Secret Weapons for DIY Projects

Is there a home maintenance project that’s been lingering on your to-do list for too long because you’re dreading the trip to the hardware or craft store? I’ve mentioned before that I am a Pinterest junkie and one of my favorite things to find on Pinterest are common household items that I can use on cleaning projects around that house. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

1. Vinegar: There’s probably a jug of vinegar in your pantry right now. You can soak items in vinegar to remove mineral deposits (like in a clogged showerhead), and you can boil vinegar in your microwave to remove odors and make it easier to clean. Have a puppy that had an accident? Put some white vinegar in a spray bottle. After cleaning, spray the white vinegar on the spot to neutralize the smell and discourage the puppy from going there again. Make sure you only use white vinegar on your carpeting as other types might stain.

2. Cola: A can of Coke or Pepsi can be used to clean many surfaces, including your glass windows, porcelain toilet, or chrome fixtures. Just do some research before using it on metal surfaces, as it can be corrosive. I haven’t tried it myself, but some people have indicated that Coke can remove the mineral deposit ring in the toilet bowl also.

3. Baking soda: This item may be more useful for applications other than baking. A baking soda-vinegar paste is great for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Baking soda can also be used to absorb odors.

4. Butter knife: Screwdrivers are easy to misplace. If you can’t find a screwdriver when you need one, a butter knife—preferably an older one that you no longer need for table setting—is pretty effective for both Phillips- and flat-head screws.

5. Toothpaste: Is there an unsightly scratch on your car or bike? The grit in tartar-control kinds of toothpaste makes for an effective scratch remover. Clean the scratch, apply some toothpaste, let it sit for a few minutes, and then buff it out with a paper towel.

6. Dryer sheets: After drying your clothes the used dryer sheets are great for wiping off TV screens and computer monitors as they don’t generate static electricity. You can use new dryer sheets to remove crayon marks from the wall and clean off chrome faucets. Just be careful when cleaning walls especially a wall with flat paint as the dryer sheet can remove the paint.

7. Aluminum Foil: Foil crushed into a ball can be used to remove rust on pipes or grunge from the exterior bottom of pans. It can also be used as a replacement for dryer balls to remove static electricity from clothes.

Do you have some favorite DIY ideas you'd like to share?