Alternative tips and tricks for products and tools

Leftovers do double-duty

Ever wondered what to do with those bottles of shampoo and conditioner you have lying around? Feel guilty about not using up the last remnants of the container before putting it in the recycle bin? Below, find out how to make those unwanted leftovers perform double-duty.

One thing is for sure, you will never look at your collection of hair care products and tools in the same way ever again!

Shampoo

Run out of shaving cream and no time to get to the store? Use a dollop of shampoo to soften the hairs and prepare your skin for a smooth, sweet-smelling shaving session.

Shampoo also makes a great shoe and purse cleaner. Dab a little on a soft cloth and apply to the leather, leaving for half an hour to soak in. Finally, buff to a shine. Your purchases will look as new and fresh as the day you bought them.

Don't want to spend copious amounts of cash on expensive makeup brush cleaners? Neither do we! Put your shampoo to good use and clean like the pros. Under a warm running tap, place a pea-sized amount of shampoo in the palm of your hand, then swirl your brushes. Remember to squeeze out the excess suds. You'll be amazed at the amount of grime and dirt flowing away!

You can also use shampoo as an inexpensive lingerie detergent. Hand-wash your delicates in a bowl of cool water with a little shampoo added. Make sure to rinse well. Leave your garments out to dry flat overnight.

Although shampoo is considered to be a 'gentle' product, it does contain de-greasing ingredients, making it suitable for use as a household cleaner.

Wash your floors with a mop soaked in shampoo suds. You can even wash your car with this solution. Need to clean the woodwork? Wipe away fingerprints, grime and grease with a soft cloth and a pea-sized amount of your old, unwanted shampoo. After a hard day of housework, run yourself a bath of -- you guessed it -- shampoo bubbles!

Conditioner

To solve your flyaway hair problem, simply smooth over the offending, misbehaving cuticles with a little conditioner!

Like shampoo, conditioner can also be used as an emergency shaving lotion.

Give dusty household plants a breather -- wipe their leaves with a soft, clean cloth dipped in conditioner.

Hairspray

Hairspray not only holds your hair in place but is also a great anti-static device. Spray on your hairbrush and smooth the frizz away!

Hairdryer

Use your hairdryer to blow hard-to-reach dust and dirt from your computer keyboard. You can also use it to dust fragile ornaments and works of art.

Rushing to clean up after your morning shower? Clean your steamed up bathroom mirror with a short blast of cool air from your hairdryer.

Hairdryers are also excellent tools for drying clothes and shoes on those occasions when you get caught in a downpour.