FEATURING Vinegar, Baking Soda, Salt, Toothpaste, String, Plastic Cups, Mayonnaise, Nail Polish, Tape,and More Than 190 Other Common Household Items
2,317 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY AND TIME
The Readers Digest Association, Inc.
Pleasantville, New York | Montreal
Project Staff
EDITOR Don Earnest
DESIGNERS Richard Kershner and Michele Laseau
CONTRIBUTING COPY EDITOR Jeanette Gingold
CONTRIBUTING INDEXER Nan Badgett
HUMOR ILLUSTRATION Chuck Rekow
HOW-TO ILLUSTRATION Bryon Thompson
Readers Digest Home & Health Publishing
EDITOR IN CHIEF AND PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Neil Wertheimer
MANAGING EDITOR Suzanne G. Beason
ART DIRECTOR Michele Laseau
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER Douglas A. Croll
MANUFACTURING MANAGER John L. Cassidy
MARKETING DIRECTOR Dawn Nelson
VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER Keira Krausz
Readers Digest Association, Inc.
PRESIDENT, NORTH AMERICA GLOBAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eric W. Schrier
Text prepared especially for Readers Digest by
NAILHAUS PUBLICATIONS, INC.
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR David Schiff
WRITERS Marilyn Bader, Serena Harding, Beth Kalet, Kathryn Kasturas, Michael Kaufman, Steven Schwartz, Anita Seline, Angelique B. Sharps, Delilah Smittle, and Amy Ziffer
First printing in paperback 2007
Copyright 2005 by The Readers Digest Association, Inc.
Copyright 2005 by The Readers Digest Association (Canada) Ltd.
Copyright 2005 by The Readers Digest Association Far East Ltd.
Philippine Copyright 2005 by The Readers Digest Association Far East Ltd.
All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner, is prohibited.
Readers Digest is a registered trademark of The Readers Digest Association, Inc.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Extraordinary uses for ordinary things / Readers Digest.-- 1st ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-606-52589-0
1. Home economics. I. Readers Digest Association.
TX145.E95 2004
640--dc22
2004020058
We are committed to both the quality of our products and the service we provide to our customers. We value your comments, so please feel free to contact us.
The Readers Digest Association, Inc.
Adult Trade Books
44 S. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10601
Visit our website at
Note to Readers
The information in this book has been carefully researched, and all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither Nailhaus Publications, Inc. nor Readers Digest Association, Inc. assumes any responsibility for any injuries suffered or damages or losses incurred as a result of following the instructions in this book. Before taking any action based on information in this book, study the information carefully and make sure that you understand it fully. Observe all warnings and Take Care notices. Test any new or unusual repair or cleaning method before applying it broadly, or on a highly visible area or valuable item. The mention of any brand or product in this book does not imply an endorsement. All prices and product names mentioned are subject to change and should be considered general examples rather than specific recommendations.
Welcome to Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things! Inside youll find thousands of ingenious, money-saving tips just like these. Jump in, raid your pantry, and start saving money today!
CLEAN YOUR DISHWASHER WITH KOOL-AID
Dont buy special powder to get rid of dishwasher iron deposits. Just dump in a packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid. Its a much cheaper way to make the inside of your dishwasher sparkle.
MAKE FLUFFY PANCAKES WITH CLUB SODA
Substitute club soda for the liquid called for in your favorite pancake or waffle recipe. Youll be amazed at how light and fluffy the breakfast treats will be.
REMOVE LIPSTICK STAINS WITH HAIR SPRAY
Got lipstick on your shirt? Apply hair spray and let it sit for a few minutes. When you wipe the spray off, the stain will come off with it.
HAVE A FACIAL WITH CAT LITTER
Make a deep-cleaning mud mask for your face with a couple of handfuls of cat litter. The clay in the litter detoxifies your skin by absorbing dirt and oil from the pores.
MELT SIDEWALK ICE WITH BAKING SODA
For an effective way to melt ice on steps and walkways, sprinkle them with generous amounts of baking soda mixed with sand. It wont stain or damage concrete surfaces.
GIVE CUT FLOWERS A LONGER LIFE WITH SODA POP
Pour about a quarter cup of soda pop into the water in that vase of flowers and the sugar in the drink will make the blossoms last longer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Most Useful Items
FOR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING
Top most useful items for the
Top most useful items for the
Top most useful items for health and
Top most useful items for
Top most useful items for the
Top most useful items for
Top most useful items for
Top most useful items for
Top most useful items for quick
YOUR COMPLETE
A-Z Guide
* Denotes a SUPER ITEM: A household item with an amazingly large number of uses.