Lemons
Repurpose as: Kitchen Deodorizer
When life gives you lemonade, use the leftover lemons to create a citrus-fresh smell in your kitchen. Rub half of a (previously squeezed) lemon on cutting boards to remove odors—even that of garlic and onion, says Betsy Jabs of DIY Natural. Lemons also work to remove the same smells on hands. Or, drop a few rinds down the garbage disposal to give the sink a fresh scent.
Zipper Bags
Repurpose as: Jewelry Case
"Forget the nice silk pouches—they don't have enough room for more than a few items," says Kimberlin Brown, a jewelry designer in New York. Put each piece in its own small bag, and then put them all into a gallon-size bag. "This keeps your chains untangled and pearls scratch-free, and lets you see all your accessory choices clearly through the bags," she says. The bags also help prevent tarnishing.
Sea Salt
Repurpose as: Bath Salt*
"Add a few tablespoons of sea salt to your bath and stir to dissolve," says Nina Nelson, author of the simple living blog Shalom Mama. "A sea salt bath can help relieve dry and itchy skin, reduce pain and improve sleep."
*The kind you use in the tub, not the ones you take at Burning Man.
Coffee Filter
Repurpose as: Microfiber Cloths
Out of rags? Melitta recommends using a coffee filter to clean windows and mirrors without leaving any telltale fuzz.
Vacuum
Repurpose as: Electronics Cleaner
Use the small brush attachment of your vacuum to remove dust and dirt from TVs, DVD players, computers and other electronics, says DIY Natural contributor Debra Maslowski.
Window Cleaner
Repurpose as: Gem Shiner
"If you can't get to your local jeweler for a proper diamond cleaning, squirt on a little window cleaner, then brush the stone with a soft-bristled toothbrush," says Brown. "That will bring back its sparkle without causing any harm."
Cinnamon
Repurpose as: Ant Repellent
Sprinkle cinnamon wherever you seem to have ants, says Betsy Jabs of DIY Natural. The spice should stop them in their tracks.
Frozen Peas
Repurpose as: Ice Pack
For years, physical therapists have recommended that clients use bags of frozen peas in place of ice packs. They mold to any body part and retain their cold for 15 to 20 minutes.
Table Salt
Repurpose as: Sore Throat Soother
Is your throat killing you? The American Academy of Otolaryngology (aka ear, nose and throat docs) recommends gargling with saltwater several times daily to help relieve a sore throat. Just add 1/4 teaspoon to salt to half a cup of warm water.
White Vinegar
Repurpose as: Dishwasher Rinse Aid
Add vinegar to the rinse-aid dispenser for spot-free dishes, suggests Jabs of DIY Natural.
Toothpaste
Repurpose as: Silver Polish
Gently rub toothpaste on silver jewelry or silverware, then rinse off and dry, says Cori Morenberg, owner of eco-friendly cleaning service Ms. Green-Clean in New York.
Distilled Water
Repurpose as: Produce Rinse
A University of Maine study found that soaking produce in cold distilled water for two minutes got rid of the same amount of microbes and residual pesticides on blueberries as a commercial produce wash. You can also wash them in a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water.
Washcloth
Repurpose as: Steam Cleaner
Steam-cleaning will disinfect floors and loosen stuck-on dirt. "To make an inexpensive steam vacuum, take a cotton washcloth that's a bit worn and wet it well," says Maslowski of DIY Naturals. Place it on a metal rack or rice steamer for a few minutes. "When it's hot, use a pair of tongs to remove the cloth and slap it on the floor," she says. "Use caution as it will be very hot. Then take the end of your mop or Swiffer-type cleaning device and swish it around on the floor." Voilà: floors clean enough to (almost) eat off of.
Table Salt
Repurpose as: Silk Flower Cleaner
Give new life to silk flowers by placing them in a plastic bag with a cup of table salt and then shaking vigorously, says Morton. When you take them out of the bag, your flowers will look like they just bloomed!
Hairspray
Repurpose as: Static Cling Controller
Eliminate static cling by spritzing hairspray on any areas where clothes are just a little too close for comfort, says Renee Cohen, senior stylist at Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in New York.
Coffee Filter
Repurpose as: Flower Pot Liner
Line the bottom of a clay flower pot to help prevent soil from leaking out, says Melitta.
Shampoo
Repurpose as: Bathroom Cleaner
Add a few drops to a bucket of warm water and then use the solution to clean the toilet, sink, floor and every other bathroom surface, says Morenberg. Though you can use any shampoo you have on hand, "I usually use the small hotel shampoos I seem to always have a large collection of. I like that the scent varies from cleaning to cleaning."
Velcro Strips
Repurpose as: Picture Straighteners
Keep your frames in place by putting a small strip of Velcro along the bottom of the frame. Place the corresponding strip on the wall, put your picture in position and press down.
Dental Floss
Repurpose as: Thread
Sew buttons on with dental floss instead of thread. The buttons will stay on much longer this way.
Coconut Oil
Repurpose as: Stainless-Steel Appliance Polish
"After cleaning your refrigerator or stove with dish soap and water, towel them dry and then apply coconut oil car-polish style with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth," says Morenberg. "Once applied over the entire surface, take a new, clean microfiber cloth and buff in the direction of the grain until the oil is gone to the touch and the surface is shiny."
