I'm just going to go right ahead and pat moms on the back, because, let's face it, we're kind of amazing [1], aren't we? Whether our child comes home from school with a horrible cough or they get out of soccer practice with grass stains [2] on their uniform, moms always seem to know exactly what to do. We're extremely resourceful [3] and knowledgeable, so it was no surprise to me that when I reached out to the moms in My Little Villager's Facebook community [4] about what their favourite tried and true homemade remedies are, they did not disappoint! From getting nail polish out of your carpet to keeping your towels fluffy, keep reading for the best and most creative hacks for some of parenting's messiest moments.
Descale For Showers
By putting equal parts of blue Dawn washing up liquid [6] and vinegar in a spray bottle, this solution works as a descaler for your shower. After spraying the solution and letting it sit for 20 minutes, the limescale and soap scum will melt right off. If it's really bad, rub it with a cloth before rinsing it off. This works especially well if you have well water or hard water spots.
Freshen Garbage Disposal
If your sink is getting a bit stinky [7], try thinly slicing lemons and then sprinkling bicarbonate of soda on them. Freeze the lemon slices, then place them in your garbage disposal to freshen it up.
Get Rid of Rust
Aluminium foil [8] is fantastic for removing rust stains. If you have a rust stain on fabric, lemon juice should do the trick.
Remove Grass Stains
In order to remove grass stains [9], put a dab of Head and Shoulders on a toothbrush. Rub the stains with it before tossing the clothes into the washing machine.
Blood Stains
Before putting your blood-stained clothing into the washing machine, scrub it with shampoo. Any kind of shampoo [10] will do the trick.
Remove Ink Stains
Hand sanitizer [11] is wonderful for removing ink stains. The alcohol in the hand sanitizer is what does the trick.
Remove Permanent Marker
If you accidentally got permanent marker on something, use hairspray [12] to remove it. This remedy will work on most surfaces.
Getting Nail Polish Out of Carpet
If you accidentally spill some nail polish [13] onto your carpet, do not despair. Windex will get the stain right out.
Paint Fumes
It's always exciting to paint a room a new colour [14], but we could all do without the strong paint smell. Put an onion in a bowl of water to keep the room smelling fresh.
Fluffy Towels
In order to make your towels [15] extra fluffy, add a cap full of Pine-Sol when washing them in the washing machine. Your family will thank you.
Sharpen Scissors
In order to sharpen the blades [16] of your scissors, all you need is aluminium foil. Simply stack seven sheets of aluminium foil together, then slice through them with your scissors.
Fever Blisters and Cold Sores
In order to get rid of a fever blister, use a diaper rash cream with the highest amount of zinc you can find. You can also try spraying Bactine on a Q-tip and then rubbing it on the blister until it goes numb. Listerine [17] also works wonders!
Headache
If you have a headache that just won't go away, try drinking espresso coffee [18] mixed with some lemon juice.
Sore Throat
Not only are marshmallows tasty [19], they're also great for soothing a sore throat. Another mom swears by mixing tea with 1.5 tablespoons of Bragg's apple cider vinegar, 1 drop of peppermint oil, and honey to taste. Honey by itself is also great for sore throats.
Cold and Chest Congestion
To get rid of cold and chest congestion [20], put a wedge of lemon, a slice of ginger, and 1 teaspoon of honey in hot water. The drink will clear your chest to allow the mucous to break up.
Cough
To keep a cough at bay, rub Mentholatum ointment on the soles of your feet and then put some cosy socks on [21].
Earache
If you have a stubborn earache [22], try dabbing your inner ear with a cotton ball damp with onion juice.
Burms
Burns on the skin (including sunburns [23]) can get some relief by putting mustard, white vinegar, or toothpaste on them. They all work great at relieving the stinging sensation.
Popsicles
To prevent popsicles from dripping, use Jell-O instead [24] of juice when making homemade popsicles. Jell-O popsicles are also great for when the kids are sick.
Make Berries Last Longer
In order to keep berries from going bad, swish them around in a bowl filled with cold water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Pat them dry with a paper towel and then put them back in their original container. This mom says her berries last more than a week [25]!
Keep Sugar Fresh
To keep stored sugar staying fresh, keep two to three pieces of uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta [26] in your sugar bowl. The pasta will keep the sugar from crystalizing.