DIY Bath Bombs

I must admit, this post is mainly selfish as I plan to make these and don't want to forget where I found them.  But they are genius! They are fragranced bath bombs that you can make yourself, quickly, easily and cheaply.  The full instructions can be found on a website called 'Something Turquoise'.

All you need is to measure out baking soda (bicarbonate of soda), citric acid, witch hazel and whatever fragrance and colourant you like. Mix it all up till clumpy and firm.  Choose a mould - the developer of the bath bombs used a mini muffin tray. Pack in the mixture, leave for 10 minutes or so and then turn out on to wax paper to dry. They can then be used as gifts, wedding favours, or just keep them yourself!

Removing Stains from Mugs and Cups

Tea and coffee does stain one's mugs and teacups which is annoying and ugly.  A simple way to remove these is to wipe with a little baking soda - or, as we know it, bicarbonate of soda - then rinse with water for spotless drinking vessels!

Unclogging a Drain

Firstly, boil some water.  While this is being done, pour a bunch of bicarbonate of soda (also known as baking soda) into the drain.  I use enough to go in to the plughole and pretty much cover it.

Then pour on some vinegar, an amount a bit less than the baking soda.  Some places suggest white vinegar but I find malt vinegar works just as well.  You'll see it all start to work, with the mixture bubbling up nicely and satisfactorily!  This is the clog breaking down.

Next add some salt on top of the vinegar to make it even more foamy and work even better.

Let it sit for a while to gurgle away - 15 minutes or so, until you're ready to clear it all out by pouring in the boiled water.  This should do the trick easily and naturally.  And look!  Pretty sink with no clogs, environmentally-friendly and naturally.

If necessary, repeat for those more stubborn clogs.