Most of us just stick to using sugar in our baked goods or coffee, but it turns out that the sweet treat has many uses in the home as well.
Although it may not be your first instinct to whip out a box of sugar when you need something clean, the solution to some common household problems may just be waiting in your pantry.
If you’ve got some sugar waiting in your kitchen, consider these seven surprising uses for sugar, from cleaning supplies to insect repellent.
1. Remove Grass Stains
If you have any grass stains on your clothing, mix together sugar and water to create a warm paste. Let sit for an hour or two, and then wash the garment as you usually would. Sugar contains enzymes that can help break down the green stain-causing chlorophyll.
2. Trap Insects
Get rid of flies and wasps by bringing two parts sugar and one part water to a boil. Let cool and add to a Mason jar. Create a cone out of paper and place it into the jar. The flies will be attracted to the sugar, but will be trapped by the cone and syrup.
3. Clean A Coffee Or Spice Grinder
If you grind your own coffee or spices, you may find that your grinder is difficult to clean thoroughly, Luckily, using some sugar can help clean out any built-up excess oils. Just pour 1/4 cup granulated sugar through your grinder, and let it run for a few minutes. Dump out the grinder after use and wipe clean.
4. Treat Wounds
Sugar has been used for centuries as a way to heal wounds, and it turns out their may be some science behind it. A study from Wolverhampton University found that pouring granulated sugar directly into bed sores, leg ulcers and even amputations helps the wound heal faster than antibiotics.
5. Keep Flowers Fresh
Mix two tablespoons of vinegar and two tablespoons of sugar into your vase water to enhance the bouquet’s longevity. Sugar helps feed the stems while the vinegar fights off bacteria.
6. Exfoliate Your Skin
Instead of using products that contain environmentally-unfriendly synthetic microbeads, make your own scrub using sugar. Just mix it with an oil like olive oil or coconut oil, and apply gently to help get rid dead skin cells.
7. Sooth A Burnt Tongue
If you burned your tongue on something scorching hot — or even something too spicy — you can use a spoonful of sugar to help ease the pain. Let the sugar dissolve, and the pain should subside within no time.
Photo by Moyan_Brenn 