Shrink a Shirt, Coffee Grounds & Bed Bugs

Author

Joan Clark
September 02, 2026

In partnership with

.

Hello there,

Summer brings fresh energy to tackle those home projects that have been waiting. Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe, nurturing your indoor garden, or protecting your space, today's tips will help you take care of what matters.

In today's issue:

  • How to Shrink a Shirt That's Too Big

  • Using Coffee Grounds to Feed Your Houseplants

  • Getting Rid of Bed Bugs for Good

  • And more…

CLEANING

We've all pulled a favorite shirt from the dryer only to find it could now fit a teenager—but the reverse is possible too. Check out 8+ surprisingly simple methods to intentionally shrink a shirt to the perfect size, whether it stretched out over time or arrived too big in the first place.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OONI

Home mixers weren’t built for bread. We fixed that.

Ever tried to make dough in your regular mixer?

The results aren’t pretty: Clumpy texture. Stodgy bread. Overheated motors.

So, we took the same dough-making technology that professional bakers have used for decades and packed it into a countertop machine.

Introducing Ooni Halo Core.

Its secret? Spiral mixing.

In a regular mixer, a single hook chases your dough around the bowl — like someone trying to knead with one hand tied behind their back.

But in a spiral mixer, three synchronised attachments fold and stretch dough as one, replicating the precise and powerful dual-kneading action of a skilled baker’s hands.

The result: Stronger dough, softer loaves and a higher rise.

PLANTS & GARDEN

Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—the same trio found in many commercial fertilizers—which explains why gardeners have been sprinkling them around roses and tomatoes for generations. We discovered that houseplants benefit from this kitchen scrap too, and these seven tips show exactly how to use grounds without harming delicate roots or inviting pests.

TIP OF THE DAY

Leather Rescue

Empty your leather bag and turn it inside out to shake loose crumbs and dust. Mix one drop of mild dish soap with a cup of warm water, then dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it nearly dry. Wipe the leather in small circles, working one section at a time, and avoid soaking the material.

Use a separate damp cloth with plain water to remove any soap residue, then let the bag air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Conditioning afterward keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking.

BUG CONTROL

We once heard from a woman who discovered bed bugs can survive up to a year without feeding , which explained why her "solved" problem kept coming back after every vacation. This guide walks through more than 30 proven solutions to eliminate these resilient pests and prevent them from returning.

FUN FACT

Alarm Clock Keys

Early alarm clocks required winding with a separate key every single day, and losing that key meant your clock became an expensive paperweight. The mainspring inside needed enough tension to power both the timekeeping mechanism and the hammer that struck the bell.

By the 1920s, built-in winding knobs finally eliminated the need to keep track of a separate tool.

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THANK YOU!

Whether you're resizing a favorite tee, feeding your ferns yesterday's brew, or battling uninvited bedroom guests , these tricks turn everyday challenges into wins. Small fixes, big difference.

Here's to a shirt that fits just right,

Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team

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