Different uses for household products

[Fritemare]

Okay, the no shampoo thread got me thinking. Are there products around your house that you use in a manner that isn't exactly intended in order to save money? Like, baking soda and vinegar seem to have several different uses. You can use them to unclog drains when mixed together, or you can use them seperately in place of shampoo and conditioner.

Instead of buying cleaner for my garbage disposal to freshen up the smell, I use a lemon. This same lemon is used in my microwave. I start out by cutting it in half and microwaving it in a bowl with a tiny bit of water to freshen my microwave up and loosen up messes in there. I then take the same lemon and toss it down the disposal. Makes the whole kitchen smell lemon fresh.

[smedley]

we use leftover baby oil as lube--is that what you mean?lol:p

[smedley]

baking soda sprinkled on carpets prior to vacumming can help with odor control if you have pets, or just are smelly and roll around on your carpet a lot. i also use it as a scrub for the bathroom, kitchen, wherever--just mist surface with water. good idea for a thread!:rockon:

[SinisterMama]

I use a lemon or orange in my disposal too. Whenever I have an overripe one or notice it stinking I just chop it, drop it in and flip the switch... works great. I will have to try it in the microwave though for sure (I usually just use water to loosen the splatters).

I also use vinegar and water for a lot of my cleaning, especially the highchair and windows, mirrors etc. Its safe to have around the baby and streak free. My husband doesn't like the smell, but it doesn't last too long (the smell reminds me of dying easter eggs when I was little).

I probably have more but I can't think of them right now.

[kiz_paws]

Crumple a newspaper page. Rub vigorously on mirror. Instant shine.

I think we can learn a lot from our grandma's and great-grandma's -- they did not have the ecology-threatening solvents, etc., to buy to get the job done.

Vinegar, lemons, baking soda are amazing things, and your home smells so good -- not toxic!

[LadyFaile]

i like vinegar for cleaning too. it's great dilluted with water in a spray bottle for spills/accidents on carpet. good for taking grease off stuff in the kitchen too.
i've been known to use used dryer sheets to dust

[Duke Nukem]

There is/was a prog on TV here in the UK called "How Clean Is Your House" that often included various different uses for common household stuff.

Done a quick Google for the prog and found there is a tips section :-

http://www.channel4.com/4homes/ontv/how_clean_is_your_house/4tips_intro.html

TTFN,
Jon

[greensgood]

other than just cleaning with i put baking soda in my toothpaste, also add a scoop to my laundry, my parents use it for the pH in the pool.
i've started using epsom salt more too, feed my plants and add nutrients to soil, scrub grimy stuff, soak sprains or swollen feet.

[LadyFaile]

i just read in a magazine that you can use vinegar as bug repellant. either dilluted or full strength applied right on the skin. not sure how well it works

[fadeaway1289]

My friend carries around a dryer sheet in her back pocket and a box in her car. She says it repels bugs, especially bees.

[kiz_paws]

i just read in a magazine that you can use vinegar as bug repellant. either dilluted or full strength applied right on the skin. not sure how well it works

Has anyone tried this yet? I have sensitive skin so I am afraid to 'burn' it with the vinegar ... but if it really works, well it could be diluted je suppose?

[greensgood]

from the no shampooing thread, it seems vinegar (at least apple cider) might attract bugs....

[osito]

i spray vinegar around the perimeter of my room and it keeps the spiders away.
when we go camping i put dryer sheets around the tent and it keeps the mosquitos away.
i use vinegar and baking soda for cleaning too.

[kiz_paws]

I could never understand this thing about dryer sheets working to deter mosquitoes -- but so many people swear on it. I'll have to try hanging a few near my front door, because you cannot poke your head out there at night, lest you drown in a mighty cloud of them ... :dizzy:

[hollywoodveg]

Oh, I can't believe nobody has mentioned Dr. Bronner's. You can clean just about anything with it, great stuff imo and organic.

Plus made out of vegetables. : )

[Cissy]

we use leftover baby oil as lube--is that what you mean?lol:p

I know this is an old post but I still :lol:ed

[smedley]

I know this is an old post but I still :lol:ed

glad you got a giggle out of it! seems like no one else did:cry:

[jenna]

water + lavender oil + mister bottle = long-lasting mosquito repellent

aloe vera gel makes a good conditioner. you don't need much and it can be a leave-in

shampoo/conditioner that didn't work right for your hair makes a good shaving 'cream'. face, legs, wherever. you can even water it down some, too, to make it longer.