This works like a charm, no scrubbing required! Cut a lemon or lime into 4 pieces. Fill the kettle with water up to the maximum level, squeeze and put the lemon slices inside, and boil the water. Let the water cool down for 1 hour and boil the water again. The kettle will be as clean as new.

Tips contributed by Barbara Trumbull

• Hair spray (not pump) will remove ballpoint ink. Spray area with hair spray and toss in the wash.
• Hydrogen Peroxide (household strength) will remove blood from a garment. First test on inconspicuious place, if no color change, dab the stain with peroxide and toss in the washer.

To clear blocked drain pipes, pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes or until they stop bubbling. Then flush the drain with a lot of hot or boiling water. You may need to repeat the process several times if your drain is severely blocked.

• Soak it in soapy water and wipe dry using lint-free cloth, or
• Soak it in the water used to boiled potato and wipe with lint-free cloth.

• Clean out the detergent compartment regularly to remove any residues that may cause blocking.
• Occasionally, pour white vinegar in the detergent compartment and run your washing machine empty with hot water.
• Front-load washing machines use less water than the top-load ones and therefore it is advisable to use liquid or low-suds detergent to prevent residues accumulation.

• Mix 100 ml of water with 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a microwave-safe container.
• Place the container in the microwave and run on High for 5 minutes. The steam will loosen the dirts and baking sode helps to deodorize the microwave.
• Remove the bowl and wipe the interior with cloth.
• It is best to do this often to prevent dirts from accumulating.

• Hold the clothes over a steaming kettle until the gum is soft. Pull it off carefully
• Place the clothes in the freezer and remove the gum when it’s frozen

Light a match in the toilet after each use