I’m always curious to learn about the many powers that something, especially regular household items, have the ability to do. When you don’t have time (or $) to run to the store to get fancy products, try one of these out & you might just be surprised! Some of these tips I’ve learned from various websites & others I’ve heard from friends/family.
VINEGAR
Windshield de-icer: For those of you (like me) who have to deal with scraping ice off your car in the morning, this is a great tip I’m very excited to try! Put 3 parts vinegar & 1 part water in a spray bottle & spray your car windshield the night before a snow storm. (Tip from HuffingtonPost)
Sunburns: Dab some vinegar on the burned areas & it will apparently help prevent peeling..interesting! (Tip from HuffingtonPost)
Shower curtain mildew: This is great to know, as sometimes washing it in the washing machine doesn’t always get it off! (Tip from HuffingtonPost)
Salt stains off boots: For someone like me, who lives in Vermont, this is a GREAT tip! Mix a little water + vinegar. (Tip from HuffingtonPost)
Gets rid of weeds in patio & driveway cracks: Wonderful tip & safe alternative to pesticides! (Tip from HuffingtonPost)
Removes wallpaper: I have to say, I used this tip when I was removing wallpaper from an old farmhouse wall & it does work. Mix 1/3 vinegar & 2/3 water in a spray bottle, spray on wallpaper – FULLY moisten, let sit for a few minutes (to allow time to soak in), then slowly peel the wallpaper off.
Learn more about the powers of vinegar here: VinegarTips.com
TOOTHPASTE
Clean silver: Helps to remove tarnish from silver. I use this tip often if I’m traveling & my jewelry could use a little sprucing up! The toothpaste needs to contain baking soda for this tip to work.
Pimples: I’m not a dermatologist, but this did help me with my achne as a teenager. At night, after I washed my face, I would dab a little toothpaste on pimples that I saw creeping up. The toothpaste helps dry out the forming pimple.
Removes scuff marks: Have pesky scuff marks on your floor from sneakers? Apply some toothpaste to the area, rib with a soft cloth, then wipe away with a damp cloth! (Tip from Everyday-Wisdom)
PEPPER
Rid bugs from your garden: If you aren’t a fan of pesticides, this is a tip for you! Mix together: 2 tbsp cayenne pepper, 2 large cloves garlic, 2 medium onions & 4 cups water in a food processor until sooth. Add mixture to a gallon of water & spray your plants. I’m very curious to try this tip from ezinearticles!
Prevents dogs from nabbing things from off the counter: Have a problem with Fido jumping up & checking out what’s on the counters? Sprinkle some chili pepper on the edges of the counters, so when your dog sniffs he will get a surprise & learn his lesson pretty quickly!
Prevent dog from chewing house plant: Sprinkle a little chili pepper or chili powder on the leaves & will help to keep the dog away. (Tip from eHow)
Some medical uses for black & white pepper: WedMD
OLIVE OIL
Shave your legs: All out of shaving cream? Try using olive oil for smooth legs & less chance for razor burn. (Tip from WomensDay)
Wood furniture polish: Mix 1 tsp olive oil + 1/4 cup vinegar. I’ve heard this mixture works better than others. (Tip from Care2)
Removing chewing gum: I’ve heard peanut butter works well, too, but the oil in the peanut butter is really what removes the gum. Wash thoroughly after application. (Tip from HouseholdRemedies)
