How to Use Onions Around the House

Cut onions make our eyes water because of irritating sulfur compounds. The highest concentration of these compounds is in the root end of the onion, so leave the root intact to reduce irritation to the eyes. You can use your virtually tear-free onions to help with a number of common problems around the house.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Refresh a newly painted room. Place several fresh onion slices in a dish with a little water. Put the onions in the room and close the door for a few hours to completely absorb the smell of the new paint.
2. Leave a few onion slices at the scene of pet crimes--chewing or soiling--to discourage the behavior. Place freshly sliced onions in a shallow plate on or near the site of the problem.
3. Ease the pain of a bee sting. Grab an onion slice and place it directly on the wound to relieve the soreness. (Severe allergic reactions to bee stings should get immediate medical attention.)
4. Revive someone who's feeling faint. Slice an onion in half and pass it under the person's nose so that the strong smell brings her around.
5. Make a natural pesticide to spray in the garden. Puree 4 medium onions, 4 cloves of garlic and 4 tbs. of cayenne pepper, then stir into one quart of water and mix well. Put 2 gallons of water with 2 tbs. of laundry soap flakes into a sprayer. Add the puree mixture and shake well before spraying plants.