We often overlook the potential of common household items. However, with a little creativity, these items can serve multiple purposes beyond their original use. This multitasking approach can help solve various problems around the house without the need to buy new items.
We have compiled the top 14 household products with the most useful alternative uses.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile household item with many uses beyond the kitchen. It can absorb odors in the fridge, deodorize a stinky hamper, and clean a barbecue grill grate. Additionally, washing produce with a baking soda-and-water solution is the most effective way to remove pesticides.
Nail polish
Clear nail polish has many uses beyond beautifying nails. It can stop buttons from unwinding by sealing loose threads, prevent inexpensive jewelry from turning skin green, and make handwritten labels smudge-proof. These applications show the versatility of this common household item.
Coconut oil
Mix coconut oil and baking soda in equal parts to create a solution that effectively removes sticky residue from price tags. Rub it on the spot, and the residue should come off easily. Additionally, use coconut oil to season cast-iron pans for a non-stick surface that prevents rusting. These are handy and unexpected ways to utilize coconut oil.
Baby powder
Baby powder, a common household item, is primarily used for babies. Beyond its intended purpose, it can be utilized to untangle jewelry knots by sprinkling it on them. It acts as a dry shampoo when applied to a hairbrush and brushed into the roots of the hair, absorbing excess oil. For stale-smelling books, a sprinkle of baby powder can refresh their scent. Furthermore, it serves as a natural ant repellent when scattered around doors or windows.
Razor
Revive your old sweaters by using a dull razor. Simply glide it lightly over the fabric to remove fuzzy bits without damaging it. It’s an unexpected but effective way to keep your sweaters looking fresh and new.
Ketchup
You can clean silver jewelry by soaking it in ketchup for a few minutes. The acids in the ketchup help remove the tarnish from the silver.
Cotton swab
When you’re out of computer dust, use a cotton swab. Dip it lightly in rubbing alcohol, and gently wipe away the dust and grime between the keys. This method helps to keep your keyboard clean and functioning well.
Plastic bottle
Instead of recycling a plastic bottle, turn it into a garden sprinkler. Attach your garden hose to the bottle’s mouth with duct tape, then use a utility knife to make small holes in the bottle. Turn on the hose, and you’ll have a homemade sprinkler for your garden.
Silicone cupcake liners
“Mise en place” means having all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. To store them, you can use affordable reusable silicone cupcake liners to portion your ingredients and easily rinse them afterward.
Paper clip
Putting on a bracelet alone can be hard. Using a paper clip to fasten a bracelet makes the process much simpler. Straighten the paper clip and hook one end onto the bracelet’s clasp. Hold the clip with one hand while closing the clasp with the other.
Earring backs
Earring backs are often lost, but you can still wear your favorite pair by using a pencil eraser to secure them. Instead of a replacement, simply slide the eraser onto the earring post to keep it secure.
Mason jar
If you have an extra Mason jar, you can repurpose it into a homemade soap dispenser with a few simple materials. You will need a metal canning lid, a drill, some glue, and a dispenser pump from an old bottle of soap.
Wax
When your zipper gets stuck and you’re in a hurry, it can be very frustrating. Try rubbing some wax paper around the stuck area. This will add enough lubrication to free the zipper without staining the fabric.
Spoon
If you’re having trouble opening a stuck jar, try using a metal spoon. Place the handle of the spoon under the edge of the jar lid, with the handle pointing towards you. Press down gently on the spoon handle to break the seal on the lid.
Clothespins
It can be enjoyable to add a touch of the old-fashioned. One way to do this is by using clothespins to display your favorite photos. Simply attach a string to your wall and clip the Polaroid pictures to the string with clothespins.
Toilet paper tube
Repurpose cardboard tubes into desk organizers by wrapping them in colorful washi tape or wrapping paper, covering one end completely. Leave the other end open to hold pens and pencils.
Hair straightener
If you’re short on time and need to smooth out a wrinkled hem on your clothes, you can use a hair straightener. Place a small piece of fabric adhesive tape between the two sides of the hem. Then, gently press the straightener along the hem using its lowest heat setting. This will help flatten out the wrinkles and give your hem a neat appearance without needing to use an iron.
Tennis ball
When you move a chair around, sometimes it can leave marks on the floor, such as scratches or scuffs. To prevent this, you can use a tennis ball. Take four tennis balls and cut holes in them, big enough for the chair legs to fit into. Using one tennis ball on each leg of the chair would save the floor from damage.