Did you know that there are many uses for boiling water other than making tea? I love when something so ordinary is so useful (and cheap)!
It's a great way to get rid of the pesky weeds and grass that grow in cracks in the sidewalk or driveway. Pour boiling water on them and by the next day they are dead. Of course, you have to be very careful around kids and pets when you are carrying a kettle full of boiling water, but you won't have any poisonous chemicals left on the sidewalk. It's completely organic.
I found out today that you can get rid of ants with boiling water too. Apparently if you pour several gallons of it over an ant bed (keeping in mind that the boiling water will kill any nearby grass) it will kill the ants. We've had an invasion of fire ants in our backyard and we are hoping this will work. We've already used ant poison, but it hasn't completely eradicated the awful things. If you don't have fire ants where you live, be very glad.
I also used boiling water today in a stinky sink drain. What is it about warm weather that makes the drains stink? I poured some baking soda down the drain and followed with lemon juice. After it foamed up for a few minutes I poured about a gallon of boiling water down the sink. Not only does the drain smell sweeter, but it keeps the pipes from getting clogged up as well.
Boiling water is also a good way to sanitize your cutting boards that won't fit in the dishwasher. If you rub them with lemon juice first it will help deodorize them too.
What are your favorite everyday household multitaskers?
