6 Surprising Fixes Using Hairspray

 

Hairspray is, of course, a beauty product for styling your hair. However, did you know that you could also use it as a DIY fix for some common problems? According to HomeAdvisor, here are six surprising ways to use hairspray at home:

Keep Curtains Dust-Free. Many homeowners claim that a little bit of hairspray goes a long way when it comes to keeping curtains and drapes clean. Simply spray new or newly cleaned drapes with hairspray, and it should help keep dust from sticking. Be sure to check with a window covering professional to make sure the hairspray won’t damage the fabric.

Remove Unwanted Pet Fur. If you notice pet fur sticking to your furniture and floors, try using hairspray to pick it up. Just spray the product on a dry rag or washcloth and wait a few seconds. Once the hairspray is close to dry, use the cloth to wipe fur off couches, carpet, clothes or any other surface. Don’t forget to spot-test this solution before applying it to a large area.

Thread Needles With Ease. Do you have trouble threading needles? Hairspray is an easy fix! Squirt just a bit of the spray on the end of the thread to stiffen up the string. It should also help keep the thread from fraying. Then, simply thread the needle as normal and get to sewing.

Keep Tights From Running. If you find a run in your tights or pantyhose, don’t panic. A little hairspray will stop the progression of the tear. Just spray the area around the run, and it should keep things from getting worse. Plus, you can use hairspray as a preventative measure. Apply the product to your hosiery immediately after purchase to make it run-resistant.

Remove Ink Stains. Although calling a professional or using actual cleaning supplies will probably work better, hairspray can remove ink stains from fabric in a pinch. Many DIYers swear that using an alcohol-based spray can lift pen ink from clothes and upholstery. Just spray the affected area and then wipe away the stain with a damp cloth.

Get Rid of Residue. Sometimes, stickers and labels can leave behind a gunky residue. Hairspray can get rid of it. Just squirt the spray on the sticky area and then rub the residue off with your fingers. Wash it off with soap and water afterward to leave a sparkling surface.

Screen-Free Art Projects for Curious Kids

 

With many kids still at home and learning remotely—or for any kid who spends too many hours glued to a computer screen—here are five fun art projects using materials found in most homes that are guaranteed to get curious children offline and engaged in gratifying activity.  

• Sidewalk Chalk Rainbows – Create a giant chalk rainbow in your driveway for walkers to enjoy and/or spell out hopeful messages on the sidewalk, such as, “We can do this,” “Love our community,” or “Stay strong,” decorated with colorful doodles.  
• Painted Rocks – Take a walk around the neighborhood, or in your own backyard, and collect a few smooth rocks that fit in the palm of your child’s hand. Decorate them with tempera paint or paint pens, then leave them on your walking route as little fun treasures for others to find—or leave one or two on your neighbors’ doorsteps. It’s a great way to build a sense of community as we spend more time apart. 
• Painting Unlimited – On cold or rainy days, lay out a sheet so the floor doesn’t get messy and break out the paint pens, markers or watercolor paints, along with a selection of supplies—paper cut into various sizes and shapes, like hearts or seasonal and holiday cutouts, and even gift boxes to be decorated as your little Picassos see fit.
• Salt Painting – Create a ‘magical’ experience for little ones. Using any poster board, card stock or art paper you have on hand, squeeze on a design with white glue. Sprinkle with salt until the glue is totally covered. Tip to let the excess salt fall away. Then, dip a paintbrush into liquid watercolor paint and touch the brush gently to the salt-covered glue lines and watch the paint magically travel in both directions.
• Paper Plate Art – Paper plates make great palettes for budding artists. Lay out a selection of colored markers, white glue, buttons, cotton balls and pasta in various shapes and let your kids’ imagination run wild.