With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can often solve a wide range of problems with items you already have lying around your house. Here are some surprising DIY hacks that actually work:
- Use toothpaste to clean silver: If you’ve got some tarnished silverware lying around, toothpaste can work wonders. Simply apply a small amount to the tarnished area, rub it in with a cloth, and rinse it off.
- Use bread to clean up broken glass: If you’ve ever broken a glass or dish and struggled to pick up all the tiny shards, try using a piece of bread. Gently press the bread onto the area, and the shards will stick to it.
- Use baking soda to clean your oven: Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean your oven, try mixing baking soda with a little water to create a paste. Spread the paste on the inside of your oven, let it sit for a few hours, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
- Use vinegar to remove stains: If you’ve got a stubborn stain on your clothes, try soaking it in vinegar before washing. The acidity of the vinegar helps break down the stain, making it easier to remove.
- Use rubber bands to open jars: If you’re struggling to open a stubborn jar, wrap a rubber band around the lid for extra grip. The extra traction can make all the difference.
- Use a potato to remove a broken light bulb: If you’ve ever had a light bulb break inside its socket, you know how frustrating it can be to remove the broken pieces. But with a potato, it’s surprisingly easy. Simply cut a potato in half and press it onto the broken bulb, twisting it gently until it comes out.
- Use a hairdryer to remove water rings: If you’ve got a water ring on your wooden furniture, try using a hairdryer to remove it. Simply aim the dryer at the ring and use a soft cloth to rub it away.
- Use duct tape to remove pet hair: If you’ve got pets, you know how difficult it can be to remove their hair from furniture and clothes. But duct tape can be a lifesaver. Simply wrap a piece of tape around your hand, sticky side out, and use it to pick up the hair.
- Use a tennis ball to fluff up pillows: If your pillows have gone flat, try throwing them in the dryer with a tennis ball. The ball will bounce around, fluffing up the pillows in the process.
- Use a rubber band to prevent paint drips: If you’re painting a room and don’t want paint drips to ruin your floors, wrap a rubber band around your paint can. It will catch any excess paint on your brush, preventing it from dripping onto the floor.
- Use a shower cap to cover shoes: If you’re traveling and don’t want your shoes to dirty your clothes, try covering them with a shower cap. It’s a cheap and easy way to keep them separate.
- Use a binder clip to organize cords: If you’ve got a lot of cords lying around, try using binder clips to keep them organized. Simply clip the cords together and label them with a marker.
These DIY hacks may seem surprising, but they’re tried and tested solutions to common problems. The next time you’re faced with a challenge, take a moment to think creatively and see if you can come up with your own DIY solution. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish with a little resourcefulness!