We learn algebra, about tectonic plates, the French revolution and how to make scone-based pizza in school, yet very few of us actually utilize what we've learned when it comes to real life. Of course we're taught many useful things in our lessons, but there's one thing none of us learn until we leave home: how to house keep. What's more, very few people let on about their household secrets, which could save a great deal of time and money in the long run. Here are a few...

Firstly, if you cook casseroles, stews or curries a lot then say goodbye to gone off bottles of cooking wine and half full tins of coconut milk sitting in the fridge for months. All you need to do is have a spare ice cube tray or freezer bag and keep meal-sized cubes for use in a day, month or even a year's time without them going off. It makes it easier to measure, too. If you're cooking for four people, pop in four wine-cubes. If you've got a lot of freezer space you can do this with smoothies, too. Have one tray of frozen mango, another of pineapple, one of apple and the last with orange to make your own recipes.

Everyone knows we have pests in the garden, possibly the worst of which are cats who come in and mess in the soil. Did you know cats abhor citrus? It should be no surprise, then, that putting orange, grapefruit or lemon peel on flowerbeds will stop them coming too close. If there's a hole in the fence where they come in, put some there or even spray juice. Another common pest, slugs, won't go near copper shavings (they're thought to give them an electric shock), so while they won't harm your plants you can put them around the base of the stem to stop slimy nibblers.

Worrying about people slipping on an icy garden path is common in winter, yet there's a simply way around it. Mix up half a cup of salt and some soap suds in warm or hot water and pour it on the front step or down the path. Both these things cut through ice well and even sprinkling salt on ice is a great quick fix.

Our last tip is great for cleaning bathroom and kitchen sinks: mix bicarbonate of soda with lemon juice for an acidic mixture that will cut through all grime like nothing else. It'll make everything sparkle and smell much nicer than if you're using vinegar, but beware of using this mixture on anything acrylic (many bathroom sinks are made of this) as it will melt and stain the plastic. Porcelain, on the other hand, is ideal.

These are only four of the thousands of great household secrets and shortcuts that people around the world know of. Next time you visit your Grandma why don't you ask her what she used to do to save time cleaning the house? Or bring it up with your best friends next time you meet. Chances are they're not telling you because they learned it from their parents and as far as they're concerned, it's part of everyone's daily life!

Stan Tian

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