10 Household Items That Can Do Double-Duty

It may surprise you to know that you have a wealth of double-duty items lying around your home! You’ll often find that these items have really practical uses that can solve various problems.

Here are 10 household items that can do double-duty.

1. Alka Seltzer
Did you know that this antacid can be popped in the toilet bowl and allowed to fizz? Once the fizzing is over, the dirt and grime come off easily with a toilet brush or cloth.

2. Old Magazines
Use these to hold your boots up straight. Just fold them in half or roll them, and insert into boot legs.

3. Dryer Sheets
No time to wash your smelly gym shoes before you need them again? Stuff a dryer sheet into each shoe and leave overnight. The odor should be gone by morning.

4. Rubber Bands
These handy l ittle items do more than just double duty – they can perform a lot of helpful tasks! The thick ones (like the bands on produce) can be laid over the head of a stripped screw to give extra grip to the screwdriver. Rubber bands can also be looped over a doorknob on the outside of the door, crossed, and looped over the doorknow on the inside. This holds the latch in and keeps the door from shutting fully – a good idea if you’re making lots of trips to carry in groceries or other items.

5. Newspaper
This stuff has lots of uses. Try polishing dark leather shoes with a crumpled sheet, or stuff them into shoes to help hold their shape. You can do the same thing with hats.

6. Sticky Notes
Use the sticky edge of one of these to clean between the keys of your keyboard. Just run it along the spaces between keys.

7. Colander
When you have people over, place ice cubes in a colander and set it on top of a bowl. The water drips down, so your guests don’t end up scooping water into their cups along with the ice.

8. Cassette Tape Cases
Remember those handy, clear cassette tape cases? Use them to store and stack small items, such as hair clips or jewelry. Then you can find what you need easily in the clear cases.

9. Tissue Boxes
Use an empty tissue box as a plastic grocery bag storage box and dispenser.

10. Aluminum Foil
Use this shiny stuff to cover doorknobs and light switches when you are painting the wall. Then you won’t accidentally get paint on them.

Who knew you had such helpful items around the house?