10 new ways to use nail polish remover

The toxic, foul-smelling chemicals in nail polish remover are so strong they can dissolve plastic. So it's no wonder that this cleaner is useful for tackling some difficult jobs around the house.

I've personally wielded the brightly-colored formulas to banish stubborn scorch marks from overcooking bagged popcorn in my microwave. (Full disclosure: While it did remove the black stains, it left a sickly yellowish tint behind.)

Others who experimented with nail polish remover's noxious properties found that it is also handy for getting rid of ink stains on your skin -- or walls -- as well as paint on windows, stickers on glass, and plastic wrapping from baked goods that is plastered on your toaster oven door.

A disclaimer often accompanies advice on alternative uses for nail polish remover: Make sure you apply a small amount of the chemical using a clean cloth, cotton swab, or Q-tip, in an area with plenty of ventilation.