cheap tricks: double-duty products

One way to save money in hard times is to
repurpose what you already have on hand. In your home, this can mean finding dual purposes for pantry staples; for example, using vinegar as both a base for salad dressings and
a powerful cleaning agent. Here are some household products that are overachievers.

Alka-Seltzer^® is great for removing
burned food from cookware; dissolve a
few tabs and allow the pan to sit for
an hour before cleaning.

Marshmallows will keep brown sugar soft if a few are added to the bag before closing it.

Beer in place of water will enhance the flavor of your favorite savory batter mix.

Bananas (peeled) will tenderize a roast
if added to the roasting pan.

Honey will help cure a hangover; just a few drops on a piece of whole-grain toast can speed up the metabolism of alcohol.

Aluminum foil can effectively sharpen dull scissors; use a piece with 6–8 layers and cut through to hone the blades.

Vegetable oil makes a great lubricant to keep honey and other sticky ingredients from adhering to measuring spoons and cups.

Lemons can help remove soft cheese from a grater; just rub a half lemon across the grater’s surface before using.

Baking soda will extinguish a grease or
electrical fire in the kitchen; it also can be used to clean the inside of a stainless steel coffeepot or an encrusted barbeque grill.