We all have a variety of household items that we use every day, from kitchen utensils to cleaning supplies. But did you know that many of these ordinary items have a range of unexpected uses that you may never have thought of? Here are 10 surprising ways to get more out of your everyday household items:

Use lemon juice to remove stains:

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, and it can be effective at removing a variety of stains from clothes and fabrics. To use lemon juice to remove stains, simply dilute a small amount of lemon juice with water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse and wash as usual. Lemon juice is particularly effective at removing berry stains and rust stains.

Use baking soda to unclog drains:

Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can help to unclog drains and remove odors. To use baking soda to unclog a drain, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. The baking soda and vinegar will react to create a fizzing action that can help to loosen any blockages in the drain. Let the mixture sit for a few hours, and then rinse with hot water.

Use white vinegar to remove soap scum:

White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be effective at removing soap scum and hard water deposits from bathroom surfaces. To use white vinegar to remove soap scum, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a sponge or brush. Rinse with water and wipe dry.

Use salt to remove red wine stains:

Salt can be effective at removing red wine stains from clothes and fabrics. To use salt to remove a red wine stain, sprinkle a generous amount of salt on the stain as soon as possible. The salt will help to absorb the wine and prevent it from setting into the fabric. Let the salt sit for a few minutes, and then blot the stain with a clean cloth. Rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

Use cornstarch to remove grease stains:

Cornstarch is a natural absorbent, and it can be effective at removing grease stains from clothes and fabrics. To use cornstarch to remove a grease stain, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The cornstarch will help to absorb the grease and make it easier to remove. Brush off the excess cornstarch, and then rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

Use aluminum foil to polish silver:

Aluminum foil is a natural abrasive, and it can be effective at polishing silver and removing tarnish. To use aluminum foil to polish silver, fill a bowl with hot water and add a piece of aluminum foil. Add a tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt, and stir to dissolve. Place the silver in the bowl and let it soak for a few minutes. The aluminum foil will help to loosen the tarnish, and the baking soda and salt will help to remove it. Rinse the silver with cold water and dry with a clean cloth.

Use toothpaste to remove crayon marks:

Toothpaste is a mild abrasive that can be effective at removing crayon marks from walls and other surfaces. To use toothpaste to remove crayon marks, squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a clean, damp cloth and scrub the affected area. Rinse with water and wipe dry.

Use olive oil to remove stuck-on food:

Olive oil can be effective at removing stuck-on food from pots and pans. To use olive oil to remove stuck-on food, pour a small amount of olive oil onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. The olive oil will help to loosen the food and make it easier to remove. Scrub with a sponge or brush, and rinse with hot water.

Use baking powder to clean pots and pans:

Baking powder is a natural cleaning agent that can be effective at removing stuck-on food and stains from pots and pans. To use baking powder to clean pots and pans, sprinkle a small amount of baking powder onto the affected area and scrub with a sponge or brush. Rinse with hot water and wipe dry.

Use a banana peel to polish leather shoes:

The inside of a banana peel is soft and slightly sticky, and it can be effective at polishing leather shoes. To use a banana peel to polish shoes, gently rub the inside of the peel over the leather in a circular motion. The banana peel will help to remove dirt and restore the shine to the leather. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and wipe dry.