We’re all looking for quick, easy ways to solve household problems. Surprisingly many solutions are already in our homes. Our friends at AARP Magazine have compiled a list of household products that can have many purposes. Here are a few of their suggestions.
Beer
To beer lovers, doing anything with a brewski other than drinking it is sacrilege. But beer has many other creative household uses, including cleaning jewelry and copper (let it soak, then polish it with a soft brush), and as a skin-soothing foot bath. You can even use the foamy thirst quencher as lawn fertilizer because the sugar stimulates plant growth and the acids kill harmful bugs and fungi.
Tea
Many health and beauty secrets are hiding inside that little tea bag. Apply a cool water-soaked tea bag to insect bites and rashes to ease itching, or soothe inflamed skin from sun or razor burns. The tannins in tea constrict blood vessels, which can help heal bruises and stop bleeding (particularly bleeding gums), and reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.
Toothpaste
Your teeth aren't the only thing you can clean with toothpaste. Use it to polish jewelry and chrome, remove scuffs from leather shoes and shine ivory piano keys. A thin layer of non-gel toothpaste will also keep your bathroom mirror from fogging up, as it will your swim/ski/safety goggles if you rub a little inside, on the lenses.
Cat Litter
You may already know to carry some in the car with you in the wintertime to provide added traction when stuck in an icy spot. But you can also use a tub of cat litter to keep damp places — like boats, RVs and basements — dry. And it works better than rice for drying out a wet cellphone. Bonus tip: Use cat litter to clean up oil and grease spills in the garage.
Dryer Sheets
Fabric softener dryer sheets have many other uses, and can sometimes even be used after they've done their primary duty. Put once-used dryer sheets between every couple of books on the bookshelf to keep mold and mildew away, or tuck them into drawers and closets to keep clothes smelling fresh. They also make excellent wipes to clean the tub and shower.
Dish Soap
If you're cheap — and green — try using dish soap as part of an inexpensive, environmentally friendly weed killer. Just mix one tablespoon of dish soap with one cup of salt and one gallon of white vinegar. Use a watering can to apply the mixture directly to the foliage of the unwanted flora, and you'll be weed-free in no time.
Baking Soda
Probably no other household product has more uses than good old-fashioned baking soda, which was originally developed by the ancient Egyptians to use in painting hieroglyphics. In modern times it can be a remedy for sunburns, bee stings and upset stomachs. It can also be used as an underarm deodorant, a mouthwash and to put out a fire in a pinch. Of course, baking soda eliminates odors in the refrigerator and elsewhere.
Dean and Draper
We hope that you have found some inspiration for expanding the use of some household products, ideas for solving problems in a pinch, and even tips for saving some money in this article. We also have some great ideas for giving you the insurance you need and answering your questions. Contact us.
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