Cushions, Potatoes & Carpenter Ants
Joan Clark
September 18, 2026
Sponsored by
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Hi there,
The season brings outdoor living to life, but it also means tackling the upkeep that keeps your space fresh. Whether you're refreshing patio furniture, growing your own food, or protecting your home from unwanted guests, today's tips will help you take care of it all.
In today's issue:
How to Refresh Your Patio Cushions
Growing Your Own Potatoes from Kitchen Scraps
Eliminating Carpenter Ants Before They Cause Damage
And more…
CLEANING
We once rescued a set of patio cushions that had been left out all winter, and after trying three different methods, discovered that the simplest approach worked best. These 15 outdoor cushion cleaning techniques range from quick spot-cleaning tricks to deep-refresh strategies that bring faded fabric back to life.
Thank You to our Partners
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PLANTS & GARDEN
A single sprouting potato holds enough promise to fill an entire garden bed or container—and save serious money at the grocery store. Discover 7+ easy methods for turning kitchen scraps into a thriving potato harvest, complete with tips for maximizing yield in any space.
TIP OF THE DAY
Kitchen Crime Scene
Empty and wash the toaster oven crumb tray after every three uses to prevent smoke and burnt smells . Pull out the tray and tap it over the trash to remove loose crumbs. Soak it in hot, soapy water for five minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.
For stubborn spots, sprinkle coarse salt on the wet tray and scrub in circles. Rinse and dry completely before sliding it back in. A clean tray improves air circulation and keeps your food tasting fresh instead of like last week's pizza.
BUG CONTROL
We once watched a single carpenter ant carry a crumb three times its size across a kitchen counter, only to discover it was leading hundreds more inside the wall. This guide shares 7+ simple strategies to stop these wood-destroying insects before they turn a small problem into expensive structural damage.
FUN FACT
Flushing Illegal???
Some Swiss apartment buildings prohibit flushing toilets between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Violating the rule can result in fines or eviction under noise ordinance laws. Switzerland's strict quiet hours treat late-night flushing the same as loud music or vacuuming. Residents in these buildings keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies or simply wait until morning. The law reflects Swiss cultural priorities around communal living. |  |
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THANK YOU!
From scrubbing patio cushions to outwitting carpenter ants and coaxing potatoes from the soil, you've covered serious ground . Your home and garden are in better shape than they were an hour ago, and that's worth celebrating.
Wishing you crisp cushions,
Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team
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