Every household has a bunch of newspapers lying about, with no one knowing what to do with them once the day’s news has been read and done with. Finally, we all opt for the bi-monthly ritual of haggling for a good price for those used papers and selling it off. But did you know old newspapers can be used in many ways in the household? Cost-cutting apart, they’re a biodegradable option most of the time. Here are five uses that you can immediately try out.
Cleaning windows
Is trying to clean windows using a cloth driving you crazy because try as you might, you just cannot get rid of the streaks? Try using an old newspaper – as it cleans, it will also absorb the moisture. So no streaks, only squeaky clean windows glass. You can try this for your car as well. For even better results, use a vinegar-and-water solution instead of a chemical/soap cleaner.
Lining the shelves
Newsprint absorbs moisture and does not age quickly. Therefore, newspapers work very well as shelf-liners. Use them to line your kitchen cabinet, dresser, pantry, bathroom shelves. They’re cheap, use-and-throw, and also look neat. You can replace them as often as you want to, without overspending.
Pet litter box liners
Place sheets of old newspaper at the bottom of your yet-to-be-toilet trained dog’s box, or cat’s box. Place them under the litter. It’s economical even if you have to change them every day, and newspapers absorb all odours and wetness.
Barbecue/grill cleaner
So, the bread sandwiches are made for breakfast, but you don’t have the time for a long-ritual cleaning of the griller? Turn off the grill, wait for it to cool. Spray a few drops of water on the insides and outsides of the grill. Tear half a page of a newspaper into two. Ball up one, and just wipe the insides clean, use the other piece for the outside. There you go – the grill is clean! For cleaning the barbecue, spread four sheets of paper on the inside of a still warm barbecue grill. Spray water evenly such that the entire paper is soaked. Close the barbeque, leave it for 15 minutes. Now, open the grill, and swipe any residue off the grill using the same paper. Dry it with a piece of cloth.
Packing material
If you find bubble wrap expensive, go for old newspapers. To pack fragile items, individually wrap the items in at least three layers of paper. Stuff some paper into items like cups, etc. Crumple some pieces of paper and keep them aside. Now, place the individually packed items in a box, separate each one with a wad of crumpled paper. You can also use a shredder to shred the papers and use the shredded pile as stuffing. It works well, and is also recyclable and biodegradable, unlike plastic bubble wraps.
—Times of India
