Last Updated on May 19, 2021
Life is full of annoyances (the inevitable un-popped kernels in microwave popcorn, broken nails, stripped screws, etc.) that can be easily solved with a few clever life hacks. These little tricks are like well-kept secrets– they don't teach this stuff in school!
There's nothing that gets me more excited than finding ways to make everyday life easier, and therefore more enjoyable. This is why I've eagerly compiled a round-up of life hacks that nobody should live without.
I love finding ways to make every day life easier…
1. Defogging A Mirror
There are actually several things you can do to prevent your bathroom mirror from fogging up in the first place (shaving cream, vinegar, dish soap and car wax to name a few), but the easiest trick of them all is giving your mirror a quick, cool shot with your hair dryer.
This is a helpful hack for small hotel bathrooms while traveling!
2. Velcro & Rugs
The nice thing about the small bathroom and kitchen rugs that come without the rubber back is that they are easier to wash, but unfortunately they just won't stay put. To keep those little buggers in place, simply add a strip of velcro to the bottom of each corner to keep them from sliding all over the place! Smart.
3. Fixing Dents In Wood Floors
This would seem impossible, but the science behind it makes sense. The steam from the iron and wet cloth or paper towel expands the wood where it has been dented in. Although you'd want to test it first in an area that isn't as noticeable, it's worth the 3-5 minutes it takes to try it out!
4. The Unpopped Kernel Dilemma
I don't think there is a single popcorn lover on this planet that has mastered the perfect bag of microwave popcorn (the unpopped kernels are pretty much a guarantee), but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a bag without choking on them.
After popping, separate the opening of the bag just enough so that the kernels will fall through, and then shake the bag upside down over a bowl or trash can. You can now discard the kernels and actually enjoy your popcorn without the threat of a broken tooth.
5. The Staple Remover Trick
Adding or removing a key from a key ring is a fingernail disaster waiting to happen. Instead of risking your manicure, try using a staple remover to easily open up the ring. Works like a charm!
6. Trash Bag Suction Issues
Pulling a bag out of a trash can is a challenge that sometimes takes four arms, a good squat and a little muscle thanks to the vacuum that prevents a trash bag from easily sliding out.
To solve this problem, simply drill a few holes in the side of the can to release air pressure. It makes the whole trash-taking-out business a lot easier! P.S. Avoid drilling the holes in the bottom as this could cause a leaky mess.
7. Flip Flop Fail
With enough time and wear, your flip flop straps are bound to break through the hole in the bottom of the shoe, but this doesn't mean they have to retire. Use a bread clip to keep it from slipping through the split hole. Very clever and resourceful!
Just be sure to carry bread clips around in your purse…
8. Golf Tee Trick
A loose door hinge can be a tricky fix because the existing screw hole has stripped, causing the wiggly door problem. Fill in the hole with a golf tee and a little carpenter's glue, and then cut off the end to create a flush piece of wood for your new screw. Don't have a golf tee handy? I've also seen this done with toothpicks!
The easiest way to fix a loose door hinge…
9. Painter's Tape Trick
Because painter's tape is designed to protect the existing paint or wallpaper, it makes sense to use it under double sticky tape before hanging posters or drawings on a wall. This makes the removal effortless and the wall protected against damage! Mind. Blown.
Perfect for posters!
10. A Door That Won't Latch
Aren't you glad you didn't throw out that hot pink lipstick, ladies!? If you have a door that doesn't latch properly, chances are the latch and strike plate are just a little off. Use a bit of lipstick and tape to test and see exactly where your strike plate needs to be moved to get the door to close properly. Read the full details here.
11. Charger Hack
Use a spring from an old pen to keep it from breaking! The spring works as a brace to keep it from bending and tearing any further. Take it a step further and cover the spring with electrical tape for extra protection.
12. Stripped Screw Solution
Use a rubber band in between a stripped screw and your screwdriver to give it enough grip to remove. With all of the Rainbow Loom bands scattered on the floor in every room of my house (I have a 9-year-old), it shouldn't ever be a problem to find a rubber band.
13. Fix That Thing
This moldable glue can be sculpted, shaped and smoothed to fix just about any everyday problem, and it doesn't hurt that it comes in several different colors to choose from. You'd also be surprised to see that you can use Sugru for crafting and fun projects!
14. Finger Nail Fix
A nail band-aid? Yes! A broken nail isn't the end of the world, but to have one short nail in line with the rest of your long beauties isn't pretty. As long as you have nail glue handy, you can fix your broken nail in a matter of just a few minutes!
Make a finger nail bandaid with nail glue and fabric…
15. Taming Fly-aways
Keep those rebellious little hairs in place with the help of a dryer sheet! Poking it through your hairbrush bristles may be a little overly dramatic, but you could also just sweep one of the sheets over your hair. It smells great, too!
16. Toilet Paper Roll Hack
Toilet paper rolls save the day, once again! I've stumbled across so many uses for them– now I just need to find a place to save them all until they're needed. Simply cut a slit in one side to make a cuff for your wrapping paper to keep it from unrolling into a wrinkled mess.
Start saving those toilet paper rolls! They're surprisingly handy.
17. The Fork Fix
Are you the type of person that likes to see the vacuum lines in your carpet? Me too! And if you vacuum as much as I do, you know that it won't take out pressed down carpet marks left behind from rearranging your furniture or simply packing away the Christmas tree. This is where a fork fluff is in order!
18. Not Just For A Can
Although sometimes referred to as blister packs, that is an underestimate of the damage this hard plastic packaging can do to your skin (and sanity). Because they're just as tough as tin, a can opener is much faster and easier than a pair of scissors!
For when plastic packaging tries to ruin your life…
19. Sharpie Solution
In order to restore a dried out marker, simply fill a small shallow dish with rubbing alcohol and let the tip of your marker bathe in it for a bit. Put the cap back on for about an hour and it should be ready to use.
If your marker is completely spent, this may not work, but it should extend the life by re-moistening it. Don't forget to store your markers with the cap side down so that the ink saturates the tip.
The easiest way to restore a permanent marker…
20. Goodbye Snag
Even just one little snag in a sweater can keep it from ever leaving the hanger, but don't be so sad just yet. Use a crochet hook to pull the snag through to the other side (yeah, it's still there, but now on the inside where nobody can see it!). The bigger the knit, the easier this is. A fine knit sweater will require a tiny crochet hook. Go get the full instructions here.
21. Toothpaste Trick
Use a coaster, people!! I suppose that's not always realistic, especially if you have kids like mine. In that case, there are a couple of ways to get rid of the watermarks left behind from irresponsible coaster users.
White toothpaste seems to have the best results. Simply rub it on with a cloth for a few minutes until you see results. You can see the full instructions and other methods here.
For people who don't know how to use a coaster…
22. Toothpaste CD Repair
I'm starting to think that CDs will soon be obsolete, but I still have hundreds of them in their original case. I need to upload those babies onto my computer!
Who knew you could repair minor scratches with toothpaste? First, wash the CD with mild soap and water, then rub the toothpaste on in a circular motion, let sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with cold water. Sounds weird, but it works!
Just in case you still own some of these…
23. New Uses For Nail Polish
Think of this stuff like glue or sealant! Use clear nail polish on top of buttons to keep the thread from unraveling, over those tiny screws on your sunglasses to prevent them from falling out, to seal an envelope, to coat the inside of cheap jewelry so it doesn't turn your skin green, or to stop a run in your favorite pair of leopard print pantyhose.
Clear nail polish to the rescue!
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