Today’s post is a perfect example of a common household item that is more than meets the eye. I’ll be sharing 10 surprisingly useful things you can do with a humble rubber band. And if you’re looking for even more use for common household items, check out some of the links below! :-)

Related: 17 Surprisingly Clever Uses for Mayonnaise

Related: 10 Practical and Creative Ways to Use Paper Plates

Related: 11 Surprising Things You Can Do With a Packet of Kool-Aid

10 Uses for Rubber Bands

1. Open Jars

Use a thick rubber band to help open a jar with a stubborn lid. Just place it around the perimeter of the lid and twist! The rubber band will increase the friction between your hand and the lid, making it much easier to remove.

2. Keep Apples Fresh

Apple slices are a classic lunchbox snack, and a rubber band can help you keep them fresh! Slice up your apple, then “reassemble” the fruit. Wrap a rubber band around it to keep the slices in place, and you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly fresh apple slices later on.

3. Protect Books

Many people carry a book with them in their bag or purse that they can pull out when they have a few minutes to kill during the day. I usually just pull up the Kindle app on my smartphone, but plenty of people prefer physical books for their reading material.

If you keep a book with you in your bag or purse, you can use a rubber band to help you protect it! Wrap a large rubber band or two around the outside of your book before putting it in your bag. The rubber band will keep the book closed, which will help prevent the pages from getting bent or crushed while it’s in your bag.

4. Identify Drinks

We ask each other a lot of questions when we’re working at the studio, but one of the most frequently asked questions isn’t even work-related. Diet Coke is the beverage choice around the studio, so our constant refrain is, “Wait, whose Diet Coke is this?”

But we recently discovered that small, colored rubber bands can provide an easy solution to all the confusion. Now we each just thread a colored rubber band through the tab of our can. We each use a different color, so all it takes is a quick glance to determine whose can is whose.

5. Keep Ribbons Spooled

If you’re having trouble keeping ribbon on the spool where it belongs, grab a rubber band. Wrap the rubber band around the ribbon to secure the end, which will keep everything in place. No more unraveling ribbon or tangled messes!

6. Stop Slipping

Using a cutting board that has a tendency to slip and slide around is dangerous! If the board moves while you’re cutting something, you could easily cut yourself. But there’s a simple remedy to a slippery cutting board: rubber bands.

Grab two large rubber bands and wrap one around either end of your cutting board. The rubber bands will add friction to the bottom of your board so it won’t slip around on you. It’s an easy fix, and it could save you from an unfortunate knife accident!

7. Keep Doors Open

Loop a rubber band around a doorknob so that it forms an “X” shape across the latch. The band will keep the latch pressed in and keep the door open for you. This handy little trick is useful in a number of scenarios, like if you’re making several trips in and out of the house, or if you’re trying avoid disturbing a sleeping baby.

8. Remove Stripped Screws

Trying to remove a stripped screw can be a huge headache. Before you go to the hardware store for special screw-removing equipment, try using a rubber band first!

Place a rubber band flat over the screw head, then press your screwdriver into the screw head. Many times, the rubber band will give your screwdriver enough extra grip that you can remove the screw without resorting to more drastic measures.

9. Improve Hangers

When I buy hangers, I generally just get the plastic ones. They’re cheap, and they generally get the job done just fine! However, there are a few types of clothes that just won’t stay put on your average plastic hanger. But rather than splurge on fancy non-slip hangers, you can use rubber bands to “upgrade” your plastic hangers!

Just wrap one or two small rubber band around both ends of your hanger. The rubber bands will “catch” your clothes and make it less likely that they’ll slip off. I have several hangers that I’ve “upgraded” using this method, and they work just as well as other non-slip hangers!

10. Save Spoons

To keep a spoon or ladle from sliding down into a pot, wrap a rubber band around the end of the handle. The rubber band will provide enough grip to keep the spoon from sliding all the way down.

Do you have any tips or tricks for using rubber bands?

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While we managed to get the fire put out before it did any real damage (to anything other than the oven itself, anyway), that harrowing experience was a wake-up call to the dangers and fire hazards in our homes. So to help us all be more aware of those dangers so we can stay safe, today I’ll be sharing a list of 7 dangerous household items that you might not know about.

Some of the items are dangerous because they contain toxic chemicals, while others can become a fire hazard when used incorrectly. For each dangerous item, I’ll also share alternatives that are safer to have around the house. Learning about the hazards in your home won’t necessarily prevent freak accidents like my oven fire, but if you’re looking to make your home a safer place to live, awareness is the first step!

7 Dangerous Household Items

1. Air Fresheners

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, many household air freshener products contain phthalates and other chemicals that can affect hormones and reproductive development. These chemicals can accumulate in the body over time and cause adverse health effects.

Safe Alternative: Instead of using commercial air freshener products, use natural methods to freshen the air in your home. They’re safer to use, and often cheaper than the store-bought options! Here are 10 natural ways to make your home smell great.

2. Oven Cleaner

Many store-bought oven cleaners contain corrosive alkalis that can cause harm to your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory system if inhaled or ingested. Find out more about the dangers of oven cleaner products at MedlinePlus.

Safe Alternative: Instead, try my easy overnight method for cleaning your oven. This method uses ammonia, which is safe when used correctly. However, ammonia fumes can aggravate asthma symptoms, so asthma sufferers may want to try scrubbing their oven with Bar Keepers Friend instead.

3. Dryer Lint

Dryer lint itself isn’t necessarily dangerous, but a buildup of dryer lint can quickly become a huge fire hazard! According to the U.S. Fire Administration, around 2,900 clothes dryer fires are reported each year. They estimate that 34% percent of those fires were caused by a failure to keep the dryer clean and free of lint.

Safe Alternative: Clean your lint trap every time you use your dryer, and vacuum out the inside of your dryer regularly. Find out everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your clothes dryer here.

4. Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Store-bought toilet bowl cleaners are highly acidic, which helps them dissolve tough stains and deposits in your toilet bowl. However, those corrosive ingredients that clean your toilet bowl can also cause burns on your skin and eyes, and they can produce caustic fumes if you mix them with other types of cleaners (which you should never do as a general rule).

Safe Alternative: There are plenty of safe, natural ingredients that you can use to keep your toilet sparkling clean. Learn how to make my favorite simple toilet bowl cleaner.

5. Toothpaste

Most store-bought tubes of toothpaste bear the following warning: “Seek immediate medical help if you ingest toothpaste.” According to MedlinePlus, swallowing a large amount of toothpaste can cause stomach pain and intestinal issues, and if the toothpaste contains fluoride, can even cause convulsions, difficulty breathing, and other scary side effects.

Safe Alternative: The good news is that toothpaste is perfectly safe when used correctly. Just make sure that everyone in your family (especially young kids) knows how to dispense the correct pea-sized amount onto their toothbrush in the morning. And remind everyone to rinse their mouth thoroughly after brushing too!

6. Gas-Powered Space Heaters

Faulty gas-powered appliances (like old space heaters) can release carbon monoxide into the air. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning death in the U.S., and even when it isn’t fatal, it can lead to permanent brain damage.

Safe Alternative: Ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. (Click here to check out the many options available on Amazon.) You can also opt for an electric space heater, or you can use these 11 hacks to keep warm.

7. Extension Cords

While the extension cord itself isn’t dangerous, it can be if it’s used incorrectly. Many people aren’t aware of the voltage capacity of their extension cord and end up plugging in more items than the cord can safely handle. This creates a fire hazard, especially if the overloaded extension cord is near carpet or furniture, and it’s one of the reasons why extension cords are a leading cause of household fires in the U.S.

Safe Alternative: Learn how to use your extension cords safely! Check out this article on safely using extension cords from the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

What’s your best tip for keeping your home safe?

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Refreshing the look of your home doesn’t always have to involve a big renovation project — or even a minor one, for that matter! Small changes to your decor can have a surprisingly big impact on the overall look and feel of just about any area.

To show you what I mean, I’ve got a great list of simple decorating ideas to share with you here that can have a surprisingly big visual impact. Use these easy and inexpensive tricks to give your surroundings a fresh look without breaking the bank.

9 Simple Decorating Ideas That Make a Big Impact

1. Add or Swap Throw Pillows

Pillows are an easy, inexpensive way to change the entire look of any larger piece of furniture you don’t necessarily love but can’t afford to replace. You’d be surprised at how different your sofa, loveseat, or recliner can look just by swapping out your current throw pillows for new ones. (If the pillow inserts are in good shape, you can just swap the covers for new ones!)

2. Create a Gallery Wall

If a stretch of wall has had the same larger piece of art for a while, you can really shake up the look of the entire area by replacing it with a “gallery wall.” You can get creative by mixing and matching different sizes and styles of frames, or choose identical frames to give your gallery a more sophisticated look.

3. Refresh Your Bathroom

Freshen up the look and feel of your bathroom with a few inexpensive changes, like putting in a new shower curtain, adding some nice candles or a small bouquet of flowers, and clearing the counter of clutter.

4. Use Wallpaper Creatively

Make a big visual impact by applying wallpaper to the back wall of a cabinet, bookshelf, or medicine cabinet. If you use removable wallpaper, you can switch up the look as often as you want. And while you’re putting the wallpaper in, take the opportunity to adjust the shelves and rearrange the items on them too.

5. Hang a Big Mirror

Hanging a mirror in any space can instantly make it feel larger and more open. Mirrors have a similar effect to windows by bringing additional light into a room. Look for interesting mirrors at thrift and secondhand stores—you can always paint the frame if it isn’t your favorite color or finish.

6. Add a Backsplash to Your Kitchen

If you’ve always wanted a beautiful tile backsplash in your kitchen, you can add one to your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a major tile installation project by using peel-and-stick tile. There are so many attractive designs to choose from, and once you’ve picked it out, you can “install” it in your kitchen in a single afternoon.

7. Spruce Up Your Entryway

Consider sprucing up your entryway or mudroom by bringing in a small dresser, table, or bench to create a focal point. You can add a rug for texture and floor protection, some decor items for personality, and a mirror for style and function.

8. Raise Your Curtains

Hang curtains near the ceiling rather than at the top of the window. Raising your curtains above the window (and extending them to the sides of the window) creates an illusion of added height, which makes it an easy way to make a small or low-ceilinged room look bigger.

9. Rearrange the Room

You’ll be surprised at the inspiration that will come your way when you move everything out of a room and approach it as a blank slate. And the best thing about rearranging a room as opposed to redecorating? It won’t cost you a cent!

Do you have a favorite simple decorating tip?

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I hate having to haul bulky appliances in and out of my cupboards, and that was the main thing that drew me to immersion blenders in the first place. But the decision was even easier when I found one for under $30. It was a real win-win!

If you haven’t heard of this special kind of blender before, immersion blenders (sometimes called hand blenders) have a motor on one end and exposed blades on the other. Unlike a full-size blender, you put the blades of an immersion blender into a pot or container of food and blend it up right there.

Not only can you use one to puree a soup while it’s still in the pot pot, but you can also use it to tackle smaller jobs like whipping cream and making dressings. Today I’ll be sharing some specifics about why an immersion blender would make a worthy addition to your arsenal of kitchen tools, plus I’ll share a few of the best ways to put one to good use!

4 Good Reasons to Own an Immersion Blender

1. They’re Compact

Unlike a bulky standing blender that takes up valuable real estate on your countertop or in your cupboard, a handheld immersion blender fits just about anywhere. I like to keep mine in a drawer so it’s tucked away, but still easily accessible.

2. They’re Inexpensive

Unlike high-end food processors that can cost upwards of $100, you can get a decent immersion blender for under $30. I like my Liebe&Lecker Immersion Hand Blender, which only costs $21.99 on Amazon.

3. They Cut Down on Clean Up

Blender cups and food processors can be cumbersome to clean, especially if you have a small or shallow sink. With an immersion blender, you only have to clean the blender attachment.

Bonus Tip: Clean your immersion blender ASAP to avoid stuck-on food bits. Just place the end in a few inches of soapy water, blend, and rinse!

4. They’re Versatile

Immersion blenders can do so much more than just blend your favorite soups and smoothies (although they’re really good at that, too)! Here are 9 ways to use an immersion blender to make everything from a tasty breakfast to DIY bath products.

7 of the Best Ways to Use an Immersion Blender

1. Salsa

I have a serious weakness for chips and salsa, and this recipe is one of my favorites because of how quick and easy it is to make. But it’s even quicker if you toss the ingredients into a bowl, blend it up with your immersion blender, and get right to dipping those chips!

2. Batters

Use your immersion blender to blend up a smooth batter for pancakes, waffles, muffins, cakes and more. (Just be careful not to overmix, because it’s a lot easier to overdo it with a powerful immersion blender than a whisk!)

3. Mayonnaise

Everything tastes better when it’s homemade, including mayonnaise! Blend up this recipe for a mayo that tastes super fresh and its packed with protein and good fats, then use it as a sandwich spread or creamy addition to your favorite tuna or potato salad.

4. Jam

Make this homemade jam recipe in your Instant Pot, then use an immersion blender to break it down into a smooth spread without dirtying an extra pot or your full-size blender. ‘Tis the season for strawberries, so make a big batch and spread the love!

5. Marinades & Sauces

Cheese sauce looking a little lumpy? Give it a quick whirl with an immersion blender and it’ll be smooth, blended, and more appetizing in seconds. It works great for marinades too—give one of these recipes a try.

6. Soup

While I love a chunky minestrone or chicken noodle, sometimes a velvety smooth soup is just what the doctor ordered! Use an immersion blender while making this recipe that’s perfect for using up ripe, summertime tomatoes.

7. Soap

This fully customizable bar soap contains all-natural ingredients, costs a fraction of the price of other luxury soaps, and comes together quickly with the help of an immersion blender! Whip it up as a treat for your skin.

Do you have an immersion blender at home?

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There are few meals more perfectly portable than the sandwich. That’s why it’s a lunchtime favorite for people of all ages! There’s a sandwich out there for every taste and preference, and anyone is capable of making one. Since spring is in the air and picnicking may soon be actual possibility, I thought that today we would celebrate the sandwich by learning some smart sandwich hacks together! :-)

These tips will help you take your own sandwich game to the next level. Whether you want to know the best way to pack a sandwich for lunch, or how to assemble a sandwich with real structural integrity, you’ll find the answer in today’s post! So go forth and enjoy, and be sure to contribute your own smart sandwich hacks in a comment at the bottom of this post!

Related: 9 Things You’ll Want to Cook in a Panini Press Immediately

11 Smart Sandwich Hacks That Everyone Should Know

1. Cut Sandwiches Diagonally

Apparently, cutting your sandwich diagonally isn’t just pleasing to eye, it also serves an important purpose! A diagonal section of sandwich is easier to eat than a sandwich cut down the middle. (And the easier it is to eat, the less likely you are to make a mess too.)

2. Use a Serrated Knife

If you’re sick of squashing your sandwiches while cutting them, it’s time to switch to a serrated knife! Serrated knives “saw” through bread instead of trying to cut or chop through it, which is much less likely to result in squashing or flattening.

3. Swap Mayo for Avocado

Try swapping out the homemade mayo in your favorite sandwiches and using avocado instead. You get the same creamy effect with the delicious flavor of avocado. Not only is it a healthy swap, but it’s a good way to bring some variety to your sandwich experience!

4. Sturdy Assembly

To prevent your sandwich from falling apart, layer the heaviest ingredients first. Start with meat and cheese, then add medium-weight ingredients like tomato or avocado, and finish off with lettuce and other light toppings. Now that’s a sandwich with some structural integrity!

5. Wrap It Right

Curious about the best way to pack a sandwich for lunch or a picnic? Start by wrapping it in a layer of parchment paper, a breathable wrap that helps prevent sogginess. Then place the wrapped sandwich in a sturdy food container to keep it from getting squashed!

6. Better PB&Js

When you’re making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (especially one that’s going to be eaten a few hours later), spread peanut butter on both pieces of bread. This helps “seal in” the jelly and prevents it from bleeding through the bread.

7. Tip for Tomatoes

Tomato slices can add delicious flavor to any sandwich, but they are also a leading cause of sandwich sogginess. To protect against sogginess, place your tomato slices on a paper towel before putting them on your sandwich. The paper towel will absorb some of the excess moisture, and it it’s a great opportunity to season those tomato slices too!

8. Think Outside the Bread

Sick of the same old sandwich? Switch up your bread! Instead of bread, try pita pockets, bagels, English muffins, or even frozen waffles! There are no rules to sandwich-making, only barriers waiting to be broken.

9. Maximize Bread Coverage

Square bread + round meat slices = sad, naked sandwich corners. To maximize your bread coverage, fold the meat slices into quarters and place them in each corner of the bread. You and your sandwich will be much happier for it!

10. Sandwich Meal Prep

Sandwiches aren’t something that people normally think about prepping ahead of time, mainly due to the issue of sogginess. But if you remove the bread from the equation, you can “meal prep” your sandwiches for the entire week in one go!

To make sandwiches ahead of time, just assemble the interior of the sandwich by layering your condiments in between slices of meat and cheese. Put each sandwich interior into a ziplock bag and store them in the fridge or freezer. Then when you need a sandwich in a hurry, just grab one of those bags and a couple of pieces of bread, and you’re good to go for lunch!

Related: 8 Clever “Cheat Codes” That Will Make Your Real Life Easier

11. Tip for Toasting

Here’s a tip that will produce deliciously toasted sandwich bread that won’t tear up the inside of your mouth. Put both slices of bread into the same toaster slot. The outsides will get toasted while the insides stay soft and mouth-friendly.

What’s your best tip for making, packing, serving, or eating sandwiches?

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If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you’ll know that for the most part, I prefer natural and homemade alternatives when I have the option. But there are rare occasions when I’ll stick to my guns on a particular product, and one of those products is WD-40. Why do I feel so strongly about a spray lubricant, you might ask? Because it’s just so darn useful!

What Is WD-40, and How Does It Work?

WD-40 actually stands for Water Displacement, 40th Formula. It was invented in 1953 by a chemist named Norm Larsen, who wanted to prevent corrosion by displacing moisture from surfaces prone to corroding. He made many attempts at his water displacement formula, and finally perfected it on his 40th try. Thus the name “WD-40” was born!

But despite its name, this product is capable of far more than just displacing water! According to the product website, it also lubricates parts, penetrates rust, protects surfaces, and removes dirt, grease, and grime, and it has saved my hide many times!

How I Used WD-40 to Solve a Sticky Hair Situation

The first time I used WD-40 to save the day was way back when my daughter Britta was just a toddler. She was going through a phase where she insisted on having Silly Putty in her hand at all times, and she must have fallen asleep that way one night, because the next morning I found a huge wad of Silly Putty fully embedded in her hair.

I was devastated by the idea hacking off her long, blonde hair to get the putty out, so I’m glad that someone recommended I try WD-40 first. I soaked the putty-matted hair with WD-40, worked it in with my fingers, and was eventually able to slide every bit of Silly Putty out — no emergency haircut required!

Is WD-40 Safe on Skin?

Because of its water displacing properties, WD-40 can cause skin dryness and irritation. What’s most important is keeping it away from your eyes and mouth — seek medical attention if either of these things happen to you.

So what can you use WD-40 for? Well, the WD-40 website features a list of 2,000 uses for this surprisingly versatile product, but I’ve decided to be a little bit more brief here. ;-) Below, you’ll find 21 useful ways to use WD-40 around the house!

21 Uses for WD-40 Around the House

1. Toilet Cleaner

Spray WD-40 on tough limescale stains and mineral deposits in your toilet, and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a toilet brush or a pumice stone, and the stains will dissolve easily!

Related: The Only Recipe You Need to Keep Your Toilet Clean

2. Crayon Remover

Parents, raise your hand if you’ve ever faced a crayon-on-the-wall incident. (If your hand isn’t up, lucky you!) Waxy crayon markings can seem impossible to remove, but WD-40 makes it easy. Just spray a bit of WD-40 onto the crayon markings and wait a minute or two.

The lubricating action of the WD-40 will lift the wax from the paint, making it easy to wipe away with a cloth or a sponge.

3. Tool Treatment

If you own any household tools or gardening tools, WD-40 is a must! A spritz of WD-40 will lube up the hinges and springs in your snippers and pliers, and a thin layer will help keep rust from forming on saws, trowels, rakes, and other metal surfaces.

Related: 6 Unexpected Ways to Remove Rust With Things You Have at Home

4. Sticker Goo Eraser

There are a hundred and one ways to remove sticker residue from things, and WD-40 is one of them! Remove as much of the sticker as you can, then coat the remaining sticker residue in a layer of WD-40. Wait a few minutes to allow the liquid to penetrate into the adhesive, then use a sponge to wipe away the residue. Easy!

Related: This Is the One Cheap DIY You Need in a Sticky Situation

5. Ring Remover

Use a spritz of WD-40 on your finger to help remove a stuck ring. Make sure to wash your hands afterwards!

6. Countertop Stain Remover

Clean stubborn tea and coffee stains on your countertops with the help of WD-40 and a little elbow grease.

7. Scissor Saver

Use WD-40 on the blades of your scissors to keep them lubricated and working well. Spray the blades, then wipe them off with a clean, dry cloth.

8. Repel Snow & Ice

A thin layer of WD-40 on your car windows during the winter can keep snow and ice from sticking to them overnight. Spray a small amount on to the window, and spread it over the window with a clean, dry cloth.

Related: 12 Brilliant Car Hacks That Help Make Winter Driving Painless

9. Gum Remover

Stepped in gum? Save your soles with WD-40. Soak the gum with WD-40, then wait for a minute or two, and the gum will peel away from your shoes easily.

10. Water Repellent

Use WD-40 as a Rain-X type coating on your glass shower doors. All you need is a thin layer, and the water will bead right off. You’ll avoid water stains, which means less cleaning in the future.

11. Shoe Saver

The same concept described above can be used to give your shoes a waterproof coating. Spray a bit of WD-40 onto a clean, dry cloth, and buff the outside of your shoes. This will also remove any salt stains you may have gotten during the winter!

Related: 13 Practical Shoe Hacks That Will Put You a Step Ahead

12. Scuff Eraser

Use a small amount of WD-40 on a cloth to buff away scuff marks on your floors. Make sure to clean the area thoroughly afterwards to prevent anyone from slipping and hurting themselves!

13. Unstick LEGOs

Sometimes LEGO bricks snap together so securely that it’s almost impossible to pull them apart again. But you can use a spritz of WD-40 to help make it easier! Just spray it into the crack between the pieces, let it soak in for a few seconds, then pull the bricks apart.

14. Remove Tomato Stains

Keep a can of WD-40 handy in your laundry room, where you can use it to help remove tomato-based stains on your clothing. Just spray some onto the stain, wait a few minutes, then wash as usual.

15. Clean Carpets

You can use WD-40 in conjunction with your favorite carpet cleaner to help remove stubborn carpet stains (It works especially well on car mats!) Just spray it onto the stain first, then follow up with your carpet cleaner product as usual. The WD-40 helps to get between the stain and the carpet, making it easier for the carpet cleaner to wash everything away. Just a small spray will do the trick!

16. Water-Proof Your Outdoor Wear

Since it’s so effective at displacing water, you can use WD-40 to make your outdoor wear more water resistant. Spray it on boots, gloves, jackets, and other items, then let the item dry overnight. Once it is completely dry, your gear will repel more water!

17. Protect Bird Feeders

Squirrels are notorious for co-opting bird feeders and selfishly stealing the bird seed. If your bird feeder is supported by some kind of post, you can use WD-40 to keep those little rascals at bay! Just spray it onto the pole or post, which will make it too slippery for squirrels to climb.

18. Make Hangers Glide Smoothly

If your hangers tend to get hung up on the rod in your closet, WD-40 can help! Just spray a bit of it onto the rod, and use a cloth to rub spread it over the whole surface. Now your hangers will glide smoothly and easily over the rod!

19. Remove Oil Spots

Use WD-40 to remove unsightly oil spots and splatters from your driveway. Spray it liberally onto the spot, wait a few minutes, then blot with a dry cloth to absorb the oil. Repeat as necessary until the stain disappears.

Related: This Strange Product Is the Best for Cleaning Stains From Concrete

20. Pest-Proof Your Trash

If cats, raccoons, or other local animals are rooting around in your trash, WD-40 can help keep them at bay! Spray it over the outside of your outdoor trash cans to make the surface slippery. The slick surface will keep most animals from climbing into your garbage.

21. Clean Gardening Equipment

A spritz of WD-40 can help remove sap, grime, and other gunk from your gardening tools. You can also spray some onto the underside of your lawn mower to prevent grass clippings from building up there and clogging up your mower.

Related: Make Your Own Self-Cleaning and Self-Lubricating Garden Tool Holder

What is WD-40 used for in your house?

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Minor aches and pains of the everyday variety are pretty much unavoidable. We all have to deal with them, but we also have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to finding relief. I personally don’t have anything against popping a couple of ibuprofen, but I know that taking too many pain relievers isn’t good for you. According to WebMD, it can lead to stomach, kidney, or liver problems!

That’s why I’ve switched to gentler options for the everyday stuff. Below are seven of the aches and pains I deal with most often, and the natural way I handle each one.

Most of my fixes are essential oil roll-ons that I carry in my shop. If you’ve never used one, a roll-on is a little glass bottle of essential oils that have already been diluted in a carrier oil, with a rollerball on top. There’s nothing to measure or mix, and nothing to swallow. You just roll it onto your skin wherever it’s needed.

7 Everyday Aches & Pains You Can Soothe With Essential Oil Roll-Ons

1. Sore Muscles & Achy Joints

A stiff neck, a cranky knee, the soreness that creeps in after a long day of yard work. For aches like these, I reach for Restore. Wintergreen, camphor, and peppermint give it a cooling, tingly feel on sore spots, and blue chamomile helps calm inflammation.

My son Erik has rheumatoid arthritis, and during his worst flare-up this past spring, he used Restore every day, sometimes more than once, just to get through meetings, stay on his feet, and sleep at night. He’s doing much better now, but he still keeps one at his desk and one on his nightstand.

In his words, “It gives me peace of mind knowing I have something that works—and that I can trust it to help me keep moving forward.”

2. Headaches

When a headache strikes, it throws your whole day off track. Complete Relief is a gentle, herbaceous blend for head and neck tension, and a quick swipe across my temples usually takes the edge off.

Amanda G. says, “I use this before bed every night and it’s helped drastically with my migraines and headaches!”

Complete Relief is sold out right now, but it will be back in a few weeks. You can sign up for a restock notification in my shop so you’ll know as soon as it’s back.

In the meantime, Restore works beautifully on tension and sinus headaches, too.

3. Upset Stomach

Whether it’s an indulgent meal that didn’t sit well or stress playing havoc with your digestion, stomach trouble always seems to show up at the worst moment. Tum Ease is what I use for that. It’s built around ginger and sweet fennel, two oils with a long history of settling upset stomachs. I keep one in my purse for car trips, because it works on motion sickness, too.

Rae S. wrote, “I have been very pleased with Tum Ease! It helped my upset stomach very quickly, and no pills were involved!”

4. Heartburn

That slow, burning pressure in your chest after a rich dinner, or the sour taste that shows up the moment you lie down, becomes more common as we get older. Antacids help, but they don’t agree with everyone, and the relief doesn’t always last.

Tum Ease is my gentler answer here, too. I use it at the first twinge after dinner.

Sheree S. uses it a little differently: “I used to get occasional heartburn at night. Now I just roll it on before bed, and no heartburn!! AMAZING PRODUCT!!”

5. Trouble Sleeping

Tossing and turning at bedtime, or wide awake at 3 AM with your brain racing? I lived that struggle for decades, and sleeping pills always left me foggy the next morning. These days I use two roll-ons instead.

Slumber is a calming blend of lavender, cedarwood, and vetiver that I roll onto the bottoms of my feet right before I crawl into bed.

And when it’s a racing mind rather than a tense body keeping me up, I add a swipe of Calm Mind on my wrists. It’s a citrusy blend for quieting anxious thoughts.

I keep both in my nightstand because an extra swipe helps me drift back off after a middle-of-the-night bathroom trip. Carolyn said this about Slumber: “With this one, I have no problem falling asleep. And more importantly, falling back to sleep after my nightly bathroom trip is also easy. Highly recommend it.”

6. Scratchy Throat & Stuffy Nose

At the first sign of a scratchy throat or a stuffy head, I grab Defend. It’s a spicy blend of cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, and peppermint, and several of those oils have been studied for their antiviral activity. Whenever something’s going around, I roll it onto the back of my neck a couple of times a day.

Barb wrote, “This is my go-to product when I feel like I’m getting a sore throat. Before I go to bed, I roll it on my neck and behind my ears. The next morning, no more sore throat. It works for me. I never want to be without!!”

7. Bug Bites & Bee Stings

Nothing spoils an evening around my backyard fire pit like mosquitoes. Defend helps here, too. Clove and cinnamon are among the most effective essential oils researchers have tested against mosquitoes, and Defend has both. So I roll it on before I head outside.

Even so, one usually sneaks through, and for the itchy bite it leaves behind, I go back to Restore. The same cooling wintergreen and peppermint that soothe sore muscles are wonderfully comforting on a bite or a sting.

Christine H. wrote, “It’s also great on bee stings. Stops the stinging/itching immediately. I always keep several on hand to share.”

Keep Natural Relief Within Reach

Now is the perfect time to give my roll-ons a try! All of my Ready-to-Apply Roll-Ons are 20% off this week, and when you buy three, you’ll get a fourth one free. That’s enough to keep one in your purse, one on your nightstand, and a couple in the medicine cabinet!

Every roll-on is backed by my 100% money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied for any reason, just reach out within 90 days for a full refund, no questions asked. So there’s absolutely no risk in trying them out!