Clog Remover, Bee Sting Remedy, and Other Country Lore

By The Mother Earth News Editors
Published on December 1, 1994
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An onion slice applied to the site of injury is an effective bee sting remedy — the onion absorbs the toxin.
An onion slice applied to the site of injury is an effective bee sting remedy — the onion absorbs the toxin.
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Wine cork tassels turned this backcountry straw hat into a fly chaser hat.
Wine cork tassels turned this backcountry straw hat into a fly chaser hat.
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Water pressure from a garden hose works well as a drain clog remover.
Water pressure from a garden hose works well as a drain clog remover.
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Julie DeGroat discovered by accident that companion planting works well with sunflowers and peppers.
Julie DeGroat discovered by accident that companion planting works well with sunflowers and peppers.
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You can easily cut an expired credit card into a homemade guitar pick, or several picks.
You can easily cut an expired credit card into a homemade guitar pick, or several picks.

The following housekeeping tips and other bits of country lore were submitted by readers.


Water Power Clog Remover

The easiest, fastest, and environmentally friendliest way to unclog a sink or bathtub is with your garden hose. Simply bring your hose into the room with the clogged drain. I bring mine in the front door, across my living room, down the hall, and into the bathroom. I wipe it off so I don’t drag dirt or mud through the house, and my wife doesn’t say a word. Just place the nozzle in the drain and wrap a rag around it to make a good seal. If there is a vent, as in bathtubs or bathroom sinks, stuff a rag tightly in there too. When you are ready, simply squeeze the handle and you have all the pressure you will need to open any clogged drain in seconds.  

A word of caution: Squeeze the handle slowly at first and gradually bring it up to full force. I let mine run about 5-10 seconds after the clog is cleared to help flush out any other material (hair-soap scum) that may cause a clog later on. While I have the hose in the house I hit all the drains just to make sure they are flowing free.

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