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Post by SAR01 on Mar 19, 2020 14:03:22 GMT -5
Hey Everyone! Earlier this week we talked about some products you probably already have in your home that you can use to kill the Coronavirus and other surface contaminations. Products like bleach and hydrogen peroxide. I have read some posts online that white, distilled vinegar is also a good disinfectant. It's NOT! While vinegar is great for a variety of cleaning uses, it is not a good virus killer.
In fact, because of its acidic quality vinegar can be damaging in certain applications. Following are a few instances where you should skip the vinegar and grab a different cleaning agent for the job.
Are you still looking for a supply of good hand and surface sanitizer? Click the ad below. Deliveries are being made daily. If we are sold out today, place your order and we will fulfill it tomorrow.
Handy Hints Holly
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When NOT to use vinegar. Clothes Iron
Using vinegar to clean the inside of your iron can corrode the heating element and permanently damage the inside of the appliance. Most steam irons have a protective coating inside the chamber, but acid can gnaw away at that lining and then the metal parts are next.
Electronic Screens
Vinegar is great at leaving windows streak-free, but never use it on an electronic screen like on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or TV. Vinegar can damage a screen's anti-glare properties and even make a touch screen less responsive.
Wood Flooring
Many flooring manufacturers, including Lumber Liquidators, warn against using vinegar to clean your hardwood floors. Diluted vinegar can dissolve the finish that protects the wood and leave it looking cloudy or dull. The same goes for wood furniture.
Dishwashers and Washing Machines
This one I would take with a grain of salt. I have been using white vinegar in my laundry for literally decades, and have never had a problem. On the other hand, I only ever use a cup or two, and then only if I'm washing something I want deodorized, like workout clothes. The issue is with the rubber seals and hoses. Once again, the acidic nature of vinegar can corrode these parts over time causing leaks. Front-load washers are especially susceptible to vinegar-related damage. So, don't add a half gallon every time you do the wash. However, if you use vinegar sparingly, in my experience you shouldn't have a problem.
'Go Green' Hint: Washing hands and sanitizing surfaces is extremely important during an outbreak of the cold or flu, but people have a habit of trying to 'lock themselves away' from infection. And that's the exact opposite of what you should do.
The World Health Organization warns that "poorly ventilated buildings affect air quality and can contribute to the spread of disease," and that poor ventilation worsens the risk of transmission.
People should switch off their air-conditioners and open windows to fresh air to reduce the chances of infection. The likelihood of survival of coronavirus outdoors is lower, say health experts
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Post by SAR01 on Mar 24, 2020 17:24:51 GMT -5
Today's Hints: Rearrange your wardrobe.
When was the last time you checked your wardrobe? I'm sure there are some clothes you probably don't need any more or some you've forgotten about. You need to go check your wardrobe, rearrange your clothes and get out the ones you don't need.
Clean the entire house.
This might not sound like fun to you but at least if you've got energy to spare, then you should keep the house clean. Cleaning the house could make you feel amazing at the end of the day with a real sense of accomplishment. It doesn't have to be deep cleaning, perhaps the dusty windows or just a little clearing of cobwebs will do. Make sure not to stress yourself. Do what you can and leave the rest for another day.
Read your mail.
Seeing a number of unread pieces of mail can be really annoying, especially if it is a lot that you have been letting pile up or ignoring. Now that you have the time, read all of it and also unsubscribe from newsletters that you don't need anymore. Everyone has that newsletter they are tired of seeing!
Try an online class.
Since you have lots of time, find something you have always been interested in learning. Buy an online course on it and study. You can also enroll for one of the numerous free online classes.
Review and declutter.
If you are working from home or are laid off for a couple of weeks now is the perfect time to review your bills and look for places to save. Cable and internet services, your phone plan, insurance, subscriptions, almost anything could be an opportunity to save a little every month.
And then you're done, go through everything and get rid of what you don't need. This includes old bills, paperwork and documents, but don't neglect your closets and storage spaces. You might find a few things you can donate for a nice, little charitable deduction next year, or even better something you can sell online.
And when things finally get back to normal, hopefully sooner than later, you will have your life reorganized and ready to tackle new goals!
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Post by SAR01 on Mar 31, 2020 18:47:45 GMT -5
While a 'shelter in place' order gives us plenty of opportunities to practice our creative skills in the kitchen (I have already made some pretty good recipes with canned corn, canned beans, canned chili, etc...) after a while we're all going to get a craving for of our favorite restaurant foods.
While restaurants have closed their dine-in services in many areas to comply with the new regulations, many are still allowing curbside pickup and delivery. And while it may be comforting to order from your favorite restaurant, is it still safe to do so?
With a few precautions, yes!
Handy Hints Holly
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Today's Hints: While there is limited data, the coronavirus seems to be about as sensitive to heat as other pathogens in food that can make you ill. That means making sure your food reaches an internal temperature of about 160 degrees F.
Skip the salad
According to a March 2020 letter in The New England Journal of Medicine, the novel coronavirus has been shown to live on some surfaces for up to two or three days. Of course, a lettuce leaf is different from things like plastic, but until more is known, you should play it safe and prepare your own salads at home.
Handle the food from package to plate correctly
When you get the package of food, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk without going overboard. Take the food out of the container and put it on a plate, wash her hands, and then microwave the hot food. Finally, discard or recycle the packaging as appropriate, wash or sanitize your hands, and you should be good to go.
Fall in love with your microwave again when you use the Reheatza Microwave Crisper. Give leftovers and frozen foods oven quality crispiness straight from the microwave!
'Go Green' Hint: Everybody can stock up on extra canned goods during the coronavirus pandemic, but fresh produce might become a little hard to come by if shut downs and 'shelter in place' orders become extended. One of the best ways to guarantee you'll have plenty of greens is to freeze fresh veggies and meals for later use.
Blanch and freeze fresh veggies
Blanching most vegetables before freeing reduces enzyme activity, which helps preserve the flavor, color, texture, and slow the loss of nutrients. There are two blanching methods: boiling or steaming. Blanching times vary based on the vegetable and method. For example, broccoli requires steam blanching for five minutes but boiling for just three minutes, while whole carrots need to be steamed for eight minutes or boiled for five.
Not all foods freeze well. Some foods can become limp, tough, soggy, or rubbery like; cabbage, celery, cucumbers, lettuce and onions.
Before placing anything in the freezer, be sure to label what it is, and mark the date, so you won't lose track of when to use or toss.
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Post by SAR01 on Apr 2, 2020 19:08:01 GMT -5
Today's Hints: Electronic screens
Keep paper towels far away from your TV screen, laptop, and even your cell phone. The fibers can cause permanent etching of the screen. Instead, use a gentle cleaning product and microfiber cloth designed specifically for these surfaces. It's also important to not apply too much pressure when cleaning these screens, because it may cause damage to the crystals inside an LCD.
Mirrors and windows
When cleaning windows and mirrors, use microfiber cloths - a favorite of professional cleaners - instead of paper towels. Microfiber cloths work just as well (if not better) and they're reusable. If you don't have cloth, newspaper or even a paper bag will also work. And the best part: None of them leave lint behind the way a paper towel can.
Ditch the paper towels and try Streak Free Cloths. Better than microfiber, you won't even need cleaning solution with these cloths. Clean everything from glass to stainless steel. And YES, THEY'RE MACHINE WASHABLE. Watch the video here.
Eyeglasses
Raw paper can be hard enough to scratch your lenses, and it will leave lint. Instead, always use microfiber cloths as it cuts the oils that cause smudges and wipes them away.
Car interiors
Avoid using paper towels when cleaning the car. Again, microfiber is ideal as it removes the dust versus moving it around. A dry paper towel never seems to fully remove the dust and applying a cleaning product leaves a sticky residue that attracts more dust! The grooves in microfiber capture and remove the mess.
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Post by SAR01 on Apr 8, 2020 19:41:16 GMT -5
Believe it or not, it's time to start thinking about spring cleaning your home.
Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal...why not make that go for your house as well? The fresh air and greenery outdoors make us want to prettify our indoor spaces, too. It just makes us feel better, but many find the mere thought of spring cleaning overwhelming.
For the next few issues we will feature hints and tips to help make spring cleaning a bit easier for you.
Handy Hints Holly
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Hint 1: Start off by listing out every room in your house, without forgetting about the utility room, laundry room, and closets. Think about cleaning tasks like baseboards, walls, window, curtains, and even moving furniture to clean behind and underneath it.
DECLUTTER FIRST - If all you do is shuffle piles of stuff to clean around them and then put them back. Sure your stack of DVD's are cleaner, but is your family room ambiance really better off after all your hard work?
Before cleaning you should declutter and organize.
Hint 2: Start from the top down...
When you think about how to spring clean your home, it's important to start from the ceiling down. This will force debris downward and keep you from having to re-dust or re-clean your space.
If you have a vacuum with a long extension hose, use it to get cobwebs and dust from your ceilings and fans. Then dust your furniture and other items before vacuuming all the dust from your floors.
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Post by SAR01 on Apr 15, 2020 15:26:12 GMT -5
April 15, 2020 Hey Everyone! While there have been a few positive headlines in the news recently, the U.S. is still in the grips of the novel coronavirus. Frequent handwashing, social distancing and wearing a mask like this one can dramatically reduce your risk of infection, but the virus can still stick to pretty much anything; including your clothes.
The coronavirus has been shown to survive on hard, non-porous surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for two to three days, but it can also live on clothes for up to 12 hours - depending on the type of fabric.
So do you have to soak your clothes in disinfectant every time you come home? No. Like we have pointed out before, coronaviruses, like rhinoviruses which cause the common cold, are vulnerable to simple soap and water. That includes laundry detergent.
Handy Hints Holly
Trouble Finding Hand Sanitizer? No Worries WE HAVE IT IN STOCK!
Today's Hints: Take off your clothes and shoes at home
Changing into "indoor" clothing immediately after being out and about in the world is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of contaminating your house.
Best laundry practices
Wash clothes more frequently. Many people will wear blue jeans two or three days before washing them. Sometimes sweaters too. But if you are out in public mixing with other people, this is a bad habit.
Wash your clothes in hot water if allowed by the manufacturer. The new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by temperatures over 80.9 degrees Fahrenheit. But that doesn't mean you have to wash EVERYTHING in hot water.
Soap is still your best weapon. Running a normal cycle with the recommended amount of laundry detergent should do the trick. But if you can, drying your clothes on high heat will further ensure any contamination is eliminated.
'Go Green' Hint: Ditch Toxic fabrics
Man-made fabrics like polyester, nylon, rayon, and acrylic are dripping with dyes and chemicals. These textiles are made with potentially toxic fibers. The more benefits from said apparel, the more you might be putting subjecting yourself to toxic chemicals. Beware of stain resistant, insect-repelling, flame-retardant, water-repellent, waterproof, perspiration-proof, anti-static, anti-cling, and anti-shrink fabrics. Just to name a few.
Those chemicals may spur a rash, but it's even more concerning that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that some chemicals in workout clothing like Dimethylformamide may be linked to liver damage. Opt for natural fibers, ideally organic, such as cotton, wool, silk, flax, and hemp.
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Post by SAR01 on Apr 16, 2020 17:07:56 GMT -5
Hint 1: The small trash cans in our homes can sometimes be overlooked until they are overflowing. Make this chore easier and more quickly accomplished by storing extra liners in the bottom of the trash can.
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Hint 2: Squeaky windshield wipers is one of the most annoying sounds in the world! Squeak-proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol!
Wipe the wipers with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol or ammonia.
This one trick can make badly streaking and squeaking wipers change to near perfect silence and clarity.
'Go Green' Hint: Skip the antibacterial soap
If you choose 'antibacterial' products because you think they kill more germs, think again. According to recent studies, antiseptic ingredients added to numerous products are not effective and may actually be harmful.
In 2005, an FDA panel concluded that there is no added benefit from using antimicrobial products over plain soap and water. There's also toxicity to consider. One of the most popular antimicrobials, the pesticide triclocarban (TCC), defies water treatment methods.
Once it's flushed down drains, about 75 percent of TCC makes it through treatments and it ends up in our surface water and in municipal sludge. This sludge is regularly applied to U.S. crop fields as a fertilizer, meaning the chemical could potentially accumulate in our food.
Instead, try vegetarian soap. Vegetarian soaps contain no animal products. They are made with plant oils and natural fragrances only and the glycerine is usually left in.
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Post by SAR01 on Apr 21, 2020 19:17:04 GMT -5
April 21, 2020 Hey Everyone! I have an old, hand-twist can opener that is at least 30 years old. It's heavy as a hammer and could open the bottom of an aluminum trash can. It's nearly indestructible because it's solid steel. Unfortunately that means the cutting wedge and other parts have covered in rust over the years. I hate to throw it away, on the other hand I don't want to contaminate my sweet corn and green beans with rust every time I open a can.
But I was pleased as punch to discover that there is a simple way to remove rust using just aluminum foil and water.
Handy Hints Holly
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Hint 1: Aluminum foil is a staple in most household pantries, as it comes in handy for everything from wrapping leftovers to lining the drip pans below your stove burners, but did you know you can also use this common household material to clean!
The thought of cleaning rust with aluminum foil may seem crazy. However, the material is known for really bringing the shine back to chrome.
Tear off a strip of aluminum foil and dip it in water.
Gently rub the wet foil on the rusted spots. If the foil dries out, dip it back in the water or grab a fresh piece.
Every now and then, wipe away any bits of rust with a dry microfiber cloth. Repeat this process until you've removed all of the rust.
Buff the chrome with a clean microfiber cloth and apply a coat of wax or polish to prevent future rust buildup.
Hint 2: Cleaning Silverware With Aluminum Foil
Another one of the many aluminum foil uses is cleaning the tarnish off of silverware.
You'll need: - Aluminum foil - A glass baking dish - Enough boiling water to completely submerge your silverware in the baking dish - 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar - 1 tablespoon of baking soda - 1 tablespoon of sea salt - A microfiber cloth - Tongs
- Use the aluminum foil to completely line the glass baking dish. You'll want to make certain the shinier side of the foil is facing upwards. - Combine the baking soda and sea salt, then sprinkle the mixture into the dish. - Now, add the vinegar to the dish. You'll see fizzing as it reacts with the baking soda. - Taking care not to scald yourself, add the boiling water to the baking dish. - Place your silverware in a single layer along the bottom of the dish. You need to make sure that each piece is making contact with the aluminum foil. - Let the silverware soak for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on how heavy the tarnish is. - Use your tongs to remove the silverware from the solution, taking care not to burn yourself. - Dry and buff your silver with a microfiber cloth.
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Post by SAR01 on Apr 23, 2020 18:50:27 GMT -5
April 23, 2020 Hey Everyone! Use kitchen drawer dividers in your bathroom. You know, those same things you use for silverware and other odds and ends.
Those dividers can be perfect for storing makeup, toothbrushes, floss containers, and other small items in your bathroom drawers. As in the kitchen, they serve the additional function of protecting your drawers from moisture.
Handy Hints Holly
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Hint 1: Install hooks for towels.
If you don't have enough room for all your towels on your towel racks, mounting hooks is fast and easy and will provide you with the additional space you need.
Hint 2: Keep all your larger toiletries (hair spray, lotion, etc.) inside a larger bin or box, and store that under your sink.
When you get ready each day, you can just pull it out and use everything, and then put it all back. That's a lot easier than looking for every item individually.
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'Go Green' Hint: When it comes to using the toilet be sure you're reaching for toilet paper created from recycled sources--remember, rolling over is better than rolling under--and avoid using products made from virgin boreal forest trees. The Natural Resources Defense Council has a solid list of recycled paper sources, so you aren't literally flushing virgin trees down the toilet. And when it comes time to flush, close the lid before hitting the button to prevent the spread of bacteria around your bathroom.
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Post by SAR01 on May 26, 2020 20:16:25 GMT -5
Hint 1: Install hooks for towels.
If you don't have enough room for all your towels on your towel racks, mounting hooks is fast and easy and will provide you with the additional space you need.
Hint 2: Keep all your larger toiletries (hair spray, lotion, etc.) inside a larger bin or box, and store that under your sink.
When you get ready each day, you can just pull it out and use everything, and then put it all back. That's a lot easier than looking for every item individually.
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Post by SAR01 on May 28, 2020 15:37:50 GMT -5
Hint 1: Overfilling your washing machine will result in your clothing not getting as clean as it could. Fill your laundry to around the three-quarters mark. If you need to do additional loads, that is better than trying to stuff the washer full.
Hint 2: Add the laundry soap before you add your clothing. That way the soap can dissolve into the water, which will make it more effective. It also prevents powder from getting stuck to your clothes.
'Go Green' Hint: Try all organic Magic Washberries in your laundry. Washberries are actually a soapberry nut that contain saponins which have been used for washing for thousands of years by native peoples in Asia as well as Native Americans.
The soap nuts are an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical detergents. Harvested directly from the trees, soapberry nuts require no alteration to act as a soap. They are also free of artificial foaming agents making them a safer option for your family and the environment. In other words, they're a truly green product!
You can use these for so much more than just laundry. Use them: Washing Your Hands, Shampoo, Multipurpose Soap, Household Cleaner, Windows and Glass, For Dishwashers, Carpet Cleaning, Jewelry Cleaner, Pet Shampoo and more.
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Post by SAR01 on Jun 17, 2020 20:03:57 GMT -5
June 17, 2020 Hey Everyone! Have you pulled your summer outdoor furniture out of storage yet? A few simple tips and tricks will take your backyard furniture from winter-weary to ready-to-lounge with a minimum of cost and effort! Handy Hints Holly We Have The BEST Grill Cleaning Brush EVER! And Today It's Only $8! (Visit PulseTV Here) Today's Hints: Revive wood and wicker with coconut oil After a long winter wood and wicker furniture can look dried out. The solution? Sprinkle some coconut oil on a clean cloth and rub it onto furniture. Let it sit for 15 minutes the give it a quick buff. The oil moisturizes while its antibacterial properties help clean and deodorize. Renew your umbrella with tree oil Even a mildew-resistant patio umbrella can succumb to mustiness. To spruce it up mix 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of white vinegar and 20 drops of tree oil, and spritz the umbrella liberally with the solution. The vinegar and tree oil attack the mold and mildew that build up in the umbrella's folds. After a few minutes rinse with your garden hose and let dry. Remove rust buildup with a cream of tartar paste If your metal table and chairs are starting to look a little rusty, the fix is probably already in your pantry. Just make a paste from equal parts cream of tartar and lemon juice. This combination creates a chemical reaction that breaks down rust. Simply apply and let sit for a few minutes. Then wipe off. Brighten plastic furniture with baking soda toothpaste. Good, old-fashioned toothpaste works magic on plastic furniture. Look for a paste that includes baking soda which makes it mildly abrasive. That's what helps it gently scrub away dirt and grime without damaging the surface. Just use a clean rag and buff it into your furniture. Rinse with your garden hose and your chairs will look fresh and clean!
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Post by SAR01 on Jun 30, 2020 15:13:48 GMT -5
June 30, 2020 Hey Everyone! Bottled water is one of the biggest money sucks out there. If drinking from the tap is too much to bear, investing in a water filter is a simple and cost-effective alternative. An example from TLC found a family of four throws away more than $3,000 on bottled water per year. With a basic pitcher-style filtration system (about $20 + a new filter every 40 gallons), they would spend just $119. Savings: $2,900. Handy Hints Holly We Have The BEST Grill Cleaning Brush EVER! And Today It's Only $8! (Visit PulseTV Here) Hint 1: Exfoliating your skin is key in the summer months... Summer means an increase of dead skin cells so it is important to exfoliate your skin to keep it smooth and silky. You don't need to buy any expensive products to achieve that summer glow; simply use a loafer for a light scrub. Or make your own exfoliation lotion using a handful of oatmeal, milk and yogurt. Hint 2: Keep hydrated During the hot summer months, heat and sweat can leave your body dehydrated. A lack of water is harmful to your body and can also make you crave food when you're not actually hungry. It is incredibly important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking six or eight glasses of water a day. But remember; it is possible to overhydrate. Drinking too much water can effect certain electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium in our bloodstream. Occasionally try adding some low calorific flavoring to water such as a piece of fruit, or opt for healthy alternatives like green or coconut water.
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Post by SAR01 on Jul 2, 2020 14:59:13 GMT -5
July 02, 2020 Hey Everyone! Do you ever find yourself chasing strands of wet hair or running into dust balls in the corners with your sponge or cleaning rag? You can eliminate this nuisance by vacuuming the bathroom before you get out your cleaning solutions.
For a really thorough cleaning, start at the top, vacuuming the dust from light fixtures and the top of window casings. Then work your way down. And finally, vacuum the floor methodically so you cover every inch. You don't want to leave any stray hair or dust bunnies to muck up your cleaning water. A soft-bristle upholstery brush works best for this type of vacuuming.
Handy Hints Holly
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Hint 1: Do you make your bed every morning? You should...
There's a reason the Marines start the day with this simple task - also known as "wake and make."
According to retired Admiral William H. McRaven, author of "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life - and Maybe the World,"
"It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed."
Hint 2: To freshen up the exterior of your home, don't spend a fortune at the local nursery. Instead ask family and friends for trimmings of their plants. Many perennial plants and bulbs can easily be divided and shared. Transplant the ones you like best into your own yard.
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Post by SAR01 on Sept 22, 2020 18:30:50 GMT -5
Today's Hints: Wine Cork Fire Starters
Fill a mason jar with wine corks and rubbing alcohol, and let the corks soak. The corks will burn ok in a couple days, but for best results, soak them for a week. Be sure the corks are natural, not synthetic.
DIY Lint Fire Starter Log
To properly build a fire, you need to have tinder (easy-lighting material), kindling (finger-size sticks) and fuel (logs). We all have a readily available supply of tinder: dryer lint! To make fire starters, I stuff empty toilet paper tubes with dryer lint. My dryer lint "logs" light quickly and easily burn long enough to light up the kindling. And I don't have to resort to lighter fluid!
Cotton Balls in Petroleum Jelly
This one surprised me because I didn't know that vaseline is actually highly flammable. And instead of preparing these ahead of time, you can just as easily toss cotton balls and vaseline into a ziplock bag and make them when the time comes.
Grab one cotton ball at a time and use your hands to thoroughly work the vaseline into it. If preparing them ahead of time, you'll want to keep them in a ziplock bag or other airtight container to ensure the petroleum jelly doesn't dry out.
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