Unusual uses for common household items

"Real Simple" magazine has some tricks up their sleeves!  Multipurpose household products with uses you may never have known about. Who knew that olive oil could help your wardrobe, or Ziploc bags are a secret trick for getting gum out of your carpet? If you take a look around you, in your refrigerator, pantry, or junk drawer, you may be surprised at what some everyday items can do!

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Olive Oil
Olive oil is not just a great treat for your heart health, but can also be a big helper around the house!  It makes a great lubricant because its molecules easily slide right past each other, helping to overcome friction.  You can use olive oil to:

Prevent wax from sticking to a candle holder:  By rubbing a thin coat on the base of the holder before inserting a candle, dripped wax can later be peeled away easily.

Unstick a zipper:  Using a Q-tip, apply a drop of oil to lubricate the teeth of the zipper (but avoid touching the fabric).  The zipper should move freely up and down when you're done!  (This lubricating technique also works on squeaky door hinges - just place a bit on the hinges, and wipe away excess.)

Moisturize cuticles: Apply a small amount to nail beds for an instant cuticle-softening treat.  Perfect for a quick-fix to winter dryness!

Dryer sheets
Who says that dryer sheets can only work in the dryer?  The deodorizing and anti-static properties can work all over the house!  Use sheets to:

Freshen smelly shoes: Insert a dryer sheet into the offending pair of shoes and let sit overnight.

Remove static from clothing, hair, TV screens and computer monitors:  Dryer sheets contain positively charged ingredients that are released by heat and movement, such as the tumbling motion of the dryer. But it can work on anything with a static charge, like computer monitors, TV screens, as well as clothing and even hair to eliminate static fly-aways.

Clean pet hair from floor or furniture: Rub a dryer sheet over the spot where Fluffy left her fur.  The anti-static properties let the pet hair come off furniture and rugs easier than with a regular cloth.

Ziploc bags
In 1963, a unique bag with a plastic zipper seal was introduced at a packaging trade show... and it's been amazing us ever since!  But it's not just for sandwiches any more.  Use Ziploc bags to:

Remove chewing gum or candle wax from a tablecloth, a couch, or carpeting: Gently rub gun or wax with a Ziploc bag filled with ice cubes until the substance hardens. Shatter gum with a blunt object, and vacuum up the chips. Carefully peel off frozen wax with a plastic spatula.

Pipe Frosting: Snip off a tiny corner to use Ziploc as a pastry bag!

Break up graham crackers or vanilla wafers to make a pie crust:  Fill a bag with the cookies, and roll a rolling pin over it.  No mess, and quick results!  (You can also knead dough in the bag, so your hands don't get sticky.)

You can find more multipurpose household products in the April issue of "Real Simple" magazine, or for more information, visit www.realsimple.com.