove rust on counter tops, use lemon juice.
To remove food stains on counters use a paste of baking soda and water.
Keep bay leaves in areas where bugs may come (drawers, corners, behind fridge, etc.) to keep them away.
Place lemon peels in the garbage can to rid odors.
I would love a natural idea like this for the bathroom garbage, but putting food products in the bathroom freaks me out!
Visit the Femina Website - http://www.femina.in/
Part 10 in series: Kerala 2007