New Uses for Old Things
I love Real Simple’s book “869 New Uses for Old Things” – it is so fun to find ways to use what often times seems like “junk” in your home. Here are a few of their fun ideas that will make you say, “Why didn’t I think of that!”
Paper Towel Tube
USE TO: Tame a tangle of computer cables; Ward off wrinkles in a silk scarf – wrap it around a tube; Dispense plastic bags – Stuff them in a tube (stashed in a drawer) and pull out as needed; Preserve remnants of gift wrap – Wind them around the tube and fasten with a rubber band or just roll them and slide them in the tube.
Q-tips
USE TO: Make a quickie cosmetics kit for a tiny evening bag. Dip cotton swabs into eye shadow, concealer, and lip gloss. Roll them up in a plastic bag and go; Polish crevices in silver pieces; Extend the life of batteries in a cordless phone, cell phone or laptop – Clean the battery contacts with a swab dipped in alcohol; Touch up paint in tight corners, or apply stain in the ridges of architectural details
Tennis Ball
USE TO: To open a stubborn jar lid without straining, slice a ball in half, use the rubber lining to grip the lid, and twist; A halved ball is a great way to remove a warm bulb that has just burned out; Add resistance to jumping jacks and lunges with weights made from tennis balls filled with pennies (about 3/4 pound each) – make a small slit in a ball, insert the coins, and seal with duct tape or Super Glue; Cut dryer time for a bulky comforter by tossing a few balls in with it; To relieve neck tension, tie two balls in a sock, lie on the floor, and place the sock under the spot where your head and neck meet – Tuck your chin and gently nod up and down
Baking Soda
USE TO: Sprinkle it on a damp sponge to erase crayon, pencil, and ink from painted surfaces; To freshen a stale carpet, scatter soda on it, wait a few hours, then vacuum; Remove stains on enameled cast-iron pans with a soft nylon brush and a thick paste of baking soda and water. For stainless steel, use a soft cloth and 4 tablespoons of soda in 1 quart of water; Pour 1/2 cup soda, then 1/2 cup vinegar down a clogged drain – cover it with a wet cloth, wait 5 minutes, uncover, and flush with steaming water
Ice Cube Tray
USE TO: Freeze aloe-vera gel into single-serving sunburn relief – the cubes cool the heat instantly, then the soothing aloe gets to work; Use a tray for quick access to earrings, rings, and necklaces; The cubbies are great for organizing desk supplies, like thumbtacks and paper clips, or sewing notions like buttons; To make a batch of identical-sized cookies, roll the dough out flat, then press an upside-down tray into it; For a suppertime shortcut, freeze extra broth, pesto, or other sauces in trays, then transfer to the cubes to a freezer safe bag (works with purees too!); Fill the trays with sprinkles, nuts, and other toppings for a self-serve sundae bar
I hope you find some of these NEW USES FOR OLD THINGS tricks helpful for your cleaning, organizing, event planning, or everyday life needs! Click the photo below to find the book Real Simple 869 New Uses for Old Things on Amazon!
