9 Unusual Ways To Solve Problems With Stuff You Have At Home

One of the best ways to save time and money is by making the most of things you already have at home. I’m really passionate about this kind of resourcefulness, not only because it’s better for your wallet, but the planet too! And it just feels good to solve a problem at home without rushing out to the store to buy something.

I’m sharing 9 ideas for repurposing common household items — stuff you likely already have at home. These brilliant ideas will help you save time and money, or just help you solve a tricky problem in a pinch!

9 Uncommon Ways To Use Common Household Items

1. Use Soap To Unstick A Zipper

Metal zippers are very durable, but they tend to get snagged more than other kinds of zippers. But there’s a simple way to fix a stubborn metal zipper, and all you need is a bar of soap! Just gently rub the bar of soap over the teeth of both sides of the zipper. The soap residue will help lubricate the zipper so it glides more easily.

2. Use Wipes To Clean A Sink

If you have baby wipes on hand somewhere in your house, you can use them for quick bathroom cleanups! Use a baby wipe to wipe up toothpaste splatters, makeup smears, and other everyday bathroom messes. Not only will these quick cleanups keep your bathroom looking nice during the week, but they’ll make your deep bathroom cleanings faster and easier too.

3. Use Toothpaste To Banish Odors

The smell of garlic and onions can linger on your fingers long after you’ve finished handling them. But you can quickly and easily get rid of that smelly odor with a bit of toothpaste! Just squeeze some minty toothpaste over your fingers and rub them together, then rinse them clean. The toothpaste will help erase the odor and leave your fingers smelling much fresher!

4. Use Gloves To Open Jars

Having trouble opening a jar? Grab your rubber gloves from under the sink! Just lay the glove over the lid, then try opening the lid again. The rubber gloves should provide enough extra grip that the jar lid will pop right off.

5. Use Vinegar To Wash Produce

You can use white vinegar to make a natural and effective produce wash. Just mix together one part white vinegar and three parts water. To wash your produce, just dunk it in the diluted vinegar solution and swish it around a bit. Rinse the produce in cold, clean water, then pat dry with a paper towel. The vinegar will help remove any yucky stuff from the product that you don’t want to eat! (And I promise your produce won’t taste like vinegar!)

6. Use Sponges To Remove Pet Hair

Everyone with a cat or dog struggles with pet hair to some degree. One simple way to help remove pet hair from carpets or upholstery is by using a sponge! Just get a sponge damp with a bit of water, then swipe it across the surface you’re trying to clean. The sponge will grab onto the hair, then you can just scrape it off into the trash.

7. Use Baking Soda To Absorb Grease

Baking soda is useful for scrubbing away stains and absorbing odors, but it’s also great at absorbing greasy messes! Sprinkle some on a greasy stain or into a greasy pan to help make it easier to clean. And add some to your dishwasher whenever you’re washing a particularly greasy pot or pan!

Related: Surprising Uses For Baking Soda (That Have Nothing To Do With Baking!)

8. Use Lemons To Clean Brass

You can use lemon juice (fresh or from a bottle) to remove tarnish from brass! Soak a sponge with lemon juice, then rub it onto tarnished areas on a brass item like a pot or pan. Sprinkle the area with salt, then let it sit for a minute or two. Rinse the salt and lemon juice off, then stand back and admire the shine!

9. Use Dryer Sheets To Freshen A Gym Bag

Don’t toss out your dryer sheets after they’ve been run through the dryer. You can use them again to help keep your gym bag smelling fresh! Just tuck a used dryer sheet into your running shoes or in the bottom of your gym bag, and they’ll smell much better!

Were you surprised by any of these tips? Let me know in the comments!