How to Get the Most from Your Newspaper with These Alternative Uses

The newspaper business ain’t what it used to be. But one thing is for sure: you cannot possibly use cyberspace for the multitude of purposes that old-fashioned newsprint can be called upon to serve. If you thought that newspapers were just for angering up the blood and wrapping cold fish, then you are in for a surprise. Maybe if newspaper companies would list the following uses for their product, that particular industry would not be on the brink of going the way of rotary telephones.

Window Cleaner

It seems utterly paradoxical, but all that paper with the ink printed on it is quite possibly the most effective paper for cleaning windows around. Begin things by washing the windows with a plain old soap and water mixture. Then comes the magic of newspapers. Crumple up a piece of newspaper and use it to wipe the windows dry. The result will be a much cleaner and clearer window than if you used anything else to wipe away the water.

Shoe Deodorizer

Got a pair of smelly shoes? Stuff some newspaper into the shoe and leave it there overnight and by the next morning you should wake up to shoes that, if they don’t exactly smell like roses, at least don’t give off quite the stench they did before.

Cheap Carpet Padding

Instead of buying expensive carpet padding, invest in some more expensive types and then enhance that with the addition of newspaper. Lay out several layers of newspaper between the padding and the carpet to give yourself a more plush floor covering.

Oven Cleaner

Ever try wiping up thick grease that builds up in the oven with paper towels? You could easily go through half a roll and still have some grime left over. Instead, grab a Sunday paper and use the parts you don’t read and the advertising inserts to more efficiently clean out a dirty oven.

Mothball Alternative

For some reason, moths seem to enjoy spending with a newspaper about as much as a 21st century teenager. Take advantage of the natural repellent qualities of newspapers to keep moths at bay. Pack newspapers in with any clothing that might be subject to the interests of moths and you get all the protection of mothballs without the unwanted odor.

Cat Litter

If you run out of cat litter and don’t want to make a trip to the store, newspaper will more than do in a pinch. Shred up a few sections of newspaper and lay it in your cat’s litter box. You will quickly find this is not a good long term solution, but as a temporary fix it can’t be beat.