Did you know you may have a secret weapon stored under the sink in your kitchen? Go ahead, look around. Can't find it? It's that bottle of dish soap down there looking inconspicuous and innocent. While this bubble solution is ideal for getting dishes and pans clean, that's not all it can do.
You can wash your hair with dish soap, kill weeds, lift stains from clothing and even unclog a toilet. If you can't believe that you've been letting this miracle solution sit unused for years, check out the list below and prepare to be amazed.
Stain remover for clothesDon't toss your favorite shirt because you got a bit of grease on it. Instead, try rubbing some dish detergent on the spot. Rub it in well, and rinse it with water. Bonus: It's gentle enough to use on silk and wool!
Stain master on carpets Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water. Combine them well. Blot stains on your carpet with the mixture using a clean, white cloth. Keep blotting with the solution until the stain is absorbed by the cloth. Gently rinse and blot the area dry.
Make your jewels shineMix a bit of dish soap with some seltzer, and soak your jewels for about five minutes. The extra-bubbly soap will help loosen dirt. For stubborn spots, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush.
Bugs be goneSay goodbye to pesky outdoor ants that have taken over your sidewalk. Combine one part vinegar to one part dish soap. Spray the area and wait a few minutes. The ants will no longer be a problem.
Kill fruit fliesIn a small bowl, add three drops of dish soap to 1/2 cup of vinegar. The vinegar lures the flies in, and the soap breaks the water tension so the pesky flies drown.
Weed killerSkip the expensive chemicals and head to your kitchen sink when you want to get rid of pesky weeds in the garden. Mix a teaspoon of dish soap with a cup of salt and a gallon of white vinegar. Pour the mixture on the cracks and crevices on your sidewalk to kill weeds.
Fertilize your lawnThis may sound really odd, but beer, corn syrup and dish soap can make your grass look greener. Combine one can of beer or non-diet soda, 1 cup of corn syrup or 1/2 cup of mouthwash, and 1 cup of dish soap in a 10- to 20-gallon reservoir with a watering hose. Water your lawn with the mixture once every three weeks for greener grass.
Brush and comb cleanerSoak your brushes and combs in a bit of sudsy water to remove greasy hair residue and hair product film.
Concrete cleanerDid your car leak oil all over the garage? Head to the kitchen for your baking soda and dish soap. Coat the grease spot with baking soda, then add a layer of dish soap. Scrub with a brush and let it set for a few hours. Rinse and repeat as necessary.
Clean your air conditionerSoak your air conditioner filter in warm water and dish soap. Scrub softly with a toothbrush to remove stubborn buildup. Rinse and dry completely.
Wash your hairAdd a drop or two of dish liquid to your shampoo. The bubbles will help remove extra grease from your hair.
Fast-clean your appliancesStop scrubbing your blender by hand. Instead, fill it halfway full with warm water, add a bit of dish soap and run it through a cycle. Blade, blender and lid cleaned all at once? Yes, please.
Lubricate the doorsOut of WD-40? Grab your dish soap and apply liberally to your squeaky hinges, as
She Knows recommends.
Unclog the toiletPut down the plunger. Now, pick up the dish soap. Pour a cup of the soap into the toilet bowl and let it sit about 15 minutes, then pour in a bucket of hot water -- poured from about your waist height. Now your toilet should be clog free.
Nail prepPrepare your hands for a manicure by soaking them in a bowl of warm water and dish soap for five minutes before you apply the paint. The soap helps remove some oils from your nails so the polish lasts longer.
Ease poison ivy burnsHelp wash the oils from the poison ivy plant away with a bit of liquid dish soap. Wash the infected area, and rinse it with warm water.
Prevent glasses from foggingThis might sound crazy, but rub a drop of dish soap on your glasses then wipe it off without rinsing. You won't be able to see it, but the soap leaves a film that will prevent your glasses from fogging.
Protect your plantsAdd a drop of dish soap to a spray bottle full of warm water. Mist your house plants with the mixture. The soap will help keep bugs away.
Bonus bubble recipeLooking for the
perfect homemade bubble recipe? Try this one: mix 6 cups of distilled water with 1 cup of dish soap. Stir slowly until the soap is dissolved. Try to avoid creating foam when you stir. Add 1 tablespoon of glycerin or 1/4 cup of corn syrup to the soap and water mixture. Mix everything well. Use a bubble wand and enjoy!

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