1. Repel insects
For a natural alternative to bug spray, rub a halved onion on your skin or clothes.
2. Soothe an insect bite or a bee sting
If you've got an itchy mosquito bite or a painful bee sting, try rubbing a raw onion over the affected area to ease the pain or irritation.
3. Prepare some onion tea to soothe a sore throat
To soothe a sore throat, boil a cup of water with the peels of half an onion.
4. Remove splinters
Lay a halved raw onion on top of a splinter and cover it with a piece of tape or adhesive bandage. Keep the onion there for about an hour and once you remove it, the splinter should have loosened and be easier to pull out.
5. Polish metal
Prepare a mix of crushed onion and one part water. Then, using a damp cloth, rub the mixture on a metal surface, until it appears shiny and clean.
6. Clean the grill
First scrub the grill with a wire brush to remove gunk. Switch on the grill. Use a halved onion, speared through a fork, and run the onion over the grill until all of the dirt is gone.
7. Ward off ants
If ants are a problem you face at home, leave a bowl of raw onion slices out. The scent should ward them off.
8. Create a DIY dye
While onions appear translucent in color, they make a beautiful vibrant red or orange dye. Just gather the skins and place them in a pair of nylon pantyhose or a nut milk bag and tie a knot at the end. Boil them in a pot for about 20 minutes. The liquid should be a bright dye, perfect for paper, yarn or fabric.
9. Soak up the smell of burnt rice
A great way to get rid of that smoky smell from burnt rice is to place half an onion next to the stove to absorb the smell.
10. Prevent your windshield from frosting up
Slice a raw onion in half and rub it on your windshield at night. This technique will help prevent frost from forming overnight.
11. Keep avocados from turning brown
A slice of red onion can be placed alongside an avocado in an airtight container to prevent it from browning. You may also add slices of red onion on top of guacamole.
12. Get rid of that 'new paint' smell
Place a couple of slices of onion in a bowl of water and leave the bowl in the newly-painted room overnight to absorb the strong smell of paint fumes.
13. Clean rusty knives
If your knives are rusting, jab them into a large, raw onion.
14. Soothe a burn
Rub an onion on top of a burn to temporarily relieve the pain. Onions also have antibacterial properties to keep the wound from becoming infected.
15. Keep unwanted animals out of your yard
If you often have a problem with raccoons, chipmunks or your neighbor's cat, sprinkle a couple of onion slices around the yard or garden to keep them away.
