Secret Lives of Household Items

March 5, 2009 — -- You've got a pile of household chores to do and errands to run, and you're running a little short on cash.

Most people would be stressing, sweating their way from task to task, but not you. You're cool.

Why? Because "Good Morning America" and lifestyle expert Nancy Soriano have teamed up to bring together some of the most resourceful household tips and tricks to cut down on time and expenses using some familiar household items in some less-familiar ways.

Take note and complete those chores in no time and in a style that would make MacGyver jealous.

Cleaning With Alka-Seltzer or Coca-Cola

On the one hand, you've got a dirty toilet or pots and pans. On the other, you've got a can of Coca-Cola and Alka-Seltzer. No problem.

According to Soriano, you can drop two tablets of Alka-Seltzer in the toilet, wait twenty minutes, brush and then flush for a squeaky clean toilet. The phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola can also do the trick.

For pots and pans, pouring a thick layer of soda directly on pans with badly burned-on food and sprinkling on just a little water can help loosen the food. Leave it soaking overnight and scrub clean the next day.

Doing Double-Time Ironing With Aluminum Foil

Ironing can be time-consuming, but what if you could do it in half the time?

Sliding a sheet of aluminum foil under the ironing board cover can get that done. The foil reflects the heat from the iron so that both sides get heated and ironed at the same time.

Eat a Banana, Then Polish Your Shoes

Banana peels aren't just for comedic value anymore.

The banana might taste good, but the banana peel is where the fruit can really shine, literally.

After de-stringing the banana, it can be used to shine anything from leather shoes to household plant leaves. For a final touch, give them a nice buffing with a soft cloth or paper towel.

According to Soriano, one reason the banana peel works so well is because bananas contain potassium, an ingredient it shares with shoe polish.

De-Stink Pets and Repel Bugs with Dryer Sheets

After your dog or cat bounds inside after a rainy day or a nice swim, head him or her off at the pass with a dryer sheet. Scrubbing your pet down with one of these will keep that wet-animal odor down and your pet nice and dry.

Dryer sheets have also been said to repel bugs, especially mosquitos. Tucking some sheets in a picnic basket or under patio furniture could help make your afternoon in the countryside or barbecue more pleasant.

Rubbing Alcohol, Water and Newspapers for Clean Windows

Just because you have an empty spray bottle doesn't mean it's useless.

You can make a do-it-yourself cleaner by taking that spray bottle and pouring in a quart of water and then adding three tablespoons of rubbing alcohol. Spray the cleaner on a dirty window and use a newspaper to wipe it down.

Then sit back and enjoy a crystal-clear view.

Dry Your Clothes Faster With Tennis Balls

Tired of waiting around while your clothes spin and spin in the dryer?

Cut down on the time by throwing something new into the mix: tennis balls.

Tossing two or three tennis balls (clean ones) into the dryer with your clothes help the air and heat circulate, meaning your clothes get dryer even more quickly.

The tennis balls help for a full load of laundry or just one item.

Aspirin Helps Remove the Headache of Sweat Stains

The bad news is that sometimes work can give you headaches and sweat stains.

The good news is that, if you know what you're doing, aspirin can help both.

Dissolve two aspirin in a half cup of warm water and then apply to the stained fabric. Leave it alone for a couple hours and then wash.

By the time you're done, your headache should have subsided and your clothes should be stain-free.