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1Shine your copper pots.
Media Platforms Design Team Whether you have copper-bottomed cooking pans, architectural detailing, or shiny knick-knacks, trade the costly metal polish pastes, and make use of those old ketchup packets stashed away in your kitchen drawers.
Here's a simple recipe from Michael de Jong, author of the Clean series of simple living books: Massage ketchup over the copper and watch it dissolve the tarnish away (thanks to the acid). In the event that you have stubborn spots, add a pinch of table salt while you polish.
2Get those auto parts gleaming.
Media Platforms Design Team According to The Cymbal Book by Hugo Pinksterboer, some folks have seen decent results getting their cars to shine with ketchup. The book notes that the condiment does a good job cutting tarnish, but not so well in removing dirt. You may need a multi-step process, with some soap and water as well.
3Fight skunk odors.
Media Platforms Design Team If you live in a rural or even suburban area, chances are you (or your dog) have run into a skunk. Although some experts caution that this technique may not actually work (beyond masking the odor), many people still swear by tomato juice as a way to remove potent skunk smell. Michael de Jong points out plain ketchup may work if you don't have tomato juice on hand.
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4Repair chlorine-damaged hair.
Media Platforms Design Team According to de Jong, ketchup can also be used to correct hair highlights gone green from chlorinated swimming pools. Smoosh in the ketchup, let it set for about 20 minutes, and then wash it out thoroughly.
5Make fake blood for the kids.
Media Platforms Design Team As any elementary school jokester and Halloween lover knows, ketchup makes great (albeit messy) fake blood. Of course, we recommend you exercise a lot of caution with this one since it's not much fun if you get stuck laundering away tough stains afterwards.
6Soothe wounds.
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7Repurpose empty bottles.
Media Platforms Design Team Just as ketchup packets can pile up, so can used ketchup bottles. Make them storage containers for glitter, beads, or other craft items. Some people also use them as dispensers for pancake mix — just be sure to wash them thoroughly first.
See more at Cupcakes and Cashmere »
This story originally appeared on "The Daily Green."
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