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  1. Home
  2. Kitchen

10 Surprising Uses for Everyday Household Items

Brilliant new ways to use items already in your home - by Diana Moore
  • 02 Jan 2018

Cricket season already killing your laundry routine? Pet hair on everything getting you down? Try these genius tips and hacks by making double cleaning duty for items you already have.

1. Aluminium foil to scrub pots

Used on stainless steel only*, form a loose ball of foil in your hand to scrub stubborn marks and polish to a clean finish. *foil may damage non-stick surfaces.

 2. Vinegar to remove sweat stains from clothing

 Mix 1 part vinegar with 4 parts water. Pour or spray onto underarms, collars or affected areas of clothing and soak for at least one minute. Wash as directed on clothing tags.

3. WD-40 to remove glue residue

Spray to cover glue residue on hard surfaces, Stanley knife blades or scissors. WD-40 can break down or dissolve the gluey substance, making it easier to remove.

4. Baking soda to freshen rugs and carpet

Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a shaker of baking soda and sprinkle across your carpet or rug. Leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum.

5. Use cooking spray to remove soap scum in shower

Spray glass shower doors and tapware with light coating of coating of non-stick cooking spray. Leave for 5-10 minutes. Wipe off with clean cloth or paper towel, then wash away with cold water. A slight residue will remain to form a barrier against build up.

6. Lift pet hair from furniture and carpets with squeegee

Lightly spray area with 1 part water to 1 part vinegar, drag simple bathroom squeegee across to form clumps and vacuum to remove completely. Watch this video for how to:

How to remove dog hair from carpet

7. Remove grass stains with sugar and water

Dissolve ½ cup of sugar with enough warm water to create a thick paste. Apply directly on to the grass-stained fabric. Let sit for at least an hour. Wash according to directions on label.

8. Full fat milk as leaf shine

Dilute full fat milk with a little warm water. Use it with a soft cloth to wipe down the leaves of your indoor plants to leave them glossy and form a protective coating against dust.

9. Petroleum jelly as rust inhibitor

Ensure surface is clean and dry. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to metal surfaces such as chrome on bikes, metal tools and outdoor furniture bolts and joins.

10. Banana peels to polish silver

Blend banana peels to a paste in a blender or food processor until smooth. Use cloth to apply to silverware, then buff to a shine.

11. Salt and lemons to clean chopping board

Scatter a generous amount of coarse salt across your chopping board. Halve lemon and use face down on salt to rub on and around the entire area to remove stains, clean and freshen your chopping board.

Related: 

How to clean your greasy oven window

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