Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things

by Lisa Thomas (Editor)

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Description

Describes different money-and time-saving uses for hundreds of everyday objects, including vinegar, salt, toothpaste, coffee grounds, string, pantyhose, balloons, asprin, and other household objects.

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Member Reviews

3 reviews
Very handy compilation of uses for things like WD40 to solve lots of common household problems. The book is alphabetized by the thing you are using to solve the problem rather than by the problem, but there is a good index in the back that should let you find what you're looking for.
Lots of information. Alphabetical, with boxes of "Did you know?" and "Tips," and "Kids Stuff." Few illustrations. Uses seem practical and doable.
½
The main part of this book is arranged like an encyclopaedia, with the 200 product categories organized in A-Z fashion (running from Adhesive Tape to Zips), to provide instant access to information as well as entertaining reading. But before that, in the first part of this book, you'll find a guide to the items that are most useful for certain areas, such as the garden or for cooking.
Scattered throughout, you'll also find hundreds of fascinating asides and anecdotes. Some highlight specific warnings and safety precautions, or offer advice about buying or using certain items. But many are just plain fun – providing quirky historical information about the invention or origins of products. Haven't you always wondered who invented the show more Band-Aid or how Scotch tape got its name? We've also included dozens of engaging and enlightening activities and simple science experiments you can do with your children or grandchildren (and not a single one requires a visit to the local toy shop).
Whether you delight in discovering new ways to use commonplace household items, or if you simply hate to throw things away, we're sure you'll find the ideas in this book entertaining and enlightening. So, pull up a comfortable chair, settle back and get ready to be dazzled by the incredible number of everyday problems that you'll soon be able to solve with ease. We're confident this is one book you'll return to over and over again for helpful hints, trustworthy advice and even some good, old-fashioned inspiration.
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Author Information

Editor
15 Works 801 Members

Some Editions

Atkinson, Ian (Cover designer)
Bader, Marilyn (Contributor)
Bennett, Julie (Art Editor)
Bryon Thompson (Illustrator)
Chuck Rekow (Cartoonist)
Harding, Serena (Contributor)
Kalet, Beth (Contributor)
Kaniewski, Michael (Photographer)
Kasturas, Kathryn (Contributor)
Kaufman, Michael (Contributor)
Ombler, Gary (Photographer)
Schwartz, Steven (Contributor)
Seline, Anita (Contributor)
Sharpe, Angelique B. (Contributor)
Smittle, Delilah (Contributor)
Thompson, Bryon (Illustrator)
Ziffer, Amy (Contributor)

Common Knowledge

Canonical title
Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things
Alternate titles
Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things
Original publication date
2007; 2012 (Revised edition) (Revised edition)
First words
Don't buy special powder to get rid of dishwasher iron deposits.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Now let's see how you do with three zucchinis!
Original language
English

Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, Home & Garden, General Nonfiction
DDC/MDS
640Applied science & technologyHome economics & family managementHome and family
LCC
TX145 .E95TechnologyHome economicsHome economics
BISAC

Statistics

Members
580
Popularity
50,952
Reviews
3
Rating
(4.10)
Languages
English, Croatian
Media
Paper
ISBNs
12
UPCs
2
ASINs
4