New uses for common household items

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- You can buy something to just about any problem you might have. But the truth is, sometimes you don't need to. The answer might already be in your home!

Take for example, bug spray. If it has at least 25 percent Deet, it can clear the gunk off car headlights. You need to handle the bug spray with caution because it can damage the paint on a car.

Carefully spray bug spray onto a paper towel and then wipe the headlight clean. Instantly the buildup comes right off. You want to rinse it afterwards to remove the chemical from the bug spray.

Toothpaste and a toothbrush will provide similar results without the harsh chemicals. Make sure to use an all-white paste and not a gel, then use the toothbrush to start buffing. Using toothpaste will require more elbow grease than the bug spray, but after 5 minutes of scrubbing there is a big improvement.

With little kids, it's not uncommon to find gum in someone's hair. Instead of cutting it out, grab petroleum jelly. After dabbing it onto the hair, the gum slowly clumps off.

A pool noodle can be lots of fun in the summer, but you can use it indoors all year round. Cut it in half to create bumpers for doors. You can even wrap it in a decorative fabric to match your home dcor.

Many kids love putting Band-Aids on their boo boos, but they don't always love taking them off. Before you pull it off, saturate the bandage with baby oil for a quick and painless event.