Old Item New Use

Bakers racks are very versatile and can be great in homes in need of additional storage space. Most people limit the use of bakers racks to the kitchen or dining room. I tend to think outside the box and use items for things other than they were intended for.

I was able to pick up this old kitchen bakers rack at an auction for $35. I did not even think of the kitchen when I was bidding on it. I knew it would be perfect in my little girls room. I added a few shoe box size storage tubs to organize her hair accessories.

Nest time you are out at a estate sale, auction, or yard sale have an open mind. You just might find a new use for an old item.

Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common item that can be found in most households. It is also very inexpensive and has many uses. I will add more uses for baking soda to this list in the future.

*To fill in a small hole, mix a bit of baking soda and a bit of white glue until you have a paste, then use your fingers to ply the paste to fill in the hole.

*Apply a paste of baking soda and water to soothe and cool a sunburn.

* Adding a pinch of baking soda to beans as they're cooking and it will reduce their gas-producing properties.

*Make your own baking powder, stir and sift together 2 parts of Cream of Tartar to 1 part baking soda and 1 part cornstarch.

* Wash fruits and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 table-spoons baking soda. The baking soda will remove some of the impurities on the fruit.

* Clean your wooden or plastic cutting board clean by scrubbing it with a paste made from 1 tablespoon each baking soda, salt, and water. Then rinse thoroughly with hot water.

* Make your own dishwashing detergent by mixing 2 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons borax.

* Remove crayon marks from the wall using a damp rag, dip it in some baking soda, and lightly scrub the marks.

*Deodorize rugs and carpets with homemade carpet freshener. Pour a large box of baking soda in a zip lock bag and add some fragrance oil. Mix thoroughly and sprinkle on carpet. Let it set for 15 minutes then vacuum it up.

* There is an easy way to remove tar from your car. Make a soft paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply to the tar spots with a damp cloth. Let it dry for five minutes, then rinse clean.

* Deodorized cat litter is to expensive when you can make it yourself. . Just put a thin layer of baking soda under the bargain-brand litter to absorb the odor or mix baking soda with the litter as you're changing it.