Finding a cure for a cough or a cold is always tricky, unless you got granny’s tips and tricks. A lot of us at Roamler were sick these past few months so we wanted to know what to do. I remember that my grandmother used to say that when your nose was stuffy, you had to slice an onion and place it next to your bed while you were sleeping. The next day your head would feel clear again and the cold was a lot better.
Not only did my grandmother have a handy tip, other colleagues here at Roamler started talking about their grandmother’s and grandfathers tips and tricks as well. That’s when we knew we had to get all the info from the people who have lived the life and know how to handle certain situations 
.
With the task “Granny knows best” we didn’t only want to know how to cure a cold, but we also wanted to know how to get stains out or how to fix a squeaking doorknob.
We received a lot of useful tips and that’s why we decided to share them with you. We also asked you to take an illustrating photo, which worked out really well. Here’s a list of the best-kept secrets from the “Granny knows best” task.
The main tips we received were related to colds or stains. We noticed that a good advice for a cold is to combine a type of warm drink with either lemon, honey and some kind of liquor. Sounds good to me.
We also noticed a lot of tips on clearing stains. Most of the stain cleaners were natural cleaning products that can be found in every household. Wine, bananas or shaving cream. They work their charm.
How to cure it?
Susan B. Says: To have a glass of orange juice with a dash of lemon and a spoon of honey. This will keep colds away.
Sarah A. Says: Drink a honey, garlic lemon remedy when you feel a cold coming up.
Neil F. Says: I can always remember my nan talking about a hot toddy helping clear her head and helping her get over a cold. As you probably know a hot toddy is a drink made up of water, sugar, honey and lemon and not forgetting the most important ingredient whiskey! It certainly helped her to sleep which in turn aids recovery from illness.
Adam A. Says: To have a spoonful of sugar to cure hiccups. Just a normal, dry, spoonful of granulate sugar. It has worked with me before. Not too sure about the science around it though.
Got stains?
Becky S. Says: I travel on the road a lot and find myself with unpolished boots or shoes….which I hate! The inside of a banana skin works well enough to bring out a shine on leather footwear and you get to have a healthy snack too 
.
David C. Says: If you want to remove mould or mildew from bath seals and tiles, apply tissue paper to area and cover in bleach. Leave overnight. Remove (wearing rubber gloves). Sealant and tiles are bright white and good as new!
Sarah A. Says: Use antibacterial to get ink stains out of patent/leather.
Adam R. Says: Put ketchup in your hair if your blonde hair has turned a strange green colour from chlorine in a pool & If you get a blood stain on your clothing don’t use water, use your own spit. Works a treat.
Charlotte J. Says: Marker pen to temporarily improve scuffs on shoes.
Neil F. Says: I wear white trainers and often get them scuffed. I don’t really buy trainer cleaner gel do I thought one day what could I use to help get the marks off… The answer… Toothpaste. It really worked and although it seems a bit strange the results were very good!
Luke V. Says: If you spill red wine, put white wine in it and it will come out of the clothing & If you get chewing gum stuck somewhere, put and ice cube on it.
Myles D. Says: If you spill paint on a carpet. Mens shaving foam takes it out .
Sarah W. Says: To get water marks off a coffee table put down a tea towel and iron over them
Steve C. Says: My grandmother told me to clean windows with screwed up newspaper and a spray of vinegar.
Got a smell?
Hannah K. Says: Cut an onion whilst painting, it takes the fumes away.
Mark S. Says: If your microwave has a smell cut a lemon in half and put into a bowl. Put microwave on for a couple of minutes and the smell will go and the microwave will be easier to clean.
Cooking tips.
Mark S. Says: When peeling an onion put a teaspoon in your mouth, it will stop your eyes from watering.
Matthew G. Says: When boiling an egg I have a trick to tell whether it is soft or hard boiled. If the egg dries within 18-20 seconds after taking it out of the boiling water it is soft boiled. If it dries between 8-10 seconds it is hard boiled.
Having car problems?
Becky S. Says: The one that I used many a time on my first ‘old’ car was one my Grandad taught me. The alternator needed replacing so the car would not start. Until I could afford to replace it he showed me how to cheat! All I had to do was tap it hard with the handle of a screwdriver, this would free it from being seized to start. Would have to do it each time though! Another tip for a leaky car radiator was to put ground pepper in it. The bits would plug the leaky area. Not sure I’d want to do that on today’s sophisticated engines!
For the ladies.
Emily C. Says: When painting nails, put cooking oil on it to make it dry quicker.
Hannah K. Says: Clear nail varnish on a ladder in tights, stops the ladder growing! It’s perfect when rushing to get ready for a night out!
Can’t find it?
Paul M. Says: If you need to change channel, but the batteries have run out in your remote… Roll the batteries in your hands for a few minutes. Instant recharge!!!
Bill N. Says: How to unblock a toilet without a plunger. Use mop with a plastic bag tied around the mop end. Works perfectly!