To extend the life of fresh-cut flowers, combine three teaspoons of sugar (which nourishes blooms) with two tablespoons of vinegar (which establishes proper pH levels). Dissolve the mixture in a quart of warm water, and pour it into your vase for longer-lasting arrangements.
Related: 10 Foolproof Flowers Anyone Can Grow
After heavy usage, coffee grinders tend to get dirty and smelly. By grinding one-quarter cup of sugar in the appliance, you’ll blast away stuck coffee beans, eliminate excess oils, and reduce odor. Then, with your grinder refreshed, it's time to enjoy a fresh cup of joe!
Related: 10 Things a Coffee Maker Can Do—Besides Brew Coffee
When you're dining alfresco, nothing puts you and your guests more on edge than a swarm of wasps, especially if you’re allergic to the pests. Catch the buzzing insects in a homemade trap consisting of sugar, water, and a plastic bottle; check out instructions here.
Related: 10 Plants to Grow for a Pest-Proof Yard
Suffering from a bee or ant sting? Apply a paste of equal parts sugar and water to the injury, then let the solution sit for 20 minutes to eliminate the irritation.
Related: 9 Unexpected Household Uses for Table Salt
If you’ve ever taken a big bite of piping hot pizza, you understand the discomfort of a burnt tongue. Soothe soreness by sucking on a sugar cube or placing a pinch of sugar in your mouth; the sweet substance will temporarily dull the pain.
Related: 11 Totally Unexpected Uses for a Crock-Pot
Does the sight of creepy-crawly cockroaches send shivers down your spine? Fill plastic bottle caps with equal parts sugar and baking soda, then place them around the house for easy, though not particularly quick, roach elimination.
Related: 7 Facts About Cockroaches You Won't Want to Believe
Whether you got them by diving for a baseball or roughhousing with the dog, grass stains can be pretty tough to clean. Luckily, the enzymes in sugar can break down the stains and get your clothes looking new again. Simply combine one-half cup of sugar with one-half cup of warm water to form a paste, then apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for about an hour before washing the garment.
Related: 9 Smart Hacks for Laundry Day
Have you ever had to toss a block of cheese or batch of cookies that expired too soon? Next time, test out this clever food-saving hack: Add a few sugar cubes to an airtight storage container to absorb mold-causing moisture.
Related: 11 Home Hacks You Can Do with a Bag of Groceries
If you’ve undertaken a particularly messy gardening project, clean your hands by adding a little sugar to your soap. The sweet substance acts as an exfoliant to scrub the dirt away.
Related: 12 Unexpected Uses for a Regular Bar of Soap
Imagine this: You bought some steaks for a backyard barbecue only to realize you’re out of lighter fluid. As a quick solution, sprinkle some sugar on the coals and light a match. The sugar will quickly catch flame, and you'll be exercising your grilling expertise in no time.
Related: The Top 8 Ways to Hack Your Grill
Want more tricks like this? Take a gander at what’s inside your pantry. You might be surprised to find out that quite a few staples can also be used for cleaning and repairs around your house.
There's no shame in asking for (or hiring) help. In fact, with some humdrum home maintenance tasks, doing it yourself doesn't do you any good. Read on!
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