10 Surprising Ways To Use Common Household Items

If you’re like most, you probably have an arsenal of supplies under your kitchen sink and in your bathroom cabinet. These products do everything from clear acne breakouts to give your wood floors a luminous glow. However, these same products can not only break the bank, but can expose you to all sorts of toxins and potentially dangerous chemicals. Instead, check out new ways how to use these 10 common household items, save money, and avoid harsh toxins.

1. Lemons and Lemon Juice

You probably use lemons in your favorite dishes or to add some punch to your iced tea. It’s a great idea to use lemons in your food. They can aid in digestion, fortify your immune system, and detoxify your organs. But lemons and their juice can be used around the house for a plethora of other things too. Use lemon juice instead of bleach to help whiten your clothes or to make your toilet bowl shine. Sanitize your countertops and cutting board by slicing a lemon in half and rubbing the exposed flesh on whatever surface you want to disinfect.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

For years, the health benefits of apple cider vinegar have been touted. It can aid in weight loss and help to prevent the common cold. It has also been known to relieve hypertension. Additionally, it is a natural deodorizer and can be used in place of fragrant soaps in loads of laundry. You can use apple cider vinegar as an alternative to harsh flea treatments for your pet. Save some money on expensive hair serums by massaging apple cider vinegar onto your locks and letting it sit for 30 minutes.

3. Olive Oil

Undeniably delicious, olive oil is extraordinarily valuable to keep on hand. It can be used on your skin for a moisturizing effect, in lieu of shaving cream, or as a makeup remover. It will leave a lustrous shine on wooden furniture, instead of harsh cleaners with a list of chemicals a mile long. It can also provide some hairball relief to your favorite feline. Simply add ¼ teaspoon to your cat’s food and voila.

4. White Vinegar

A pantry staple, white vinegar has a multitude of uses in the kitchen and around the house. Pour in a dash when you’re boiling eggs for easy shell removal. Eliminate the pungent smell of garlic from countertops or cutting boards. You can also use it to keep your silverware gleaming. Use it in place of ammonia-laden window cleaners on all glass surfaces. Stung by a bee? White vinegar can help to ease the pain.

5. Coconut Oil

There is an array of reasons to keep coconut oil on hand. Using coconut oil as a replacement for hydrogenated oils in cooking can help to improve your thyroid function. It is also a natural remedy for chronic migraine. It has a wonderful aroma so it can be used on your skin, hair, and lips. Use it to add shine to wooden furniture or on creaky door hinges. It is an especially effective tub and tile cleaner. Use it in your bathroom and avoid the toxic and foul-smelling, intense cleaners.

6. Castile Soap

Castile soap is made from olive oil and sodium hydroxide. It’s sold in bars like your favorite brand, but there are no dangerous chemicals. It’s gentle on skin and can help to thwart eczema and acne. It can also be used as an alternative to shampoo for humans and pets. If you’re in a bind, it can even replace toothpaste. Since it’s chemical-free, it’s safe to use on practically any surface in your home.

7. Castor Oil

Perhaps you’re not a fan of the taste, but castor oil can be used in all sorts of ways. If you can stomach the flavor, it can help to reduce menstrual cramps and constipation. Use it as a skin treatment for tough cuticles or dry, cracked feet. If your houseplants need a little pep, rub some castor oil on the leaves to revive them.

8. Salt

You’ve probably flavored your culinary concoctions with salt for as long as you can remember. But did you know you can also use salt in place of toxic drain cleaners? Use a highly concentrated mixture of salt and water to clear out clogged drains. Use a little salt and water in your ice bucket to quickly chill your favorite drink. Also use salt when cleaning leafy veggies.

9. Baking Soda

Baking soda may be the undisputed king of multitasking. Obviously you can use it for your baking needs to leaven dough and give rise to cakes. But you should also sprinkle some on your toothbrush in place of expensive toothpaste to whiten and clean your teeth. Put out a kitchen fire by smothering it in baking soda. Ease indigestion by mixing some baking soda in room temperature water. Deodorize everything from your laundry to your underarms.

10. Newspaper

Yesterday’s news is today’s ideal window cleaner. Spray some white vinegar on your windows and use crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine. Deodorize old food containers or refrigerator drawers by filling them with balled-up newspaper and allowing them to sit overnight. Ripen tomatoes by wrapping them in newspaper for a few hours. Dry your wet shoes by leaving some newspaper in them.