Cigarette Smell, Humidifier & DIY Plant Bug Spray
Joan Clark
December 24, 2025
Hello there,
Home challenges have a way of popping up when you least expect them, but the right solutions can make all the difference. We've gathered practical answers to help you tackle everyday problems with confidence.
In today's issue:
Getting Cigarette Smoke Out of Your Clothes
Natural Bug Spray You Can Make at Home
The Right Way to Clean Your Vicks Humidifier
And more…
CLEANING
Cigarette smoke clings to fabric fibers in ways that ordinary washing can't touch, which is why theater costume departments have been using vodka sprays and baking soda treatments for decades to refresh vintage pieces between performances. These 10 proven stink-removal methods draw on everything from pantry staples to professional dry-cleaning secrets, giving any garment a genuine second chance.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RELATABLE
Period cramps don’t stand a chance against the Menstruation Crustacean.
Looking for a gift that’s both useful and adorable? The Menstruation Crustacean Lobster Heating Pad is the sleeper hit of the season. This microwaveable little lobster warms up in seconds and provides soothing relief for period cramps, back pain, and all the winter aches that come with holiday stress. It’s soft, it’s adorable, and it works shockingly well.
Perfect for your best friend, your sister, your coworker, or that Secret Santa exchange you almost forgot about—this crustacean brings cozy vibes and instant cheer. Equal parts practical and playful, it’s one of those gifts people don’t realize they need… until they try it.
CLEANING
We discovered that mineral buildup in a Vicks humidifier can harbor bacteria in as little as three days, turning a wellness tool into a health risk. This guide walks through four super-easy tricks to restore any model to like-new condition, from vinegar soaks to hydrogen peroxide rinses.
TIP OF THE DAY
Does your Christmas cactus need a drink or a drought?
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, once every week or two, depending on your home's humidity. When you water, soak the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer. During active growth, water slightly more often. Wrinkled, shriveled segments mean the plant is too dry; mushy, translucent leaves signal overwatering and possible root rot. |  |
BUG CONTROL
Garden pests have cost home gardeners an estimated $2 billion in damaged crops and ornamental plants over the past year alone . We are happy to share 16 tested recipes that use pantry staples like garlic, soap, and cayenne to protect everything from tomatoes to roses without harsh chemicals.
FUN FACT
Wall Street's First Ticker Tape Ran on Gold Rush Leftovers
Edward Calahan built the first stock ticker in 1867 using telegraph technology designed to track train schedules. The machine printed symbols onto narrow paper strips at about one character per second. Calahan worked for the Gold and Stock Telegraph Company, a firm that had pivoted from mining news to financial data after discovering Wall Street would pay more for market information. |  |
A NEWSLETTER WE LOVE
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THANK YOU!
Cigarette smoke, plant pests, and grimy humidifiers don't stand a chance when you know the right tricks . These simple fixes save money and keep your home fresh without harsh chemicals.
May your clothes smell clean and your houseplants thrive,
Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team
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