With many of us limited on time, we’re always looking for ways to make life easier. These are some handy ways I repurpose everyday objects into smart solutions for entirely different tasks around my home and in my garden.
Not only does this free up space in my cupboards, but saves me money each month as I don’t have to purchase expensive cleaning supplies. Things you already have in your kitchen could save you effort while cleaning your bathroom. Something you’re about to throw out could make your garden grow better. Don’t get stuck thinking things can only do one job — there’s potential in everything!
Coffee Grounds as Soil Additive
Coffee isn’t just for your morning brew – it’s a game-changer for your plants, too. Packed with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, coffee grounds improve soil structure and help plants grow big and strong.
Plus, their unique texture keeps the soil moist, perfect for arid climates. Toss them into your compost pile for a natural boost that decomposes and enriches the composting process.
Salt as an Abrasive Cleaner
Give your stovetop a quick spray with your usual cleaner, then sprinkle salt generously over the greasy bits. A quick scrub with a cloth, and voila—the mess is gone! Salt crystals, with their sharp edges, act like mini scrubbers, effortlessly lifting away grime and grease.
Not only that, but salt’s absorbent nature soaks up excess liquids, preventing future stains. Plus, salt is non-toxic, safe, super affordable, and easy to find, making it the ultimate budget-friendly cleaning hack.
Garlic Press To Mash Steamed Vegetables
No baby food maker? No problem! Grab your garlic press and turn it into a makeshift veggie masher for baby meals. Just pop some steamed veggies into the press, apply gentle pressure, and watch them squeeze through the holes.
Bonus: The compact size of a garlic press fits right into your purse, making it a handy tool for preparing a nutritious meal for your little one on the go.
Cooking Oil to Wash Away Pine Sap
Sticky situation with pine sap on your hands? Don’t panic. Pine sap clings to your skin because of its resinous compounds, which are drawn to water.
To get rid of it, just apply cooking oil to your hands. The non-polar oil molecules team up with the resin, forming a “bond” that pulls the sticky sap away from your skin. After that, a quick wash with soap and water rinses away the oil and sap, leaving your hands clean and sap-free!
Multipurpose Flathead Screwdriver
A versatile flathead screwdriver can be a hero beyond its screw-turning abilities. Need to crack open a sealed box? Let the flathead slide under tape or pry up edges—no need for scissors or box cutters. Want to make a small hole or mark a spot?
A gentle tap with a hammer turns the flathead into a makeshift punch. For delicate chiseling tasks, use the flat head carefully to chip away at small bits of material.
Vinegar as Cheap Household Cleaner
Vinegar packs a cleaning punch thanks to its main component, acetic acid, which has a pH of about 2.4–3, making it mildly acidic. This acidity helps dissolve dirt, grime, and mineral deposits while also tackling some bacteria.
Great for handling hard water stains, countertop and stovetop grime, and rust stains. But there’s more to this hack—vinegar’s strong smell is a double agent, neutralizing unpleasant odors. The acetic acid reacts with odor-causing molecules, breaking them down and clearing away unwanted smells.
Wrapping a Thick Rubber Band Around a Tight Jar Lid
Pop that tough-to-open jar open with a rubber band! The textured rubber grabs onto the lid, giving you extra grip and more power to twist without any slips. No more struggle with those smooth, slippery metal lids!
Plus, the rubber band acts like a comfy cushion, easing the pressure on your fingers. Even tight or tricky lids are no match. It also soaks up any moisture or oil, boosting your grip for a smooth twist every time.
Blue Dawn Dish Soap to Wash Off Clothing Stains
Stains don’t stand a chance against the power of Blue Dawn dish soap. It has strong surfactants – when you put it on a stain, these surfactants grab onto the oily bits, lifting them off your clothes. It’s a game-changer for greasy foods, makeup spills, and oil stains.
Unlike some tough detergents, Dawn is kind to your fabrics, and it works hard on stains without being harsh, keeping your clothes safe from damage.
Hair Conditioner as Shaving Cream
In a hurry? Use hair conditioner instead of shaving cream! Its emollients and silicones create a similar slippery texture, reducing friction and helping the razor glide smoothly over your skin. Conditioner hydrates and softens hair – and your skin benefits too. Less irritation and razor burn!
It’s also the perfect budget-friendly alternative to pricey shaving creams.
Froth Milk Using French Press
No milk frother? Instead of just using your French press for your coffee, you can use it to froth milk, too! The air mixes with milk, creating tiny bubbles that get cozy with fat molecules, giving you that perfect froth.
Pro tip: play around with plunging techniques and start with cold milk for the best results.
Baking Soda To Neutralize Odors
Many people already use baking soda for refrigerator odors, but did you know that you can use baking soda to remove nasty odors in your shoes, too? That’s right! Fill a nylon stocking with baking soda and place it in your boots overnight.
Baking soda neutralizes odors by absorbing and reacting with acidic molecules responsible for unpleasant smells.
Dryer Sheets To Remove Bugs in Your Car
Dryer sheets are your bug-busting sidekick for your car! Gnats, moths, and other delicate insects can easily get caught in the fabric softener and anti-static agents on the dryer sheet, making them easy to remove.
The wet texture helps lift and absorb the splattered insect residue. Just a heads up, they work best when still fresh and moist from my personal experience. Once they dry out, their bug-busting power takes a dip.
Used Mascara Wands to Clean Small Animals
The soft, flexible bristles of mascara wands are ideal for grooming small animals with delicate fur or feathers, offering a calming, spa-like experience. They gently brush away fly eggs and larvae, common issues for outdoor animals and shelter pets.
But remember, clean them well before use to avoid irritation for your furry friends!