Refreshing old household items doesn’t require expensive tools or professional help. With a few simple DIY tricks, you can make worn-out things look new again while spending almost nothing. Here are practical, low-cost ways to restore items you already have at home.
1. Revive Scratched Wood with Olive Oil and Vinegar
Mix equal parts olive oil and white vinegar, then rub the solution onto scratched wooden surfaces. The vinegar cleans while the oil nourishes the wood, reducing the appearance of scratches and restoring shine.
2. Make Old Plastic Look New Using Baking Soda
Plastic items often become dull over time. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub the surface gently. This removes residue, stains, and restores a brighter, cleaner look.
3. Renew Faded Fabrics with Salt Water
Soak old pillowcases, curtains, or cloths in a bowl of warm salt water. After a short soak, wash normally. Salt helps lift old stains and brighten fabric colors naturally.
4. Restore Rusty Metal with Lemon and Salt
Rusty tools, handles, or kitchen items can be cleaned easily. Sprinkle salt on the rust, squeeze lemon juice over it, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub. This natural reaction removes rust without harsh chemicals.
5. Refresh Dull Leather with Petroleum Jelly
Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly onto old leather bags, wallets, or shoes. It softens the leather, reduces cracks, and gives it a clean, revived appearance.
6. Make Old Mirrors Sparkle Using Vinegar Spray
Mix water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply it to cloudy mirrors and wipe with a microfiber cloth. This removes buildup and restores a crystal-clear shine.
7. Brighten Yellowed Plastic with Hydrogen Peroxide
If light switches, plastic frames, or small appliances have turned yellow, apply a thin coat of hydrogen peroxide and leave them in the sun for a few hours. The UV light helps restore their original color.
8. Fix Loose Furniture Joints with Wood Glue
Old wooden chairs or tables often loosen with time. Apply a small amount of wood glue to the joints, clamp or press them tightly, and let them dry. Your furniture will feel stable and strong again.
9. Restore Ceramic Shine with Toothpaste
Toothpaste works well on dull ceramic tiles or bathroom fixtures. Rub a small amount on the surface with a cloth, then rinse. It removes grime and restores shine quickly.
10. Bring Back the Glow of Glassware with Rice and Soap
Stained or cloudy vases and bottles can be cleaned by adding warm water, a drop of dish soap, and a handful of uncooked rice. Shake well to scrub the inside, then rinse clean.
