Baby shampoo, $5.49

( Bill Hogan, Chicago Tribune / August 6, 2012 )

The usual: Use it to wash kids' (or your own) hair. The "no more tears" is a plus at any age.

The unusual: This is the absolute best for cleaning your cashmere sweaters and accessories. They'll be spotless and softer than when you started. The shampoo treats the delicate fibers gently. Never dry clean cashmere, by the way. And, if you've heard that you can use baby shampoo to remove eye makeup, don't do it. Even baby shampoo will burn your eyes if you slather it on vigorously.