This post may contain affiliate links.
Stocking up on essential survival gear is a must when preparing for emergencies. But you don’t always have to rely on specialty items or expensive tools to prepare for the unexpected.
Many everyday household items can serve multiple purposes and be surprisingly useful in survival. From duct tape to coffee filters, these common items can be repurposed to meet your needs when resources are limited.
Here’s a list of 18 household items you probably already have that can double as survival gear, making them smart additions to your emergency supplies.
Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)
Petroleum jelly has many practical applications in survival situations. While it’s widely known for skincare, this petroleum jelly has a long shelf life (up to 10 years or more) and offers numerous practical applications.
- Start fires when applied to cotton balls
- Moisturize and hydrate skin
- Prevent chapped lips
- Help heal wounds and soothe bug bites
- Protect cuts from dirt and debris
- Waterproof small items
16 Survival Uses for Vaseline You’ve Probably Never Considered
Duct Tape
Duct tape is an incredibly useful tool that every household should have. It’s especially popular among survivalists and preppers because it has hundreds of uses.
- Create cordage for tying or securing items
- Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
- Repairs torn clothing, gear, or broken tools
- Create or patch holes in tarps, tents, and shelters
- Waterproof containers or patch leaks
- Make emergency bandages
- Cover Sharp Edges
27 Ways You Can Use Duct Tape in a Survival Situation
Salt
Salt is commonly used to season food, adding depth to the natural taste of ingredients. While too much salt can be linked to health issues like high blood pressure, it remains an essential part of cooking. Beyond the kitchen, salt has a wide range of practical uses, especially in survival situations.
- Use salt to preserve meat and fish, drawing out moisture and preventing spoilage.
- Saltwater can be used to clean and disinfect minor cuts and scrapes.
- Salt can be added to water in small amounts to help replenish electrolytes and prevent dehydration.
- Improve the flavor of foraged or caught food with salt to make it more palatable.
- Use salt to melt ice in cold climates, making pathways safer or for obtaining drinking water from ice.
17 Unsual Uses for Salt You’re Probably Not Aware Of
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer can serve several practical purposes beyond just cleaning hands in a survival situation.
- Hand sanitizer’s alcohol content makes it flammable, making it a quick and easy fire starter.
- Use hand sanitizer to clean small cuts, scrapes, or wounds when no other antiseptic is available.
- Wipe down tools, knives, or cooking surfaces to kill germs and bacteria.
Rubbing Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol, often referred to as rubbing alcohol, is well-known for disinfecting wounds and is used in hand sanitizers and household cleaners. However, its uses extend far beyond these as a surprisingly useful tool in survival situations and emergencies. Here are a few survival uses for rubbing alcohol.
- Rubbing alcohol is commonly used to disinfect wounds and clean first aid tools.
- Rubbing alcohol’s flammability makes it a reliable option for starting fires. Pour a small amount of kindling or wood to help ignite a fire quickly.
- Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean surfaces, tools, and utensils.
- Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to insect bites to relieve itching and reduce inflammation.
14 Survival Uses for Rubbing Alcohol Everyone Should Learn
Chapstick
Chapstick is a small yet valuable tool for survival situations.
- Apply chapstick to a cotton ball, cloth, or dry leaves to make an excellent fire starter.
- Use it to seal small cracks in containers, waterproof zippers, or cover gear seams to prevent moisture from seeping in.
- Apply chapstick to stuck zippers, knives, or hinges to lubricate and free them for smooth operation.
- Chapstick can be a temporary barrier for small cuts or cracked skin, helping protect the wound from dirt and moisture.
Dental Floss
Dental floss can be used for the following:
- Strong and lightweight, dental floss can be used as an improvised fishing line.
- Tie up bundles of sticks and secure tarps
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is a useful kitchen staple known for its versatility and reliability. Surprisingly, this household staple goes beyond just covering your favorite dishes in the oven. There’s so much more that you can do with aluminum foil, as it has so many practical and survival situations.
- Cook food over an open flame.
- Signal for rescue by reflecting sunlight
- Shape into a bowl or cup for water or food
- Protect equipment like
batteries from moisture
Heavy Duty Trash Bags
Trash bags are heavy-duty and great for emergencies.
- Turn into a makeshift rain poncho
- Lay under your sleeping area as a ground cover
- Use as a temporary roof or windbreak
- Store food, supplies, or firewood in a waterproof container
- Fill with leaves or grass for insulation in cold weather
- Waterproof items like fire-starting materials or electronics
- Collect and carry water
- Store foraged food or leftovers
Baking Soda
Baking soda is more than just for baking; it can be a survival staple.
- Use as a deodorant or foot powder
- Brush your teeth with baking soda
- Soothe insect bites or sunburns
- Smother small grease fires
- Wash your fruits and vegetables
- Add a pinch to improve the taste of stored water
Cotton Balls
Cotton balls can be surprisingly helpful in survival scenarios.
- Combine with petroleum jelly to create a fire starter
- Use as padding for blisters or wounds
Bleach
Bleach is crucial for sanitization and survival.
- Purify water
- Sanitize surfaces or utensils
- Eliminate mold on shelter materials or storage areas
- Clean clothes or bandages in emergencies
- Deter insects by cleaning areas prone to infestations
Coffee Filters
Coffee filters serve multiple purposes beyond making coffee.
- Filter debris from the water before purifying
- Use as tinder for starting fires
- Strain seeds or particles from liquids or food
- Light a fire by burning a dry coffee filter
- Wrap small items like foraged foods for storage
Zip Ties
Zip ties are strong and flexible, making them ideal for survival needs.
- Secure tarps or poles for shelter building
- Fix broken straps, backpacks, or tools
- Hold sticks and firewood together for easier carrying
- Create hooks for hanging food or gear off the ground
Paracord
Paracord is one of the most universal survival tools.
- Tie up tarps or secure branches for shelter building
- Unravel the inner strands to use as fishing line
- Create a tourniquet or tie a splint in place
- Set snares or traps for catching small animals
- Hang clothes or gear to dry
Tin Cans
Empty tin cans can be used in multiple survival situations.
- Cook food or boil water
- Create a makeshift stove by adding ventilation holes
- Use as a lantern by placing a candle inside
- Make noise to signal for help
- Purify water by boiling it inside the can
Glass Jars
Glass jars are ideal for storage and survival scenarios.
- Store dry goods or foraged foods
- Purify water by leaving it in the sun
- Use as a wind-protected candleholder
- Ferment vegetables or make sourdough starters
- Trap insects by placing bait inside
Paperclips
Paperclips are surprisingly handy when repurposed for survival.
- Bend into a makeshift fishing hook
- Fix broken zippers or fasten items together
- Pick basic locks in emergencies.
- Hang up clothes to dry by attaching them to a rope
- Create friction to help spark a fire
15 Essential Things Preppers Should Stockpile Besides Food And Water
Here’s a list of 15 things you should start stocking up on now, beyond just food and water, to stay prepared and ready for anything.
15 Essentials Things Preppers Should Stockpile Besides Food And Water
12 Houseplants to Grow in a Cup of Water
Many houseplants flourish when grown directly in water. Yes, that’s right, you can grow your favorite houseplants in water without the need for soil. All that’s needed is to take cuttings from an existing plant and place them in water to promote root development.
12 Houseplants to Grow in a Cup of Water
14 Surprising Uses for Olive Oil Everyone Should Know
Olive oil has many surprising uses you would not expect. Check out these 14 practical uses for olive oil that might change how you see this kitchen essential.
