Victor Holguin/Demand Media

If your nose is covered in small black specks even after you wash your face, you have blackheads. Blackheads are exposed plugs of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria that form in the openings of the hair follicles. You can remove blackheads with expensive pore-clearing strips available at drugstores, or you can save some cash by making your own pore strips at home with a few items from common household items.

Victor Holguin/Demand Media

Combine 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin and 1 1/2 teaspoons of any type of milk in a microwave-safe bowl. You can purchase powdered unflavored gelatin at the grocery store. Stir carefully with a spoon until completely mixed.

Victor Holguin/Demand Media

Place the gelatin and milk mixture in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or until it is warm -- not hot -- to the touch.

Victor Holguin/Demand Media

Apply a thin coating of the gelatin mixture to your nose using your fingertips. If the mixture is too thick, it will not dry.

Victor Holguin/Demand Media

Wait 10 to 15 minutes or until the mixture dries completely. The gelatin is opaque when it is wet and becomes translucent when it is dry.

Victor Holguin/Demand Media

Pull your skin taut while carefully peeling the gelatin strip off your nose. As you remove the gelatin strip, blackheads and dirt stick to the gelatin, clearing your pores.

Tip Apply the gelatin mixture to any area where you have blackheads, including the chin and forehead.