Make your own nylon-net scrubbies at home

Dear Readers: Here are two hints to make Heloise’s nylon-net scrubbies at home! They are great for cleaning dishes, showers and tubs, and even for removing wallpaper glue, etc.

Hint one:

For those who like to crochet, Anne Radojcsics of Tupelo, Miss., gave me the directions she uses to make a circle out of the nylon net (found at fabric stores). She actually gave me one of her pink hand-made scrubbies recently when I was speaking at a library for the Helen Foster lecture series, my topic being “Going Green to Save You Green,” which this hint fits into! Here are her instructions:

•One yard of 72-inch-wide nylon net makes three scrubbies.

•Lay material with the width left to right and the one yard (folded) top to bottom.

•Cut 18 two-inch strips across the width. (Six strips make one scrubbie.)

•Using an I or J hook, chain four on the first strip and join, making a tiny circle.

•Do two single crochets in each stitch using two strips. (This makes a big circle.)

•Tuck the knots into the center each time you join strips.

•Knot three more strips together and do a single crochet in each stitch.

•Attach the final strip and do a single crochet in every other stitch.

•After joining, tuck any leftover net into the center with the knots.

Hint two:

For a quick version, use half a yard of 72-inch-wide nylon net, dental floss or strong nylon thread, a large needle and scissors. Cut the nylon net into three 6-inch-by-72-inch strips and lay them on top of each other, sewing down the middle in long basting stitches. At the end, hold the thread in one hand and pull back the nylon net to form a bunch. Wrap the thread around the center, tie a tight knot and trim the ends. Separate the layers so they make a ball.

These are just cute and handy for so many things! They also dry quickly in the dish rack. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I use a cleansing shampoo to remove hair spray from my hair. It dawned on me: Would it clean my glass shower? I just poured a small amount in my wet palm and spread it on, adding a little water as needed. A wet washcloth wipes it clean, and then it can be used to wipe the rest of the bathroom clean if you so choose. Peggy P., Wichita Falls, Texas

You discovered one of my favorite cheap hints! I use a plastic or nylon-net scrubbie (see above hint) for extra oomph. I also use cheap shampoo, not expensive. Heloise

Dear Heloise: An easy way to have saltwater gargle in the bathroom: Add 1 teaspoon of table salt to 8 ounces of warm water and store in a water bottle. Sit it by your bathroom sink for an easy gargle. Rose Morgan, Monroe, Ohio

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate