Clothes Hanger Solution
Awhile ago we read of someone having trouble hanging clothes in a closet that has a metal rack with holes rather than a wooden rod. We’ve found that putting the hangers in backward works quite well in this situation. By doing so, one can get a much greater angle to the tilt when hanging back to front, and the hook part of the hanger goes into the holes more easily.
Chet & Linda Loveland, F344130, Discovery Bay, California
One-Oven Cooking
Stainless-steel sink protector as second oven shelfWhen using my RV oven, I found that having only one shelf made cooking a complete meal difficult. I like to bake rolls or heat a dinner item or dessert at the same time as I am using the one shelf that came in the oven to cook the main course. While at a housewares store, I noticed a stainless-steel sink protector that came in various sizes. I measured my oven and found a protector that fit inside the oven as a second shelf. It was very inexpensive, is easy to remove and keep clean, and food does not overcook on it since it’s elevated above the lower shelf.
Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694, Florham Park, New Jersey
RV Step Mats
Carpet for RV step matsBeing an avid RVer all my life, I have tried various RV step mats but never was very satisfied with them. Finally, I decided to make my own. I took a trip to one of the national hardware stores and purchased some heavy outdoor carpet that had a lot of texture to it, along with some good spray adhesive. After measuring the steps, I cut the carpet and then sprayed the surface of the step. I allowed the glue to cure for a few minutes, and then I put the carpet on the step and applied it firmly. Any excess carpet hanging over the edge I trimmed off with a single-edge razor blade. The first time I did this was six years ago, and it was only recently that I had to replace the mats. The carpet came off the steps easily, and I simply repeated the earlier installation procedure. Once the carpet is in place, a daily sweep with a whisk broom is all that’s necessary to keep the steps clean. When the mats become really dirty, they can be cleaned using a bucket of sudsy water and a brush and rinsed with cold water. This has provided a more permanent solution to my step mat problem.
Jim Schmidt, F363472, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Peeling Wallpaper Border
Molding to keep wallpaper from peelingWe’ve heard people complain about the wallpaper border in their motorhome peeling off and causing a problem. The biggest hassle, it seems, is that the glue that at one time held the paper to the wall is nearly impossible to remove. So we came up with an inexpensive solution by attaching prefinished molding on the top and bottom edges of the border. The molding can be purchased in different colors (we used two different colors), and I fastened it with small brads. The molding gives the border a framed look, and it’s an easy answer to a difficult problem.
Don Feiden, F175619, Niskayuna, New Yor
Soap Dispenser Holder
Soap bottle inside soda can holderMany families have several rubber soda can holders. We put our Labrador retriever can holder to good use by inserting a bottle of hand soap into the top. The holder doesn’t slide around, and I don’t have to worry about closing the top.
Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694, Florham Park, New Jersey
Tow Bar Protection
Pipe insulation for tow bar protectionThe shafts on my tow bar are exposed to all kinds of dirt, grit, and grime while towing. To eliminate this, I purchased a 6-foot piece of pipe insulation with a 7/8-inch inside diameter at a home improvement store for less than $2. From this insulation I cut four 6 1/4-inch pieces and placed two on each of the tow bar shafts so that the dirt collects on the insulation rather than the shafts. The reason I cut four 6 1/4-inch pieces rather than two 12 1/2-inch pieces is so that when I get to my destination I can remove the pieces and put them on the motorhome’s ladder bars. The distance between the steps is less than 12 inches.
Ronald Happe, F289905, Evansville, Indiana