You're all set to wash those dishes clogging up the sink when you realize that you're out of dish soap. Instead of racing to the store, you can make a simple swap, tested and recommended by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.

Other products can be switched for one another, but there are some swaps you should never make.

If you run out of dish washing liquid, try laundry detergent instead.

A teaspoonful of detergent in a basin of hot water will cut grease on dirty dishes. Even the powdered variety will work -- just be sure it has completely dissolved in the water before adding the dishes (you may want to wear gloves to avoid drying out your hands).

To tackle cooked-on gunk, fill a grungy pan with hot water and a tablespoon of fabric softener and soak the dishes before sudsing in your detergent bath. Rinse all items to remove any residue or fragrance.

Tempted to do the reverse? Don't. Today's higher-efficiency washers require low-foaming detergents. Using inappropriate substitutions may damage the appliance and leave mountains of suds on your floor.

If you run out of silver polish, try toothpaste instead .

Plain, nongel toothpaste (without additives such as whiteners) can rid small silver pieces of light tarnish without damaging the surface. Moisten the silver piece and apply a bit of toothpaste to your finger. Rub gently and rinse, then buff with a soft cloth.

If you run out of carpet stain remover, try baby wipes or premoistened facial-cleaning wipes instead.

Soak up the spill with a paper towel or clean cloth, before using a baby wipe or a wet towelette (such as Olay Daily Facial Express).

Blot the carpet, turning the wipe as it absorbs the stain, until clean. Sponge the area with a damp cloth to rinse, and let dry.

If you run out of stain pre-treater, try hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) instead .

This medicine-cabinet staple has similar stain-fighting power to that of a color-safe bleach. And it can be applied directly to most fabrics, including washable silk and wool (but spot-test in a hidden place first).

Dab the stain, then launder right away in the warmest temperature permitted by the item's care label.

If you run out of fine-fabric detergent, try shampoo instead.

It will be as gentle on your delicates as it is on your hair. Pretreat any stains by gently rubbing in a drop of the shampoo. Then add a pea-sized dollop to the cold-water-filled sink. Wash, rinse, and lay flat to dry, as usual. Skip the conditioner.

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On another matter » With so many people gabbing on their cell phones for long periods of time, doctors are on the lookout for cubital tunnel syndrome, or "cell phone elbow." Prolonged arm-bending can overstretch the elbow's ulnar nerve and crimp blood supply, causing numbness and tingling in your pinkie and ring fingers. Or you may feel a shot of pain in your elbow (similar to hitting your funny bone). Worse, if you don't change your habits, the condition can eventually lead to surgery or even permanent nerve damage and muscle weakness. When you're on a lengthy call, switch sides every few minutes -- or, better, use a headset.