Recent events have shown that we must manage our money wisely and get the most bang for our buck more than ever. However, as a prepper, you’ll go the extra mile to squeeze value from the items you spend your hard-earned money on, which means seeing how many different ways you can use one product. In this guide, we’ll explore the ingenious ways to make the most of the everyday items you already have at home. In a world where efficiency and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, I’m here to show you how a little creativity can save you time, money, and space.
Imagine turning to your pantry not just for cooking but for a wide range of household solutions. From the humble box of baking soda to that bottle of white vinegar hiding in the back of your cupboard, these common products can double as powerful tools for cleaning, personal care, and eco-friendly gardening, among other uses.
My goal is to help you maximize the potential of these versatile items (and several others), turning them into double – even triple-duty winners. This guide will provide practical tips for each product and share some surprising ways they can simplify your life.
So, let’s dive in and discover how you can turn these household staples into your secret weapons!
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerhouse in the realm of multitasking household products. Commonly used in baking, this compound is also great for:
Deodorizing: It absorbs odors in the fridge, trash, or even smelly shoes. I add it to my homemade laundry mix as an extra odor-fighter.
Cleaning: Mixed with water, it forms a paste that can scrub away built-up grime on kitchen surfaces or bathroom tiles.
Oral care: A small amount can be used as a toothpaste alternative for whitening teeth.
Vinegar
White vinegar is another versatile staple that goes beyond salad dressings:
Cleaning agent: Its acidity effectively cuts through grease, removes mineral deposits, and disinfects surfaces. It is used to unclog drains and soak your manual can openers to clean the debris in the gears.
Weed killer: Spraying it on weeds in your garden can keep them at bay without harmful chemicals.
Fabric softener: Adding a cup of vinegar to your laundry can soften clothes naturally.
Coconut Oil
Not just for cooking, coconut oil has myriad uses around the house:
Moisturizer: It hydrates and nourishes skin, making it a natural skincare product.
Polish: It can shine wood furniture and condition leather goods.
Hair conditioner: Coconut oil can be used to smooth and condition hair.
Oral Care: Some folks use it for the process known as “oil pulling.” The American Dental Association does not believe it is beneficial; it’s an ancient practice that claims to reduce bacteria and help with bad breath and bleeding gums.
A carrier oil for essential oils: Essential oils should never be applied directly to skin; they must be mixed with a carrier oil. Coconut oil is an excellent choice.
Lemons
These citrus fruits are more than a cocktail garnish or for lemonade:
Cleaning: Lemon juice can cut through grease and remove stains, especially when combined with baking soda. When using a lemon, use the cut ends with baking soda to clean your stove and cutting board.
Deodorizing: When used to clean microwaves, cutting boards, or garbage disposals, it leaves a fresh scent.
Pest deterrent: Lemon peels can deter ants from entering your home.
Olive Oil
While it’s a staple in the kitchen, olive oil has other valuable uses:
Furniture polish: It can restore shine and moisture to wooden surfaces.
Moisturizer: It can be used to soothe dry skin and hair. Some folk use it to shave; while moisturizing, it can clog pores, so only try it in a pinch. It can be used on your pet’s dry pads.
Stuck zipper fixer: A few drops can lubricate and loosen stubborn zippers.
Leather Lube: Rehydrate dry leather with some olive oil.
Castile Soap
I adore Castile Soap and use it for just about everything. Originally from Spain, it is concentrated with only lye as the chemical, which is neutralized during the soap-making process. It’s a gentle and eco-friendly cleaner with multiple uses!
All-purpose cleaner: Dilute it with water for an effective, natural cleaner suitable for countertops, floors, and windows. I also use it in my laundry. If you get the unscented kind, you can add essential oils to give it any scent you like!
Body/hand wash: Its mild formula is perfect as a gentle body wash or shampoo. No harsh chemicals and things you can’t pronounce. Dilute it for your hand soap in the bathroom.
Pet shampoo: Safe for furry friends, it can clean and pamper pets without harsh chemicals.
You can use Castile Soap at full strength (I use full-strength mixed with Dawn for my dishes to stretch out the Dawn) or dilute it since it’s concentrated. If you use Castile Soap in all these ways, you have potentially replaced five or more cleaning/hygiene products!
Cornstarch
Beyond thickening soups and sauces (and sometimes and egg substitute), cornstarch can serve many functions around the house:
Stain remover: When sprinkled on the affected area before washing, it can absorb grease stains on the fabric.
Dry shampoo: It can refresh hair by absorbing oils in a pinch.
Soothe skin: Mixed into a paste with water, it can relieve sunburns, and some use it to take the sting out of bug bites.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This antiseptic solution extends its usability far beyond wound care:
Whitening agent: Use it to brighten laundry by adding a cup to your wash cycle.
Disinfectant: Effective at killing bacteria, it can be used on surfaces and doorknobs (test first; best on solid surfaces)
Mold remover: Spray it on mold-prone surfaces for an effective cleanup; can also be used to clean mold in SMALL areas (large areas of mold requires a professional).
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt, a naturally occurring mineral compound, offers surprising benefits:
Garden booster: It can enhance soil nutrients and promote plant growth.
Muscle soak: Dissolve it in a warm bath to relieve sore muscles and reduce inflammation.
Exfoliant: Combine with oil to create a natural scrub for smooth skin.
Rubbing Alcohol
Versatile and easy to find, rubbing alcohol can be utilized in various ways:
Sanitizer: It’s an effective hand sanitizer or surface cleaner due to its alcohol content.
Ink remover: Dab it on ink stains on clothing or furniture to lift the marks.
Ice pack: Mix alcohol with water and freeze in a ziplock bag for a flexible ice pack. You can also use two parts of alcohol and one part of water to de-ice car locks and remove frost from cars.
Oatmeal
Not only a breakfast staple, oatmeal can be practical around the house:
Facial mask: Blend with water or milk to create a soothing face mask.
Itch relief: Add it to bathwater to relieve skin irritations or insect bites.
Odor absorber: Place in an open container to neutralize odors in rooms or the fridge.
To soak up oil.
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil from Australia has a plethora of home uses:
Antimicrobial cleaner: Mix with water for a natural disinfectant spray.
Antimicrobial properties make it a nice addition to Castile or unscented soap.
Insect repellent: A few diluted drops can deter insects when applied to the skin (use a carrier oil like jojoba, almond, olive, or coconut oil) or on surfaces.
Aromatherapy: Add to a diffuser to purify air and add a fresh scent.
Aloe Vera
Known for soothing skin, aloe vera offers additional household applications:
Minor burn aid: Its gel can cool and heal minor burns, including sunburn.
Makeup remover: Its gentle properties make it an effective natural makeup remover.
Moisturizer: It can hydrate skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Salt
Beyond seasoning, salt is a helpful multitasker:
Gravel weed killer: Use salt on gravel paths to manage weed growth.
Rust remover: Mix with lemon juice or vinegar to dissolve rust on metal surfaces.
Drain cleaner: Flush with hot water for minor grease and food residue blockages in drains.
Coffee Grounds
Don’t discard your morning brew grounds; they have more to offer:
Fertilizer: Enrich your garden soil with the nutrients from used coffee grounds. However, coffee grounds are still somewhat acidic, so test your soil. If your soil is already acidic, use sparingly.
Odor absorber: Place in the fridge or pantry to absorb unwanted smells.
Scrub: Use as an abrasive cleaner to scrub pots, pans, or countertops.
Exfoliator: Coffee grounds can be added to your cleanser as an exfoliant (but may be too abrasive for sensitive skin). Note: Make sure the grounds are completely dry before storing them, or mold will develop. Also, too many grounds can clog your drain, so use it occasionally.
Toothpaste
This bathroom staple can be used in unexpected ways:
Silver polish: Clean tarnished silverware with toothpaste and a soft cloth.
Fog prevention: Rub on goggles or mirrors to prevent fogging.
Stain remover: Treat carpet or fabric stains with a small dab until the detergent is applied.
Banana Peels
After enjoying a banana, don’t toss the peel:
Leather polish: Rub the inside of the peel on shoes to shine and condition them.
Itch relief: Apply to mosquito bites to alleviate itching and promote healing.
NOTE: Some folks use it in their garden, but based on my research, they disintegrate too slowly to be of benefit, and may attract pests.
Integrating these items into your routine will enhance your home’s functionality while embracing sustainable and innovative solutions. These common household products prove that sometimes, less is truly more. By leveraging their versatile properties, you can save money, reduce waste, and declutter your home, all while maintaining cleanliness and efficiency.