6 Things to Do with Lighter Fluid

If you’re just using lighter fluid to fire up the barbeque, you’re only tapping a fraction of its potential. Here’s how to put this ordinary household item to extraordinary use!

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Rusty drain hole of sink
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1. Use lighter fluid to wipe away rust

Lighter fluid is inexpensive, easy to find and has many surprising uses around the house but it is highly flammable and can be hazardous to your health if inhaled or ingested. Always use it in a well-ventilated area, and do not smoke around it or use it near an open flame.

Got lighter fluid to spare? One of the best ways to put it to work around the house is to remove rust marks on stainless steel. Just pour a little lighter fluid onto a clean rag and rub the rust spot away. Use another rag to wipe away any remaining fluid.

Don’t miss these other cleaning hacks you’ll want to steal from professional house cleaners.

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Blowing gum bubble
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2. Got chewing gum in your hair? Reach for the lighter fluid!

Gum in the hair is a pain in the neck to remove, but here’s an easy solution that really works. Apply a few drops of lighter fluid directly to the sticky area, wait a few seconds and comb or wipe away the gum. The solvents in the fluid break down the gum, making it easy to remove from many surfaces besides hair.

Believe it or not, even chewing gum can be put to use around the house—find out how!

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Label of black envelope
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3. Use lighter fluid to remove labels with ease

Lighter fluid will remove labels and adhesives from almost any surface. Use it to quickly and easily remove the tape from new appliances or to take stickers off book covers.

Here are three more tricks to remove bumper stickers (and bugs!) from your car.

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Shoe rack with shoes
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4. Lighter fluid can take scuff marks off floors

You don’t have to scrub hard to remove those black heel marks on the kitchen floor. Just pour a bit of lighter fluid on a paper towel and the marks will wipe right off. While you’re getting your kitchen spic and span, check out these 10 easy tips for cleaning your microwave, stovetop and oven.

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Cooking oil stain on shirt
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5. Get rid of cooking-oil stains on clothes with lighter fluid

When cooking-oil stains won’t wash out of clothes, try pouring a little lighter fluid directly onto the stain before washing it the next time. The stain will come out in the wash.

Here are more surprising tricks that can help remove stubborn laundry stains.

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Little girl drawing on wall with crayon
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6. Lighter fluid can take out crayon marks

Did the kids leave their mark with crayons on your walls during that last visit? No problem. Dab some lighter fluid on a clean rag and wipe till the marks vanish.

Looking for more amazing household hacks? Check out these 20 brilliant new uses for ammonia!

Originally Published in Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things

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