Porcelain Stains, Freeze Squash & Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Joan Clark
August 11, 2026
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RIVO
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Hi ,
Opportunities abound for improvement in the home and garden. We've gathered practical solutions to help you tackle everyday questions with confidence.
In today's issue:
Get Porcelain Sinks Sparkling Clean Again
Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Away
Preserve Your Squash Harvest the Right Way
And more…
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RIVO
You have money sitting in your bank account that could be earning. But moving it around is a hassle. Rivo automatically moves the cash you are not using into U.S. government-backed assets to earn yield, and brings it back before your bills are due. Set it up once, and let Rivo do the work.
CLEANING
We've all stared at a stubborn coffee stain in the porcelain sink and wondered if it's there for good, but the truth is, those marks come out more easily than most people think. Discover four proven tricks that work on everything from rust spots to tea rings, using supplies already sitting under the kitchen counter.
FOOD STORAGE
Summer's bounty of squash doesn't have to go to waste when the garden produces more than dinner can hold . Did you know that frozen squash keeps its flavor for up to a year? It works beautifully in soups, casseroles, and even quick weeknight stir-fries.
TIP OF THE DAY
Can a coffee filter really save your windshield?
Wipe your windshield with a damp coffee filter after washing it to remove wax residue and streaks that regular towels leave behind. The fine paper grabs oils without scratching glass.
Fold the filter into quarters, spray the windshield with plain water or glass cleaner, and wipe in straight lines from top to bottom. This trick works because coffee filters are lint-free and slightly abrasive, cutting through film that causes glare at night.
PLANTS & GARDEN
We planted citronella grass along our back patio three summers ago, and the difference at evening gatherings was immediate—mosquitoes stayed at the yard's edge while everyone relaxed bite-free. These 17+ plants act as natural repellents because mosquitoes can't tolerate the oils in their leaves, creating a protective barrier in any garden without sprays or chemicals.
FUN FACT
Bridge Crossed the Niagara Gorge Before Trains
Charles Ellet Jr. completed the first suspension bridge over Niagara in 1848. To start construction, a kite-flying contest offered five dollars to the first boy who could fly a kite across the 800-foot chasm. Once the kite string made it to the other side, workers used it to pull progressively heavier ropes and cables across until the bridge could carry pedestrians, carriages, and eventually trains. |  |
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THANK YOU!
Your sink sparkles, mosquitoes are fleeing, and your freezer holds summer's bounty. It's a "feel-good" moment ! Who knew household heroics could feel this satisfying?
May your porcelain stay pristine,
Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team
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