Remove Pen Ink, Clean Granite & Epsom Salt for Houseplants
Joan Clark
February 19, 2026
Hello ,
February brings fresh starts, and sometimes that means tackling the little household challenges that have been waiting for attention. We've gathered practical solutions to help you care for what matters in your home.
In today's issue:
Removing Pen Ink Stains from Fabric
Using Epsom Salt to Nourish Indoor Plants
Keeping Granite Countertops Spotless
And more…
CLEANING
We've all watched in horror as a pen explodes in a pocket or bleeds through a favorite shirt—but those stains don't have to mean goodbye. This guide shares 11+ proven strategies to lift ink from fabric, from pantry staples to surprising household heroes that actually work.
CLEANING
Granite countertops can lose their shine when cleaned with the wrong products, but restoring that showroom gleam takes only minutes with the right approach . We discovered that a simple mixture of dish soap and warm water outperforms most expensive granite cleaners, and these 7+ methods prove that brilliant results don't require a complicated routine.
MABEL’S WISDOM
Timeless Cast-Iron Care
When I was young, my mama told me the secret to keeping her cast-iron skillet in tip-top shape without a drop of soap. After cooking, she'd let the pan cool a bit, then sprinkle a generous handful of coarse salt inside. Using a soft cloth, she'd scrub the salt around to lift away any stubborn bits of food. Once clean, a quick rinse with warm water and a thorough drying over low heat did the trick.
To finish, mama rubbed a light coat of lard or vegetable oil over the surface to keep it seasoned and rust-free. Remember, a well-cared-for cast iron is a kitchen treasure that only gets better with age.
PLANTS & GARDEN
Houseplants that look a little tired often perk up when given a quarter-teaspoon of Epsom salt dissolved in water once a month. The magnesium helps leaves turn a deeper green. We've watched droopy ferns spring back to life with this simple trick. Discover more ways to use this pantry staple to keep indoor gardens thriving.
FUN FACT
Did selfie sticks exist before digital cameras?
Wayne Fromm invented the selfie stick in 2005, but Hiroshi Ueda patented an "extender stick" for compact film cameras in Japan in 1983. Ueda's design featured a mirror on the front so photographers could frame their shots without a viewfinder. The idea never caught on commercially, and Polaroid's existing timer function seemed easier for group photos. |  |
THANK YOU!
Whether you're rescuing a favorite shirt from ink, feeding houseplants with Epsom salt, or making granite counters shine , these tips turn everyday messes into easy wins.
May your clothes stay spotless,
Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team
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