NOVITA, the Lifestyle Makers

laundry & bedroom

Freshen Linen Closet
In the linen closet place cotton balls that have been sprayed with your favorite scent. Once they are dry place them in corners and on the shelves.

Fading
Turn dark clothes inside out and wash in the coolest water possible and then dry on lowest heat. For all-black clothes, throw in a box of black dye every 8-10 washes or so to keep black clothes black.

Glitter on Clothing
That new sparkly shirt shedding glitter all over the place? Spray with aerosol hair spray to make it stay put. Wash separately from other clothes, or at least wash it inside out if you must wash with other articles of clothing.

Zippers
To make a zipper slide up and down more smoothly, rub a bar of soap over the teeth.

Buttons
Before you wear a new garment, put a little clear nail polish on the front and back of each button. Buttons will stay longer when their threads are sealed.

Pantyhose
For longer lasting panty hose, try freezing them before you wear them. Just wet, wring out and toss in a plastic bad to freeze. Thaw and hang to dry.

Brighten Colors with Salt
Hard water can cause clothes to become dull or dingy after several washings. To solve this problem, add a couple of pinches of ordinary table salt to the washer with the detergent. Let some water run in the washer to dissolve detergent and salt, and then add clothes. Colored clothes will come out much brighter.

Delicates
Think you have to take that sheer voile blouse, beaded top, fringed silk shawl, or lace trimmed dress to the cleaners? Think again! You can clean these at home by simply tying the articles in a cotton pillowcase, knotting it closed, and washing in cold water on regular cycle. Beads, sequins, buttons and delicate laces will not fall to pieces, and garments can be restored by steaming them.

Stuffed Animals
Old stuffed animals can be salvaged. Place stuffed animals in a pillowcase, tie a knot in the case, and then place the stuffed animals in your wash machine on gentle or permanent press. You can even dry them. For best results, machine dry the stuffed animals for about 20 minutes and then let it air-dry. Your child's favorite stuffed toy may look like new.

Air Freshener
For immediate air freshener in the bath, place a fabric softener sheet in the wastepaper basket or add a dab of fragrance on a light bulb. When the light is on, the heat releases the aroma.