9 Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Household Items

In a recent issue of Real Simple Magazine, they published a list of ordinary items that you probably have in your home right now—and shared how they can serve double-duty. Here is a list of the items and alternative ways to use them.

Ice-cube tray – Organize desk supplies like paperclips and rubber bands. Use them to store buttons and beads. Use them as an organizer for jewelry.

Uncooked spaghetti – When you don’t have a match long enough to light a candle sitting in a deep candle holder, use a piece of uncooked spaghetti. They easily catch on fire and stay lit for a long time.

Colander – Keep flies away from food by inverting the colander over the plate during your outside cookout.

Baby oil – Easily remove latex paint from your skin by squirting baby oil on a cotton ball or rag and wipe away.

Dental floss – Use unwaxed, unflavored dental floss to easily cut a cheese cake or layer cake. You won’t have the crumbs and mess of using a knife.

Antacid tablets – Drop a tablet in a little water to remove stains from the bottom of vases. Just let sit for several minutes and wipe clean.

Cotton swabs – Touch up paint chips on walls, cabinets or furniture by using a cotton swab instead of breaking out the paint brush.

Pillow case – Make lettuce last longer by placing it in a pillow case. Then put the lettuce and pillow case in a plastic bag in the fridge. The cotton will absorb the moisture and it will last longer than in just plastic.

Laundry basket – Line a laundry basket with a trash bag and fill with ice if you need an extra cooler for your party.

So, how do you use some of your ordinary household items in a unique and different way?