Surprising Uses for Everyday Items You Already Own
You might think you know your household products inside and out, but prepare to be amazed! Those ordinary items lurking in your cabinets and drawers have hidden talents just waiting to be discovered. From ketchup that cleans silver to floss that slices cheese, get ready to see your home in a whole new light.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 surprising and ingenious ways to use common household products. These clever hacks will save you time, money, and effort on everyday tasks and DIY projects. So before you rush out to buy specialty items, take a look around your home – you may already have everything you need!
1. Ketchup: The Secret Silver Cleaner
Who knew your favorite condiment could double as a jewelry cleaner? The acid in ketchup works wonders on tarnished silver. Simply submerge your silver items in a bowl of ketchup for 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water, and your silver will be sparkling clean. This trick works especially well for intricate designs where tarnish can build up in hard-to-reach crevices.
2. Baby Wipes: The Envelope Sealer’s Best Friend
Tired of that nasty taste when licking envelopes? Grab a baby wipe instead! The moisture in the wipe is perfect for activating envelope adhesive without leaving your tongue feeling gross.
Simply wrap a baby wipe around your finger and run it along the envelope’s adhesive strip. Be careful not to get the paper too wet, or you might end up with wrinkles or tears.
3. Aspirin: The Stain-Fighting Wonder
Next time you’re faced with a stubborn sweat stain, reach for the medicine cabinet. Crushed aspirin mixed with water creates a powerful stain-fighting paste that’s especially effective on white clothing.
Mix two crushed aspirin tablets with about 4 ounces of water. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for two hours before washing as usual. The salicylic acid in aspirin helps break down and lift the stain.
4. Newspaper: The Odor Absorber
Do you have a smelly fridge or stinky shoes? Crumpled newspapers can help absorb and neutralize odors in small spaces. Its porous structure makes it great at trapping odor molecules.
You can stuff shoes with newspaper after a workout or place some in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer to combat food odors. You can even use it to freshen up musty books by placing them in a sealed bag with newspaper for a few days.
5. Cooking Spray: The Door Hinge Silencer
Squeaky doors driving you crazy? A quick spritz of cooking spray on the hinges can quiet them down in no time. The oil in the spray lubricates the metal parts, reducing friction and eliminating that annoying creak.
Coconut oil or olive oil-based sprays tend to work best, but any cooking spray will do the trick. Just be sure to wipe away any excess to avoid attracting dust and grime to the hinges.
6. Dental Floss: The Soft Cheese Slicer
Slicing soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese can be messy, but dental floss makes it a breeze. The thin, strong strand cuts cleanly through soft cheese without sticking or squishing it.
For perfect slices, hold the floss taut and use a gentle sawing motion. This trick also works great for cutting cakes and other soft desserts. Just be sure to use unflavored floss to avoid any unwanted minty taste!
7. White Bread: The Wall Cleaner
Before reaching for harsh chemicals to clean your walls, try this old-school trick: use a slice of white bread! The soft, absorbent texture of white bread is surprisingly effective at lifting dirt, dust, and even grease from walls and other surfaces.
Remove the crust and roll the bread into a ball. Gently dab at marks on walls, picture frames, or cabinets to lift away grime. The bread can even pick up tiny shards of broken glass that a vacuum might miss.
8. WD-40: The Gum Remover
Stepped in gum? Don’t panic! A quick spray of WD-40 can help you get unstuck in no time. The lubricating properties of WD-40 help break down the sticky gum and make it easier to remove.
Spray the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before gently scraping away the gum. This trick works on shoe soles, carpets, and even hair (though use caution and consult a professional if gum is stuck in hair).
9. Clear Nail Polish: The Eyeglass Screw Fixer
Loose screws in your glasses can be a constant annoyance. A dab of clear nail polish can help keep those tiny screws in place. The polish acts as a mild adhesive, preventing the screw from working its way out.
Apply a small amount of clear polish to the screw threads before tightening. Let it dry completely before wearing your glasses. This quick fix can buy you some time before you need to visit an optician for a more permanent solution.
10. Ice Cube Trays: The Butter and Stock Portioner
Don’t toss those ice cube trays just because your fridge has an ice maker! They’re perfect for portioning and preserving butter and cooking stock. This method makes it easy to use just the right amount without waste.
For butter, melt it and pour it into the tray compartments. Once frozen, you’ll have perfect cubes for cooking. Do the same with homemade or store-bought stock for easy-to-use portions that won’t spoil before you can use them up.
11. Windex: The Zipper Unsticker
A stuck zipper can be frustrating, but before you tug and risk damaging the garment, try a spritz of Windex. The cleaning solution helps lubricate the zipper teeth and loosen any debris that might be causing it to stick.
Spray a small amount of Windex directly onto the stuck area of the zipper. Work the zipper back and forth gently until it moves freely. The Windex will evaporate quickly without leaving any residue.
12. Borax: The Sticky Residue Remover
Stubborn sticky residue from labels or spills can be a pain to remove. Borax, a natural mineral, can help break down and lift away that gummy mess. It’s especially effective on non-porous surfaces like countertops or appliances.
Mix two parts of borax with one part of water to create a paste. Apply it to the sticky area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it with a cloth. Rinse well afterward to reveal a clean, residue-free surface.
13. Hydrogen Peroxide: The Produce Cleaner
For an extra-thorough cleaning of your fruits and veggies, try adding hydrogen peroxide to your wash routine. This common household antiseptic can help remove pesticides and bacteria from produce surfaces.
Fill a large bowl with cool water and add 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Soak produce for about 10 minutes, then rinse well under running water. This method is especially good for items with rough textures like berries or leafy greens.
14. Dawn Dish Soap: The Manicure Enhancer
Before your next at-home manicure, try soaking your nails in Dawn dish soap. Dawn’s grease-cutting power helps remove oils from your nail surface, allowing polish to adhere better and last longer.
Soak your fingertips in undiluted Dawn for a few minutes before starting your manicure. Rinse well and dry thoroughly before applying polish. You’ll notice your manicure stays chip-free for much longer!
15. Car Wax: The Mirror De-fogger
Tired of wiping down foggy mirrors after every shower? A thin layer of car wax can keep your mirrors clear. The wax creates a barrier that prevents water droplets from condensing on the glass surface.
Apply a small amount of car wax to your mirror using a soft cloth. Buff it off after it dries, just like you would on a car. Repeat this process every few months to maintain the fog-resistant coating.
16. Baking Soda: The Carpet and Trash Freshener
Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to absorbing odors. It’s perfect for freshening up carpets and keeping trash cans smelling neutral. The fine particles trap odor molecules, effectively neutralizing unpleasant smells.
For carpets, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the surface and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming. For trash cans, sprinkle some in the bottom of the bin before adding a new bag.
17. Drano: The Concrete Stain Eliminator
Stubborn stains on concrete can be an eyesore, but Drano can help restore your outdoor surfaces. The powerful cleaning agents in Drano can break down many types of stains, including rust and oil.
Pour Drano directly onto the stained area and scrub with a stiff brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with a hose. Always wear protective gear and test on a small, inconspicuous area first.
18. Razor: The Sweater De-piller
Don’t let pilling ruin your favorite sweaters! A simple disposable razor can easily remove those pesky fabric balls and restore your garments to their former glory. The sharp blade cuts through the pills without damaging the underlying fabric.
Lay the garment flat and gently run a used razor over the surface. The pills will collect in the razor, leaving behind smooth fabric. Be sure to use a light touch to avoid snagging or cutting the material.
19. Tongs: The Lemon Juicer
No need for a special citrus juicer – kitchen tongs can do the job just as well! This method is especially handy when you only need a small amount of juice and don’t want to dirty a dedicated juicer.
Cut the lemon in half and place it between the tongs. Squeeze the tongs together over a bowl or your dish to extract the juice. The tongs provide excellent leverage, making it easy to get every last drop.
20. Nail Polish: The Stocking Run Stopper
A run in your stockings doesn’t have to mean the end of their life. A dab of clear nail polish can stop a run in its tracks, extending the wearability of your hosiery. The polish creates a barrier that prevents the run from spreading further.
Apply a small amount of clear polish at both ends of the run. Let it dry completely before wearing the stockings again. While not a permanent fix, this can help you get through the day without the run becoming more noticeable.
21. Cupcake Liners: The Popsicle Drip Catcher
Enjoy mess-free popsicles with this simple hack using cupcake liners. The paper liner catches drips and melted ice cream, keeping hands and clothes clean. It’s perfect for kids (and adults) who tend to be messy eaters.
Make a small slit in the center of a cupcake liner and slide the popsicle stick through it. The liner will sit just below the popsicle, catching any drips as it melts.
22. Paper Clip: The Solo Bracelet Fastener
Putting on a bracelet by yourself can be a frustrating experience, but a simple paper clip can make it much easier. This hack gives you an extra “hand” to hold the bracelet in place while you fasten it.
Attach the paper clip to the loop end of the bracelet clasp. Hold the paper clip in one hand while using the other to secure the clasp. Once fastened, simply remove the paper clip.
23. Tape: The Splinter Remover
Splinters can be painful and tricky to remove, especially for children. Tape offers a gentler alternative to tweezers for extracting those tiny slivers of wood or glass. The adhesive on the tape grips the splinter, pulling it out painlessly.
Press a piece of strong tape (like duct tape or packing tape) firmly over the splinter. Quickly pull the tape off in the opposite direction of how the splinter entered the skin. Repeat if necessary until the splinter is removed.
24. Mismatched Socks: The DIY Scented Sachets
Don’t throw away those lonely socks without a match! Turn them into sweet-smelling sachets to freshen up drawers, closets, or even your car. This is a great way to repurpose items you might otherwise discard.
Cut the sock in half and fill the toe portion with dried lavender, potpourri, or scented beads. Tie off the open end with a ribbon or string. Place these homemade sachets anywhere you want a burst of fresh scent.
25. Clothespin: The Nail Holder
Hammering nails can be dangerous if you’re holding the nail in place with your fingers. A clothespin acts as a safe “third hand,” holding the nail steady while keeping your fingers out of harm’s way.
Grip the nail with the clothespin, leaving enough of the nail exposed to hammer it down. Hold the far end of the clothespin while you start hammering. Once the nail is set, you can remove the clothespin and finish driving it in.
26. Shredded Paper Bags: The DIY Packing Material
Before you buy expensive packing peanuts or bubble wrap, consider using shredded paper bags as an eco-friendly alternative. This repurposed material provides excellent cushioning for fragile items during moving or shipping.
Run paper grocery bags through a paper shredder or tear them into strips by hand. Use the shredded paper to fill empty spaces in boxes and wrap around delicate items for protection during transit.
27. Coffee Filters: The Spice Sachet
Create your own spice sachets using coffee filters for easy flavoring in soups, stews, and other dishes. The porous nature of coffee filters allows flavors to infuse while keeping whole spices contained for easy removal.
Place whole spices like bay leaves, peppercorns, or cloves in the center of a coffee filter. Gather the edges and tie them with kitchen twine. Drop the sachet into your pot and remove it before serving.
28. Can Opener: The Plastic Package Opener
Those frustratingly hard-to-open plastic clamshell packages are no match for a manual can opener. This method provides a safer alternative to using scissors or knives, which can slip and cause injury.
Position the can opener on the edge of the plastic package as you would on a can. Turn the handle to cut along the perimeter of the package. The plastic should separate easily, giving you access to the product inside.
29. Hair Dryer: The Sticker Remover
Stubborn stickers and labels can leave behind a sticky residue that’s hard to remove. A hairdryer can help loosen the adhesive, making it much easier to peel off stickers without damaging the surface underneath.
Hold the hair dryer about 6 inches from the sticker, using the highest heat setting. Move it back and forth over the sticker for about 30 seconds. The heat will soften the adhesive, allowing you to peel off the sticker with ease.
30. Crayon: The Credit Card Protector
Believe it or not, keeping a crayon in your wallet can help protect your credit cards from bending or breaking. The crayon acts as a rigid support, helping to keep cards flat and aligned.
Choose a crayon that fits comfortably in your wallet without adding too much bulk. As an added bonus, you’ll always have a writing implement on hand in case of emergency!
Charlie Golsley
