Clean Windows with Vinegar, Dog Pee Smell Concrete & Indoor Plants

Author

Joan Clark
February 02, 2026

Hi there,

Winter can leave windows streaky and houseplants struggling, but a few smart tricks make both shine. We're sharing solutions that work without special products or green-thumb expertise.

In today's issue:

  • The Secret to Streak-Free Windows

  • Indoor Plants That Thrive on Neglect

  • Banishing Dog Urine Odor from Concrete for Good

  • And more…

CLEANING

We discovered that vinegar has been used to clean glass since the 1800s, when housekeepers mixed it with newspaper to achieve streak-free shine. These three simple recipes bring that time-tested approach into the modern home, turning cloudy windows crystal clear without harsh chemicals.

CLEANING

We've all stood in the garage or on the patio and caught that unmistakable ammonia smell that seems baked into the concrete, no matter how many times it's been scrubbed. The good news: concrete is porous, which means the odor goes deep, but with the right enzyme-based cleaners and a little patience, those same pores can release what they've absorbed.

TIP OF THE DAY

Why are silverfish throwing a party in your bathroom?

Silverfish thrive in damp spaces, so cutting off their water supply sends them packing. Run a dehumidifier in bathrooms and basements until the humidity drops below 50%.

Wipe down sinks, tubs, and pipes after each use, and fix any leaky faucets. Silverfish can't survive for long without moisture, so this simple shift makes your home inhospitable to them.

PLANTS & GARDEN

Indoor plants boost mood and clean the air, yet 70% of people believe they lack a green thumb. We rounded up 14 foolproof varieties that thrive on neglect , from the snake plant that survived three weeks in a dark office closet to the pothos that roots in plain water.

FUN FACT

First Rechargeable Battery Was Heavy!

Gaston Planté's 1859 lead-acid battery weighed around 220 pounds, roughly the weight of a baby grand piano. The device used two lead sheets separated by cloth soaked in sulfuric acid, all coiled together in a glass jar.

Despite its bulk, it could be recharged hundreds of times, making it the first practical energy storage system that didn't need to be thrown away after one use.

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

Sparkling windows, thriving greenery, and fresh concrete, your home just leveled up. These simple fixes prove that a little vinegar, the right plant, and smart cleaning tricks can solve almost anything . Who knew housekeeping could feel this satisfying?

Here's to a home that shines as bright as your green thumb,

Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team

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