Tag Archives: clean hands

TEN USES FOR BABY WIPES OTHER THAN WHAT THEY WERE INTENDED FOR (Guest Post)

Here is the second installment from Paul Taylor,  http://www.babysittingjobs.com. Ideas that we can all take advantage of. pb

Baby wipes have to be one of the best inventions ever.  Moms will readily attest to the fact that, even after you no longer have kids in diapers, you will still buy wipes because there are so many other great uses for them.  Check out these 10 uses that you may not have thought of:

1.        Use wipes to clean sticky fingers and faces.  Wipes are much softer than tissues and since they are already wet they are more convenient to use than a wash cloth with soap and water. They also are great for when you are away from home and need to clean sticky fingers and faces quickly.  In a pinch you can even use them to wipe runny noses because they are so soft.

2.        Wipe spots off of microfiber furniture.  Microfiber furniture is very easy to clean, but sometimes a gentle cleaner is necessary.  That’s where the wipe comes in.  Baby wipes can work well in cleaning spots when you need to clean up a small spot quickly. 

3.        Remove crayon from painted surfaces with wipes.  Baby wipes are a kid-safe way to clean what can otherwise be a difficult mess to remove.  Other harsh chemicals can be used to effectively clean crayon, but wipes are safe for the kids to be around with no severe fumes.

4.        Clean your rubber stamps when card making.  Something in the wipe conditions the rubber stamp as it cleans the ink off.  There are other alternatives to clean stamps, but none as convenient and as inexpensive as a baby wipe.  You can also use a folded baby wipe on a paper plate and add a few drops of different colors of ink from a re-inker and use the plate and wipe as your temporary stamp pad for a custom color mix.

5.        Wipes work as a make-up remover.  The make-up industry has caught on to this trick and is now making makeup removing wipes especially for that task, but for less money you can use a baby wipe that you already have at home.

6.        Remove lipstick from a shirt collar.  As long as you catch it right when it happens, you can use a wipe to remove lipstick from a shirt collar.  It takes a little elbow grease, but it works when you need a solution fast.

7.        Use wipes for quick clean ups around the house.  Keep a box of wipes in your kitchen for a quick clean up after breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Wipe your kid’s mouth and any spills or crumbs on the table all by using a single wipe.

8.        Use in place of water to clean hands if using a porta-potty.  Doesn’t it always figure when you are at some sort of outside event that your child has to go to the bathroom?  It also never fails that there’s no way to wash her hands after she goes.  Baby wipes to the rescue!  In desperate situations wipes can serve as toilet paper too.  That is, after all, what they were designed for.

9.        Baby wipes are a convenient way to clean your puppy’s feet.  Do you ever take your pooch to the dog park only to realize that his paws are a mess and he’s about ready to leave paw prints all over your car?  Grab the baby wipes.  These work well to clean the mud and dirt off of your puppy’s feet.  Keep them by the door at home for those times that he comes in muddy from the yard too.

10.     Wipes work well for cleaning hairspray off of wood surfaces.  Baby wipes have just enough moisture and texture to lift the sticky residue of hairspray off of counters and wooden cupboards.  Unlike harsher cleaner-based wipes, baby wipes won’t dry out your wood. 

Thanks, Paul!  Anyone out there have any other ideas? pb

 

SHOPPING TIPS – BE SAFE WHILE YOU SHOP

We are counting down the days until Christmas!   We’ve survived Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, when retailers offer deals we just can’t live without!  For those who braved the cold waiting for stores to open their doors, and spent countless hours on the computer, well done!  For the rest of us, good luck! 

Online shopping is a wonderful way to shop if you  have neither the time or desire to get out there and search for the best bargains, but either way, in person, or online, buyers beware!  You must be sure you are cyber-safe!  Before you decide to make online purchases, you should have good antivirus software.  If you get suspicious emails or pop-ups with bargains that are too good to be true – they are!  The Better Business Bureau advises us to make sure each online purchase is made on a secure website.  It is best to shop with reputable businesses; when you place your order, look for the “s” in “https//” and in the lower right corner of the browser, there should be a padlock.  This ensures you that that your personal information is safe.  

Some stores offer credit cards that promise huge incentives with a large one-time only discount.  If you plan to make large purchases, it might be worth taking advantage of this offer.  However, some stores add higher interest to balances, so it would be best to pay it off right away.  Be sure you keep all receipts.  Some electronic items and special orders may require a re-stocking fee.  It could cost you from 10% to 25% if not returned in a factory-sealed box.  

Do your homework.  Plan ahead by doing comparative shopping before buying.  Avoid impulse buying.  Be sure the gifts you choose will be used, and not just put away in a closet.  Getting a “wish list” from your family members ensures that you are giving them something they really would enjoy.  We hope you have also given some thought to some “cool” safety items that would be put to good use by workers who wear hardhats, safety glasses, high vis safety gloves, and other protective products.

When you are out there in the “real” shopping world, take extra precautions.  There are some persons just waiting to switch your purse with an empty one, or pick someone’s pocket.  It’s best not to carry a large purse, but keep your money, checks and credit cards concealed in a small purse or bag under your sweater or coat.  Don’t wear expensive jewelry when you are shopping in large crowds, and always be aware of your surroundings.  If you have several packages, take them to your car, rather than risk leaving one of them in a store.  Be sure that they are in the trunk or out of sight in your locked vehicle.  Carry some wet wipes or small