Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Lowly Scrubbie

Some time ago, I submitted an article about thin green nylon scrub pads to a women's magazine and never heard a word back. I supposed that everyone else in the world has discovered how handy these can be (especially since they are sometimes hard to find) but perhaps there is one person out there who hasn't.

While attending a quaint old country church I noticed black scuff marks on the finished wooden floors. Going back later, I easily lifted off the marks by rubbing gently with a stiff scrubbing sheet.

Scrubbies are useful for exfoliating heels and soles of the feet after a shower or bath. (You could dampen a scrubbie and use a light touch on moistened elbows and face, followed by lotion or cream.)

To open a stubborn jar or turn a tight faucet, these pads grip almost as well as a rubber gasket.

My most recent discovery occurred after washing a black fleece cap and finding lint clinging to it afterwards. Brushing the damp surface with the green scrub pad removed the lint and restored it to almost new condition. This might or might not work on sweaters that have "pilled."

I cut each 4" x 6" sheet in half, then in half again to get maximum mileage out of these useful little scrubbers. Let me know if you have any other uses for them.

Box-ing

Okay, I admit it, I have a box fetish. Well, maybe not exactly a fetish, but- I hate to see a clean, sturdy box go to waste. When I'm in the grocery store, I would rather shop with a box on my arm than push around a rolling (screeching, sticking) cart. If an item doesn't fit in the box, I don't buy it. Often halfway through a quick trip to the store, I have to pick up an empty box (from a bottom shelf or stock clerk's pile) because I'm gathering more than I can carry. (I was so sure I wouldn't need a cart).

My significant other becomes nervous when I pick up a box at a store. "You can't take that box home!" I am warned. Is there concern that I might turn my living space into a warehouse???

A clean box can be re-used for many things. Long narrow boxes like shoe boxes make good dresser drawer organizers for socks, etc. Empty envelope boxes nicely hold greeting cards that I intend to send to family and friends someday. Sturdy boxes stacked on on their sides are a substitute for book shelves where there is a furniture shortage. Arranged similarly by the entry way, they may hold boots and sneakers neatly. On that top shelf of a closet, open boxes on their sides will keep stacked sweaters or folded slacks from falling down.

If one is creative, tray-type boxes covered with fabric or contact paper will serve as attractive desk-top organizers. I recommend stashing a box in the back seat to keep the inside of the car/mobile-office tidy. Putting groceries into a larger box in the trunk can prevent bottles from falling over/rolling around/spilling their contents.

Boxes can be pressed into frugal duty almost anywhere. I feel like I'm forgetting some other clever applications.

Have I convinced you yet of the value of the lowly box???