Small things, big uses!

I have always been intrigued by the unconventional uses of things around the house. Some I picked up from useless reading and chit-chats with friends, others from my own experience..Please add your contributions too!


1) Sesame/Gingely Oil (Nallennai):
First thing in the morning, before brushing your teeth, gargle your mouth thoroughly (at least 5 minutes) with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.(Do not swallow!) Spit it out and all the microbe infested goo gets out of your mouth! Then brush as usual!

2) Baking Soda/Peroxide toothpaste:
Speaking of brushing your teeth, you can put your toothpaste to other uses!
a) Brush your finger nails with it to give a manicured polished look! b) Spread abundantly on silver lamps/utensils and work it to a good lather with a sponge and water..Silver gets cleaned wonderfully!
c) To give your stainless steel sink a polished look, scrub it with some toothpaste!
d) To clean music/data CDs that skip, use a small amount of toothpaste on a piece of terry cloth and buff the CD.


3) (Unglazed) Ceramic/teracotta plates:
These are the inexpensive (unglazed and unpainted) plates you normally use under garden pots.
a) Heat a clean plate in your convection oven to 450 deg F. Now you can prepare tandoor style rotis and naans over this hot-tandoor home-made oven! (courtesy Manjula's Kitchen)
b) The plates can also be used in the microwave to roast peanuts, cashews, chana dal ect (remember, no oil needed!) It is ergonomic and healthy!(courtesy Chandri Chitti)


4) Newsprint:
a) Damp newsprint cleans glass doors and window panes wonderfully!
b) If your hubby is like mine who buys fruits in wholesale quantities, wrap the unused fruits in the newspaper and store in the refrigerator. They will not over ripe or rot for at least a week.(courtesy Achu Mama)

5) Pesky Sticker removal:
Do you have brand new (stainless steel) utensils or pressure cookers that have those pesky stickers that never peel off? Warm the vessel gently on the stove. The glue will loosen up and you can peel it easily.(courtesy my friend, Subha)


6) Carpet Grippers:
Cut out a 5 inch by 5 inch piece of carpet gripper and use it to open jelly bottles, pickle bottles with ease!




7) Gallon-Bells:
For a low-budget workout, fill up 2 gallon jugs with water, and use as a pair of dumbells.