New uses for common bathroom items

An Unexpected new uses for bathroom items partner
by Real Simple Magazine, on Thu Aug 12, 2010
There's magic to be found in the medicine cabinet.
New Uses for Baby Oil
Remove latex paint from skin: Pour a generous amount of baby oil on a cotton ball and scrub.
Untangle a necklace chain: Massage a dab of oil onto the tangled area, then use a straight pin to carefully pull apart the knot.
Peel off bandages: Avoid involuntary hair removal―and extra agony―by rubbing baby oil over and around the sticky parts of an adhesive bandage before pulling it off.
Slip off a stuck ring: Massage oil onto your finger and rotate the ring until you can slide it off.

New Uses for Dental Floss

Unstick a photograph: Slide a length of dental floss under the corner of a photo that's stuck to an album page or another snapshot. Work the floss between the two surfaces to separate them without damaging the picture.
Save a necklace: Rescue a busted strand by threading the beads onto dental floss for a quick, sturdy fix.

Related: 6 New Uses for Toothpaste

Hang a painting: To hang lightweight artwork that's not in a heavy frame with glass, use dental floss in place of picture wire.
String a popcorn garland during the holidays: Just thread the floss through a needle as you would ordinary sewing thread.
Tie your hair back: If you don't have an elastic, use it to hold your hair before you wash your face.
Cut a cheesecake: Use unwaxed, unflavored floss to slice any soft layer cakes, or homemade cinnamon buns from a roll.
New Uses for Antacid Tablets

Clean a toilet: Toss in two dissolving antacid tablets, such as Alka-Seltzer, wait 20 minutes, then brush.
Remove a stain from a vase's bottom: Drop a tablet in a little water and let it sit for several minutes. Wipe and rinse.
Soothe a sting: Dissolve two tablets in a glass of water, then dab on bug bites.
Impress a kid with a fun science experiment: Pour water into a plastic 35-millimeter-film canister until it is one-third full, drop in a tablet, replace the lid, and quickly place the canister upside down on the ground. Stand back. In 5 to 10 seconds, the gas pressure will make the canister pop its lid and shoot several feet into the air.
New Uses for Cotton Swabs

Touch up paint on cabinets or walls: Or use a swab to apply wood stain to elaborate carvings on furniture or scratches on furniture and floors.
Keep your phone charged: Use a swab dipped in alcohol to clean the battery contacts

of a cordless phone, cell phone, or laptop. This will help maintain good battery connections and sustain the charge for a longer time.

Related: The Worst Cleaning Jobs Made Easy
Make a face: Apply Halloween greasepaint with a swab and save your makeup brushes for the good stuff.
Tote touch-up makeup: In a tiny evening bag, rub cotton swabs in concealer and eye shadow, sealing them in a plastic bag, and tucking the bag into your clutch.
Take a shine to your silver: Use a swab to apply polish to crevices in flatware or tea services.