42 truly extraordinary uses for household staples you already own

Soak an ink stain in lemon juice for five to ten minutes before laundering in a normal cycle. The juice’s citric acid is a natural stain fighter that breaks up the ink on clothing.

Sprinkle flour into your hair and shake throughout. The flour absorbs excess oils, leaving you with a fresh-looking mane.

The washer can pull fragile jumpers and pantihose out of shape. Toss them in a pillowcase. Close the case with a rubber band, place in the washer, and run the machine on a gentle setting.

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For pesky stickers that won’t budge, soak a paper towel in vinegar. Place it over the sticker for five to ten minutes. The vinegar will weaken the adhesive.

Enzymes in sugar help break down the chlorophyll that causes green stains. Mix ¼ cup sugar with just enough warm water to create a paste. Apply to the stain. Let sit for 30 minutes before washing.

Here are more expert laundry tips you’ll wish you knew sooner. 

Kids turned your wall into a canvas? Spray crayon marks with WD-40 and wipe with a clean rag. It will not damage paint and most wallpaper (remember to test on a small, hidden area first).

To clean patent leather (the glossy type used for belts, shoes and purses), dip a soft cotton cloth into milk. Gently buff the leather in circular motions to moisturise. The milk’s enzymes and fat soften and polish the leather. Buff again with a clean, dry cloth to remove remaining milk residue.

Rub a dab of it into the lipstick mark, and launder as usual. The oil acts as a solvent to loosen the stain.

Milk of magnesia is commonly used as deodorant in humid, tropical environments. Normally taken as a laxative, it has antibacterial properties that make it difficult for odour-causing bacteria to flourish. Apply with a cotton ball.

To help a bar of soap last longer, leave it on a sponge next to the sink or in the shower. The sponge will prevent slime and drips by helping soap dry faster.

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