#69 Handy Tricks for Everyday Life

Life presents many small challenges that require practical solutions. The following is a list of 69 handy tricks to navigate through common problems efficiently.

1. Prevent Water from Boiling Over

Place a wooden spoon across the top of a boiling pot. The wood will keep the water from spilling over by popping the bubbles as they form.

2. Remove Pet Hair

Use a wet rubber glove to remove pet hair from upholstery. The hair sticks to the glove, making it easier to collect.

3. Clean Foggy Headlights

Apply toothpaste and scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse and wipe clean. The mild abrasive helps to clear up the fogginess in the plastic.

4. Microwave Cleaning Solution

Mix water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for a few minutes until it steams. The steam will loosen grime for easy wiping.

5. Organize Cables

Use bread clips to label and organize your cables. Attach them near the plugs to know which cable connects where.

6. Keep Shoes Fresh

Place dry tea bags in your shoes to absorb odors. They help to keep the shoes smelling fresh.

7. Stubborn Jar Lids

Wrap a rubber band around the lid of a jar to provide extra grip. Twist the lid and it should come off with ease.

8. Cutting Onions Without Tears

Chill the onions in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before cutting. The cold reduces the enzyme that causes tears.

9. Preventing a Cake from Sticking

Line the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper. Grease and flour the sides for easy release.

10. Temporary Hemming

Use a flat iron to press a temporary hem. It’s handy for quick fixes if you don’t have time to sew.

11. Whiteboard Cleaner

Use hand sanitizer to clean whiteboards. The alcohol dissolves marker residue effectively.

12. Ice Cream Scoop Hack

Warm up your ice cream scoop in hot water before use. It makes scooping easier and the ice cream slides right out.

13. Opening Tough Zippers

Rub a graphite pencil over the zipper’s teeth. The graphite acts as a lubricant, making the zipper glide smoothly.

14. Nail Polish Stain Remover

Use rubbing alcohol or hairspray on fabric stains caused by nail polish. Blot gently until the stain lifts.

15. Phone Speaker Amplifier

Place your phone in a bowl to amplify sound. The shape of the bowl enhances the volume naturally.

16. Keep Bananas Fresh

Wrap the stems of bananas in plastic wrap to slow down the ripening process. This keeps them fresh for longer.

17. Remove Labels Easily

Soak the item in warm soapy water for a few minutes. The labels peel off cleanly without leaving residue.

18. Keep Avocado Green

Store cut avocados with a slice of onion. The sulfur from the onion keeps the avocado from browning.

19. DIY Phone Stand

Use a sunglasses case as a makeshift phone stand. It holds your phone upright for easy viewing.

20. Quick Eggshell Removal

Add a splash of vinegar to boiling water before adding eggs. The vinegar makes the shells easier to peel.

• 21. Freshen Carpets: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let it sit, then vacuum.
• 22. Prevent Paint Drips: Place a rubber band around a paint can to wipe the brush on.
• 23. DIY Dustpan: Cut a plastic bottle in half to create a makeshift dustpan.
• 24. Stretch Tight Shoes: Fill a bag with water, place in the shoe, and freeze.
• 25. Smooth Caulk Lines: Smooth caulk with a wet finger for even application.
• 26. Unclog Showerheads: Soak in vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup.
• 27. Quick Garlic Peeling: Microwave cloves for 20 seconds for easy peeling.
• 28. Reheat Pizza: Place a cup of water in the microwave to keep pizza crust crispy.
• 29. Eliminate Ink Stains: Use milk to blot and remove ink from fabric.
• 30. Preserve Flowers: Add a teaspoon of sugar to your vase of water.
• 31. Keep Cookies Soft: Store with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
• 32. Remove Scratches: Rub walnuts on furniture to hide scratches.
• 33. Hair Tie Cleaners: Use hair ties to secure cords for easy management.
• 34. Polish Silver: Use baking soda and aluminum foil to restore shine.
• 35. Clean Blinds: Use an old sock dipped in a vinegar solution.
• 36. Freshen Fridge: Place a bowl of coffee grounds to neutralize odors.
• 37. Save Flip-Flops: Use a bread clip to repair broken straps.
• 38. Identify Keys Easily: Paint keys with nail polish for quick recognition.
• 39. Keep Paint Fresh: Store paint cans upside down to create a tight seal.
• 40. Tear-Free Tape End: Place a toothpick at the end of the tape roll.

Using these tricks can often save time, effort, and frustration. Whether you face an organizational dilemma or a cleaning hiccup, there’s a simple solution in this list ready to make your life easier.

41. Stop Slipping Rugs

Add a line of acrylic latex caulk to the underside corners of a rug. This added grip prevents slipping on hardwood and tile floors.

42. Even Pancakes

Use a ketchup bottle to pour pancake batter. This method ensures an even and mess-free pour each time.

43. Dryer Efficiency

Throw a dry towel in with your wet laundry. It reduces drying time by absorbing moisture more quickly.

44. Universal Removal Tool

Use a credit card to remove splinters, open boxes, or remove stickers. The edge works well for prying small objects.

45. Mosquito Relief

Dab a small amount of toothpaste (not gel) on mosquito bites to reduce itching and swelling through the mint’s cooling effect.

46. Candle Life Extender

Freeze candles before using them. This slows down the burning process, making them last longer.

47. Speed Up Computer

Use compressed air to clean dust from your computer’s vents and keyboard. This improves airflow and cooling, leading to better performance.

48. Picture Frame Alignment

Use toothpaste to mark hanging hardware on a wall. Dab a bit on the hardware, press the frame against the wall, and the spot is marked for drilling.

49. Keep Glasses Scratch-Free

Store glasses in a sock when traveling. This provides a cushioned layer preventing scratches and breaks.

50. Wrinkle-Free Clothes

Hang clothes in the bathroom while you shower. The steam helps to loosen wrinkles without needing an iron.

51. Simplify Measuring Honey

Spray your measuring cup with cooking spray before adding honey. This allows it to slide out easily without sticking.

52. Rusty Knife Fix

Soak rusty kitchen knives in a glass of lemon juice. The acid helps to dissolve the rust, making them easier to clean.

53. Sweater Shaver

Use a razor to gently shave off fuzz balls and lint from your sweaters, making them look new again.

54. Easy Key Ring Management

Use a staple remover to easily open key rings. It creates a gap wide enough to slide keys onto the ring without breaking a nail.

55. Separate Bananas for Longevity

Separate bananas from the bunch after bringing them home. They ripen more slowly when not touching each other.

56. Clean Blender Quickly

Fill the blender with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Blend for 30 seconds, and rinse clean.

57. Egg Freshness Test

Place eggs in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs sink while older eggs float, indicating they are no longer good to eat.

58. Instant Room Freshener

Place a couple of drops of essential oil on the air filter of your home’s HVAC system. It disperses a pleasant scent throughout the house.

59. Repel Ants Naturally

Sprinkle cinnamon at the entry point of ants in your home. The strong scent deters them from entering.

60. Bind Loose Screws

Wrap a small piece of thread around loose screws before inserting them. This provides additional grip, making the screws hold better.

These everyday life hacks prove invaluable when needing quick and practical solutions to common problems. Apply these handy tricks and discover how they can ease your daily routines.

61. Check Tire Tread

Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see his entire head, it’s time to replace the tire.

62. Prevent Lint on Clothes

Add a half-cup of distilled white vinegar to the wash cycle. It reduces static and keeps clothes lint-free.

63. Coffee Maker Cleaner

Run a mix of half water and half vinegar through your coffee maker. Follow with two cycles of plain water to clean and descale.

64. Chip Bag Stand

Fold the bottom of the chip bag upwards and inward to create a stable base. This keeps it standing upright to prevent spills.

65. Portable Sewing Kit

Use an empty mint tin to store needles, thread, and small scissors. It keeps essential sewing supplies organized and portable.

66. Remove Water Rings

Use mayonnaise on wooden furniture to remove water rings. Rub it in, let it sit for a few hours, then wipe clean.

67. DIY Desk Organizer

Use empty toilet paper rolls glued together to organize pens, pencils, and other small items.

68. Soften Butter Quickly

Grate cold butter with a cheese grater. It softens faster and easier for spreading or using in recipes.

69. Quick Zest

Use a vegetable peeler for a quick zesting of citrus fruits. It produces bigger strips, which can be finely chopped.

These handy hacks are practical tools that every person can benefit from knowing. These tricks cover a variety of everyday problems, providing straightforward solutions that are easy to implement.