I'm So Clever

The winner: When I finish a jar of mayonnaise, rather than wash it before I put the jar in the recycle bin, I add some pickle juice, swirl it around, add some oil and seasonings and herbs to taste. A delicious salad dressing! Afterward, it’s easier to wash for recycling or storage. Jane Ratliff, Gastonia

The winner: When our family goes to the movies, we buy the large popcorn special – two drinks and one large tub of popcorn which gives one free refill – and then pour the popcorn into two one-gallon zip plastic bags. That way we can get our free refill before the movie starts and we don’t miss any of the movie.

The winner: I always take my reusable shopping bags to the grocery store. However, I need a sturdier bottom in them to support cans and heavier items. I remedy this by flattening a cereal box and cutting it to fit the bag bottom. Then I have a much sturdier bag. Kathy Stoessel, Matthews

The winner: I keep a bottle of bright red nail polish on hand for marking things. Example: The cellphone plug will only go into the phone one way. Trying to force it the wrong way can damage the charging port. So I mark the correct side with the polish. Heinz J. Stevens, Charlotte

The Winner: I like hanging baskets with fiber liners, but even with moisture-retaining soil conditioners, the baskets dry out quickly. So, I put a small plastic plant saucer in the bottom of the basket before filling with soil and planting. It creates a reservoir for moisture and helps keep the plants watered much longer. Jan Mahannah, Gastonia

The winner: When cutting boneless chicken breasts for Marsala or anything requiring thin cutlets, freeze and only partially thaw. You will be able to slice through thinly with ease and removing yellow fat is a breeze. Betty Kovler, Indian Land, SC

The winner: Along with a salt shaker on my kitchen table, I have a sugar shaker to use on cereal, fruit, etc. I distributes the sugar more evenly than a spoon and greatly cuts down on the amount used! Mary Tuner, Morganton

The winner: If I am in a hurry and my shoes need a little more shine, I add a little liquid fabric softener to a soft cloth and buff my dress leather shoes with it. It puts a nice shine back on them ... and no shoe polish on your hands! Gary Gordon, Charlotte

The winner: I use white vinegar as a rinse agent in my dishwasher. It is much cheaper, much more environmentally friendly, and your dishes come out spotless!

The winner: The top of our kitchen cabinets, especially over the stove, are covered with a layer of sticky grease that is next to impossible to remove.