Your fries can't live without it, your grilled cheese sandwich yearns for it, your hot dog begs for it. Ketchup is a household staple. I don't even eat the stuff, but my fridge is always stocked with it (what kind of hostess would I be if it wasn't?). Here are a few less common but very effective uses for the condiment that you may not have considered before.    

Courtesy of Heinz Canada. 

1. Boo boo healer: Got a ton of to-go ketchup packets you don't know what to do with? Don't toss them out; toss them in the freezer. When someone bumps his knee or her elbow, a little frozen packet can help soothe the ache.

2. Copper polish: Keep copper cookware spik and span by giving it a quick rubdown with a clean cloth loaded with ketchup. The acid of the tomatos will instantly clean away any dullness or blemishes. Rinse, dry and enjoy!

3. Mane manager: Chlorinated water, such as in a swimming pool, can infuse hair with an unpleasant odour and lend light-coloured locks a green tinge. Correct the damage by applying ketchup to the hair as you would shampoo and leaving it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, shampoo and condition as usual.

Do you use ketchup in a surprising way around the house? Tell me all about it by leaving a comment below.