If you open your medicine cabinet right now, chances are fairly high that you have a jar of Vicks VapoRub sitting on the shelf. After all, you only use a little bit during flu season so you usually have most of a jar left by the time the next winter rolls around.
We're happy to tell you that the mentholated ointment doesn't have to sit in your cabinet for another year. There are many more uses for the menthol serum than you might have known about. Learn why you should even rub it on your feet at night.
Cover Up Bad Smells
If you're a busy bee without a lot of time to spend cleaning, then you know that funky smells inevitably pop up from time to time. It could be smelly shoes, a baby's diaper, or even a carpet that has seen better and cleaner days.
Even though there aren't enough hours in the day to complete every chore, that doesn't mean you should have to live with the smell. Apply a bit of Vicks under your nose and you'll be smelling the sweet scent of menthol and eucalyptus all day long!
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It Can Be Neosporin Replacement For Scratches And Scrapes
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If you're not prone to falling and scratching yourself on random things, it's likely that you don't own Neosporin ointment. Have no fear! If you accidentally trip, fall, and need to clean the resulting cut, use some VapoRub as a replacement.
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Spread a thin layer around the wound to speed up the healing process. The serum will also help protect against germs and bacteria. Be sure not to put it on any open wound, though!
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Help Ease Headaches
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Have you ever been in class, at work, or even hanging out at home when a random burst of pain explodes in your brain? Yeah, it's not fun, and there is only so much that can be done when a migraine comes on. Sitting in a dark room with no sound tends to be a go-to for people.
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If you want to be among the living and not out of commission for the rest of the day, some migraine sufferers swear by the natural aromas of Vicks to ease the pain. Just dab a bit on each of your temples and, hopefully, you'll feel better!
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Bugs Be Gone!
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Forget all of that sticky spray that seems to do everything but keep bugs away. All you need is a jar of Vicks VapoRub and poof, no more bugs. The reason bugs hate the scent of the serum is because of one of its main ingredients, eucalyptus.
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The best part is that you don't have to put it all over your body. A few tiny dabs behind each ear will do the trick! No more spraying harsh chemicals that you're going to inhale. Just run to the nearest CVS for some VapoRub before hiking and you're good to go!
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Don't Worry If You Can't Find ChapStick
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Chapped lips are never ideal. The sensation is even worse when you can't find any lip balm lying around the house or in any of your bags. But there is an at-home remedy that will make you stop licking your lips! Because let's be honest, that only makes matters worse.
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Vicks VapoRub is a great replacement for that missing ChapStick. The ointment will alleviate some of the stinging pain while moisturizing and softening your lips!
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Keep Your Pet From Doing Their Business Inside
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If you're a dog owner, then you know that these furry companions like to mark their territory and do their business in the same place. Unfortunately, when you first get a dog, that place is usually inside.
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The solution? Put some VapoRub on your pooch's regular spot to skew their sense of smell. The ointment will mask any familiar scents, hopefully, making it easier for you to train them to use the bathroom outside.
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Make Door Hinges Sound Like New
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Squeaky door hinges are not a fun addition to a home. And if you're out of oil, then the situation isn't going to be resolved until you go to the hardware store. Thankfully, you can use Vicks VapoRub as an emergency replacement.
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Just rub some of the ointment on the door hinge and you'll be opening and closing a door that sounds like it was just installed -- completely and utterly silent!
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Get Rid Of Unsightly Warts
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There's no need to go to a dermatologist if you have an unsightly wart. At least, not if you have Vicks VapoRub in the cabinet! The ointment has healing properties that cause warts to disappear within a few weeks.
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Apple a decent amount of VapoRub to the wart and cover the spot in gauze so it doesn't get everywhere. Repeat this process twice a day for two weeks and magically see your blemish vanish.
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Try Using Vicks To Relieve Earaches
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Earaches can be very annoying and make your concentration non-existent. But before heading over to see your doctor, try using a bit of VapoRub to relieve your ears.
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All you have to do is put a bit of the serum on two cotton balls and stick the balls in each ear for a few hours, several times a day. The VapoRub should help reduce the pain and it can also reduce the risk of a possible infection.
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Save The Couch From Your Cat's Claw Marks
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We're going to give your cat another reason to plot your downfall: apply VapoRub to save your furniture. Even though there is a scratching post in the corner of the room, if your cat has marked the sofa as their territory, you're doomed.
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Thankfully, there is a solution. Apply a bit of Vicks to your furniture! Your cat is going to want to avoid the smell at all costs. Who says cats aren't trainable?!
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If You're Out Of Aloe, Use Vicks!
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If you're like us, you get home from the beach, take a shower, and then head straight to the refrigerator for a cool bottle of aloe to reduce the pain of your sunburn. But what would you do if there was no aloe left?
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Run to your medicine cabinet for some Vicks! The ointment is the perfect relief from that stinging sensation. Just rub some on the burned area and you'll be feeling better in no time!
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Bug Bites Don't Have To Be Uncomfortably Itchy
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Some people just have a horrible affinity to bug bites, meaning no matter where they go the pesky insects follow and bite them until the person is riddled with welts. If you're one of these people, then you know that those bites can get beyond uncomfortable and itchy.
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At least there is a way to relieve the itchiness, and it's Vicks Vaporub! Apply some of the rub to the bite to prevent scratching your skin raw!
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Use It For A Temporary Slimming Effect
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Rumor has it that Vicks VapoRub can be used with other elements to have a temporary slimming effect. Studies suggest that cooler core temperatures can burn fat. If you need to drop a few pounds before a special event, try this herbal wrap.
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The ointment combination is Vicks, camphor powder, baking soda, and a little rubbing alcohol. Rub this mixture on your "trouble spot" and wrap your waist up in a plastic wrap. Go for a light jog if you really want to see some results!
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Stop Buy Expensive Acne Creams
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If you have a jar of Vicks in your bathroom, there is no need to break the bank on expensive acne creams and face washes. Put some Vaporub on pimples, acne, or other blemishes and leave it on overnight.
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When you wash your face in the morning the blemishes should magically be gone! Keep in mind that everyone has different skin, and what works for one person might not work for another. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try this hack out, though!
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Use It In A Humidifier For At-Home Aromatherapy
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Humidifiers are great when you're trying to get a bit more moisture in the air when it's too dry. They can be very helpful in the case of a sore throat, dry nose, and even dry lips. Some of these machines are even equipped with aromatherapy compartments to add soothing oils to the air.
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That's where Vicks comes into play! Add some of the VapoRub to the humidifier and keep the menthol-eucalyptus air circulating all night long.
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Moisturize Those Stretch Marks
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Stretch marks pop up on our skin for multiple reasons: you had a baby, gained some weight, or maybe you had a huge growth spurt as a teenager and the tiger stripes have been with you ever since.
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We're here to tell you that there is something that might help diminish the look and feel of the marks: VapoRub! Since the serum is full of natural oils, it might help stretch marks feel softer and reduce the dryness, both of which will improve the situation!
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Time For The Bath To Make Way For The Shower
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Baths are a great way to relax after a long day. The only issue is that not every house or apartment has a bath, some only have stand-up showers. If your home falls into the latter category, have no fear, Vicks is here!
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A product called a "shower disk" contains VapoRub, and, after placing the disk in the shower, the vapor will evaporate into the air. The vapor plus the steam from the shower equals one relaxing wash session that is sure to clear your sinuses!
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Make Your Heels Pedicure-Ready
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It's never fun going over to a friend's house and doing each other's nails if you have cracked and dry heels. It's just embarrassing. We're here to tell you that there is no reason to ever have cracked heels because VapoRub is the answer to all of your problems.
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Apply some of the ointment to your heels and ruse a pumice stone to exfoliate. If you do this routine nightly, you're going to have smooth heels that will make your friends jealous!
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Apply To Feet So You Don't Cough
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As weird as it sounds, if you have night coughs that are keeping you awake, slather some Vicks VapoRub on your feet. And when we say slather, we mean it! Once you have your feet nice and sticky with ointment, put on a pair of breathable cotton socks.
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The rub will work as a coughing suppressant that will, hopefully, allow you to get a good night's rest. No need to be up and down for a glass of water when you have Vicks!
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Use Vicks To Alleviate Bruises
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Bruised skin is never fun. For one, it hurts, and then it makes people ask questions on how you got the bruise. Maybe you just bruise like a peach? If so, Vicks is going to be your new best friend.
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To help relieve bruises, take a pinch of salt and mix it with a tiny bit of VapoRub. Rub the mixture onto the bruised area. It's not a miracle worker, but it will help dissipate the bruising and get your skin back to normal.
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Say Bye-Bye To A Dry And Itchy Scalp
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Like dry and cracked heels, Vicks VapoRub is also a great healing agent for itchy and dry scalps. Treat the affected area of your scalp by applying a thin layer of ointment and rubbing it in.
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The oils from the eucalyptus and the petroleum in the ointment work together to make a soothing balm for your scalp! This at-home remedy is perfect for doing right before bed or after you get out of the shower.
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No Need To Fall Asleep With Stained Lips
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After a night on the town, some ladies dread going home because they have to go through the process of removing their matte, red, or other bold colored lipstick. Those colors are not easy to fully remove. But they are if you're using Vicks VapoRub!
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Apply a thin layer of VapoRub on top of your stained lips and leave it on for about five minutes. Remember not to lick your lips! Once five minutes have passed, just wipe the lipstick completely off with a tissue!
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Use Vicks If You Ever Have To Cry On Command
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Don't worry if you're an amateur actor and aren't able to cry on command. There is a solution that doesn't include hiding chopped onions in your pocket. Rub a little bit of Vicks VapoRub underneath each eye.
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The combination of oils -- specifically the menthol -- will be sure to bring tears to your eyes. Don't believe us? Try out this little hack the next time your acting coach wants you to cry in a scene.
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Relieve A Congested Chest
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Even though this is the most common use for Vicks VapoRub, it doesn't make it any less helpful. If you don't enjoy cough medicine (who does, really?) then this is the perfect solution for your congestion.
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Apply some Vicks on your chest to alleviate some of the built-up phlegm. It even works for bad coughs. The natural ingredients in the rub are fantastic healing agents and a jar of this stuff should be in your medicine cabinet at all times!
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Get Rid Of Unwanted Parasites
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Here to hoping you never do, but if you ever find yourself with a case of ringworm, keep in mind that you can apply Vicks VapoRub to it two to three times a day.
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Dr. Peter H. Gott and Jared Zeiman, M.D, said, "Vicks, as well as store and other generic forms of mentholated chest rubs, has been used successfully by many of my readers for a variety of conditions, including nail fungus, plaque psoriasis, seborrheic keratoses, ringworm, neuropathy pain and more."
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Promotes Hair Growth
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A YouTuber called "Just Jocq" posted about the benefits of using Vicks VapoRub to stimulate hair growth. The ingredients in VapoRub that help promote hair growth are lavender, camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol.
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People should apply Vicks to their scalp one of two ways. The first is to directly message the ointment into the scalp. The second way is to take some of the serum and add it to another product to massage into the scalp. Most of the women who've used the product for hair growth swear it works!
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Clear Away Rosacea
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Like helping with acne and other blemishes, Vicks Vaporub is able to help with the look and discomfort of both rosacea and eczema. And if you live with either of these skin conditions, you know that they can get very uncomfortable during flare-ups.
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All you have to do is apply a bit to the affected area of skin (it doesn't have to be on your face). The VapoRub will then soothe the irritation and dry it out!
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It Helps Soothe Cooking Burns
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If you're in the kitchen trying to channel your inner Gordon Ramsay, don't be surprised if you accidentally burn your arm or hand doing a fancy pan flip. But fear not, we have a solution!
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After doing the sensible thing and running the fresh burn under freezing cold water, head to your medicine cabinet and take out your handy dandy VapoRub. Applying the ointment to your burn will help soothe the sting away, similar to what it does to a sunburn.
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Vicks Can Help Soothe Sore Muscles
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After a tough workout at the gym, it's always nice to go home and relax. Well, relaxing is quite difficult when you can't move your body after a shower. We're here to tell you that there is a way to move those sore muscles once more!
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Grab your Vicks VapoRub, sit on the couch, and massage the ointment into your sore muscles. The cooling sensation will feel great and the aroma will have you sinking into a relaxing state of mind.
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Keep Your Horse Focused (If You Have A Horse)
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If you have a male horse, then you know they can get slightly distracted if they pick up the scent of a female. Especially if it's mating season! You can keep your horse from "socializing" by blotting a tiny bit of Vicks under his nose.
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This makes it so the male won't pick up the scent of any females in the general vicinity, only the natural aroma of Vicks. You are then free to ride to your heart's content!
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Hydrogen Peroxide Can Remove Ink Stains From Clothes
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It's nearly impossible to rub ink out of clothing. At least, it would be if we didn’t have hydrogen peroxide. For light-colored clothing, you can soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and dab it on the infected area. Then wash your clothes as normal.
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If this doesn't work, your fabric may need a heavy-duty recipe. Create a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% ammonia. The ammonia catalyzes the peroxide to work better. Only use clear ammonia, and don’t use it on wool or silk since the ammonia will eat through the proteins on both fabrics.
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Time For Teeth Whitening
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According to a 2004 study in the Journal of Dentistry, hydrogen peroxide effectively bleaches teeth. To whiten your teeth, create a solution of 1/2 water and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide. Swish it around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds, or as long as you can stand. Spit the solution out if it hurts your mouth, and don't swallow it.
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The higher the concentration, the brighter the whitening. However, a 2006 study from the same journal reported that higher concentrations could harm the enamel. If you use a higher concentration (25% or 35%), shorten the amount of time that the peroxide is in your mouth.
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Help Your Plants Grow Big And Strong
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Hydrogen peroxide works by releasing oxygen. Because plants use oxygen to absorb nutrients from the soil, they love this extra oxygen molecule. This promotes healthier, more vigorous plant growth for your garden.
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To encourage garden growth, mix one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per one cup of water. After you pour the mixture into a spray bottle, mist your plants. If you want to cover an entire garden, increase your dosage to 35% hydrogen peroxide. You can also use this to pre-treat seeds. Since peroxide kills fungi, it also wards off potential diseases such as root infections.
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It Can Save Your Dog's Life
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Dog owners understand the risk of accidental poisoning. As soon as your dog eats a lot of grapes or chocolate, you're on the clock. You can safely induce vomiting by feeding your dog a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide creates a mild reaction but not extreme enough to cause harm.
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To induce vomiting, give your dog 3% hydrogen peroxide (any higher concentration is toxic). Feed your dog one teaspoon per five pounds of their body weight. The vomiting works ten to 15 minutes after eating, and it can last for up to 45 minutes. Afterward, follow up with your vet.
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Remove Labels or Glue
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It can be difficult and frustrating trying to remove a label or a sticker from a product you purchased. More often than not, the label or sticker will break apart into irritating small bits that take way too much work to get off. Plus you end up getting the label or sticker stuck under your nails, and it makes a big mess.
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An easier way to remove labels and stickers is by using hydrogen peroxide. Set the product on a flat surface and spray the label or sticker with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit. After about 10 minutes, the label should easily come off with a little light scrubbing.
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Re-Beautify Your Makeup Brushes
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"Through daily use, makeup brushes can accumulate dead skin cells, dirt, oil, pollution, and bacteria, says dermatologist Dr. Debbie Palmer, who co-founded the Dermatology Associates of New York. Dirty makeup brushes can result in staph infections if they aren't cleaned properly. Fortunately, hydrogen peroxide sufficiently disinfects them.
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Add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to a bowl of warm water. Soak your brushes in the mixture for ten minutes. Swish the brushes around every now again. Afterward, remove your makeup brushes, rinse them with cold water, and let them air dry. If there’s any remaining residue, you can wash it off with soap.
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Wash Your Fruits And Vegetables
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It's essential to wash your fruits and vegetables when you bring them home. You never know who touched them or which pesticides they came into contact with. But instead of paying $8 for a veggie wash, why don’t you use a little bit of hydrogen peroxide?
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To create a veggie cleaner, fill your sink with cold water and add 1/4 cup of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Wash your fruit and vegetables in the mixture, and then rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. According to Poison Control, hydrogen peroxide isn’t toxic, except in large amounts.
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Here's How To Safely Remove Wax From Your Ears
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