Clean Fiberglass Showers, Mud Stains & Repel Cats
Joan Clark
May 20, 2026
In partnership with
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Hi there,
House challenges can really weigh you down unless you know the tricks to resolve them. Try our ideas to tackle the messes that pop up around your home.
In today's issue:
Restoring Your Fiberglass Shower to a Sparkling Finish
Keeping Cats Away From Your Garden and Yard
Removing Dried Mud From Sneakers and Boots
And more…
CLEANING
We once scrubbed a fiberglass shower for 20 minutes with the wrong cleaner and watched it cloud up like frosted glass—a mistake that taught us the hard way that this material needs gentler care than porcelain or tile. These 11+ simple tricks protect the fiberglass while cutting through soap scum and hard water stains without the elbow grease or regret.
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CLEANING
Mud has been the nemesis of footwear since humans first laced up shoes in ancient Mesopotamia, and modern science has finally cracked the code on getting it out. We've gathered seven cleaning hacks that work on everything from canvas sneakers to leather boots, so those favorite shoes can look fresh again.
TIP OF THE DAY
What's eating your broccoli before you can?
Inspect the undersides of broccoli leaves every 3 days for clusters of tiny yellow eggs or green cabbage worms, and hand-pick any you find into soapy water. Cover young plants with a floating row cover, secured at the edges with soil or stakes, and remove it only to weed or harvest.
For persistent infestations , spray plants with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacterium) in early morning or late evening, coating both sides of leaves. Bt breaks down in sunlight within days and is safe for humans and pets.
ANIMAL CONTROL
Cats may be beloved companions, but when neighborhood strays treat garden beds like litter boxes or scratch up patio furniture, even devoted animal lovers need solutions that work without harm. Discover 21 gentle, proven methods to redirect feline visitors while keeping outdoor spaces beautiful and functional.
FUN FACT
Bluetooth Trackers Existed Before Bluetooth was Cool
The key finder device predates the smartphone era by decades. Early versions in the 1980s used radio frequency to help people locate misplaced items, emitting a beep when activated by a separate transmitter. These gadgets were bulky, expensive, and required line-of-sight operation, but they proved the concept worked long before Tile or AirTag entered the market. |  |
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THANK YOU!
From stubborn mud to sneaky felines, today's tips tackle the messes that drive everyone up the wall . Whether you're scrubbing fiberglass or shooing away neighborhood cats, you now have simple solutions that work. Small fixes add up to a home that feels easier to manage.
Here's to clean shoes,
Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team
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