1. Duct Tape
Duct tape is a versatile tool that can simplify many of your daily tasks. These life hacks will make your daily to-dos (plus a few random projects) so much easier! Here are some clever ways to use duct tape:
- Tame Cord Chaos: With so many electronics in our lives today, cords can quickly become a disorganized mess. You can restore order by using colorful washi tape to color-code and label what’s what. This tape can also be used for quick, helpful labels on jars, bins, or cubbies throughout your home.
- Foil Painting: When you’re painting walls or ceilings, line the roller tray with a sheet of tinfoil for easy cleanup afterwards. Foil can also be wrapped around doorknobs and other hardware to prevent drips.
- Catch-All Solution: Sawdust from a drill can get everywhere when you’re drilling into a wall, ceiling, or other surface. Contain the chaos by poking your drill bit through the bottom of a small paper cup, then drilling as normal. The sawdust will fall inside the cup instead of dropping to the floor.
Duct tape is not just for quick fixes; it can be a lifesaver in many unexpected situations. From organizing your home to making painting projects easier, duct tape is a must-have in every household.
2. Binder Clips
Binder clips are incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than just holding papers together. They are a must-have for anyone looking to organize their space efficiently. Here are some clever ways to use binder clips in your daily life:
- Cable Management: Use binder clips to keep your cables and cords neatly organized. Simply clip them to the edge of your desk and thread the cables through the handles.
- Food Storage: Keep your snacks and food items fresh by using binder clips to seal bags.
- Phone Stand: Create a quick and easy phone stand by combining a few binder clips.
- Key Holder: Attach a binder clip to your keyring and clip it to the inside of your bag for easy access.
Binder clips are small but mighty tools that can help you stay organized and make your daily tasks more manageable.
With these simple hacks, you’ll find that binder clips can be a game-changer in your quest for a more organized and efficient life.
3. Rubber Bands
Rubber bands are incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways to simplify your daily life. Here are some clever hacks:
- Prevent leaks: When transporting pump-top bottles, wrap a rubber band around the pump to keep it from dispensing. For flip-top or screw-cap bottles, place a plastic bag over the cap and secure it with a rubber band to avoid leaks.
- Paint can cleaner: Wrap a rubber band around an open paint can to wipe off excess paint from your brush, keeping the can’s rim clean.
- Keep bananas fresh: Wrap a rubber band around the stems of bananas to keep them fresh longer.
Rubber bands are a simple yet effective tool that can solve many everyday problems with minimal effort.
4. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is not just for keeping your teeth clean and shiny. Here are some clever ways to use it in your daily life:
Shine Your Teeth
Start your day by adding a touch of salt to your toothpaste. This can help eliminate the yellowish surface of your teeth, making them whiter than ever. Clean your teeth gradually every which way to ensure the salt works effectively.
Buff Away Scratches
Toothpaste can buff away minor surface scratches on a variety of materials, ranging from phone screens to car paint. Apply a dab of toothpaste and gently rub it in using a circular motion before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
Clean Silver
Restore the shine to your silverware by using toothpaste as a quick cleaning solution. While this should work in a pinch, it’s not the most gentle or effective method in the long run. Consider investing in a proper silver polish for better results and to avoid potential damage to your silver items.
Toothpaste is a versatile household item that can simplify your daily life in unexpected ways. Keep a tube handy for these quick fixes.
5. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a versatile and eco-friendly solution for many household tasks. It’s a must-have in every home for its wide range of uses.
- Cleaning Agent: Combine baking soda with vinegar to create an effective cleaning solution for various surfaces, from countertops to bathroom tiles.
- Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda in your fridge, shoes, or trash cans to neutralize odors.
- Stain Remover: Make a paste with water to tackle tough stains on fabrics and surfaces.
- Personal Care: Use it as a natural toothpaste or to exfoliate your skin.
Baking soda’s natural properties make it an essential item for simplifying your daily life. Its ability to clean, deodorize, and even aid in personal care routines makes it invaluable.
6. Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile household staple that can simplify many daily tasks. Always have vinegar in your pantry because it can be used for a multitude of purposes, from cleaning to deodorizing.
Cleaning
- Unclog drains: Pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain to clear blockages.
- Remove stains: Use vinegar to lift stubborn stains from fabrics and surfaces.
- Clean your microwave: Eliminate odors by heating a bowl of vinegar inside the microwave.
Laundry
- Prevent running colors: Add a cup of vinegar to your laundry to keep colors from bleeding.
- Remove candle wax: Apply vinegar to remove wax from fabrics and surfaces.
Miscellaneous
- Remove bumper stickers: Vinegar can help peel off old stickers without leaving residue.
- Clean jewelry: Soak jewelry in vinegar to restore its shine.
Vinegar is not just for cooking; it’s a powerful tool for maintaining a clean and efficient home.
7. Clothespins
Clothespins are incredibly versatile tools that can simplify various aspects of your daily life. Here are some clever hacks to make the most out of them:
- Keep your charging cables organized by attaching a clothespin to the edge of your desk. This way, the wire is always within reach and not tangled on the floor.
- Use clothespins to seal open bags of snacks, keeping them fresh for longer.
- Create a DIY photo display by stringing a line and using clothespins to hang your favorite pictures.
- Prevent your clothes from slipping off hangers by clipping a clothespin to each end of the hanger.
Clothespins are small but mighty tools that can bring order and efficiency to your everyday tasks. Don’t underestimate their potential!
8. Ziplock Bags
Ziplock bags are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes beyond just storing food. Here are some clever hacks to make the most out of your Ziplock bags:
- Organize small items: Use Ziplock bags to keep small items like screws, buttons, and craft supplies neatly organized. This can help you avoid cluttered drawers and messy spaces.
- Waterproof your phone: If you’re heading to the beach or pool, place your phone in a Ziplock bag to protect it from water and sand.
- Marinate meat: Place your meat and marinade in a Ziplock bag for an easy and mess-free way to marinate your food.
- Pack toiletries: When traveling, use Ziplock bags to pack your toiletries. This can prevent leaks and spills in your luggage.
- Store leftovers: Keep your leftovers fresh by storing them in Ziplock bags. They take up less space in the fridge compared to traditional containers.
Ziplock bags are a must-have for anyone looking to simplify their daily life. They are not only practical but also eco-friendly when reused multiple times.
9. Ice Cube Trays
Ice cube trays are not just for making ice. They can be incredibly versatile tools in your daily life.
Organize Small Items
Use ice cube trays to keep small items like jewelry, buttons, or office supplies organized. Each compartment can hold a different item, making it easy to find what you need.
Freeze Herbs
Preserve fresh herbs by freezing them in olive oil or water in an ice cube tray. This way, you can easily pop out a cube and add it to your cooking whenever you need.
Make Coffee Cubes
Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray to make coffee cubes. These are perfect for iced coffee, as they won’t dilute your drink as regular ice would.
Portion Control
Use ice cube trays to portion out ingredients like broth, wine, or baby food. This makes it easy to use just the right amount without any waste.
Pro Tip: Ice cube trays can also be used to freeze individual servings of homemade pesto, ensuring you always have fresh pesto on hand.
Chill Wine
Keep your wine cool without watering it down by using frozen grapes or wine cubes made in an ice cube tray. Simply add them to your glass, and enjoy your perfectly chilled wine.
DIY Beauty Treatments
Create your own beauty treatments by freezing ingredients like cucumber juice, green tea, or aloe vera in an ice cube tray. These can be used as refreshing facial treatments or to soothe sunburns.
Ice cube trays are a simple yet effective way to bring more organization and convenience into your life.
10. Command Hooks
Command hooks are incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways to simplify your daily life. They are easy to install and remove without damaging walls, making them perfect for renters or anyone who likes to change things up frequently.
- Organize your kitchen: Use command hooks to hang utensils, measuring cups, or even small pots and pans. This not only saves drawer space but also keeps your kitchen tools within easy reach.
- Create extra storage: Hang baskets or small shelves on command hooks to create additional storage in your bathroom, bedroom, or office. This is especially useful for holding toiletries, office supplies, or small accessories.
- Manage cables: Keep your cables and cords organized by using command hooks to guide them along walls or behind furniture. This helps prevent tangling and keeps your space looking neat.
- Decorate without damage: Use command hooks to hang pictures, artwork, or seasonal decorations. This allows you to personalize your space without worrying about leaving holes in the walls.
Command hooks are a simple yet effective solution for various organizational challenges. Their versatility and ease of use make them a must-have in any home.
