The uncommon powers of common household items
Most of us could use more storage — or less stuff.
What if you could keep fewer products in your house by choosing items with multiple uses? The internet is full of articles like “23 Extraordinary Uses for Pantyhose” and “Sort Makeup Brushes in a Toothbrush Holder.” But I wanted to do better. I wanted to know which household products have the most — and most useful — alternative uses of all. I wanted the best of the best.
Here, in alphabetical order, are the most useful household products in our homes, according to the internet and me:
Baby powder
• Sprinkle it on tangled jewelry to get knots out.
• Put talc on your hairbrush and brush into your roots as a dry shampoo.
• Dust into stale-smelling books to freshen their scent.
• Leave around doors or windows to repel ants.
Baking soda
• We know to stick a box in the fridge, but sprinkling baking soda in a stinky hamper also helps with odours there.
• Use it to scrub the grate of your barbecue grill.
• A study found that a baking soda-and-water solution was the most effective method of washing pesticides from produce.
Clear nail polish
• Women have been using it to stop runs in their stockings for years, but it also works to keep buttons from unravelling. Just dab a tiny drop onto the loose thread at the centre of the button.
• Paint over inexpensive jewelry so it won’t turn your skin green.
• Give handwritten labels a coating to make them smudgeproof.
Coconut oil
• Remove price tag residue by rubbing a 50-50 mixture of coconut oil and baking soda on the problem spot.
• Season cast-iron pans: its thick consistency is easy to work with and holds up well.
• Try it as a cheap, natural moisturizer.
Emery board
• Remove stains on suede shoes, clothing and more by very gently buffing them with an emery board.
• If your sweaters are pilling, try running an emery board over the little bumps to remove them.
Lemons
• We all know running a lemon rind through your garbage disposal will freshen the smell, but did you know that lemons can also deodorize your microwave? Zap a bowl of water and half a lemon for five minutes.
• The acid in lemon juice is also effective for cutting through soap scum on shower doors and other bathroom spots.
• Remove coffee and tea stains from mugs by filling them with lemon peel and warm water and letting them soak.
Mayonnaise
• If you have water rings on your wood furniture, Bob Vila himself says a legitimate way to tackle them is by dabbing on little mayonnaise, letting it sit for an hour, then wiping with a soft cloth. Repeat if necessary.
• This slippery condiment is also effective for removing gum from your hair.
Vinegar
• The acetic acid in vinegar can kill weeds, although expert gardeners suggest using it just on those in the cracks of your pavement because it can also kill your plants.
• I can vouch for apple cider vinegar as a great clarifier that removes product buildup from your hair.
• Some swear that a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar will stop the hiccups.