Shaving Cream: The Equalizer
If I close my eyes, I can see a small dark blue can in the wicker basket above the toilet that read “Barbasol”. To me, it was something to play with when I was hiding in the bathroom from my parents to avoid doing my chores. *Pop* goes the top but I hold on to it carefully so that it doesn’t hit the floor and alert my mom that I’m into something I haven’t any business touching. What does a 8 year old girl need with a can of shaving cream anyway? Scshhhhhhh! I push the white top and watch a glob of thick, white foam spill into my hands. What do I do with it? I hadn’t thought that far. One thing I know is that I have to get rid of it quick before someone comes looking for me. I’ll just wash it off, I think to myself. I turn on the faucet and watch the cream melt under the pressure of the cool water and travel down the drain. Little did I know, I was wasting something my adult self would LOVE a lifetime supply of. Here’s a few ways you can use shaving cream, today (besides the obvious, of course):
Anti-fog Your Mirrors: Cover your mirrors with shaving cream and then wipe it clean with a newspaper or microfiber cloth. Even after the hottest of showers, you’ll see clearly when you look in the mirror. Add this step in your cleaning routine to add an extra luxurious touch to your bathing experience!
Remove Strong Odors: For those of us who have fur babies (or potty training sons/little brothers), we know they can miss their mark sometimes. Urine can find it’s way to the floor and whenever that happens, the smell can stick to the surface. Spread the shaving cream in the smelly area and let it sit for 5-7 minutes. Use a damp cloth to wipe up the shaving cream and it will surely take the odor with it. (Do not use shaving cream on wooden floors, it may warp the wood)
Get Makeup Out Of Clothing: Add the shaving cream to the area and hand wash it, using cool to warm water (and a little dawn dish soap if you have it). If the stain is a tough one, add a drop or two of alcohol to the shaving cream and repeat the process.
*Bonus* Sensory play for little ones! Put your little one in a high chair or chair that has a tray connected to it. Fill the surface with shaving cream and add a few drops of food coloring to the shaving cream. Let your little one make the biggest mess they can from the comfort of their chair. The best part is, mom or dad can just wipe it up when the little one is done! No permanent damage and it’s guaranteed to pass the vibe check with your toddler.
Maybe you won’t go out and buy a new can of shaving cream. Im okay with that. As long as I gave you more uses for the one that has just been sitting in the bathroom cabinet, passing the days until expiration. We’re decluttering the world, one multipurpose household item at a time!