Remove stubborn sand from your scalp You may be a beach bunny, but you hate the feeling of sand in your hair. Shampooing it out takes forever, and the little granules irritate your scalp. Instead, massage 1 tablespoon of baby powder into your roots, brush thoroughly, then shampoo as usual. The astringent powder will absorb the natural hair oils that bind the sand to your locks, so the stubborn grains can be washed right out. Bonus: a sprinkle of baby powder also helps you brush sand off your skin.
Stay cooler on hot summer nights There’s nothing worse than waking up sweaty and sticky. To stay dry all night, lightly sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of baby powder on your sheets before turning in. The granules are so small and silky, you won’t even notice them, but the absorbent ingredients—like silica, talc, and cornstarch—will wick away nighttime perspiration for a sound, restful sleep. (Just toss your sheets in the wash the next day.)
Protect a summer top from sweat stains To prevent stubborn sweat stains from developing on your favorite shirt, turn it inside out and sprinkle the underarms, collar, and other perspiration-prone areas with baby powder. Press with an iron set on medium for 3 seconds. The powder will form an invisible barrier that will absorb moisture before it seeps into the fabric, so the day’s sweat will easily wash out. MORE: 10 Brilliant Uses For Toothpicks
Keep pool inflatables from sticking Whenever you hit the town pool, you bring along a couple inflatable toys for the kids. The problem: after they’re deflated and folded up for next time, the plastic ends up sticking to itself—you once ripped a water wing while trying to pry it apart again. For easier unpacking in the future, dust the plastic with baby powder before folding. The powder will absorb any remaining moisture and create a thin, slippery barrier that will keep the plastic from sticking to itself. This trick also works for pool covers and inflatable pools.
Ensure your picnic stays ant-free You love eating outdoors in the summer, but the inevitable ant infestation is enough to make you stay inside. To keep the pests away, sprinkle baby powder around the perimeter of your picnic table or blanket. The powder will stick to the pads of the ants’ feet, inhibiting their ability to move, so you can enjoy your picnic in peace.
Take the “ouch” out of waxingSure, waxing is the quickest way to smooth your bikini line, but the last time you used an at-home kit, you shrieked so loudly that the neighbors called. To sidestep the pain, dust the area with baby powder before applying the wax. The powder will absorb moisture and body oils so the wax can properly adhere to each hair, plus it will create a barrier to protect your skin. The result: weeks of smooth skin with much less pain. Dusting on a little powder before shaving protects against razor burn, too.
Prevent an iron from snagging delicates Your silk tank desperately needs to be pressed, but you’re worried that your sticky iron will snag the fabric. The solution: sprinkle baby powder on a soft cloth and rub it over the bottom of the cool iron. Then heat the iron until the white residue disappears and iron as usual. The powder will leave behind a smooth, slippery layer that will help the iron glide over delicate fabrics. (Test on an inconspicuous area first.)
Silence squeaky wooden floorboards Forget sneaking downstairs for a midnight treat—one of your wooden steps squeaks so loudly, it would wake the whole house. Silence it with baby powder. Use a clean turkey baster to apply the powder to the crevices between the boards of the step. The fine granules will work their way under the wood, filling in gaps to keep the boards from shifting and making noise.
Clean Fido’s coat without the work If your dog’s fur could use a pick-me-up but you don’t have the patience for the usual bath-time struggle, rub one or two handfuls of baby powder into his coat and let sit for a couple minutes before thoroughly brushing it out. The powder will sop up the built-up body oils that make your pup’s fur look dingy, and it won’t harm his skin. Plus, he’ll smell extra fresh.
Rescue a book from water damage Less-than-ideal storage conditions in the basement left your treasured photo albums, which weren’t encased in plastic, with mold and water damage. The fix: liberally sprinkle each page with baby powder, then place the book inside a paper bag, seal, and leave in a cool place for 3 to 7 days. Remove the album and dust off the powder. The absorbent baby powder particles will dry out the mold and sop up some of the more recent water damage, leaving the albums almost as good as new. MORE: 10 Brilliant Uses For Witch Hazel
