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Make a dry shampoo -

Bet you didn't know baby powder helps make an effective dry shampoo. Mix it with baking soda and massage into your hair. Brush it through to remove oil and grease for a lovely shiny finish. And hey, it smells great, too.

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Use it as a pet shampoo -

Likewise, your pet pooch will appreciate this clever hack. Between baths, massage a little baby powder into its fur and allow to sit for a couple of minutes before brushing. It works wonders with cats as well.

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Remove sand -

Spending time on the beach is great fun. But getting rid of all that sand is not so hot. Here's what to do: sprinkle baby powder over the affected areas. It'll make it easier to brush off all those golden granules.

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Prevent chafing -

Are you prone to chafing while exercising in hot or humid weather? Before your routine, liberally dust down your trouble zones with baby powder to eliminate friction for a smoother, pain-free workout.

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Remove grease -

Baby powder kicks grease stains into touch. Rub in really well and then shake or brush off any residue. Then launder as normal.

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Loosen up playing cards -

Has your deck of cards been dealt a few too many hands? Rub some baby powder on the deck and give it a good shuffle. It's the real deal!

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Untangle necklaces -

It happens all too often, but next time your necklace gets tangled, reach for the baby powder. Sprinkle carefully to lubricate every nook and link. This will loosen the chain without kinking or breaking it.

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Ease waxing discomfort -

Waxing pain is quite often a necessary evil. But you can banish discomfort by anointing yourself with baby powder before applying wax. This way your skin is left feeling less painful and a whole lot smoother. Similarly, dab a little baby powder above your upper lip to reduce pain and irritation.

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Freshen shoes -

Foot odor is gross, isn't it? Smelly shoes are always a no-no. Here's the solution: rid any damp and stink by pouring baby powder into your footwear.

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Protect flower bulbs -

Flower bulbs can easily rot, ruining any chance of a colorful bloom. Protect new bulbs by dusting with baby powder, making sure to coat the roots. This will keep them from rotting, and will also deter bugs and other critters.

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Freshen moldy books -

Those antique books may be worth something. Best then to keep them in auction-ready order. Rid titles of any musty basement odor by first making sure each page is thoroughly dry before sprinkling baby powder through the chapters. Let them sit overnight. Replace on a bookshelf away from bright sunlight.

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Treat rubber gloves -

Got a brand new pair of rubber or latex gloves? Dust your hands with baby powder before pulling them on.

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Cool and freshen your sheets -

Freshen bedsheets with baby powder a few minutes before retiring for the night. Besides providing a fragrant bouquet, the powder helps cool the material—especially welcome on warm, muggy nights.

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Repel ants -

Baby powder makes an excellent insect repellent, and is especially effective against ants. This is a wholly sustainable and humane way to deter these critters, with not a chemical in sight.

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Voluminous eyelashes -

Apply baby powder to your eyelashes before mascara to make them look longer and fuller.

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Cool your skin -

You can cool down skin by applying baby powder after shaving. The product has a natural cooling property and is especially appropriate for sensitive skin.

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Hush the floorboards -

Banish creaks and squeaks from errant floorboards by dropping baby powder between the narrow slits and then sweeping it in for good measure.

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Freshen closets and cupboards -

Place some baby powder in a bowl or a jar without a lid and set it in the closet. It serve as a great dehumidifier, and gets rid of any musty smells.

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Protect your fake tan -

Here's a tip to stop sweat from ruining your fake tan: dab a bit of baby powder over the skin to reduce the risk of friction and to soak up sweat. This application will prevent the tan from becoming patchy, and lessen the chance of it transferring onto your clothes.

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Make fake snow -

Mix baby powder with shaving cream to create fake snow. It transforms Christmas displays and nativity scenes in an instant!

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Prevent sweat stains -

Iron baby powder into the armpits and collars of your shirts to prevent perspiration stains.

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Make your own makeup -

Add baby powder to cocoa and cornstarch to make your own inexpensive mineral veil makeup.

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Softer playdough -

Make playdough even softer by sprinkling and mixing in baby powder.

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High heel comfort -

Into high heels? Make wearing them super comfy by introducing a dab of baby powder for a dry, non-slip saunter. 

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Extra texture paste -

Attention artisans! Add baby powder to a mixture of gesso or white paint and an all-in-one glue sealer to make an extra texture paste for use in crafting.

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Set your makeup -

Add a finishing touch to your grooming routine by setting makeup with a dash of baby powder. It absorbs any oil to prevent excessive shine.

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Freshen up cat litter -

Sprinkle baby powder over fresh cat litter and mix thoroughly for a fresh-smelling kitty box.

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Loosen knots -

Baby powder does wonders with knotted string or ropes. Sprinkle over stubborn shoe laces, for example, and gently work them loose.

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Make deodorant -

Save money by using baby powder as a simple deodorant. Just sprinkle a bit into your palm and slap in under your arm for a dry and great-smelling alternative.

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Trackpad -

Sticky trackpad? Dust over a light film of baby powder and watch oily fingers glide over the surface. 

Sources: (National Museum of American History) (Gardening Channel) (The Conversation)

See also: Simple solutions to fix basic computer problems

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