There are a lot of household items you have in your closet right now that you can use to tackle many home maintenances projects- you just need to know how to use them! No need to run to the store to grab a specific cleaner when you very possibly have everything you need right at home. Here are five common household items that have an endless amount of uses. Save money on your next project and just check your closet.

1.     Vinegar: There’s probably a jug of vinegar in your pantry right now. You can soak items in vinegar to remove mineral deposits (like in a clogged showerhead), or you can boil vinegar in your microwave to remove odors and make it easier to clean. Here are a couple more vinegar uses:

• Clean rusty tools

• Get rid of salt residue on shoes

• Clean grease

• Homemade all purpose cleaner

2.     Cola: A can of Coke or Pepsi can be used to clean many surfaces, including your glass windows, porcelain toilet, or chrome fixtures. Just do some research before using it on metal surfaces, as it can be corrosive. Need more ideas? Check below.

• Remove tough stains

• Defrost an icy windshield

• Clean tile grout

• Remove charred or burnt food from pans

3.     Baking soda: This item may actually be more useful for applications other than baking. A baking soda-vinegar paste is great for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Baking soda can also be used to absorb odors. A couple more uses for baking soda are below.

• Neutralize refrigerator odors

• Whiten your laundry

• Polish silverware

• Homemade weed killer

4.     Butter knife: Screwdrivers are easy to misplace. If can’t find a screwdriver when you need one, a butter knife—preferably an older one that you no longer need for table setting—is pretty effective for both Phillips- and flat-head screws. It can also come in handy in other home projects.          

• Caulk spreader

• Small pry bar

• Door opener when there is no key

• Light hammer to break seals

5.     Toothpaste: Is there an unsightly scratch on your car or bike? The grit in tarter-control toothpastes makes for an effective scratch remover. Clean the scratch, apply some toothpaste, let it sit for a few minutes, and then buff it out with paper towel. Toothpaste can also come in handy for:

• Clean foggy headlights

• Stop bug bites from itching

• Shine jewelry

• Clean piano keys

Before you head to the store, check your cabinets and see what you have. There are a lot of homemade remedies that will save you money and time for your home projects. No need to spend money when you already have what you need.

Share your tips for your home remedies! Always enjoy learning something new.