What if we revealed some around-the-house staples that also moonlight as dirt-busting superstars? Here are five unexpected natural cleaners to help you with your kitchen woes:

Bread
Love to paint? Use white bread to dust an oil painting! Gently dab a slice of white bread over the surface to pick up dirt and grime.

Ketchup
Some tomato ketchup can be used to remove tarnish from copper and brass cookware. Squeeze the ketchup on a cloth and rub it on pots and pans. They should go back to their coppery colour in minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel.

Oatmeal
It is useful to scrub very dirty hands. Make a thick paste of oatmeal and water and rinse well.

Rice
Rice can be used to clean the inside of a vase or a thin-necked bottle. Fill three quarters of the vase with warm water and add a tablespoon of uncooked rice. Cup your hand over the opening, shake vigorously and rinse.

Tea
It can help in cleaning rusty garden tools. Brew a few pots of strong black tea. When cool, pour it into a bucket. Soak the tools for a few hours. Wipe each one with a cloth. (Wear rubber gloves or your hands will be stained.)

Glycerin
If you want to remove dried wax drippings from candlesticks, a few drops of glycerin will be very helpful. Peel off as much wax as possible, then moisten a cotton ball with glycerin and rub until clean!

Club soda
A scuffed stainless-steel sink can be made to shine, with a little bit of club soda.

Cornstarch
If you've stained your favourite carpet with grease, here what you can do to prevent it from getting completely ruined. Pour cornstarch on the spots and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming.

Rubbing alcohol
Erase permanent-marker stains from finished wood floors or solid-surface countertops, by pouring some rubbing alcohol on it.

BDST: 1702 HRS, December 27, 2014