Simple Ways to Remove Smell from Bath Towels

Tip of the Day: It's happened to the best of us: mildewy-smelling towels that have been left in a beach bag too long. If a trip through the washing machine isn't doing the trick to get the smell out, try this. Wash the towels with your regular detergent on the highest heat allowed on the tag, then add a cup of ammonia during the rinse cycle. Wash again without the ammonia, then dry on the highest heat possible or line-dry in the sun, which will kill any last, lingering odor.

Tip of Day: Do you have a plug-in air freshener?

Tip of Day: Do you have a plug-in air freshener? 

You may be able to refill it without buying costly refills that contain toxic chemicals. Instead, use essential oil, which comes in a variety of scents and can be found online or in health-food stores. Remove the wick from the bulb (you might need to cut it off with a sharp knife or scissors), fill with half water and half essential oil, give it a shake, and put the wick back in. Then plug in for a pleasing scent!

(photo by holycrickey on Tumblr)

A creative approach to removing a ring from a swollen finger

Dr. Simon Carley and his colleagues at the Centre for Evidence Based Emergency Care demonstrate an easy way to remove rings from swollen fingers using the strap from a doctor's mask. This is a good alternative to cutting off rings from patients' fingers.

Survival Life Hacks that could save your life

Here are some AMAZING quick and simple life hacks in this survival edition. Enjoy!

1. Need some light in a pinch and a candle alone won't cut it? Grab a soda can and cut open the sides, fold them out and place the candle in. This will reflect your light and give you some decent protection from the elements.

2. If you ever find yourself without a clean water source grab a piece of cloth and 2 containers. Put the dirty water in one container and run the cloth from it to the empty glass. After a short while you will have filtered, muck free water. Remember to boil..

3. Need to get a cooking fire going with minimal effort? Grab an empty egg carton and place charcoal into the slots. Seal it up, light a corner and enjoy.

4. If the mosquitoes are getting bad you can repel them easily using common household herbs. Since you already have that little cooking fire going, sprinkle some basil or drop some rosemary on the coals. The bugs can't stand it and will stay far away.

5. How about a solar microwave? Grab a small food box and cut out a fold. Wrap the top in aluminum foil and line the inner box with it as well. Place your food inside and give it some time. You now have a solar charged grilled cheese sandwich.

6. Need to find the right direction home? Get a small sliver of metal such as a needle and rub it against your clothing several times. Place the needle on a leaf and float it in some water. The needle will point you North.

7. And finally, the emergency oil lamp. Grab some old cloth and bundle it up. Take a soda can and fill it about half way with olive oil. Place the cloth into the can and light. You have yourself a makeshift oil lamp that will last hours.

How to tell if a battery is ready for the trash!