10 Uses For Cotton Balls

by Nicole Humphrey | More from this Blogger

21 Aug 2006 12:59 PM

Cotton balls are plentiful around my house, especially since I tend to purchase them in bulk from wholesale clubs. So I always have a plethora of cotton balls and I've found so many great uses for them all over the home besides just in the bathroom.

1. Children's Games: You can have a relay race where you try to balance a cotton ball on a spoon. Be more creative and have them carry it in their mouths without dropping.

2. Ears: They make great earplugs to block out sound. In addition you can use them to clean earring posts and ear lobes for pierced ears. Or if you need to put drops in your ears, saturate a cotton ball with the liquid and place inside the ear. They also prevent water from getting in the ears when bathing and washing your hair. They don't help as much when swimming due to the fact that if a head is submerged into water, so is a cotton ball.

3. Jewelry: Cushion breakable items such as jewelry. You can spread the cotton ball out, and some even unroll and then use the cotton to cushion your jewelery and other small items. Cotton balls are also great for cleaning jewelry. They are gentle on fragile items.

4. Cushioning: Use them to keep blisters and sores from rubbing on socks, shoes and other items. Just place the cotton ball on the spot and secure with a bandaid.

5. Nail polish: Beyond using them to remove nail polish, you can also use them to separate your piggies while painting your toes.

6. Deodorizer: You can saturate a cotton ball with vanilla or another extract or oil and place in the refrigerator for a mild but effective deodorizer. The same works for trash cans, baby's diaper pail, the vacuum cleaner and more.

7. Cleaning: I always have trouble cleaning around my shower and toilet in the bathroom, as well as around the bathroom sink. Often mildew breeds right there in the grout between tiles in those exact locations. However, use a cotton ball! Just soak a few of them in some bleach and place them in those difficult spots. Leave them for a couple of hours to do their job and when you remove them, you'll find it looks great. Wipe the surface with warm water when finished.

8. Applications: Using a cotton ball, you can apply astringents, lotions, oils, cleaners and anything else to their required surface. Keeps your fingers and hands clean and evenly covers.

9. Fire Starters: Use them for lighting oil lamps and candles. You can take two cotton balls, and roll them into long pieces. Then twist the two cotton pieces together and you have a wick to light a fire.

10. Cheap Potpourri: Spray with perfume or another spray and leave in drawers, closets and other places you might like to keep smelling fresh and good. You can even drop on in your purse after it dries and each time you open your purse, the scent will be released. Use under the seats in your car as well.

Learn more about Nicole Humphrey

Nicole Humphrey is a freelance writer, consultant for CTMH and a Sr. Blogger for families.com. She resides in St. Charles, Missouri with Mike and their five children and two furbabies.

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Catherine Ipcizade (5617) 21 Aug 2006 01:47 PM

You're a genius--I have no idea how you think of this stuff, but I'm surely glad you do! Thanks!

Nicole Humphrey (15757) 21 Aug 2006 07:18 PM

Thanks Catherine! I have been living this way for years and everytime I have come across an idea or someone has told me something I've absorbed and then tried it myself. These are usually the ones I've found that work. Generally if I haven't tried something myself I will tell you. :) Thanks for the sweet comment and I'm glad you found them useful.