Smoke Smell, Hair Glue & Bleach for Roaches
Joan Clark
May 18, 2026
Sponsored by
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Hi there,
Home challenges have a way of showing up when you least expect them. We're here with helpful solutions that really work.
In today's issue:
Removing Smoke Odor From Your Walls
Does Bleach Actually Kill Roaches?
Getting Hair Glue Out of Fabric
And more…
CLEANING
We've all walked into a room where cigarette or cooking smoke has seeped so deeply into the walls that even fresh paint can't hide it. These seven proven methods tackle the odor at its source, so any space can smell clean and welcoming again.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
Support Audubon & Receive a Gift
American Goldfinch. Photo: Megumi Aita/Audubon Photography Awards
Become a member of the National Audubon Society today, and we’ll send you our exclusive, award-winning magazine as a token of our appreciation. That means every three months you’ll receive stories about protecting birds and the places they need directly to your mailbox!
With over 120 years of conservation expertise, Audubon is responding to the greatest challenges facing birds and people today while anticipating the issues and opportunities of tomorrow. Where we work - and when you help - birds are better off.
Give a gift that renews each year to ensure our quarterly magazine continues arriving at your doorstep.
CLEANING
Hair glue bonds fast and holds tight, which is exactly what makes it so stubborn when it lands on fabric instead of follicles. We've rounded up 7+ fantastic hacks that work on hair glue with everything from acetone-free removers to household staples already sitting in the pantry.
TIP OF THE DAY
Fridge - Secret Energy Bill Sabotage
Check the refrigerator door seal's grip by closing the door on a dollar bill, then try to pull it out. If the bill slides out easily, the gasket may be dirty or worn, allowing cold air to escape. Clean the seal thoroughly with soapy water, rinse, and dry completely.
Once clean, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the gasket with your fingertip to restore flexibility and improve the seal's grip. This simple trick can reduce energy waste and keep your fridge running efficiently.
BUG CONTROL
Roaches can survive a nuclear blast but can't outsmart a bottle of household bleach , a fact discovered by accident when a janitor in the 1950s noticed the pests fleeing freshly cleaned drains. We've rounded up 3+ straightforward ways to turn this common disinfectant into a powerful roach deterrent that works overnight.
FUN FACT
Lock is Too Smart
The 1873 Sargent time lock created an unexpected problem: bank employees couldn't override it during emergencies, leading to at least one recorded death when a child wandered into a vault at closing time. Even the bank owner had to wait for the clock to run down. This "feature" forced later inventors to add emergency release systems. |  |
THANK YOU!
Smoke-free walls, roach-free corners, and glue-free fabrics—your home just got a whole lot fresher . Whether you're scrubbing, spritzing, or strategically deploying bleach, you've got the know-how to tackle the tough stuff.
Here's to a home that smells like victory,
Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team
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