There isn’t just one side to a coin, and there isn’t just one use for one, either. You can do some incredible things with common household items with a stretch of the imagination and a bit of science.
I’m breaking down alternative uses of household items. If anything, these make for great cocktail party conversation starters to use this new year.
1. WD-40
This wonder spray is by far the most versatile item on this list. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of things you can spray this stuff on. I could probably write an article on it alone. But to narrow down the list, here are three different ways you can use WD-40. Make sure you are doing these to spray in a well-ventilated room.
Not only will it kill the unwanted pest indoors on contact, but you can spray it around where you saw the bug to keep it away. The oil in WD-40 disrupts the waxy outer coating on insects, leading to dehydration and death. Be sure to spray in corners, crevices, and around doors or windows where spiders may enter and hide. The lingering smell acts as a spider deterrent.
Do you have gummy residue, sticky gunk, or other stubborn messes stuck on something that doesn’t belong? Spray it, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe it away. The lubricating agents in WD-40 help dissolve stubborn adhesive residues. It is great for gently removing sticker or tape residue, tree sap, and other sticky messes from windows, walls, or vehicles.
pray WD-40 on shoes, jackets, or bags that you use outdoors to add an extra layer of protection. The oil coats materials to prevent water absorption. It can restore and weatherproof worn leather boots, canvas shoes, nylon gear, and more. Reapply after getting items wet if heading back outside.
2. Toothpaste
Dentists say you should spend two minutes brushing your teeth. Now, take another 30 minutes and fix stuff around the house using that same tube.
Toothpaste has some surprising cleaning, polishing, stain-fighting, and odor-eliminating superpowers thanks to ingredients like baking soda, peroxide, abrasives, and mint oils. But don’t just keep it in your bathroom — it comes in handy around the whole house.
Remove Carpet Stains. Sure, toothpaste takes care of stains on your teeth. But did you know it knocks out carpet stains, too? Just put the paste on a stain, let it sit for five to 10 minutes, and scrub with an old toothbrush. The ingredients in toothpaste help break down and lift stains from carpet fibers. Repeat as needed for stubborn stains.
Treat Leather. Toothpaste can also help remove scuff marks from your favorite leather shoes, handbags, jackets, or furniture. After applying, rub it in with a soft cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate. Then wipe clean with a damp sponge and dry thoroughly. The mild abrasives lift the scuffed top layer so the leather looks refreshed. Be careful not to rub too hard on delicate leather.
Remove Crayon Marks. Did your kid draw on the walls again? Rub toothpaste on crayon marks and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it off. The mild abrasives break down the waxy crayon so it comes right off the wall. This trick also works on crayon-stained clothes. Just test an inconspicuous area first.
Clean Cloudy Headlights. Apply toothpaste to a microfiber cloth and polish your dull, yellowing headlights. The toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive to remove the foggy film so light shines through brightly again. This can help improve visibility and make your car exterior look newer.
3. Glue
A good bottle of glue goes a long way. Don’t just think of grade school projects — you can finish repairs and projects throughout your home with household items and some glue. Whether it’s minor cracks, loose handles, or broken figurines, glue comes in handy as an all-purpose adhesive. But white school glue, wood glue, and super glue each serve different purposes. Understand the strengths of each to get your fix to stick.
Fix the Loose Door Hinge. Watch this video for a quick fix for a loose door hinge with wood glue and a wooden golf tee. Apply wood glue in stripped screw holes and insert cut tee pieces to rebuild a solid structure for hardware. Let cure completely before reinstalling the door to avoid future wiggling.
Fill Holes in the Wall. For small nail holes or wall dents before painting, first, dab white school glue into the hole and wipe it smooth. This common classroom adhesive helps fill gaps and divots for smoother walls to prep for painting. Let fully dry overnight before sanding and painting.
Crackle Paint Finish. The glue residue resists a second paint coat, causing it to crack creatively. Lightly sanding exposes glimpses of the original layer underneath for an artsy, timeworn look.
Make Slime. Kids love playing with slime, but many premade kits dry out fast. However, you can whip up great homemade slime using basic white school glue and borax powder from the laundry aisle. Just mix them with some water and food coloring for hours of stretchy fun. Adjust borax to fine-tune consistency.
4. Dryer Sheets
Just thinking about these little anti-static squares makes you feel fresh and clean. But why relegate them to the laundry room when you can use that clean clothes nostalgia all over the house? It turns out the perfumes, lubricants, and textures have surprising dusting, deodorizing, pest control, and hair care superpowers, too.
Destroy Pet Odor & Hair. First, remove pet hair by rubbing a used dryer sheet over furniture and rugs. The static charge attracts clingy fur. You can also lightly wipe pets down to neutralize odors in their coat. Dryer sheet perfumes help eliminate funky pet smells. Plus, check out this video on using sheets and a fan to conveniently deodorize entire rooms.
Dust. Gently wipe dryer sheets over surface areas prone to collecting dust, like ceiling fans, baseboards, crown molding, shelves, window sills, desktop screens, or keyboards. The textured fabric easily attracts and traps dusty particles through static cling, keeping these areas cleaner for a bit longer. Dryer sheets also conveniently leave behind a light, fresh linen scent as they clean.
Hair Static. Rub a dryer sheet directly on frizzy, flyaway hair to tame static, especially in cold, dry months. Ingredients like lubricants and perfumes act to smooth hair strands down while locking in moisture. Plus, it leaves hair smelling freshly washed, even on days off. Keep one stashed in your bag, car, or desk drawer for quick hair-taming all day.
Repel Pests. Strategically place dryer sheets near outdoor patios, picnic tables, or home entryways to passively repel bothersome gnats and mice seeking indoor warmth. The strong scents from popular fabric softener brands like Bounce or Gain alone make these common pests steer clear of areas you want to keep pest-free.
5. Coin
Oh yeah, we didn’t forget about you, Mr. Lincoln. It turns out a penny can pay its way around the house in unexpected functional ways — not just monetary value. For example, copper pennies act as handy temporary screws, makeshift screwdrivers, and impromptu weights or shims in a pinch. While modern pennies contain only trace copper, retro copper pennies offer anti-microbial properties that are helpful for specific cleaning tricks.
DIY Flathead Screwdriver. Find yourself without proper tools but faced with a stubborn loose, flathead screw? A modern penny allows you to tighten or loosen flathead screws in a bind. The thin copper and zinc edge fits perfectly into slotted screw heads like a makeshift screwdriver without stripping them.
Check Tire Tread. Stick an upside-down penny into your car tire tread grooves with Lincoln’s head facing down. If his entire head is clearly visible, your tires lack adequate depth for safe wet and winter traction, meaning it’s time to replace them. Tires pass inspection if the surrounding tread obscures part of Lincoln’s head.
Open Jar Lids. Cannot open that stubborn vacuum-sealed jar lid? Before tearing your rotator cuff, wedge a penny under the rim and gently pry to break the airlock. The small boost releases the vacuum grip so you can easily open the jar. Copper pennies work best as they bend without shattering if the glass cracks.
Shim Wobbly Furniture. To quickly stabilize an uneven wobbling table or chair, slide stacked pennies under the short leg as spacers until it sits flush. Add layers of duct tape if you need a thicker shim. This temporary fix levels the furniture’s footprint and evens out annoying rocking.
Glowing Outdoor Trail. Have kids follow a glowing penny trail across the yard or garden for fun adventures after dark. First, let 10 to 20 pennies soak in the original yellow tonic water overnight — the quinine ingredient makes them fluorescent under black lights. Just be sure to collect all pennies once playtime ends so none get lost!
So, Is Life Hacking with Household Items Clever or Over-Complicating Things?
While some open-ended uses border on Rube Goldberg territory, many offer practical, money-saving solutions with commonly available items. Approaching problems laterally sparks inventiveness and leads to sustainable fixes. Sure, WD-40 makes a decent spider repellent, but there may be simpler or safer alternatives, too. The key is adjusting your viewpoint. Everyday items contain untapped properties that can creatively improve life’s little frustrations. Rather than rushing out to buy remedies, ponder what that bottle of white glue or dryer sheet might offer. You may discover an easier fix was in your laundry room all along.
FAQs About Lifehacking with Household Items
Is WD-40 really an effective pesticide?
Yes, when sprayed directly on insects, WD-40’s oil can smother and kill small pests. However, it may not fully eliminate infestations beyond its reach. WD-40 also contains petroleum distillates that are toxic if you ingest them, so exercise caution around people and pets. While it works on contact, consider less toxic pest control methods.
How well does toothpaste remove stains from clothes and carpets?
Toothpaste can lift some fresh pigmented stains if used promptly before setting in. However, it likely won’t defeat all stains, especially oils, greases, or bleaches that chemically change fibers. First, test an inconspicuous area and avoid using it on delicate silks or satins. For tough carpet stains, it’s best to call in carpet cleaning professionals.
What glues work best for household repairs?
For general fixes, white glue, wood glue, and super glue serve different purposes. White glue works well for paper crafts, minor adhesion, and small holes. Wood glue offers superior strength for building and refinishing furniture. Super glue bonds instantly but works best on nonporous surfaces. Epoxy also creates super strong bonds that are useful for metal, glass, or ceramics.
Can I reuse dryer sheets multiple times?
It’s best to use fresh dryer sheets for optimal results, but you can reuse them one to two times for dusting and static removal. However, avoid reusing them in laundry loads, as damp sheets may bunch up clothes. Also, do not reuse sheets containing visible dirt or grime picked up from prior uses.
