Bread…Because it’s so spongy and absorbent, bread is a great way to sop up spills before they seep too deeply into a tablecloth. “It’s great for dabbing up oil, sauces, wine and really most liquids,” Koch writes in an email. The next time you’re at dinner and something splatters the tabletop, reach for a piece of bread to limit the damage.

In the same vein, Country Living reports that the gluten in bread acts as a magnet for dirt. Indeed, if you’re plagued by smudges of mysterious provenance on walls, cabinets and door frames, a balled-up slice of white or rye bread works as a natural eraser. Take the crust off a slice, roll the remainder into a sponge, and dab it against the offending mark to lift it. Koch warns against rubbing too hard, though, to avoid leaving behind crumbs.

Bread also picks up broken glass like a champion. “If you aren’t sure, you got all the pieces, just press a slice of bread around the area, and any shards will stick to it,” writes Koch. Take care not to use too much pressure, to protect your fingers from getting pricked.