Double Duty: Essentials That Do More
Discover the household items that have multiple uses.
As the country continues to quarantine, there’s a lot of talk what are “essential” items. Cleaners, food, and personal care are critical, yes—but there are a few items may surprise you by how handy they can be. Here’s our list.
Baking Soda
Don’t be fooled by this humble box—baking soda is a powerhouse. You already know that it can freshen up your fridge, but did you also know that it serves as a fabric softener when sprinkled into your washing machine during the wash and rinse cycles? In the kitchen, you can use it as an abrasive to clean baked on goo from your pans, or use it as a scrubber to freshen up white sinks. Feeling tired? Sprinkle a half cup in a tub and treat yourself to soft feet, and sprinkle some in your shoes while you’re at it to keep them smelling fresh.
Emery Boards
Doing your nails in quarantine? Great. When you’re done, grab your emery board and gently brush it across your favorite suede jackets and boots to remove stains, or use it to remove the balled-up pills on your winter sweaters. Not able to go out and get your brows down? Use your emery board to sharpen your favorite tweezers and do them yourself!
Nail tools starting at $.99
Baby Powder
We don’t just love the smell of baby powder—we love how useful it is around the house! Did you know that sprinkling it on your favorite jewelry can help remove tangles in the chains? You can also shake some onto your feet to help remove sand and dirt.
Baby care starting at $.99
Toothbrushes
The American Dental Association suggests replacing your toothbrush every three months—but don’t worry, there are plenty of uses for your old one! In the kitchen, a few simple brushes will help you easily remove the silk from your corn on the cob or help clean the cheese from your grater. Looking for help with the nitty gritty? Use your retired brush to help clean your jewelry or hard-to-reach grout in your shower.
Toothbrushes starting at $.99
Rubber Gloves
These in-demand items are useful in more ways than one! The elbow-length gloves you use to wash dishes can also help you clean pet hair from your furniture: Simply wear and wet the gloves, then run them lightly across your pet’s favorite sitting spot. Having trouble opening a jar? Put on the gloves and get a better grip. In the garden, use them to pull out pesky weeds like poison ivy without getting itchy.
Rubber gloves starting at $.99
Clear Nail Polish
More than just a sparkling topcoat, clear nail polish can also come to your fashion rescue: A small drop stops runs on your stockings right in their tracks and can secure a button before it unravels. Have sensitive skin? Give imitation jewelry a clear coat so the metal is less likely to turn your fingers green.
Nail polish starting at $1.99