Watch the unexpected ways to to use dish soap
Did you know you may have a secret weapon stored under the sink in your kitchen? Go ahead, look around. Can’t find it? It’s that bottle of dishwashing soap sitting on the shelf looking inconspicuous and innocent. While this bubble solution is great for getting dishes and pans clean, that’s not all it can do. Watch the video above for a demonstration of this.
Check out a few of the most interesting things you can use that one-bottle wonder for:
Weed Killer: Skip the expensive chemicals and head to your kitchen sink when you want to get rid of pesky weeds in the garden. Mix a teaspoon of dishwashing soap with a cup of salt and a gallon of white vinegar. Pour on the cracks and crevices on your sidewalk, according to Reader’s Digest.
Stain remover (clothes): Don’t toss your favorite shirt because you got a bit of grease on it. Instead, rub some dish detergent on the spot. Rub it in well and rinse with water. (Bonus: it’s gentle enough to use on silk and wool!), Good Housekeeping recommends.
Stain master (carpets): Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with two cups of warm water. Combine well. Blot stains on your carpet with the mixture using a clean, white cloth. Keep blotting with the solution until the stain is absorbed by the cloth. Gently rinse and blot dry.
Make your jewels shine: Mix a bit of dish soap with some seltzer and soak your jewels for about five minutes. The extra bubbly soap will help loosen dirt. For stubborn spots, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush.
Bugs be gone: Say goodbye to pesky outdoor ants that have taken over your sidewalk. Combine one part vinegar to one part dish soap. Spray the area and wait a few minutes. The ants will no longer be a problem.
Kill fruit flies: In a small bowl, add three drops of dish soap to one-half a cup of vinegar. The vinegar lures the flies in, the soap breaks the water tension, so the pesky flies drown.
Fertilize your lawn: This may sound really odd, but beer, corn syrup and dishwashing soap can make your grass look greener. Combine one can of beer (or soda, –not diet), 1 cup of corn syrup (or 1/2 cup of mouthwash), and 1 cup of dish soap in a 10 to 20-gallon reservoir (with watering hose). Water your lawn with the mixture once every three weeks for greener grass.
Brush and comb cleaner: Soak your brushes and combs in a bit of sudsy water to remove greasy hair residue and hair product residue.
Concrete cleaner: Did your car leak oil all over the garage? Head to the kitchen for your baking soda and dish soap. Coat the grease spot with baking soda, then add a layer of dish soap. Scrub with a brush and let is set for a few hours. Rinse and repeat as necessary.
Clean your air conditioner: Soak your air conditioner filter in warm water and dish soap. Scrub softly with a toothbrush to remove stubborn buildup. Rinse and dry completely.
Wash your hair: Add a drop or two of dishwashing liquid to your shampoo. The bubbles will help remove extra grease from your hair.
Fast-clean your appliances: Stop scrubbing your blender by hand. Instead, fill it halfway full with warm water, add a bit of dish soap and run it through a cycle. Blade, blender, and lid cleaned all at once? Yes, please.
Lubricate the doors: Out of WD-40? Grab your dish soap and apply liberally to your squeaky hinges, She Knows recommends.
Nail prep: Prepare your hands for a manicure by soaking them in a bowl of warm water and dish soap for five minutes before you apply the paint. The soap helps remove some oils from your nails, so the polish lasts longer.
Ease poison ivy burns: Help wash the oils from the poison ivy plant away with a bit of liquid dish soap. Wash the infected area and rinse with warm water.
Protect your plants: Add a drop of dish soap to a spray bottle full of warm water. Mist your house plants with the mixture. The soap will help keep bugs away.
Bonus Bubble Recipe:
Looking for the perfect homemade bubble recipe? Try this one: Mix 6 cups of distilled water with 1 cup of dish soap. Stir slowly until the soap is dissolved. (Try to avoid creating foam when you stir, Home Training Tools recommends)
Add 1 tablespoon of glycerin (or 1/4 cup of corn syrup) to the soap and water mixture. Mix well. Use a bubble wand and enjoy!
Find the video here.
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