Cleaning agents and all-purpose cleaners seem to us primarily to be the best means for cleaning the bathroom or other rooms in houses and apartments. But this impression is deceptive: often there are other things in the immediate vicinity that serve just as well, but do not seem quite as obvious to us. What if we told you that beauty products and cosmetics are excellently suited for cleaning and polishing?
Cleaning the house with cosmetics
Toothpaste and other dental care products
Is there still some left in the toothpaste tube? Please don't throw the tube away just yet. Squeeze out the rest and use it for discolored tile grout. Especially toothpaste with a “whitening effect” is a real insider tip. The reason for this is the abrasive particles contained in the cream. Simply put the toothpaste on an old toothbrush and work on the gray grout with it – you can achieve clear results after just a short time. But not only grout, but also yellowed rubber seals can be brightened up again with this.
Are the old heads of your electric toothbrush worn out? Another use is possible here too: simply dip the toothbrush head in soft soap and rub away dirt edges on bathroom fittings with ease. This work is of course most successful when the electric attachment is used as well. Now the toothbrush acts as a small polishing machine and scrubs away all kinds of dirt.
Creams
We receive cream samples almost daily: whether in magazines, by mail, or as a freebie at the drugstore. However, you shouldn't treat these free items as second-rate. Especially creams with glycerin-containing additives are ideal for caring for leather shoes, wallets, or handbags. Simply apply the cream in a very thin layer and polish it in with a soft cloth.
Likewise, body creams, scrubs, or oils are excellently suited for household care. Scrubs can gently sand out scratches on wooden tables, while creams and oils are like balm for wooden furniture. The fats nourish the wood and sometimes even hide color differences. The rule here is: the thinner you work with the cream and the better you polish, the more well-maintained the surface appears.
Cotton wool
Whether cotton pads or cotton balls – these cosmetic items are excellent dust magnets. Simply go over computer monitors or television sets with a pad or ball: the cotton catches every speck of dust. With a drop of glass cleaner on a cotton pad, you can also make the smallest stains on windows disappear without a trace.
And how can one use cotton swab? Simply moisten the tip with a touch of facial toner and clean the gaps in telephones and remote controls. This removes every crumb and every smear film. Caution: do not soak the whole swab with water – this will break the electronic items. Less is more here.
Makeup remover
Make-up remover makes every foundation pale. But this solvent power is not only valuable for the face, kitchen items can also be cleaned perfectly with it. Whether sticky extractor hoods, smeared stove knobs, tacky kitchen cabinets, sticky kitchen units, or cabinet strips – with a good cloth and make-up remover, oily and stubborn spots are cleaned excellently. Then simply wipe the surfaces with lukewarm water – done.
Hair care products like shampoo and conditioners
Not only does hair shine remarkably again after washing with shampoo, conditioners, and treatments – wool sweaters, bras, and other items that you are reluctant to put in the washing machine also enjoy hair care products. Especially when traveling, when you don't have any detergent at hand, this is the ideal solution.
Read also:Â Cleaning the TV
Photo by Janine, meinhaushalt.at
