Everyday Items You’re Underusing (and How to Use Them Better)

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Take a look around your home for a second. The cabinets, drawers, and storage bins you pass every day are full of items you already rely on, but probably not to their full potential. Many everyday household items are designed to do far more than the single task we’ve assigned them, yet we rarely stop to explore what else they can handle.

Most people only use these items in one way. With a small change in perspective and a few clever ideas, these everyday staples can pull double or even triple duty around your home.

Toothpick as a Plant Support

Young plants and seedlings sometimes need a bit of extra support as they grow. Toothpicks provide just enough structure without overwhelming delicate stems. Insert one into the soil near the plant and gently tie the stem to it with string or thread. This keeps plants upright while still allowing natural movement.

Lip Balm to Fix a Stuck Zipper

A stuck zipper can quickly become frustrating, but lip balm can help. Its waxy texture works as a simple lubricant, allowing zipper teeth to slide smoothly again. Apply a small amount along both sides of the zipper near the stuck area and gently move it back and forth until it loosens.

Wine Bottle as a Rolling Pin

If you’re baking without a rolling pin, a wine bottle can fill in surprisingly well. After washing and drying it, lightly dust the surface with flour to prevent sticking. Roll the dough evenly, just as you would with a traditional pin. A chilled bottle works especially well for pastry dough that needs to stay cool.

Straws to Prevent Jewelry Chains From Tangling

Thin jewelry chains are notorious for tangling, especially during travel. Threading a chain through a straw before fastening it keeps it straight and organized. This simple method prevents knots and makes storage far less frustrating.

Eraser to Clean a Keyboard

Keyboards collect dust, crumbs, and residue faster than most people realize. A basic eraser can help lift grime from between keys. After turning off the keyboard, gently rub a white eraser along the edges and tops of the keys. Brush or blow away the eraser residue when finished.

Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Nails

Hydrogen peroxide can help brighten stained or yellowed nails. Mix one tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with two tablespoons of baking soda to form a paste. Apply it to your nails, let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse with warm water. Using this treatment once a week can help keep nails looking clean and refreshed.

Newspaper to Absorb Refrigerator Odors

A newspaper can help tackle lingering refrigerator odors. Because paper is naturally porous, it absorbs excess moisture and unpleasant smells that tend to build up over time. Loosely crumple a few sheets and place them on refrigerator shelves or inside drawers.

For added odor control, sprinkle a bit of baking soda over the paper. Replace the newspaper weekly or whenever odors begin to return. It’s an easy, low-waste way to keep your fridge fresh.

Squeegee to Remove Pet Hair

Pet hair has a way of embedding itself into carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture, often escaping the reach of a vacuum. A simple squeegee can make a noticeable difference. Drag the rubber edge across the surface, and the friction will pull hair into tidy clumps that are easy to collect. This works especially well in corners, on stairs, and along furniture edges where fur tends to gather.

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Chalk to Prevent Tools From Rusting

Chalk is surprisingly useful for protecting tools. Its ability to absorb moisture helps prevent rust, especially in damp garages or sheds. Placing a few sticks of chalk inside a toolbox or drawer helps reduce humidity around metal tools. Replace the chalk occasionally as it absorbs moisture over time.

Dental Floss to Cut Cakes Cleanly

When you want clean, precise cake slices, dental floss can outperform a knife. Unflavored floss glides smoothly through soft layers without tearing or dragging frosting. Cut a long piece of floss, hold it taut, position it where you want to slice, and pull downward in one steady motion. The result is a neat, crumb-free cut that keeps desserts looking polished.

Shower Cap to Cover Shoes in a Suitcase

Packing shoes alongside clean clothes can get messy, but a shower cap offers an easy solution. Stretch one over each shoe or pair before placing them in your suitcase. The elastic edge keeps dirt and dust contained, and the waterproof lining helps protect the rest of your bag.

Eyeshadow to Cover Furniture Scratches

Minor scratches on wooden furniture don’t always need major repairs. Eyeshadow can help disguise shallow marks when the color closely matches the finish. Apply a small amount with a cotton swab or fingertip, then gently blend it into the scratch. The pigment helps the mark fade into the surrounding surface for a quick visual fix.

Bobby Pins to Keep Wrapping Paper Rolled

Wrapping paper rolls tend to unravel when stored, but bobby pins can keep them neatly in place. Slide a pin over the loose edge of the roll to hold it in place. The tension keeps the paper tightly wound and prevents creases or damage. Using different-colored pins can also help distinguish patterns more quickly.

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