17 Smart IDEAS for your HOME

[@BenitaLarsson]

If you're looking for sources, I've tried to collect as many as I can here: www.benitalarsson.com/sources

[@melissabridge5687]

We are moving to a small apartment very soon. I was overwhelmed with the thought of getting rid of some things. Then I remembered how peaceful your videos are for me and that I need to be a minimalists to be happy! My husband and I have decided the only things that go with us are items we use at least once monthly with a very few exceptions( Christmas decorations, some tools, winter wear… etc) Thank you. You have been a God send!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Congratulations on your move! I'm so happy if my videos have been helpful!

[@sarahdesmond5697]

Great tips! My current favorite trick at home is my bathroom linens. I change them once a week and keep them in sets. So a color coordinated rug, shower curtain, hand towels, and washcloths. Each set is in a bin ready to go, and on laundry day, it takes me less than 5 minutes to take down the old set down and put the new set up. When they come out of the wash, they go right back into the same bin.

[@galex5060]

Also wanted to say that I started watching your channel in April. You inspired me to completely review my whole apartment and go on a declutter marathon. I only moved here 7 years ago and it was brand new. I had been careful about what I brought with me then. Even though I am extremely well organised and fastidiously clean, I was surprised by what I ended up decluttering. I lost count of the boxes and bags of stuff I decluttered. I took it drawer by drawer, cupboard by cupboard, day by day. I just did a little everyday. And sometimes I went for hours but it was actually addictive and fun. I even ended up nearly emptying my storage room. I had stuff from my parents that I held on to and it's all gone with only the precious things left now. I also made sure everything that belonged together was reorganised. I was surprised by how many easy solutions and ideas kept popping into my head to streamline my home. Once I started, I just kept on rolling until I finished a few days ago. I am by no means a minimalist, but I also think this depends on your point of view. I have only kept things that have meaning and add something to my home. I have moved things around and looked at everything with a fresh eye. I found things I had forgotten about and displayed these in a fresh new way. I feel like I have picked up a moved to a whole new home because I have refreshed everything. I have also looked at a few other channels but I feel yours is probably the best! So well done and thank you for the inspiration and ideas!

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’m so happy that my videos have been useful to you!

[@JuliaRoseHabertoes]

These are such great tips! I love the idea of using a felt pad with essential oil to stick anywhere convenient! I similarly use essential oil on an extra washcloth in my suitcase where i store off season clothes. Lavender or peppermint keeps away bugs and makes it so they don't smell musty when it's time to bring them out again.

[@BenitaLarsson]

That's a great idea!

[@Marsolan]

Hi Benita, love your channel and implemented many of your wonderful ideas. Today I wanted to share that I use brown paper lunch bags ( they very inexpensive) to scoop the kitty litter to minimize the plastic waste. It works great.

[@BenitaLarsson]

That’s a great idea!

[@thatswhatisaid8908]

Brilliant! If I do that, I can put it in our green waste bin!

[@Marsolan]

@@thatswhatisaid8908 where I live animal waste can not go to the green bin. But amount of plastic saved is phenomenal ❤️ thank you for your comment

[@wscottfunk]

I'm a label remover too! Here's a tip, instead of pouring hot water into a container to soften the label, place the container with the label on it into a pot with warm water and let it sit for 30 minutes or so. It softens the label and also dampens it, so it's easy to scrape off any remaining residue. This works great on containers that still have something in them. As always, thanks for sharing your tips!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank for that, I'll try it for full ones!

[@MyFocusVaries]

​@@BenitaLarssonAnd hand sanitizer is an excellent label remover agent.

[@elenafattakhova9134]

​@@BenitaLarssonor you can just buy label remover spray which works amazing in seconds 😊

[@AnnSarasvati]

Thank you for this idea. I just tried it for an empty jar and just used hot water from the tap. I also filled the jar with water. On this particular jar the label just came right off after sitting in the warm water for 30 minutes. No scraping.

[@wscottfunk]

@@AnnSarasvati I'm glad that it worked for you! ☺️

[@galex5060]

Great tips and ideas. I always learn something from your videos. A couple of ideas to consider. I use eucalyptus oil (readily available here in Australia) to remove sticky labels, etc. It always works like a treat and on anything and everything. Also leaves a great fragrance. It's also a good oil to use with your tip for the felt pads in stinky areas. My mum always added a few drops to a paper towel and popped into the garbage liner for bins. I also suggest using a hair dryer to get fluff and dust and pet hair from underneath difficult to reach cabinets, beds or shelves, when the vacuum doesn't fit under or reach all the way.. Just blow out the dust, etc. and vacuum. up.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks for the tips!⭐️

[@stephaniestatnick]

My Mom uses a leaf blower in her car :)

[@maureenhunter11]

I never want your videos to end Benita, they always are inspiring. I hope you have a happy week x

[@BenitaLarsson]

Aww, you’re so sweet, thank you!

[@leenesbitt519]

Your apartment is looking so good and stylish

[@BenitaLarsson]

Aww, thank you so much!

[@docentofdeLight]

Yay! ❤ I think I get as much enjoyment watching Bonus get brushed as he does receiving the brushing ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

That' pretty much all he want me to do, all the time 😄

[@michaelasegol3814]

As usual, you come up with the best ideas for keeping a home organised and clean, Benita. Thank you for sharing these tricks with us.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Glad you like them! Thank you!

[@josalter3143]

I also have a cat that does that but unlike your gentleman she is a bit tubby so I add a little warm water before I serve the wet food . The extra water even in if a few mls is good for her kidneys. Also I live in a warm climate so the open packet needs to go into the fridge or it spoils.

[@pam3744]

Your tips and minimalist living space are inspiring, Benita - and it just makes me happy watching Bonus get brushed. My cat loves being brushed, too. Thank you!

[@BenitaLarsson]

I'm so glad, thank you!

[@melissareid640]

The fly trap is a great idea the apple didn't fall far from the tree! 🥰

[@BenitaLarsson]

Haha, it didn't , right?!

[@melissareid640]

@@BenitaLarsson I love your videos and you inspire me to find my style and feel happy while making progress instead of being stressed and holding my breath! Thank You--

[@diannelowman5450]

I have struggled with my plastic wrap and aluminum foil for months! I bought a big wooden box designed to hold and dispense them. A giant headache as the wrap and foil fell back into the box after being cut and I couldn't find the edge when I needed another piece. Your idea to install the cutting edge directly on the drawer is genius! Now, the wooden box is gone, the plastic wrap and aluminum foil rolls take up much less space, the cutter is attached to the drawer, I can always find the edge and life is good!! Thank you so much.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’m so happy you found a useful tip in the video!

[@TeeBoyd88]

We are 9 days away from Spring here and the spice jar hack is great timing. I use tiny sauce bowls but last Spring I tipped one over. Willie's tip is much better & can be hidden. I'm so glad to hear someone else say "Sellotape". 😊 Bonus is such a treat when getting his brush on. 😻

[@BenitaLarsson]

I'm so happy if that tip was useful! I love this solution so much better than my previous one.

[@saafiiiraa]

Oh no! That means autumn is near...

[@rubycorman469]

I'm always so happy to see one of your videos pop up ! I'm a label remover too . Lovely to see Bonas is looking well . Thanks Benita , have a great day . 💕🇨🇦

[@BenitaLarsson]

So nice of you, thank you!

[@stephaniestatnick]

Hi Benita and friends, want to share with all of you that when studying to be a dental hygienist we used a frayed toothpick to remove plaque and stains:) This is a good technique for people to do between visits to the dentist!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@robinkelly7444]

So timely for me! We are facing an almost complete move-out to facilitate replacement of our 50-year-old heating system with geothermal heat and cooling. I'm excited but daunted by the process. It's great motivation to channel my inner Benita, and I'm trying to focus on the joy of creating a space that makes me calm and happy when it's all over, rather than the upheaval of the actual project!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Best of luck with everything!💪🏻

[@williamclark1244]

Thank you for the toothpick tip. I will definitely be using it. I use a lot of coconut oil and when the glass jars are empty I place them in an aluminum bowl of warm water and let it sit. That usually removes the entire label. I then use the jars for seasonings that I purchase in bulk. I also use command strip hooks to hang oven mitts inside of the cabinet drawer where the cookware is. This is a great space saver.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I love those tips, thank you!

[@jillwolters6956]

Great idea for the hook inside the cabinet for oven mitts. I hang my oven mitts, but not inside the cabinet. I'm not sure why I didn't think of that. I think I'll go find my command hooks… 🙃

[@sharonshmuel3386]

Wonderful tips & tricks! Nothing beats having a clean orderly fresh smelling home like yours. So relaxing to watch. Have a lovely evening 🥰 nice seeing Bonus too 😻

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you! You too!

[@scotosha]

My favourite product to remove glue residue is hand sanitizer gel. I learnt this when I started art journaling and mixed media which is a hobby that uses all kinds of glues. It’s a tip from Tim Holtz and it works wonders.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks for the tip!

[@dianasanzana1838]

What a great video, Benita! You never disappoint. I love creating small tools for cleaning, but I get the most mileage out of small sticks! You made my day, Benita, now I can sleep like an angel. 💖

[@BenitaLarsson]

Aww, that’s so good to hear!

[@consolw]

Storing candles in the baking tin, brilliant! So many good ideas! ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

Glad you like them!

[@KristenZiegler83]

I LOVED this Benita! I also consider problem solving to be a favorite past time, and also take the labels off things. I love the essential oil tip for the trash can!

[@rebekahschroeder7949]

I love your organizing ideas! I’m also a label remover. It makes my day better to not be met with garish labels and colors meeting me first thing in the morning as I get ready for the day. My preference of laundry detergent comes in a blue bottle and the detergent is blue. Blue is not my color. I thought of decanting it into a jar, but it is still blue. I never thought about buying a bottle of something else once that has a nice bottle and saving it to decant into! At this point I have just been sitting the detergent between the washer and the wall so I only have to see it when I am using it. 😂 Ironically, I just cleaned my waffle iron with a toothpick yesterday. I say we must be kindred spirits. 😁

[@BenitaLarsson]

We ARE two peas in a pod, you and I!

[@sometimeswrite239]

I never thought of removing labels for a cleaner look but I love it!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Always looking for ways to reduce the visual clutter in my home😅

[@ghenettehouston5614]

Your blog introduced me to the practice of decanting products and removing labels and that completely changed how I organized my home. I find visual clutter quite anxiety-inducing, so this was a game changer! 😊

[@BenitaLarsson]

Wow, you've followed along for a long time! So happy te blog was helpful! @@ghenettehouston5614

[@kkennedy2987]

You always come up with the greatest ideas Benita! Thank you ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

I'm so glad you like them!

[@michelletripp1805]

We also have a picky, spoiled older kitty. He'll only eat one particular wet food and only eats it when it's wet, similar to what you're saying with Bonus. We've experimented a bunch but have found that blending up the food with water is the right consistency for our senior kitty -- it's very liquid-y but this has been the best way to keep our senior at a healthy weight.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I tried the watering down thing too but he just frowned. Not saucy enough apparently😅

[@Sarah_C68]

i do the same . I add 2 tablespoons of water to my cats wet food and mush it about to make cat food 'soup'. Its a great way to get extra liquids in them . Sometimes I use no sodium chicken broth.

[@22jo222]

I have totally spoilt my friend’s cat. She seems to find it difficult to eat her hard biscuits. One day I rinsed a used can of tuna and realised she might like the tap water with small flakes of the leftover tuna over her food and now she eats it up gladly. I hope my friend will continue once she goes home.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Cat's are meant to be spoilt 🤣@@22jo222

[@debbiepalmer1094]

@@22jo222 my cat is a fussy drinker and only likes very specific water but when I give him his wet food in the morning I always add water to rinse out the tin and add that to his bowl and he loves it. The little rascal also gets iced water on the bed in the evenings to stop him waking me at 4 in the morning to tell me he is thirsty and his three water choices aren't acceptable. 🙄

[@Ryan__7926]

The fruit fly trap is genius! So much neater than the cling-film version! Thanks!

[@BenitaLarsson]

I love how neat it is too!

[@snorlund1]

The felt pad and essential oil trick is great! I also liked your trick with the napkin on the wine glass! Great ideas in this video! Relaxing, as always! Thanks, Benita! ❤😊

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@VeganMangoQueen]

Yessss I have two of those baking pans that i only use in winter and I know exactly what I’m going to store in them!! ✌🏼💚

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yay, so happy you found a useful tip!

[@klmjtr]

Love your toothpick tip and your little holder! So cute! I put essential oil (like lemon or orange) in my baking soda in the refrigerator.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Ooh, I love the idea too add essential oil in the bicarb! The holder is so cute, I agree. It used to stand in my parent's bar when I was a child.

[@planetissa4899]

​@@BenitaLarssonI noticed that the essential oil on the felt pad became a heart shape.I love that idea.Also the spice jar can be filled with baking soda and essential oil and be stored in the fridge instead of the bowl,it takes up less room and does the job.

[@traceymp1405]

Hello Benita! 😄 I love using different containers (that are not meant for the purpose that they were made for) to store candles. Great ideas for fruit flies - they can be very annoying. I have a few of those square or round planters from Ikea and I use them to store a lot of different things. I never used to like to cook, but when COVID came about - I learned how to cook great meals from KZbin - quick, easy and healthy meals - now I enjoy it! One of my biggest pet peeves are sticky labels - I do not enjoy removing labels, but it bothers me not to remove them. I don't really have any smart ideas that come to mind right now, but I loved seeing your smart ideas. Thank you, Benita - enjoy your week! 🌸💮🌸

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks for watching again and always leaving a comment!

[@lyndarossi933]

Love the trick for odor reducer with the scented oil. I have small glass crystals made for placing in closets,etc where you want a nice clean scent. You just drop essential oil onto them and it smells great! Great tips Benita!

[@BenitaLarsson]

I like the sound of that! Thanks for the tip!

[@Carolmaizy]

I use a tin loaf dish and a glass one as pull out shelves in my narrow spice cabinet, when not needed for baking. I thought it was only me.

[@janebutz5375]

Thanks, Benita! One of my favorite tips has to do with plastic garbage cans. I drill two half inch holes in the sides about two inches up from the bottom. It helps relieve the suction of the bag and is high enough up that you can still wash out the bottom when needed.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Ooh, I like how you think!

[@michelleramm3547]

Your relationship with your cat is precious 🥰

[@BenitaLarsson]

He’s my main man😅

[@Kitkatbreak3]

Thank you so much for inspiring us to live cleaner, simpler lives! xo

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much for watching my videos!

[@debbyfrawley1233]

I love Bonus ❤ He's such a lovely kitty!

[@BenitaLarsson]

He really is!

[@karianne_k]

Another inspiring video- thanks, Benita😍 Love the square planters for storage, nerd to look for some of those!

[@BenitaLarsson]

They’re so useful, hope you’re able to thrift one!

[@susanprendergast7384]

Interesting Freudian slip, there! Haha "nerd"

[@thelettera9041]

Great ideas, all of them. I’m particularly going to try the cat food one as I have that same issue. Lovely to see Mr Bonus being so affectionate and looking so happy 😻

[@BenitaLarsson]

He’s my main man!😊

[@marthaosborne9625]

Love your videos! I find hand sanitizer works great to remove sticky labels!

[@jbellbird9050]

I smiled when you mentioned adding extra gravy to Bonus's dinner, that's just what happens with our kitty! Really liked all your tips especially adding essential oils to a felt pad for masking trash odors. We're moving into spring down here (NZ), the days are a little longer and the birds singing more.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@penny3767]

Such great tips, as always! 🌻 Hugs to Bonus, a sweet gentleman indeed. ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you! Will distribute hugs!

[@HeydiB]

I love the idea to use the spice jars for fruit fly traps. I have empty two spice jars on hand and will have to give this a try.😊

[@BenitaLarsson]

So happy if you implement a tip from the video!

[@barbaraschmitz2069]

Thanks for the tip with the spice jar! I use so far the fruit fly trap from Trapango. However, the glass version is much nicer. For label residue, orange essential oil is the most effective. Cheap orange oil from the drugstore will do. A few drops and the adhesive residue is gone and it smells pleasantly of orange.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Great tip thank you!

[@micheleb.7573]

Oil works if you work it :)

[@sallyrodgers6411]

Thanks Benita. Will definitely use the felt sticker in my bin. Re label removal - I use eucalyptus oil to remove sticky residues. Another favourite is a 'magic eraser'.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Didn’t realize the magic sponge works for that too!

[@kriscox4019]

Adhesive hooks on the inside of the cupboard door under the sink in the kitchen to hold a dish towel and the dish scrub brush. And a hook in the bathroom sink cupboard for a cloth so I can wipe the counter of water splashes. Game changer.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks for the tips, I love them!

[@peadar-o]

In summer I reuse plastic and paper bags as mini bin bags, and keep food scraps in the fridge, so the bin doesn’t attract flies, and it’s less likely to get smelly. Banana peel can get smelly fast. I also let teabags dry out before adding them to the bag in the fridge. You can the carton bit of toilet or kitchen roll to the bag as well to help with moisture absorption. If it’s a good plastic bag, you can even use them for the leftover oil from things like tinned fish. P.S. I also use oil to get stickers off from things. I wet the sticky area with some washing up liquid and some water first. Most of the time with ceramics and glassware that works straight away, for heavy duty stuff the oil will be my go to method.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Great tips, thank you so much!

[@lisasigle7174]

I do so enjoy your videos! Not only for the content but, I take the time to sit and watch with a cup of tea in hand for a lovely start to my day! Thank you so much for sharing! 😀

[@BenitaLarsson]

Wow, thank you!

[@gkreyl8700]

Another great video. Off to clean my remote, have never done it before. Thanks Benita. Hope you are still keeping well.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thank you, I’m well! Hope you are too!

[@vanivani7801]

Hello❤ I was very excited when I saw your video on KZbin. I live in a detached house in Japan with my adult son, daughter and husband. Two years ago, my mother-in-law, who had lived with us for 30 years, entered a facility. We are planning to remodel the entire house next year. Everything needs to be cleared out. That's when I saw this video and the classy interior and well-organized tools are very helpful and inspiring. Thank you for the great video😊❣️

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much for watching! Glad if it’s helpful!

[@Christine-p4u]

Always something to learn from you ! Thank you Benita❣

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yay, that makes me so happy!

[@juliemix3373]

Benita, great tips. I especially like the ones on removing labels. I too can't stand having store labels on things and always remove then and make my own labels. Also I love the small black dot you added to your laundry detergent bottles. so subtle. Cheers

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’m happy you like the tips!

[@MyFocusVaries]

And FYI, hand sanitizer is an excellent label remover!

[@janew4690]

Great suggestions. Thank you. It is hard to believe you have been in your new place that long. Time flies. You have done it up so well.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Time does fly by so fast!

[@ladyzakari2342]

Thank you

[@SondraRose]

I’ve been loving laundry sheets instead of liquid detergent. They take up much less space and the cardboard box is recyclable. Lightweight, too!

[@BenitaLarsson]

I have yet to try them since they haven't really been available in shops here and I prefer to shop in store as opposed to online if I can. Will keep my eyes peeled for some though!

[@wephotogal]

I have them and they are great!

[@heidimeigs5192]

I am seeing these in ads that pop up on FB. Do you have a favorite brand? I’m considering switching to them instead of using liquid detergent. The only thing that has stopped me is that I can’t find them in my small community. I try not to order much online, I prefer to keep my purchases local. But I’m much more aware of my ecological footprint than I was when I was younger. I’m making the changes I can which might not be large, but I can only do so much at this point. Thanks for this recommendation though.

[@LaLadybug2011]

Because I grew to hate the big plastic bottles that liquid laundry detergent came, I was super excited to try the laundry sheets. What an expensive failure. I did. It like the smell at all-clothes smelled worse after they were washed. For now, I've gone back to powdered detergent because at least I can recycle the cardboard boxes it comes in. My goal is to be plastics free in my home by end of December 2023. But where can we get shampoo that isn't in plastic? Love your channel-it's so calming and your home is so beautiful. Minimalism isn't for me but you inspire me to have less.

[@helenvangeleuken6265]

​@@LaLadybug2011You can get shampoo in what look like blocks of soap. Probably need to look for it on-line. I haven't tried it though.

[@yqinlin]

Re oil for removing labels: the oil trick works super well if you use oil that has menthol or eucalyptus in it! a furniture mover showed me this trick because he often has to unpack clumsily packed and taped items.

[@BenitaLarsson]

That’s a great tip!

[@jkoerner23]

Love your videos Benita, a breath of fresh air and light!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much!

[@tinalemna7998]

Your apartment is looking great! Nice to see Bonus in this video. I use Mouse Magic in the bottom of my trash bin. It’s a peppermint sachet that I sprinkle peppermint oil on to keep it fresh. I loved the music in this video too. 😘

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you! He agreed to be in this one 😅

[@anniemac7545]

I am in Australia. I'm also a big label remover .... my go to for sticky labels is Eucalyptus oil if you have any in Sweden. It's magic! Also bi carb soda is excellent for smelly garbages, cleaning even stinky shoes, fridges. Just sprinkle and it absorbs smells.

[@sarah0056]

Thank you for all the hard work you do to make these great videos. Hello from hot and sunny Florida, USA!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Glad you like them! Wishing it was hot and sunny here too!

[@linedallaire9631]

Hi Benita, lovely video as usual, would you consider doing a video on your Fall/Autumn must have? And one on trifted/ second-hand items you love? Thanks so much, from Canada 🇨🇦 ❤.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@michelleramm3547]

Awesome idea! Do you thrift?@@BenitaLarsson

[@BenitaLarsson]

@@michelleramm3547 I do but mostly just browse and if I buy it’s most often for my friend in the UK.

[@cvarttin]

Thank you for all your smart ideas! Instead of buying cleaning products, I make my own of essential oils and castile soap. Smells good and is environmentally friendly. Lemon essential oil is a must have for me when removing stains. It helps for practically everything, and is really good when removing glued stickers, and even paint!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Wow, I have some lemon essential oil but had no idea it was that useful! Will put it to the test, thank you!

[@fiddlersthree8463]

I love problem solving, too. Your ideas are brilliant!! Great channel.

[@ToolsfortheJobofLear]

I luv vino, too! The corks make great fillers for the bottom of plant pots; filling a space that dirt can settle in and making the pot weight lighter and easier to move about.

[@BenitaLarsson]

That’s such a smart idea!

[@HB-hk7sj]

Thank you for making such great videos with the best tips! 🙂

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thank you so much for watching them!

[@wellhello1603]

My little tip is that I keep my food compost container in the fridge, so it doesn’t smell at all! 😅 I used to have a problem of having too little compost to throw it away every couple of days and also small flies would always start flying around if I wait any longer to collect some compost worth taking out. So I decided to buy a small bin for the fridge, it worked so well! No smell in the apartment anymore, no smell in the fridge either! Edit: oh and I forgot to say that because I don’t use those sliding bins for veggies (I forget about anything that goes there), that’s the place I have my compost bin at so I don’t feel weird about the trash being next to food.

[@BenitaLarsson]

That’s a great idea!

[@adriiteach]

Oh, Beneta. I'm laughing out loud - "foot cheese"!

[@BenitaLarsson]

😬😂😂

[@anitajohnson782]

Tea tree oil works on everything every time for sticky things and smells great 😊

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’ll have to get some of that again!

[@anitajohnson782]

@BenitaLarsson Great to clean your sinus, too 😁 Hi from Australia, Kaurna land.

[@monicaj2677]

And tea tree oil is great when a few drops are added to the inside of smelly running shoes

[@lesleyjenkins2263]

Thanks for the great tips. Love your channel ❤️

[@BenitaLarsson]

Thanks for watching, so happy you enjoy it!

[@thefreaksterful]

I love all your videos. I find them so relaxing after a busy day but also inspiring. ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’m so happy you like them!

[@britta4563]

Thank you for this useful Ideas . ❤👍🏼🙏🏼

[@BenitaLarsson]

I'm so happy if you find them useful!

[@Sarah_C68]

genius ideas as always. Time to go sort out some drawers! lol I often think when Im cleaning out cupboards ..."would Benita approve?" and if not I get rid of it haha

[@BenitaLarsson]

Haha, I love that I'm looking over your shoulder as you declutter!

[@sallieanderson5670]

I love the essential oil on felt pad tip for the drawers. I also like the different adhesive remover tips. Our kitchen cabinets still have the paper from the last owner and I want to remove them without leaving a huge mess.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Glad you found some tips to try!

[@donnalusk995]

Your apartment is beautiful. I so enjoy all of your videos. I am slowly moving into minimalism and I am enjoying the journey. I am also a q-tip, toothbrush, toothpick cleaner as well. They certainly get the job done. I will definitely try the essential oil and felt pad trick. Thank you so much!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Aww, thank you so much! Aren't those little tiny tools the best? So satisfying!

[@sallymaben5155]

Thank you for sharing these hacks! I can definitely identify with you when it comes to removing labels off products, so I really appreciate the solutions for removing those not-so-easy-to-peel-off ones!!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Glad you found the tips useful!

[@damientrescartes3906]

And the toothbrush to scratch the cat’s moustache!! I love it ❤

[@BenitaLarsson]

I should scratch all day long if it were up to him😅

[@siaeva]

I have one of those vacuum cleaners with a detachable dustbuster that you need to keep charged. To keep it hidden, I store it in a sideboard that I have placed against my living room wall, without the back panel installed. That way I can keep it plugged in to charge at all times when not in use. I keep the long pole attachment in my hallway cupboard.

[@BenitaLarsson]

That’s smart thinking!

[@eily_b]

I use lighter fluid (I can get mine at the regular supermarket) to remove sticky residue of labels or the papery labels itself and the hot water method for plastic label. For the trash odour I always put some wadded up old newspaper on the bottom of my trash can and drip some drops of essential oil on it. And the newspaper soaks up possible leaks in the trash bag.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I don't have any newspapers but I do feel I could use some for that very purpose!

[@Aphrodite1985007]

​@BenitaLarsson I actually use a coton pad/make-up remover pad for the same purpose.

[@arcadia_plants]

​@@BenitaLarsson i don't buy any newspapaper, but i use the same metod of put it at the bottom of garbage bin. I collect newspapapers from family and friends: after reading, they throw away it, so instead i give newspapapers new purpose before throw them away. I use them for various things

[@MyFocusVaries]

Hand sanitizer is an excellent label remover.

[@TheEdith123]

Thank you for all the great tips! Especially the spice bottle one! I'm going to get a few bottles not only for fruit flies, but also for my wardrobes( put a cotton ball+ a few drops of essential oil) and in the fridge (for bicarbonate)!

[@BenitaLarsson]

Wille's spice bottle trick is a favorite in the comments and I love it too!

[@danibryant9318]

I love that idea for using the felt with essential oils, going to try that in our bathrooms

[@joanneg1176]

Love this video. A lot of great tips. Thank you Benita 😊

[@BenitaLarsson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Surferess]

Wow, your kitchen is so minimalist! You seem to have about a hundred items in your kitchen, and I am pretty sure I have a couple million items. There's no mixer, blender, toaster, XL Espresso Machine (although is that a French Press?), tea kettle, etc. This is truly a completely different way of thinking.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I use a moka pot to make coffee!

[@milamilyutina]

I spent 19 cozy minutes 😊 thank you

[@BenitaLarsson]

Aww, thank you so much!

[@puimeiyong4119]

I Ioved and tried your idea of removing the label by pouring hot water! It works wonder!! Thanks

[@BenitaLarsson]

So happy to hear you tried a tip already!

[@mayola275]

What a joy you are Benita. I love your videos so much and i love Bonus! I love the idea for using the spice jars for the fruit flys and I am going to try that for our Australian summer! Thanks for the tips!

[@BenitaLarsson]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and found a useful tip!

[@rekamye]

Loved this vide of yours Benita! Lots of smart ideas that are easy to implement. Where do you go thrift shopping in Stockholm? Would you make us a video about your favorite second-hand places? :)

[@BenitaLarsson]

I wrote a blog post with a Stockholm guide, it has some thrifting/charity shops in it www.benitalarsson.com/blog/stockholm-guide-2023

[@janinafisher101]

You are the only other person I've seen who takes labels off items! I don't do it all the time, but I do enjoy the nice clean look. All the advertising and writing on products can get wearisome after a while. There is writing and propaganda everywhere we look these days so it is nice to rest the eyes and mind. It is interesting to see the clean, Scandinavian look in your home. My mother was Norwegian so I experienced some of that growing up. A nice clean clear space is definitely restful.

[@Spot4art]

I love your videos and your kitty

[@BenitaLarsson]

I'm so happy to hear that!

[@carolann811]

I come from a long line of practical Swedish women. I think problem-solving is in our DNA.

[@BenitaLarsson]

I had never thought it was a Swedish trait😅

[@ritagiordmaina8986]

Thanks for your useful tips. Apart from oil I also use a cotton wool ball soaked in nail polish remover for removing the glue residue of labels

[@BenitaLarsson]

I didn’t know nail polish remover works so thank you!

[@anaalves3658]

Excellent tips and tricks,👍😊. I like to run empty glass bottles or jars through the dishwasher, some come out completely clear or their labels, if not cooking oil and then I use bicarbonate of soda and dish soap to get the rest of 👍😊. I use a large round flower pot to hold all of my cooking utensils, it's always on hand, i know that it's not for everyone and most minimalists would put those items away, but my husband is not a minimalist and he likes to cook, it's a small compromise on my part. I also use a pot plant tray on my bedside table to hold a water bottle and some chap stick and my wrist watch and other small items that i don't want to return to their home last thing before bed😉

[@BenitaLarsson]

Great tips! I used to use a flower pot as a dish drainer for cutlery, since it already had a drainage hole in my first house 🤓

[@jeanetteh.9240]

A spouse who likes to cook is a huge blessing. Good for you to appreciate that and be willing to compromise!

[@ikrobiee]

I'm changing over my fruit fly trap when I get home! What a genuis idea.

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yes, it it pretty clever!

[@emummy2]

My mother in law would sharpen her toothpicks to extend their life. We are moving into a new home after fire destoyed our old farmhouse and now have about 1/3 the space. As we move into this much smaller home, I have to handle every item we salvaged from our old home and decide keep or toss? Exhausting, but watching your videos gives me motivation to strive for the peace and calm I know our new space can have. To those who are struggling with downsizing (especially sentimentql items) -I've learned to remind myself the memory is in my head, not the item. Often I will take a photo a the item and then release it.

[@RobertaBriffa]

Such great ideas Benita! I made a note of many of them and will go round the house to see which ones I can use. Thanks for sharing!

[@BenitaLarsson]

So happy you found them useful!

[@hansanaik3835]

Nice video! I regularly watch your videos and Nidones (Japanese) for home related ideas. I have learnt a lot from you two. So thank you!

[@BenitaLarsson]

So happy you enjoy the videos!

[@carolinemcgowan9148]

Brilliant fly trap .. thank you so much for showing this idea .. I tried it .. and it works a treat .. MAGIC .. AND ..The stinky felt pad .. Oh I'm so happy..

[@BenitaLarsson]

Yay! So happy if you found some useful ideas!

[@FrogeniusW.G.]

Thanks Wille from me as well! ❤ And thanks Benita for the Bicarbonate tipp!

[@jupamoers]

Try soaking the stickers in WD-40. That removes the glue pretty good