New Uses for Old Things

Reuse and Recycle in your own home. Find more use out of the ordinary household items!!

1. Use newspapers to help wet shoes preserve their shape and speed up drying by placing crumpled newspaper in them overnight (see previous post)
2. Velcro will keep a jacket or a blouse from gaping open. Just sew small pieces between the buttons.
3. Unstuck a stubborn zipper by rubbing the teeth on both its sides with a pencil (graphite is an excellent dry lubricant).
4. Red wine spill? Salt helps take red-wine stains out of washables. Stretch the fabric over a bowl, cover the stain with salt, and carefully pour boiling water over the area.
5. Gently rub a nail file (either side) a few times across a suede splotch to remove it.
6. Use a hair straightening iron to crease out minor wrinkles in between buttons and even the tricky collar bit (hmm – I have not tried this yet...not sure that I will...)
7. Baby powder prevents sweat stains on white shirts. Sprinkle a little on the shirt’s underarms and collar, then iron. The powder forms a barrier that keeps gland’s oil from seeping into the threads.
8. Protect your nicest shoes from wear and tear by slipping them into a clean pair of men’s/sport socks (great for when you are travelling)
9. Clear nail polish will keep a loose eyeglass screw in line. Tighten it, then dab nail polish across the top for a longer-lasting fix.
10. If a screw has already gone missing, replace it with an earring for a temporary fix.
11. Baby wipes can lift those hard-to-remove deodorant stains.
12. For those extra bloated days – a rubber band can give you more breathing room in a snug pair of pants. Loop one through the buttonhole, securing the other side around the button.

What other tips do you have?