Clever uses for sugar
Sugar is good for more than just cooking and baking – there’s actually dozens of clever ways you can put it to use around the home.
Here’s a few of our favourites:
Soothe a burned tongue
If you burn your tongue on food that’s too hot or by drinking your morning coffee or tea too soon, sugar is a great home remedy. Suck on a sugar cube or sprinkle a small amount of white sugar on your tongue and let it dissolve. It should help reduce the discomfort and help it to heal.
Smooth your lips
Before you apply your lipstick for an important event or night out, try this trick. Mix sugar with some of your lip balm or make your own paste using a few drops of olive oil. Rub onto your lips to gently exfoliate then wipe away.
Clean your coffee grinder
If you use a coffee or spice grinder, sugar is a simple way to get it clean. Pour in roughy a quarter cup of white sugar then turn on and let it grind for a few minutes. The sugar will absorb any fragments and oils. Then simply dump it out and wipe clean with a cloth.
Keep cheese fresh
Stick a sugar cube into a sealed container along with your cheese to help extend its shelf life and prevent it from moulding over as quickly. This trick also works well with baked goods like cookies, too!
Make flower food
dissolving a homemade solution of three tablespoons sugar and two tablespoons white vinegar into your water works as a flower food and will help extend the life of your stems. Trim the stems every few days and replace the water – you’ll be amazed how long your flowers can last.
Trap wasps
In the spring and summer you can keep wasps out of your range with this trick. Boil two parts sugar one part water to create a simple syrup, then pour some into a glass and leave to rest on your patio but away from where you’re sitting. The wasps will be attracted to the syrup, and when they enter the glass, will get stuck there for the time being. It’s a great trick when you’re trying to dine al fresco.
Remove grass stains
Grass stains can be notoriously difficult to remove from clothing, but you can make quick work of it with this homemade solution. Mix sugar and water to form a paste, then dab directly onto the stain. Let it absorb for about an hour, then wash as usual.
Have you tried any of these clever uses for sugar? Share your other tips in the comments below!
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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