I love finding out new ways to use everyday items. Ways that will make life easier and save money. Sometimes I find these ideas by doing research, but other times I get a lightbulb moment. Here are some tips I’ve used throughout the years that I hope you will find useful.
Bar Soap: Not just for washing
The other day I noticed we had a ton of weeds that had seemed to spring up overnight. Seriously. We had the yard weeded and mulched in the Spring, but you would never know it. Very annoying! So I figured I would try to tackle it a bit for an hour or two. Have you noticed even when you wear gloves your nails get messed up? So I grabbed a bar of soap, scraped my nails over it so the soap got under them, and it worked! Whatever dirt got in there washed away easily, and I didn’t have to ruin my mani. Here is a picture, in case you doubt why I’m complaining.
Cardboard Tubes: Not just for paper towels
I. HATE. CORDS. I hate any kind of electrical wires. My dream house would be hard wired for sound and outlets would be hidden. It’s just something that really bothers me. (I also dislike utility lines outside, but that’s not something I can control. At least not in this lifetime.) I haven’t figured out a way to remedy this in my home, but if I’m storing an extension cord I coil it up and place it in a paper towel tube. Makes me feel a ‘little’ better at least.
Coffee: Not just for drinking
If you have a scratch on some dark wood furniture, make a paste of instant coffee and water and rub it into the scratch, let it sit for a few minutes. Then just buff gently. Speaking of coffee, how about those cans? I find them indispensable for soaking paintbrushes.
Emery Boards: Not just for nails
Having a second home, we often find we don’t have what we need when we need it, so I’ve had to get creative. In fact, writing this post reminds me I need to bring a pencil sharpener to our cabin! In a pinch, an emery board can sharpen a pencil.
Garbage Cans: Not just for garbage.
Store your rolls of wrapping paper with a tall kitchen garbage can. It’s cheaper than a specialized storage container for sure! I found this picture when doing a search for a visual. It’s the closest I got to showing you what I mean, but if you have the space, I would use a larger can.
Ice cubes: Not just for drinks
Did you know if part of your carpet has lost it’s fullness due to age an ice cube can help? Just place a cube on the area, let it melt and brush the fibers back to their original state. I actually found this out by accident. Wonder if this works on wrinkles??
Oven Cleaner: Not just for your oven
I think this is one of my all time favorite ideas. Oven cleaner can strip paint off metal or wood! I tried this a few years ago out of desperation and it worked!
Hope you enjoyed this weeks tips! I’ll be back with more…
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