A dirty windshield can make driving not only difficult, but dangerous. If you can’t make it to the store for windshield wiper fluid, here’s how to make your own DIY version in a pinch. Mix 4 cups of water with 3 cups of vodka and a few squirts of liquid dishwashing soap. Pour the mixture into your car’s windshield wiper fluid reservoir and use as normal. The mixture will work to clear your windshield until you can pick up new fluid.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Activated charcoal is a super absorber of toxins, chemicals and odors. It’s made from all-natural materials like coconut husk, and it’s affordable, too! While there are myriad uses for it for DIY beauty recipes, you can also use it when doing household tasks at home. When you can’t open your windows to ventilate a room when painting, for example, just place a large bowl of activated charcoal in the middle of the room. It’ll absorb odors and other volatile organic compounds in the air.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you’ve squeezed the last few drops of toothpaste out of the tube, grab some scissors and cut it open. You can use the residual paste inside to help with a myriad of household tasks. Stains on the carpet? Just rub the paste on top and scrub away with an old brush to help lift the stain and brighten the fibers. Watermarks or coffee stains on the kitchen table or countertop? Rub with toothpaste and wipe away to make those surfaces look good as new!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION