Mayo not just for sandwiches

Did you know that the mayonnaise you put on your sandwiches can be used around the house? The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids, Volume 2, offers many fun and practical uses for mayonnaise.

-  Don't let road tar on bikes or skateboards slow you down. Spread a dab of mayo over the tar. Wait a few minutes, then wipe with a clean rag. 

-  Oops! Crayon marks on wooden furniture? Mayo will make them disappear. Using a clean rag or finger, rub a dab of mayo on the spot. Wait a minute or two, then wipe with a damp cloth. 

-  Suffer no more from sunburn. A bit of mayo smoothed over the affected area will help relieve the pain and moisturize your skin. 

-  To remove a tight ring on your finger, cover the finger with mayonnaise and then gently pull the ring off. 

- Strengthen nails with a mayo manicure. Put a few spoonfuls of mayonnaise into a small bowl. Plunge your fingernails into it and keep them there for five minutes. Wash with warm water. 

-  When stubborn stickers won't come unstuck, try this trick. Scrape off as much of the sticker as you can. Then cover any remaining residue with a thick coating of mayonnaise. Wait a few minutes. Use a clean cloth to wipe off the mayonnaise and residue. 

-  Oh, no! head lice! Before going to bed, wash  hair and towel dry. Then apply mayonnaise all over  hair and scalp.

(It must be real mayonnaise, not light or fat-free or salad dressing.) Cover head with a shower cap and keep it on overnight. The next morning, rinse hair with warm water and comb with a lice comb. Repeat this process for several days. 

-  Gum in your hair? Rub mayonnaise on the gum. Wait a few minutes, then wipe the gum away and wash hair as usual.

For more fun facts and projects on astronomy, pets, health, nature, sports, and weather, as well as a companion activity guide, go to Almanac4kids.com.

The Old Farmer's Almanac for Kids, Volume 2 is on sale wherever books and magazines are sold.