Multi-purpose household items

Ever wondered why it is necessary to have so many different bottles, sprays and cans for various tasks around the home? Did you know that you could do most tasks using products and items that you already have kicking around in cupboards thereby saving you money, whilst also being green? The house cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID suggest a few multi-purpose items that may help you to de-clutter under the kitchen sink.

Vodka

Whilst vodka can be a useful ingredient in making tasty cocktails and also in recipes, it is also handy for a variety of other purposes, such as:

Stains and clothes: You can spray a vodka and water mixture on your clothes to keep them fresh in between washes and to kill any odours. Before you let yourself loose on a whole outfit, do carry out a spot test first. For stain removal, dry dabbing a little vodka on the stain washing.

Mould: To eliminate mould, spray a vodka and water mixture on the mould and allow it to soak for a while before wiping it clean. The alcohol will kill the mould.

Flowers: Add a few drops of vodka into a vase to extend the life of flowers. Vodka lengthens the life of the blooms.

Insect repellent: Use vodka to repel insects. Try mixing it with apple cider vinegar and drops of citronella or eucalyptus essential oil. Spray it on yourself or areas you don’t wish insects to frequent.

Polish: Wet a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth with vodka and polish your glasses with it. You can also spray a vodka and water mixture on windows and mirrors to make them shine.

Tumble Dryer Sheets

These can be particularly versatile even after they’ve been used once.

Clean irons: Ever wondered how to clean the residue off an iron? Set the heat on low and rub the tumble dryer sheet over the area and the residue will come straight off.

Removing hair: Whether it is pet or human hair that is causing the problem on sofas, clothing or other furniture try running the tumble dryer sheet over these areas.

Static: If static is causing you an issue, rub tumble dryer sheets on the area and the static will be greatly reduced.

Old suitcases: Try leaving a tumble dryer sheet in your old suitcase so the next time you open it, it will smell fresh.

Butter

Butter is a fantastic product and has a variety of purposes. The natural oils in butter are perfect for combating any and everything sticky.

Glue or sticky fingers: To remove glue on your hands, rub them with butter before washing with soap and water.

Domestic wax: In the same way that butter removes glue, butter can also remove some waxy remnants after an in-home waxing treatment. Rub a little butter on these areas and then wash with soap and water.

Sticky foods: If cutting up sticky foods (toffee, pies and sweets) spread a very thin layer of butter over the knife to help with easy slicing and cutting.

Tree Sap: If your car has suffered from a bout of sap after parking under a tree, rub some soft butter on the spots with a cloth and then wash with soap and water. It will help to dislodge the sap with ease.

Tennis Balls

Tennis balls have are truly multi-purpose and not just useful for the great game of tennis. Once they have lost their bounce, instead of chucking them away why not put them to good use?

Tumble Dryer – When drying items with feathers, down or stuffing in them such as winter jackets or soft toys, place a couple of tennis balls in the drum to help restore the fluffiness.

Parking – Hang a tennis ball from the ceiling of your garage to act as a parking gauge to alert you to stop thereby preventing you from hitting the garage wall.

Clear Nail Polish

Clear Nail Polish is a multi-purpose household item in that it can be used as a quick fix solution to a number of problems and is easy to use. Here are some ideas:

Wobbly glasses: Tighten the screws on your glasses (spectacles) and dab a dollop of nail varnish on top to give extra strength.

Loose button: Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the centre of a button to keep the thread from coming loose.

Prevent rust: If wanting to protect a surface which is often damp, apply a thin layer of nail polish to the bottom rims of the items which may be causing rusting such as a can of shaving foam.

Costume jewellery: If some items feel loose, paint a very thin coat of clear nail varnish onto the items to extend the life of the piece.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste has always been known to have a dual purpose in that it can help to eliminate spots and blemishes, but it is a multi-purpose product.

Chrome taps: Just pop a blob of toothpaste on a cleaning cloth and rub onto the taps and rinse off with warm water.

Garlic hands: To freshen up your hands after handling garlic or even fish, washing your hands with a dab of toothpaste.

Lint rollers

Lint rollers too are multi-purpose, especially when it comes to cleaning delicate surfaces or material such as lampshades. Simple roll the lint roller over the item to remove dust. For hard to reach areas, try using a piece of selotape too.

Take this chance to clear out your cupboards of unwanted products and be more aware of what you already have in your home before you buy a single purpose product.  Here’s to giving more air time to those multi-purpose household items in your home happy in the knowledge that you are also saving money!

See Full Bio