It seems like nearly everywhere you look there are shows, web articles, or video clips touting the new craze of "life hacking." In case you're unfamiliar with the term, it basically means using an unconventional method to make routine tasks easier and more time efficient. I have to admit, I'm pretty fascinated with all the different ways people have found to use the things we always have around our homes! In that spirit, I've chosen to do a series of blogs about all the useful hints and hacks I've collected over time so that you can free up some extra time and money, too!
Salt
1. You can use salt as a frost repellant during the cooler months! Simply rub the inside of the windows in your home or car with a soft sponge dipped in salt water. Even during the coldest days, you'll never see frost collect!
2. Pesky water rings on wood surfaces? Mix together a paste of salt and all purpose cooking oil. Rub the mixture gently onto the surface with a sponge and allow to sit for a few minutes. Wipe with a soft cloth and polish, and those rings will be gone!
3. Sticky gunk on your iron can make it difficult to press your clothes, and it's tough to remove that residue without damaging the iron - simply sprinkle a bit of salt on a piece of brown paper bag and run the hot iron over top. You may have to do this a few times but the sticky stuff shoule wipe right clean.
Scotch Tape
1. Having trouble finding the beginning of that roll of plastic wrap? Take a piece of tape and stick in to that outer layer. Pull gently and the end should come right up without ruining the whole roll!
2. If you notice that one of your buttons is coming loose but you're not near a sewing kit, take a small piece of tape and place it around the button. It will keep any loose threads from coming apart completely and save you from indecent exposure until you get home.
3. Stop peeling or cracking paint! If you place a small piece of tape on the wall before hammering in a nail, you greatly reduce the chance that you'll crack or peel the paint or drywall.
Toothpaste
1. Remove scratches from DVDs, CDs, or BluRay discs with any non-gel based toothpaste. Just put a small dab on a cotton ball and wipe gently over the disc from the center outwards. Rinse with a bit of water and dry off with a lint free, non abrasive cloth and the scratches will disappear!
2. Love cooking but hate the smell of garlic or onions on your hands? If those stubborn aromas won't come off with simple soap and water, add a healthy dose of toothpaste and scrub vigorously. Your hands will smell minty fresh.
3. Remove scuffs from pretty much anything! Walls, shoes, doors, baseboards - you name it. A small dab of toothpaste and a warm, damp cloth will wipe those black marks away in no time.
Dryer Sheets
1. Dryer sheets will remove static from more than just your clothes! Even an already used sheet can be swiped over flyaway hair to tame those strands. If you enjoy sewing, pull your threaded needle through a dryer sheet to prevent your strings from tangling.
2. Tackle soap scum with a wet dryer sheet! Just rub the sheet over any porcelain or ceramic surface to remove hard water, soap scum, or mineral deposits.
3. Instead of throwing away that cookware that is covered in baked on gross, fill it up with water and pop in a fresh, unused dryer sheet. Let this soak for a couple of hours and all that caked up grime will wipe away without a trace.
Stay tuned for part 2 tomorrow - got a bunch more great tips for everyone, and I'd love to hear yours in the comments!
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