Clean Old Glass Bottles, Clean Scuff Marks & Get Rid of Cats

Author

Joan Clark
April 06, 2026

Hi there,

Warmer weather brings questions about restoring treasures, tackling stubborn marks, and keeping homes fresh. Today's tips cover everything from vintage glass to unwanted cats.

In today's issue:

  • Restoring Clarity to Vintage Glass Bottles

  • Keeping Felines Out of Your Yard for Good

  • Erasing Scuff Marks Without Damaging Paint

  • And more…

CLEANING

We once rescued a dusty 1920s medicine bottle from a flea market and discovered that the cloudy film inside disappeared completely using nothing but rice and vinegar. These seven methods transform grimy vintage glass into sparkling treasures without harsh chemicals or expensive tools.

CLEANING

Scuff marks appear on walls within 48 hours of painting in most homes with kids or pets, turning fresh spaces into fingerprint galleries faster than anyone expects. We found ten tricks that erase those stubborn smudges without damaging paint, and some cost less than a dollar.

TIP OF THE DAY

Does Your Pantry Have a Bean Graveyard?

Store dried beans in airtight glass jars or food-grade plastic containers with tight-sealing lids. Transfer beans from their original bags within a week of purchase to keep them dry and free of pantry pests.

Label each jar with the bean variety and date so you can rotate stock and use older beans first. Glass works best because you can see exactly what you have at a glance, and beans stay fresh for up to two years when sealed properly.

ANIMAL CONTROL

Outdoor cats leave behind more than paw prints . They dig up gardens, scatter mulch, and turn flower beds into litter boxes. This guide shares 14+ humane, proven strategies to protect outdoor spaces while keeping neighborhood cats safe.

FUN FACT

Can a compass work when regular compasses spin uselessly in circles?

The solar compass uses the sun's position rather than magnetic north, essential for surveying the iron-rich regions around Lake Superior in the 1840s. Traditional magnetic compasses would swing wildly near large iron ore deposits.

Surveyors using William Burt's invention could map mineral-rich territories accurately, helping to establish state boundaries across the Upper Midwest.

A NEWSLETTER WE LOVE
The PlotThey sell packaged “food.” We grow tomatoes. A weekly newsletter for new gardeners learning to grow food.
THANK YOU!

Whether you're scrubbing decades of dust from vintage glass, shooing neighborhood cats from your petunias, or erasing mystery scuffs , you now have the tricks to handle it all without losing your mind or your sense of humor.

May your walls stay spotless,

Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team

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