Make Life A Bit Easier With These Amazingly Simple Home Hacks
Whether you own or rent your home, there are countless things to take care of on a daily basis. From scuff marks on the walls, a clogged drain, or weird odors coming from the fridge, you can bet there's a simple hack to fix the problem. Here's a go-to guide to fixing just about everything around the house. Once you learn these amazing tips, you'll wonder how you got along without them.
Egg Cartons Can Hold Those Almost-Empty Condiments Upside-Down
You can help stretch your food budget with this handy home hack! Some people throw away condiments once they're almost empty, but that's a waste of money. However, storing all those bottles upside down takes up a lot of room in the fridge.
Here's the solution: an empty egg carton! It will help you squeeze every last drop out of those bottles and keeps them from tipping over, too. This hack really cuts the mustard.
Remove Carpet Indentations With Ice Cubes
If you have carpeting in your home, then you know all about the unattractive indentations that happen when furniture is in the same place for a while. And those dents don't really go away on their own, even after several weeks.
However, you can help get rid of those indentations in a day! It's a simple fix: just place ice cubes on the dented areas. When the ice melts, wipe up the extra water and fluff the carpet out. This might take a few tries but it's worth it to get your carpet or rug looking its best again.
A Rubber Band Can Turn Your Door Into A "Hands-Free Entry"
You can turn your front door into a "hands-free entry" with a single rubber band. This hack will come in handy if you're carrying in groceries or something else you need both your hands to deal with.
Just wrap a rubber band around the doorknobs as shown. This will stop the door from latching so you can just push it open when you enter. Don't forget to remove the rubber band when you're done, though!
Keep Can Liners In Place With Command Hooks
Many people reuse plastic grocery bags as trash can liners, but there's one problem. Every time you toss something into the garbage, the bag tends to go in along with it. If you have some Command hooks on hand, you can quickly solve this dilemma.
Just stick those hooks on the sides of the garbage bin and hook the bag loops over them. This way, your liner stays in place and you don't have to touch garbage anymore! This works for regular trash bags and liners, too.
Conserve Water With This Clever Commode Trick
People are increasingly concerned about the environment and what we can do to be more eco-friendly. Saving water is just one way to contribute. Reducing the amount of water that your toilet uses to flush can substantially cut back on your household's water usage.
Here's a trick to do this yourself without purchasing an expensive new low-flow toilet. Simply put a brick (or a jar full of water) in your toilet's tank. After flushing, less water will be required to refill the tank due to the space that the brick is taking up.
You Won't Believe What Salt Can Do To A Clogged Drain
Not many people get through life without experiencing a clogged sink at some point. If your sink is draining slowly, try using salt to clear the clog. Simply mix 1/2 a cup of salt in with a full cup of baking soda and pour down the drain.
It's easiest to do this overnight because you'll want to let the salt mixture sit for about 4-6 hours. Then, run hot water to flush the salt and baking soda down the drain. You might need to repeat this process for stubborn clogs.
Use Hot Glue To Make A Non-Slip Hanger
One common gripe that people have about clothing storage is the fact that smoother fabrics tend to slip right off standard hangers. Sure, you can buy those velvet-covered ones but that's pretty costly.
Instead, make your own non-slip hangers using a little bit of glue. Just squeeze out a thin layer on the shoulders with your hot glue gun. Silk dresses and satin camisoles will stay neatly in their place now!
Dusty Blinds? Try Using Tongs!
Anyone who's ever struggled to dust their window blinds or shades is probably eager to learn a better way to do that dreaded chore. Here's a tip: grab those tongs from the kitchen and put them to good use!
Just use a rubber band to attach a rag or a microfiber cloth to the ends of the tongs. Now, you have a custom tool that will grab the dust from both sides of the blinds as you work. Then, toss your cloth in the wash and enjoy your clean window coverings.
There's A Smarter Way To Store Ground Beef
We love any hacks that make mealtime easier, and here's one we hadn't heard before. Ground beef is a great item to have on hand for last-minute dinner ideas, but it takes a while to thaw after being frozen.
You can solve this dinnertime dilemma but rolling your ground beef out flat before storing it. It will thaw much quicker. As an extra bonus, this storage technique will also save a ton of room in the freezer.
Tension Rods Are A Great Under-Sink Storage Solution
Many people store their cleaning supplies and equipment under the bathroom or kitchen sink... it's a convenient spot for those items. However, the space under a sink is not usually very roomy and can become cluttered with bottles and boxes.
Thankfully, there's an easy solution, and one you might already have sitting around: a tension rod. This way, you can hang spray bottles on the rod, freeing up the space underneath for other cleaning supplies.
This Clever Hack Will Change Your Bathroom For Good
Essential oils have certainly increased in popularity over recent years. It seems that there's an oil out there to help with any health issue you can think of. Well, here's a way to use essential oils in a way you've probably never thought of.
Instead of using the oil on yourself, apply a few drops to the cardboard of your toilet paper roll. The fragrance will soak in, and every time someone takes a piece of paper, the scent will be released into the air. You might even get compliments on your bathroom's aroma!
Get To Know That Switch On Your Ceiling Fan
It's common knowledge that warm air rises, but did you know this fact can help keep your home's temperature more comfortable? In the colder winter months, we don't want that warm air to rise up to the ceiling.
To solve this seasonal problem, most ceiling fans have a switch that changes the fan blades' direction. Flip this switch when it's chilly out and the blades will move in a clockwise direction, pushing all that warm air right down on you.
Old Bottles Make Beautiful Storage For Jewelry
If you're into the vintage and/or eclectic look in home decor, then this jewelry storage hack might be right up your alley. You can use old glass bottles to store, organize, and display your jewelry collection.
Each necklace and bracelet is easy to see and grab when you're on the way out the door. And this attractive arrangement of bottles would look perfect sitting on a vanity table or a dresser.
Freeze Those Fresh Herbs!
This is a hack that foodies have known about for years. Now you can join their ranks! If you frequently use fresh herbs in your cooking, you know that their freshness is super important to the taste of the dish you're making.
To keep fresh herbs from going bad, layer herbs (stems left on) on a baking sheet or plate and put it in the freezer. Alternately, you can dice the herbs and freeze them in ice cube trays along with some olive oil.
Make Your Own Hiding Spot For A Spare Key
A spare key to your home can really come in handy at times such as if you accidentally lock yourself out, or if you need to have someone stop by and check on things unexpectedly. The problem is where to keep a spare key so that strangers don't find it?
Check out this nifty DIY key hider that you can make from an empty prescription bottle and a rock or a pine cone (or some other foliage found in your front yard). Simply bury the bottle under a shrub or by some rocks near the door and you'll never be locked out again.
Don't Throw Out Empty Pringles Cans
Isn't it frustrating that spaghetti noodles usually come in boxes that can't seal back up after you open the package? The pasta then loses its freshness over time, and it's not any fun to spill noodles on the floor of the pantry when the box isn't closed up.
Well, try this storage hack. Pringles cans are the perfect size to store those unused spaghetti noodles. Just wash the can out first.
Pool Noodles Can Help Keep Your Vehicles Dent-Free
If your garage is on the narrow side, or your car is on the large side (or both!), you might have a difficult time opening your door without dinging it into the wall. Well, there's a hack to help you solve the problem and it's as simple as cutting a pool noodle in half.
Then, attach each of the pieces to the garage walls on either side of your vehicle. Now, your doors will gently touch the foam pool noodle instead of the hard wall. Smart!
Remove Crayon From The Wall With WD-40
Although most of us want nothing more than to encourage our kids to be creative, that sometimes means that there are "special" messes involved. And cleaning those messes up can be a chore at times.
If your little Picasso has decided to color directly onto your walls with their crayons, don't fret! A little bit of WD-40 can help wipe those stray marks away. Just use some on a paper towel or washcloth and gently buff out the crayon.
Garment Bags Are The Perfect Way To Store Wrapping Paper
Unless you're lucky enough to live in a house that has its own dedicated gift-wrapping room (yes, that's a thing), you've probably struggled with where to store your wrapping paper.
Instead of letting those tubes of paper collect dust under the bed or get crushed in the closet, try keeping them in a garment bag. A garment bag is the right size for most paper tubes and even better, you can hang it up and out of the way when you're not using it.
Leftover Paint Can Come In Handy
Nothing beats the feeling of satisfaction that comes from completing a room painting job. And every time you walk into that room, the same happy feeling floods back. When the inevitable nicks and scrapes start happening to your beautifully painted wall, however, that can be frustrating.
You can avoid this problem by saving some of the leftover paint when you're done with a project. Small containers, such as mason jars or baby food jars work great for this. Now, you'll always have touch-up paint on hand and your walls can stay looking pristine for years.
An Unexpected Use For A Squeegee
If you've thought of a squeegee as a tool to use for wet tasks (cleaning showers, etc), you're not wrong. But there's also a fantastic and unexpected use for a squeegee that doesn't involve any water or cleaning products: removing pet hair!
Actually, squeegees are a terrific way to loosen up any pet fur that's matted into rugs or carpeting. If you do this before vacuuming, you'll really get those floors clean.
This Household Item Can Help You Remove A Stripped Screw
Anyone who's stripped a screw while using a drill knows how frustrating it can be. You have to stop what you're doing and remove the screw before starting over again. Fortunately, there's a simple hack to stop the problem.
Just put a rubber band between the screwdriver tip and the head of the screw. The rubber helps fill the gaps in the screw's head and acts as a grip on the drill bit.
Shower Curtain Hooks Hold More Than Curtains
This is a fun clothing storage hack that's useful for anyone who's short on hangers. You can use shower curtain hooks to hang up clothing and other items.
Using hooks is actually ideal for certain things, such as jackets or other items you're always grabbing for. They also take up less space than the traditional way of hanging clothes. And as an added bonus, lots of clothing comes with tabs or loops that make hanging them a breeze.
Binder Clips Can Free Up Space In The Freezer
Here's another example of a product that was originally made for one purpose can be useful in other ways, too. Binder clips, traditionally considered office supplies, are a great convenience in the kitchen.
These nifty clips are especially good for hanging bagged frozen foods from the freezer racks. It's easier to see the items you're looking for, and it also saves valuable freezer space. Just fold the top of the bag over and clip it to the wire.
Here's A Clever Way To Store Your Tall Boots
Footwear fans everywhere know the truth about what happens to their calf- and knee-high boots when they're stored over the warm months. They tend to get floppy and develop creases in the fabric or leather.
But luckily, there's an inexpensive and easy hack to keep those boots in perfect condition year-round. You're just going to take a pool noodle, cut it to the length needed, and stuff them into those tall boots. They'll look great when fall and winter roll around again!
Use Command Hooks For Your Holiday Decorations
People who are into home organization and decor are well aware of how handy Command hooks are. These convenient hooks can be used to hang just about anything and they're perfect for a variety of different hacks too, as we saw earlier.
Did you know that you can use a Command hook to hang a wreath on the front door? Just hang the hook upside down, on the inside of the door. Then use a cord to run over the top of the and secure your wreath wherever you like it on the front of the door! So festive!
Easily Clean Dusty Vents In The Dishwasher
One little item that even the tidiest people tend to overlook when they're cleaning are air-conditioning vents. They're just so easy to miss when you're focusing on major tasks like cleaning the tub or vacuuming the rug.
Here's a quick solution to dusty vents that you might not have expected. Take them out, close them, and run them through the dishwasher. They'll come out clean and dust-free. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly so they don't rust.
Ceramic Coffee Mugs Can Act As Sharpening Tools
Dull knives don't just make food prep and cooking more difficult, it's also more dangerous. Therefore, it's important to keep your knives well maintained and sharpen them regularly.
If you find yourself without a knife sharpener, there's a surprising substitute you can use. Ceramic does the trick pretty well! Just run the blade over the ridge at the bottom of a ceramic coffee mug or plate, and you've got a temporary way to put a sharper edge on the knife.
Pot Lid Racks Are Great For Organizing Purses
If you've been storing your purses and handbags in a box at the back of the closet, then you'll probably be interested in giving this stage hack a shot. Try using a pot lid rack, yes, from the kitchen, to neatly stow and display your small clutches and handbags. They're all right there at your fingertips!
As we've seen time and time again, getting creative and using items in different ways can really pay off when it comes to organization.
Store Your Hammer And Nails Together With A Magnet
Almost every household has a hammer. Even if you don't use it much, a hammer is one of those items that are really handy to have on hand when you need one. The problem is that loose nails tend to scatter everywhere in the junk drawer or toolbox.
Try this storage tip for your hammer and nails in order to keep everything together. Attach a magnet to the base of the hammer (the very bottom) and your nails will always be right there when you need them.
You Can Use Old Desk Organizers Anywhere!
Just because an organizer is labeled for use in the office doesn't mean that you can't use it in other parts of the home! Those organizers can be very useful in so many places: the the bathroom, the kid's room, the kitchen... the list goes on and on.
Pantries, especially, are a place where the small compartments in office organizers can come in handy. Anyone feeling inspired to tidy up their spice rack now?
Hide An Ugly Router
Since WiFi has become a necessity in most homes, we've gotten used to seeing those tell-tale boxes sitting out in the open. It's not a very attractive item, but fortunately, a router is incredibly easy to disguise with a little creativity.
Your imagination is the limit when it comes to hiding a router. This person hollowed out a large leather-bound book and placed an old-fashioned camera on top for a vintage look that matches the decor better than an electronic box!
Cardboard Tubes Can Organize All Those Cables
If you're like many people, you have a box or a drawer that's full of tangled cords and cables. How frustrating not to be able to quickly access the cord you need.
There's a quick and easy way to solve this modern storage dilemma. Just repurpose TP or paper towel tubes into tidy cable holders. Be sure to label each tube so you know exactly which cord is in there.
Repurpose A Rarely-Used Beverage Dispenser To Hold Laundry Detergent
Is there a beverage dispenser collecting dust in your closet? Many people buy these attractive dispensers for a special party or other event and then never use it again. That doesn't mean it's destined to be donated at the local Goodwill, though.
Repurpose that beautiful glass dispenser to measure out laundry detergent instead of beverages! It will look great sitting on the counter in your laundry room and is so much more convenient than lifting a heavy bottle each time you do a load.
Get More Out Of Your Air Freshener With This Tip
If you have a stubborn smell in your home and need to quickly cover it up, your car air fresher might be the answer to your problem. On its own, a small air freshener meant for a vehicle is probably not going to go too far in the more open space of a home.
Here's what to do. Just clip that air freshener to a fan (preferably one that oscillates) and it will spread the pleasant fragrance throughout the house.
Make A DIY Plastic Bag Dispenser
Plastic bags can be incredibly convenient. Although many of us have switched over to reusable bags for shopping purposes, there are so many ways to put the plastic ones to good use.
They are, however, a pain to store in an organized way. Instead of keeping them in a messy pile in the hall closet, try storing them neatly in an empty tissue box, which also acts as a dispenser for the bags. You'll want to keep one in your car, too!
Your Closet Will Thank You For Trying This Space-Saving Hanger Hack
Sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest. Who hasn't complained about a lack of closet space at least once in their lives? Well, have you ever considered doubling up on hangers as you're putting your clothes in the closet?
Placing a soda can tab on one hanger and hanging the second hanger from that tab will let you keep two items of clothing in the space of one! You can double your clothing storage this way.
Got Shoe Organizers? Use Them For A Variety Of Tasks
It turns out that those hanging shoe organizers that you see hanging on closet doors are better for more than storing shoes. Just think of the potential!
These organizers can be especially useful in the pantry, where smaller items can be easily seen and reached. You might also consider using these hanging organizers in the bathroom to store health and beauty products... or to hold craft supplies in the kid's room... you get the idea.
Keep Your Cords Organized By Labeling Them
Technology has changed our lives for the better, in most cases. But all those cords that we need now can sure get messy, and it's really frustrating trying to figure out which cord goes to what device when they're all tangled up in a knot.
There's an easy way to skip this frustration: label the cords before you plug them in. Just use bread bag tags or some tape and make a note identifying which device it goes with.
No Chip Clip? Use This Instead
Why does it always seem like you can't find a chip clip when you need one? It's almost uncanny how there's never one around when you're about to close up that bag of chips.
Instead of digging around in the junk drawer for 20 minutes to try and find a clip, use a wine cork! All you need to do is slice the cork halfway up one side, and use the slit to seal your snack bag.
Magazine Holders Can Be Used To Store Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are pretty great. It's the perfect way to stay hydrated on the go, without purchasing one-use-only plastic bottles that end up clogging our landfills. Storing all those reusable bottles can be a chore, though.
Have you tried using a magazine holder? It turns out that they're the perfect size for storing and organizing all your water bottles in one convenient place. Magazine organizers can be used for lots of other tasks, too!
Easily Deodorize The Fridge
This is a common hack that many people grow up knowing about, but it's worth sharing for those who didn't already know about the magic of baking soda! Refrigerators can start to stink over time, and fortunately, there's an easy way to solve the problem.
Here's how: just open a box of baking soda and place it in the back of the fridge to neutralize any bad odors inside. Replace the box with a new one every couple of months, and you'll keep your fridge smelling fresh
Stop Those Door Hinges From Squeaking
Anyone who's heard of the product WD-40 is probably familiar with this hack. It's the easiest way to stop a squeaky door from making that obnoxious sound whenever it's open or closed.
All you need to do is put a thin layer of the oil on those squeaky hinges. Then, open and close the door a few times to be sure the oil has spread. If there's any excess oil on the hinges, you can just use a cloth or paper towel to wipe it off.
Leaky Faucets Keeping You Awake? Not Anymore!
If you've ever been kept awake at night by an annoying leaky faucet that keeps drip, drip, dripping away is going to be interested in learning this trick. Until you can deal with the leak yourself or call a plumber, try this hack to get some peace and quiet.
Just tie a piece of dental floss around the head of the faucet, and make sure it hangs all the way down to the bottom of the sink's basin. Now, those water droplets will silently glide down the floss instead of splashing loudly into the sink.
Restore Tarnished Silver To Looking Bright And Shiny
Over time, all silver starts to tarnish and look dull. Don't fret about how your Thanksgiving table is going to look... try this easy hack instead.
All you need to do is spray down any tarnished silver items with WD-40. Let the coat sit for 10 minutes or so and then wipe it off with warm water and a washcloth. Repeat whenever your treasured silver set starts to tarnish again.
Remove Permanent Marker From Washable Surfaces
Have you ever accidentally grabbed a Sharpie when you're using a whiteboard? Anyone who's made that mistake has probably been pretty frustrated at themselves for ruining a perfectly good whiteboard (or any other surface you've used a permanent marker on).
Fortunately, you don't have to toss that whiteboard next time this happens. Just mix some water with baking soda, apply it to a sponge, and gently scrub the permanent marker away.
Remove Driveway Oil Spots With Soda
Many of us enjoy drinking a cold bottle of Coca-Cola every now and then, but did you realize that the familiar fizzy product has some handy uses around the house? Take this hack, for example.
If you have unsightly oil or grease spots on your driveway, Coke can help get them out. Just soak the stain(s) with some of the soda and let it sit for a few hours. Then hose it off and those stains will be gone.
Vinegar Can Be Used As A Natural House Cleaner
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be used as a natural alternative to harsh bathroom and kitchen cleaners. The active ingredient in ACV is acetic acid, which kills bacteria and is safe to use on most surfaces.
All you need to do is mix 1 cup of water with half a cup of your handy dandy ACV, and you'll have a natural all-purpose cleaner that's much less harsh than any commercial product.
Clean Your Windows With Newspaper
This hack is another one of those old wives' tales that actually works, so if you haven't tried it yet it's worth a shot next time you're cleaning your windows. It turns out that newspaper makes an excellent window cleaner.
The reason is that newsprint is super absorbent, meaning that it actually absorbs the liquid instead of just smearing it around and making the glass look even dirtier than before. White vinegar, water, and newspaper are all you need to keep your windows sparkling and clean.
Keep Jewelry Organized With A Tension Rod
Those tension shower curtain rods are useful for so many purposes than just holding up shower curtains. Another clever way to make use of a tension rod is to keep your jewelry organized and untangled.
With a couple of small rods, you can transform any small area in your home into a jewelry display center that's both organized and cute to look at! Just think how much easier it will be to accessorize on those busy mornings.
Remove Sticky Gunk Effortlessly
WD-40 is one of those products that should be kept in every household because it's just that useful. In addition to un-squeaking rusty hinges and polishing silverware, it's also great for removing sticky gunk, like adhesives leftover from stickers, from just about any surface.
Just spray WD-40 on the spot and simply use a paper towel or rag to wipe it away. That gummy sticky mess will be gone in a flash!
Get Rid Of Weeds The Natural Way
If you're sensing a trend with the apple cider vinegar hacks, it's because ACV is simply one of the best items to keep around the house for so many different reasons. Yet another great use for the stuff is as a natural weed killer.
The acetic acid in ACV is strong enough to kill weeds on contact. After spritzing a mix of vinegar and water on any weeds, you should see them withering up within a matter of days.
Clean Off Your Iron Using Baking Soda
Over time, irons tend to develop a build-up of starch and other products that you use on your clothing. If you see a build-up of crud on your iron, it's time to do something about it or it can damage your clothes or any other items you use the iron for.
Baking soda comes to the rescue here. Simply mix together a paste of water and baking soda, scrub the metal part of the iron with it and then wipe it off.
If You're Out Of Toilet Cleaner, Coke Can Do The Job
Now, bear with us here. It might seem bizarre to even think about using Coca-Cola on the toilet, but this actually works. The acidity levels in Coke means that it's excellent at killing germs.
We're not suggesting you get rid of your toilet cleaner altogether, but if you run out and need to spruce up the bathroom quickly, give Coke a try. Just pour some along the edges of your toilet bowl, let it soak, and scrub it away.
Keep Bugs From Coming In By Putting Vinegar Around The Windows
Anyone who doesn't like having creepy crawlies in their home will probably perk up when they read this next home hack. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to deter bugs and other small critters from entering your home through the windows.
Just combine some water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around the edges of your window frames, (inside and out). Those bugs won't even think about coming inside!
Loosen Stuck Piano Keys With A Dab Of WD-40
Fortunately for musicians who love to play the piano, there's a quick and easy solution to unsticking those ivories that have become "sluggish" over time. Once again, the trustworthy product WD-40 comes into play.
You'll want a can that has one of the small straws on it, so you can apply the oil just to the spot that’s sticking. All you need to do is put it on and you can play your favorite tune again in moments.
Keep Ants Away With Salt And Baking Soda
Ants are annoying enough at a picnic or other outdoor event, but when they make their way into your home it's downright frustrating. Well, that trusty box of baking soda can be your best friend when it comes to keeping the pests away!
Just mix equal parts salt and baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture in the place(s) where the ants are coming into your kitchen or any other room. The simple concoction will help ward the insects away.
Hang Ornaments And Decorations With Dental Floss
If you're hanging decorations or ornaments and realize you don't have any of those special hooks, don't fret. Dental floss can help you out here; just head to your medicine cabinet and grab a box of it.
You can use the floss to hang banners, string together popcorn garlands, or even create draped floral displays for any type of parties or social gatherings that you'd like to look more festive.
Keep Squirrels Out Of The Birdfeeder
Anyone who's into birdwatching knows how expensive it can be to buy all that birdseed... especially if you have sneaky squirrels who like to eat it!
You can save money and make your feathered friends happy by keeping those pesky squirrels out of the feeder. Just squirt a little bit of WD-40 or other lubricants on the feeder's hanger, and those squirrels will slide right off when they try to get the food.
Put An Empty Wine Bottle To Good Use
Decorating with corks has become really popular over recent years, with many people wanting to show off their wine "souvenirs" in the shape of DIY crafts such as wreaths and corkboards.
One popular project involves filling a vase with wine corks, but what if you don't have enough corks to fill it yet? It's easy -- just put one of those empty wine bottles in the vase first. You'll need fewer corks and the vase will look overflowing, impressing all your friends.
