How many of us thought we had a certain household product on hand only to later find out that we ran out of it just when we were about to use it? If you can relate, I have some clever substitutes for some of those household products that can get you by until having a chance to restock it.
Antistatic spray such as Static Guard is probably on your shelf. The next time you run out, don’t panic because there are several different ways to handle this. You can make a DIY spray with one part liquid fabric softener to eight parts of water.
Another way to guard against static, especially if your dress, skirt or blouse is clinging to you at work. Grab some hand lotion or body lotion and rub some on your hands and then camisole, pantyhose or slip. I learned this trick from a co-worker and it really works beautifully. You’ll also have a wonderful scent.
Brass polish is something else that you may not use that often to notice when it needs restocked. One of these substitutes is rubbing the piece with some Worcestershire sauce or lemon juice.
In fact, toothpaste (not the gel variety) often can clean to restore some silver just like regular silver polish. Test it out in an inconspicious spot and you might be pleasantly surprised at the results.
When running out of copper polish, try some white vinegar or lemon juice and sprinkle some salt over the piece is another of these smart substitutes for dealing with tarnish when in a pinch.
Some spots on a rug, carpet or upholstery can often be solved using some foamy shave cream to rub over the area with a soft cloth. You also can try grabbing two clean spray bottles. One will have a cup of water for your rinse. The other bottle will have ½ teaspoons of liquid dish detergent to one cup of warm water for the cleaning mixture. The trick is not to spray the cleaning liquid directly onto the spot. Before you begin treating your carpet, rug or upholstery, test the soap mixture in a place on those items that won’t be an eyesore if it lifts some color. If the color is safe, spray onto your cleaning cloth and rub before spraying to rinse.
If you have an older or a grease spot on the carpet, you’re going to need a stronger spot cleaner. Sprinkle some baking soda first on the spot on the carpet while it is still dry. Then use a cleaning spray of one cup of white vinegar, one cup of warm water to another ½ teaspoon of liquid dish detergent. Let this remain on the spot for a few hours before you to attempt to finish. This solution might foam a bit from the action of the vinegar and soda and then harden later for vacuuming.
A fantastic nonabrasive cleaner like Soft Scrub is baking soda, which is yet another of these household product swaps. You can safely clean a tub, the sink, counter top, etc. without fear. Besides how gentle it is, it is a safer green way to clean.
Have you ever run out of Windex to clean your mirror? If so, try cleaning the mirror with some cold tea.
These substitutes for get you by until replacing the ones that you need. In fact, you may even find them to work just as beautifully. If you others, please share here.
