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I used to think micellar water was just a slightly more expensive version of water. Turns out I was completely wrong.

While most of us keep a bottle in our bathrooms to wash makeup off our faces at the end of the day, it's apparently a secret powerhouse for tackling some of the most frustrating messes around the house.

It works because it is packed with clever little molecules called micelles, which act like microscopic magnets to lock onto and lift away oil and pigment, dissolving the mess instantly, without needing harsh chemicals or aggressive scrubbing.

Cleaning and decluttering expert Anita Birges from Mis En Place told Mamamia that a humble bottle of micellar water is actually her ultimate multi-purpose secret weapon.

She relies on it for everything from wardrobe rescues to tech maintenance.

Here are the six genius ways she uses the budget-friendly beauty staple to clean up everyday disasters.

Watch: The Scandi 'dual-bedding' hack unpacked on Out Loud. Post continues below.

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The Scandi ‘dual-bedding’ hack | Mamamia Out Loud

1. Removing makeup from clothing instantly.

Anita said that micellar water is her absolute go-to for unexpected makeup stain wardrobe emergencies.

"You know when you're fully dressed, ready to walk out the door, and then you spot foundation smeared on your top, jumper, jeans, or somehow all three?" she asked. "Instead of getting changed or throwing it straight back into the wash, grab two things: micellar water and a clean cloth."

She explained you simply need to dab the stain, then sit back and watch it disappear. The best part is that it does not leave watermark stains when it dries, making it perfect for last-minute disasters.

Anita has used this trick on denim, knitwear, cotton, and plenty of other fabrics over the years, and it has worked every single time.

2. De-gunking car interiors.

Car detailing, too? Well, we never… Image: Supplied.

Because micellar water is designed to safely cut through facial oils and heavy creams without harsh chemicals, it makes an excellent detailing spray for the inside of your car.

Anita uses it to clean her steering wheel, interior door handles, and car visor, which she says can get quite grubby from daily handling.

3. Refreshing grubby charging cables.

If your white phone or laptop cords are looking a little grey and weathered, Anita has a brilliant way to bring them back to life.

"They can become surprisingly grubby from makeup, moisturiser, sunscreen, and everyday handling," she said.

Anita explained that applying a small amount of micellar water to a cloth helps lift heavy build-up and leaves tech cords looking noticeably cleaner.

4. Erasing fake tan and hair dye blunders.

Fake tan blunders and hair dye mishaps to boot! Image: Supplied.

We have all ended up with telltale orange palms or a dark stain around our foreheads after a DIY beauty session. Well, apparently, this is the fake tan saving grace we've all been waiting for.

And it's not only for streaky or unwanted fake tan in places it shouldn't be.

Anita uses the product to instantly clean up hair dye around the hairline, stained ears, and stained hands.

"I've found micellar water works best when used before the colour has fully set," she noted.

5. Saving furniture from kids' craft disasters.

AND paint? Okay, we are sold. Image: Supplied.

Before you panic over an accidental art session on your hard surfaces or rugs, Anita suggests trying a quick swipe of micellar water.

She has successfully used it to remove fresh acrylic paint from both a coffee table and carpet after one of her daughter's craft projects went a little off course.

"As with most stains, the sooner you tackle it, the better the result," she said.

6. Fixing makeup mistakes in seconds.

Instead of washing off an entire eye look because one side of your eyeliner is crooked, Anita uses a cotton tip dipped in micellar water as a quick erase button.

She explained that it is fantastic for very precise cleanup of eyeliner, lipstick, and eyeshadow fallout without forcing you to start your whole face over again.

Well, I don't know about you, but I will be off to bulk buy some more for the house, the car and to keep in my handbag.

Obviously, there are a heap on the market, but I love the price of the one below, and that it's a handy on-the-go size!

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water 125ml, $6.

Image: Chemist Warehouse.

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Feature Image: Supplied.

You can follow Anita Birges on Instagram for more helpful cleaning hacks and organisational tips.