{"id":37502,"date":"2022-02-09T17:21:03","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T17:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=37502"},"modified":"2022-02-09T17:21:20","modified_gmt":"2022-02-09T17:21:20","slug":"extraordinary-applications-for-everyday-household-items","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legendstitch.com\/extraordinary-applications-for-everyday-household-items\/","title":{"rendered":"Extraordinary Applications for Everyday Household Items"},"content":{"rendered":"

With a little creativity, many common household items can be transformed into something else that’s entirely different and amazing.\u00a0\n

Use Soft Socks to Clean Blinds\n

The next time you need to clean your window blinds, use a sock over your hand.\u00a0Your hand makes a perfect tool for reaching all of the nooks and crannies\u00a0on the blinds, and the sock picks up dust wonderfully. When you\u2019re finished, just throw the sock in the washing machine.\n

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Knife Block\n

Who says\u00a0practical storage\u00a0can\u2019t be pretty? This DIY Knife Block, made from old books, is easy to make. Simply pick some unique books in your favorite color scheme and tie them together tightly with twine to create the perfect home for all your kitchen knives. You can even create different color schemes based on the seasons and holidays, making this a versatile hack. Need more counter space to accommodate a knife holder?\n

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Beat the Dust out of Cushions with a Tennis Racket\n

Upholstery absorbs lots of dust \u2014 and then sends it airborne every time you sit down. Routine vacuuming reduces the problem, but can\u2019t suck out the deep-down dust. So take cushions outside a couple times each year, preferably on a windy day, and spank the dust out of them. An old tennis racket makes a great upholstery beater.\n

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Scour Off Grime with an Electric Toothbrush\n

Next time you\u2019re at the discount or dollar store, pick up an electric\u00a0toothbrush\u00a0to add a modern twist to routine cleaning. Rapid vibration will quickly scrub out stubborn dirt, while the long handle can get to hard-to-reach places without all the elbow grease.\n

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Tennis Ball Bottle Opener\n

Slice a\u00a0tennis ball\u00a0in half using a utility knife. (Be sure to stabilize the ball in a vise or with clamps while cutting.)\n

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Use Tongs to Clean Blinds\n

Make quick work of\u00a0cleaning your window blinds\u00a0by using kitchen tongs! Secure rags to the ends of the tongs with twist ties, and then\u00a0clamp the tongs on each blade to clean both sides\u00a0of the window blinds at once.\n

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Bread Tabs for Labeling Cords\n

Not sure which cord goes with which electronic device plugged into your power strip? Save yourself the hassle of following the cord from the plugin to the device for each item you need to move by labeling them. Plastic bread tabs are perfect for labeling cords that are plugged into a power strip because they\u2019re sturdy, have enough room to write on and can easily clip around the plugin end of a cord. Plus, they often come in different colors. You\u2019ll be able to easily identify and move your electrical devices.\n

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Paper Towel Cord Storage\n

Give empty paper towel rolls new life as cord wranglers. Fold small extension cords neatly before slipping them into their own individual storage sleeve. You can even label the cords by writing on the cardboard.\n

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Coffee Filters for Dusting\n

The next time you\u00a0clean your computer monitor or TV screen, use a coffee filter. The thin,\u00a0cloth-like paper catches a lot of dust and can cover a large area. You can use a coffee filter for dusting other household accessories, too.\n

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Bathroom Drawer Insert from the Kitchen\n

A silverware drawer insert works just as well in the bathroom for organizing toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, razors, clippers, lip balm, and more. The various sizes of compartments keep items looking neat and easy to find.\n

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DIY Hand Scrub\n

Harsh hand cleaners can irritate the skin, especially during cold weather. But reader Jay Bjornstad uses\u00a0dish soap with sugar\u00a0instead \u2014 and it still cuts through the grease to get his hands squeaky clean after a long day in the shop.\n

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Erase Marks on a Keyboard\n

When your\u00a0computer keyboard gets dirty, use a standard eraser to remove the marks.\u00a0Use a corner or small end of the eraser to press down firmly\u00a0on each key and rub until the mark is gone.\n

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PVC Knife Holders\n

Carrying kitchen knives safely for picnics and camping trips\u00a0is challenging. So one reader made knife containers out of two PVC pipes\u00a0and caps. He\u00a0glued the cap\u00a0on one end and marked the unglued cap with an \u2018X.\u2019 That way he always knows which end to open. We think this is one of the most brilliant\u00a0camping storage ideas ever!\n

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No-Latch (or Hands-Free) Door Trick\n

Need to go in and out of the same door a bunch of times while carrying stuff? It can be tough to do when the door keeps latching shut. To keep that from happening, take a rubber band and loop it around one doorknob or handle. Then, twist the rubber band once and then loop it around the other knob. The rubber band holds the latch down, preventing the door from latching shut. Now if the door closes, you can push it back open with your body even if your hands are full.\n

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Roll It!\n

You\u2019d be amazed how easy it is to\u00a0move heavy, awkward objects\u00a0with three pieces of PVC pipe. Move playhouses, yard sheds, empty hot tubs and rocks weighing well over a ton with this trick. Use 4-in.-diameter \u2018Schedule 40\u2019 PVC, which is available from home centers. Here\u2019s how to do it:\n