Simple household products provide low-cost solutions

By Brenda Diaz

Have you ever loaded your laundry machine, only to find you have run out of fabric softener? Some grocery list staples may resolve everyday problems.

Olive oil has many health benefits and can help your body’s largest organ, your skin. Olive oil is quickly absorbed and locks in moisture in the skin. It also rarely causes an allergic reaction.

Olive oil is a great solution for chapped lips, dry hands, eczema and shiny dandruff free hair. As the fall and winter months are approaching, dry hands and lips may creep up too. Rub olive oil onto your lips and or hands to soften and relieve dry skin. Dry hair? Rub a very slight amount of olive oil into your scalp 30 minutes before you wash it. However, do not wash your hair while in the shower, it will create a slippery mess.

Eczema is a very common skin condition that affects 1 to 3 percent of adults. This extremely itchy condition can still flare up throughout life. Olive oil can soothe these flare-ups by applying it directly to the irritated area.

Dry, brittle nails can be relieved overnight with vegetable oil. In addition to using hand lotion regularly, apply a small amount of vegetable oil onto your nails every night. For optimum results, place your hands in vinyl gloves, or wrap your hands in plastic wrap to prevent the oil from staining your bedding. By covering your hands overnight the oil penetrates into your skin, hydrating your fingernails.

Are you out of fabric softener? Once a load of laundry is completed and it’s time to iron your clothes, a solution made of water and vinegar can help decrease unwanted creases and does not allow the iron to make shiny marks on your freshly pressed clothes. The solution consists of half white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Do you have a bruise you do not want to show? Dab a little vinegar to the bluish purple area to make it slightly less visible. Vinegar can also be used to preserve the life of freshly cut flowers, without using commercial plant food. Add two tablespoons of vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar to the water.

The latest baking soda slogan should be: Gets the stains out. If grease gets on your clothing, immediately place baking soda onto the stain. The baking soda will absorb the grease and not allow it to permanently stain your clothing.

Have you run out of surface cleaning solution? For a simple, natural cleaning solution use baking soda and water to clean countertops, tiles and appliances. Baking soda is slightly abrasive and can remove stains. It can also step in to alleviate the musty smell of a bedroom. Sprinkle baking soda onto your mattress to get rid of any musty odors.

Have just a little bit of baking soda left? Don’t throw the box out. Baking soda can also keep a disposal fresh by pouring the remaining solution into your sink with running water while running your disposal.