What do baby powder, olive oil, and dryer sheets have in common? They’re common household items—that when repurposed—can help solve many everyday problems.
When it comes to cleaning and fixing things around the house, there are plenty of different uses for everyday items. Here are 15 household product uses.
1. Alka-Seltzer
Clean build-up in your toilet by dropping a couple tablets in for 20 minutes.
2. Ketchup
Clean silver jewelry by soaking it in a bowl of ketchup for a few minutes
3. Salt
Pour a half cup of salt for every quart of water down the drain to clean it.
4. Aspirin
Eliminate perspiration stains by placing 2 crushed aspirins in 100mL of warm water and soaking your clothes in the mixture for 2 hours.
5. Newspaper
Eradicate lingering smells by placing newspaper in the bins of your fridge.
6. Cooking Spray
Spray a little cooking spray on a squeaky door hinge to quiet the creaking.
7. Floss
Cut softer foods like cheese or cake with unflavored, non-waxed floss.
8. Coffee Filters
Clean windows and glass with coffee filters if you’re out of paper towels.
9. Baby Powder
Remove oil stains on leather by applying a coat of baby powder and allowing it to sit overnight. (Tip: test on a small area first.)
10. Olive Oil
Use olive oil to bring the shine back to stainless steel items.
11. Bread
Clean painted or wallpapered walls with a slice of un-crusted white bread.
12. Dryer Sheets
Loosen caked on food by placing a dryer sheet inside a dirty pan and letting it soak in warm water overnight.
13. Baking Soda
Use baking soda to remove sticker residue.
14. Tea Bags
Use tea bags as an organic fertilizer for potted house plants.
15. Toothpaste
De-fog bathroom mirrors with a coat of non-gel toothpaste. Wipe it off before you get in the shower and come out with a clear view.
Now that you know how to repurpose common household items, learn more about safety and maintenance tips for your appliances.
