Readers Digest - Readers Digest Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things New Edition

A READERS DIGEST BOOK

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ISBN 978-1-62145-436-6 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-62145-437-3 (e-pub)

Library of Congress catalogued the previous edition of this book as follows:

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Extraordinary uses for ordinary things/Readers Digest. 1st ed. p. cm.

Includes index.

1. Home economics. I. Readers Digest Association.

TX145.E95 2004

640dc22

2004020058

Photo credits : All photographs and illustrations in this book are the copyright of Trusted Media Brands, Inc. except for the following: Katrina Leigh/Shutterstock, back cover Corel Corporation, .

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pad a package with a disposable diaper

lubricate skateboard wheels with hair conditioner

clean fireplace doors with ash

keep aphids off rosebushes with banana peels

make finger paints from yogurt

have a facial with cat litter

get perfect poached eggs with vinegar

repair your leaky garden hose with a toothpick

The information in this book has been carefully researched and all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither the authors nor Readers Digest 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 CAUTIONS. Before applying any new or unusual repair or cleaning method on a highly visible area or on a valuable item, test it first on a small, less visible spot. All product names and websites appearing in this book are subject to change and should be considered general examples rather than specific recommendations. Their mention does not imply an endorsement.

Welcome to Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things . On the following pages well show you thousands of ingenious ways to use 205 ordinary household products to restore, replace, repair, or revive practically everything in and around your home or to pamper yourself or entertain your children. Youll save time and moneyand youll save shelf space because you wont need all of those commercial products. Youll even save on gas, because you wont need to run out to the store every time you need a staple such as air freshener, shampoo, oven cleaner, or wrapping paper.

The main part of this book is arranged like an encyclopedia, with the 205 product categories organized in A to Z fashion (from Address Labels to Zucchini), to provide instant access to information as well as entertaining reading. But before that, in Most Useful Items for Just About Anything, youll find a guide that targets the most useful items for certain areas, such as the garden or for cooking, as well as a list of the Super Items () that everyone should have in their home.

Scattered throughout, youll also find hundreds of fascinating anecdotes and helpful tips. Some highlight specific warnings and safety precautions, or offer advice about buying or using certain items. And others are just plain funproviding quirky historical information about the invention or origins of products. Weve also included dozens of engaging activities and simple science experiments you can do with children.

Whether you delight in discovering new ways to use commonplace household items, or if you simply hate to throw things away, youre bound to find the ideas in this book both entertaining and informative.

The Editors

most usful items for

your complete