3 products that all of us have at home and which can be used in "alternative" ways

by Mark Bennett

December 16, 2023

3 products that all of us have at home and which can be used in "alternative" ways
Advertisement

We all appreciate a clean and fresh-smelling home, don't we? It's gratifying to see well-maintained floors, work surfaces, furniture, and an organized, clean, and perfumed environment. However, achieving perfection in cleanliness is often challenging, and some stains, scuffs and marks are stubborn and difficult to remove.

Not everyone is aware that some commonly found household products can be incredibly useful in addressing these challenges. Let's explore what these products are, how to use them, and on what surfaces or fabrics they work best.

1. Salt

1. Salt

Creativo

Salt serves not only to enhance the taste of our meals but also as a versatile cleaning ally for various household chores. Its uses include the following:

  • Kitchen sink drain maintenance: Given the accumulation of grease, dirt, and food residue, periodic cleaning of the drains is essential. A mix of hot water and salt effectively dissolves grease and eliminates unpleasant odors.
  • Refrigerator cleaning: Although vinegar is commonly used, a water and salt mixture is great for disinfecting surfaces, removing dirt, and neutralizing odors. Always ensure thorough drying after the cleaning process.
  • Cleaning the iron: Sprinkle salt on a sheet of paper and run the iron over it to eliminate limescale deposits and other residue from the bottom.
  • Carpet revival: Upholstery cleaning can be challenging, but one solution involves dampening a clean cloth in a water and salt mixture, wringing it out, and using it on a dirty carpet to remove dust, dirt, and stains.

Advertisement

2. Dishwashing liquid

2. Dishwashing liquid

Creativo

Dishwashing liquid is also very useful:

  • Clothing: Its gentle yet effective degreasing properties makes dishwashing liquid useful for tackling stubborn grease stains on garments. A precautionary test is advisable when in doubt.
  • Glass: For dirty and streaked glass surfaces, a mixture of hot water and dishwashing liquid, sprayed on and rubbed off with a soft cloth, will clean the glass effectively.
  • Floors: Whether on smooth or porous surfaces, dishwashing liquid diluted with warm water is effective for thorough floor cleaning.
  • Air conditioning filters: Dishwashing liquid, being non-aggressive and devoid of strong odors, is eminently suitable for cleaning air conditioning filters.
  • Jewelry: A solution of water, salt, and dishwashing liquid serves as an effective soaking medium for cleaning jewelry, followed by gentle scrubbing with a soft brush and drying off.

3. Hydrogen peroxide

3. Hydrogen peroxide

Duncan Creamer/Flickr

Hydrogen peroxide serves not only as a disinfectant but also as a powerful cleaning agent. However, it's crucial to conduct a preliminary test in an inconspicuous area before using it on any surface to prevent potential damage.

  • Kitchen: Combine hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to create a paste that efficiently removes grease traces. This paste is also effective for whitening the grout between tiles, providing a solution for stubborn dirt and mold in these areas.
  • Bathroom: Create a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water in equal parts to disinfect surfaces, adding a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Its disinfecting and deodorizing properties make it suitable for cleaning toilets, eliminating limescale deposits and stains.
  • Fabrics: Hydrogen peroxide can be utilized to remove stains from clothes, but caution is advised concerning fabric type and delicacy. Testing in hidden areas is recommended first. The product's efficacy in removing dirt is due to its bubbling action, making it particularly effective against stubborn stains.

Summary

Summary

Rawpixel

In summary, these are three products that, aside from their "conventional" uses, can also serve in various other ways to aid us with household chores effectively.

Were you already aware of any of these tips?

Advertisement