#69 Handy Tips

#69 Handy Tips for Everyday Challenges

Sometimes, a little advice goes a long way. Here are #69 handy tips to help with various aspects of life. Each of these suggestions aims to make your routine easier, save you money, or help you stay organized.

1. Use Vinegar for Cleaning

White vinegar is an inexpensive and effective cleaner for many surfaces. Its acidic nature helps cut through grime and bacteria. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use it to clean countertops, glass, and even as a disinfectant for cutting boards. The smell fades quickly, leaving a fresh surface.

2. Label Cords and Cables

A simple way to reduce frustration is by labeling your cords and cables. Use small tags or pieces of masking tape. Write down which device each cord belongs to. This saves time troubleshooting or when unplugging devices.

3. Freeze Leftover Herbs

Fresh herbs often go bad before you can use them. Freeze them to extend their life. Chop the herbs, place them in ice cube trays, and fill the tray with olive oil or water. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Now, you have herbs ready for soups, sauces, and more.

4. Keep a Spare Set of Keys

Getting locked out is both inconvenient and costly. Avoid this by keeping a spare set of keys with a trusted neighbor or friend. Alternatively, hide a set in a secure, discreet location on your property.

5. Use Binder Clips for Cable Management

Binder clips can help keep your workspace organized. Attach them to the edge of your desk and thread cables through the clips. This prevents cables from falling behind the desk and keeps everything within reach.

6. Remove Stains with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile stain remover. For a paste, mix it with water. Apply this to stubborn stains on various surfaces, including clothing and countertops. Let sit for a few minutes before scrubbing or washing.

7. Install Tension Rods for Extra Storage

Tension rods can be used for more than just curtains. Use them to create extra storage space under sinks, in closets, or even in the shower. Hang spray bottles, baskets, or shoes, creating additional organization in often-overlooked areas.

8. Check Air Pressure in Car Tires Monthly

Maintaining proper air pressure in your car tires extends their lifespan and improves fuel efficiency. Check the pressure at least once a month using a tire gauge. Refer to your car’s manual for the recommended pressure levels.

9. Use Dry-Erase Markers on Glass

Glass surfaces can double as dry-erase boards. Use dry-erase markers to write reminders on mirrors or windows. The notes erase easily with cloth, making it a convenient way to keep track of to-dos.

10. Repel Mosquitoes with Coffee Grounds

Burning used coffee grounds can help keep mosquitoes away. Place the grounds in an aluminum foil tray or container and light them. The smoke repels mosquitoes, providing a natural and pleasant-smelling deterrent.

11. Extend WiFi Range with Aluminum Foil

If you struggle with weak WiFi signals, aluminum foil can help. Shape a piece of foil behind your router or antenna to direct the signal. This simple reflector can improve the range and strength of your WiFi.

12. Store Batteries in the Fridge

Cool temperatures can extend the life of batteries. Store unused batteries in the fridge to keep them fresh longer. Ensure they are in their original packaging or a case to prevent condensation and potential damage.

13. Use a Rubber Band to Remove Stripped Screws

Stripped screws can be tricky to remove. Place a rubber band over the screw head and use a screwdriver to grip it. The added friction helps turn and remove the screw without damaging it further.

14. Prevent Car Doors from Freezing

In cold climates, car doors can freeze shut. Spray cooking oil or lubricant on the rubber seals around your doors. This prevents ice from forming and sticking the door shut, making it easier to open during cold weather.

15. Make a DIY Phone Stand

Need a phone stand in a pinch? Use a paperclip or business card. Bend the paperclip into a simple stand shape or fold the business card to create a sturdy holder. This keeps your phone propped up for hands-free use.

16. Reseal Bags with a Hot Knife

To reseal plastic bags, heat the blade of a knife with a lighter or candle. Press the hot blade across the bag’s opening to melt and seal it. This works well for food storage, keeping items fresh longer.

17. Tenderize Meat with Baking Soda

Baking soda can tenderize tough cuts of meat. Rub a small amount onto the meat and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before cooking. The baking soda breaks down proteins, resulting in a more tender texture.

18. Use Foam Pool Noodles for Car Door Protection

Cut foam pool noodles in half and attach them to the walls of your garage. This protects your car doors from dings and scratches when opening them. It’s a simple and cost-effective solution to keep your vehicle looking great.

19. Simplify Renovation Planning with Graph Paper

When planning renovations, use graph paper to sketch out your ideas. Draw to scale, representing each square as a set measurement, like one foot. This helps visualize the space and make accurate plans before starting.

20. Remove Labels with Peanut Butter

Sticky labels can be a hassle to remove. Smear peanut butter over the label and let sit for a few minutes. The oils in the peanut butter break down the adhesive, making it easy to peel away the label.

21. Organize Tools with Pegboards

Pegboards provide an efficient way to organize tools. Hang the board on a wall and use hooks to store tools. This keeps everything visible and accessible, reducing clutter in your workspace.

22. Keep Important Documents Safe with Stamps

Use a custom rubber stamp with your contact information on important documents. In case they’re lost, this increases the chance of their return. It’s especially useful for items like notebooks and planners.

23. Improve Drainage with Coffee Filters

Place a coffee filter at the bottom of plant pots before adding soil. This prevents dirt from clogging drainage holes while allowing water to flow through. It’s a simple way to ensure your plants stay healthy.

24. Save Old Toothbrushes for Cleaning

Old toothbrushes are perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach spots. Use them for scrubbing grout, faucets, and other tight spaces. Sterilize them first by running through the dishwasher or soaking in vinegar.

25. Use Chalk to Remove Grease Stains

Chalk is effective for removing grease stains on clothes. Rub white chalk onto the stain before washing. The chalk absorbs the grease, making it easier to wash out.

26. Preserve Flowers with Hairspray

Hairspray can help keep cut flowers fresh longer. Spray a light mist over the blooms and leaves. The hairspray helps maintain their shape and color, extending the flowers’ lifespan.

27. Use Toothpaste to Clean Headlights

Foggy car headlights affect visibility. Clean them using toothpaste and a soft cloth. The mild abrasive in toothpaste polishes the surface, restoring clarity. Rinse thoroughly after buffing for best results.

28. Store Plastic Bags in Tissue Boxes

Tissue boxes make great storage containers for plastic bags. Stuff them in an empty box for easy dispensing. This keeps bags organized and readily available for reuse.

29. Soothe Mosquito Bites with Banana Peels

Banana peels can soothe mosquito bites. Rub the inside of a banana peel on the bite. The natural oils and compounds help reduce itching and inflammation.

30. Use Nail Polish to Identify Keys

Differentiate keys by painting the tops with nail polish. Use different colors for each key to quickly identify them at a glance. This is especially useful if you have multiple similar-looking keys.

31. Unclog Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar can clear clogged drains naturally. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes, then flush with boiling water. This solution breaks down build-up and blockages.

32. Keep Shoes Fresh with Baking Soda

Baking soda also works to deodorize shoes. Sprinkle some inside your shoes and let sit overnight. Shake out the excess baking soda in the morning, leaving fresher-smelling footwear.

33. Remove Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves

Rubber gloves are excellent for removing pet hair from furniture. Dampen the gloves slightly and run your hands over surfaces. The hair clings to the gloves’ rubber, making it easy to collect and dispose of.

34. Use Vinegar to Brighten Laundry

A cup of white vinegar in your laundry helps brighten colors and whites. Add to the rinse cycle for best results. It also acts as a natural fabric softener, leaving clothes soft without residue.

35. Keep Bread Fresh with Celery

Place a stick of celery in a bag of bread to keep it fresh longer. The moisture from the celery prevents the bread from drying out too quickly. This simple trick extends the bread’s shelf life.

36. Clean Graters with Raw Potatoes

Grating cheese or vegetables can leave residue on the grater. Clean it by grating a raw potato. The potato’s starches help remove stuck-on bits, making the grater easier to clean.

37. Use Salt to Clean Cast Iron Pans

Salt is abrasive yet gentle enough to clean cast iron pans. Sprinkle coarse salt into the pan and scrub with a sponge or brush. Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.

38. Boost Plant Growth with Eggshells

Eggshells are rich in calcium, beneficial for plant growth. Crush them into small pieces and sprinkle around the base of plants. This not only fertilizes the soil but also deters pests like slugs.