Oil Stains, Stray Cats & Climbing Plants

Author

Joan Clark
August 12, 2026

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Hello there,

It's time to investigate opportunities in the garden and around the house. We've gathered practical solutions to help you tackle common issues this season.

In today's edition:

  • Removing Oil Stains From Your Favorite Clothes

  • Climbing Plants That Thrive With Minimal Care

  • Keeping Unwanted Cats Out of Your Yard

  • And more…

CLEANING

We've all watched in horror as a drop of salad dressing lands on a favorite shirt, but here's something most people don't know : baby powder can pull fresh oil right out of fabric before it sets. These 9+ hacks turn what feels like a laundry disaster into a problem you can solve in minutes with things already sitting in your kitchen.

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“WILDLIFE” CONTROL

We once watched a neighbor sprinkle coffee grounds around her garden, and within days, the stray cats that had been using her tomato patch as a litter box disappeared completely. These 11 natural deterrents work with feline instincts to protect your yard without harming the animals.

TIP OF THE DAY

Is there a pharmacy's worth of half-used bottles under your bathroom sink?

Pull everything out, check expiration dates on all medications and ointments, and discard anything past its prime. Most over-the-counter creams and pills lose potency after their date, and some can become harmful.

Take expired prescriptions to a pharmacy take-back program instead of flushing them down the toilet. Keeping only current products frees up space and ensures you're actually treating symptoms effectively when you need relief.

PLANTS & GARDEN

Climbing plants can transform a bare fence or trellis into a living tapestry in just one growing season, and many thrive with minimal fuss. We rounded up 14 varieties that deliver stunning blooms, lush foliage, and proven success for gardeners who want maximum beauty without constant maintenance.

FUN FACT

Iced Tea Drinkers Unite!

Americans consume roughly 80% of all tea served cold, while most tea-drinking nations prefer it hot. The U.S. goes through about 3.8 billion gallons of iced tea annually.

Even in sweltering climates like India and China, hot tea remains the default. The preference traces back to early 20th-century American innovation in refrigeration and ice production, which made cold drinks affordable and accessible.

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THANK YOU!

Whether you're rescuing a favorite shirt from an oil spill, training vines up a trellis, or discouraging furry visitors, you've got the know-how now . A little elbow grease and a green thumb go a long way.

May your laundry stay spotless,

Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team

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