Drain Cleaner Recipes, Mattress Blood Stains, Nail Polish Remover & Plants that Repel Flies

Author

Joan Clark
December 18, 2025

Hello ,

Home care doesn't have to mean harsh chemicals or expensive products. We're sharing innovative, simple solutions that work with what you already have.

In today's issue:

  • Natural Drain Cleaner That Actually Works

  • Which Plants Keep Flies Away From Your Home?

  • The Right Way to Remove Blood Stains From a Mattress

  • Will Nail Polish Remover Ruin Your Favorite Clothes?

  • And more…

CLEANING

A slow drain doesn't need harsh chemicals when pantry staples like baking soda and vinegar can break down clogs naturally. These seven homemade recipes save money, protect pipes, and get water flowing freely again.

CLEANING

Blood stains happen to everyone, whether from a surprise period, a nighttime nosebleed, or a child's scraped knee, and the good news is that even set-in bloodstains can come out with the right approach. We've gathered seven proven methods that work on everything from fresh spills to older marks so that any mattress can look clean again.

MABEL’S WISDOM

Shining Up That Copper

Back in my day, we didn't have fancy cleaners for copper pots and pans. We used a simple method that works wonders.

  • 1 tablespoon of salt

  • 1 cup of white vinegar

Mix the salt and vinegar, then rub it onto your copper items with a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. You'll be amazed at how your copper shines!

CLEANING

Nail polish remover isn't just for fixing manicure mistakes; it can lift stubborn stains from fabric, from grass marks to ink blotches. We discovered this trick years ago when a bottle of red polish tipped over on a favorite white blouse, and acetone saved the day in minutes.

FUN FACT

Did Toothbrushes Once Smell Like Wet Dog?

Before nylon arrived in 1938, toothbrushes were made with boar or horse hair bristles that trapped bacteria, smelled terrible when wet, and fell out quickly.

DuPont's synthetic nylon bristles dried faster, lasted longer, and didn't carry the barnyard odor. The switch happened so fast that by 1940, natural-bristle brushes had nearly vanished from American stores.

PLANTS & GARDEN

Certain plants do double duty in the garden, offering beauty while naturally sending flies and mosquitoes packing, no sprays or zappers required. We've rounded up 13 powerhouse varieties that turn any patio or windowsill into a pest-free zone. The science behind why bugs hate them is surprisingly simple.

THANK YOU!

Whether you're tackling a stubborn clog, shooing away pests with greenery, rescuing your mattress from a mishap, or saving a favorite shirt from acetone drama, you now have the know-how to handle it all without breaking a sweat or your budget.

May your drains flow freely,

Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team

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