Duct Tape

I know that we preach the value of duct tape all the time, but it really can’t be overstated as an invaluable multi-use item that every prepper should have. Just a few things that you can use duct tape for include:

• Patching tarps, rain gear, shoes and tents
• Splint a broken tent pole (or a leg!)
• Sealing broken windows
• Sealing leaky window sills and frame
• More

Salt

According to the Salt Institute, there are more than 14,000 uses for salt; as a matter of fact, Roman soldiers were actually PAID in it! That’s what we call a serious multi-use item and the fact that it’s an abundant, cheap mineral makes it even better.

In addition to tasting good, salt also acts as an antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent when used topically and can be used for a number of household cleaning and disinfecting purposes.

Here are just a few of the 14,000 uses!

• Salt melts ice
• Use it to preserve foods, especially meats
• Tenderize tough cuts of meat
• If you forage for nuts, soaking them in a salt water solution for several hours will make them easier to open
• A pinch of salt in coffee reduces bitterness
• More

Bleach

Bleach can be used to kill disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses and it takes very little to be; a 10:1 bleach/water solution will kill just about anything, including the AIDS and hepatitis viruses. Since disease is going to be a huge issue in a post-SHTF society, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

You can also use it to sanitize drinking water. Add ¼ teaspoon per gallon of clear water or ½ teaspoon per gallon of cloudy (but filtered) water. Let it stand for 30 minutes prior to drinking.

 

Vinegar

First, let’s differentiate between white vinegar and apple cider vinegar. White vinegar is a fermentation of dilute ethyl alcohol. Apple cider vinegar is a natural product made from fermented apples/juice. Both have awesome cleansing properties but apple cider vinegar is also has medicinal properties.

Keeping both on hand would be ideal but if you have to choose one or the other to stockpile, we would suggest going with apple cider vinegar, hands down.

Here are just a few uses for vinegar:

• The acetic acid in vinegar tenderizes meat
• Dabbing some vinegar onto a fish will help the scales come off easier
• Preserve eggs by pickling them in vinegar. White works best because of the distinctive flavor or apple cider, but either will do

 

Isopropyl Alcohol

Acts as an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral for wounds, first aid tools and surfaces. It’s also extremely flammable and can be used to make Sterno cans to cook with. If possible, go with 99% if you’re going to use it to burn instead of the 70% that most people grab.

Chalk

Can be used to mark paths, deter ants and insects if you put a line of it in your doorway, or even as a component to make biofuel.

Zip Ties

The uses are endless. To reuse them just slide a razor blade or small screwdriver into the teeth at the lock and pull the tab back out.

7 More Useful tips can be found @ Survivopedia