I love a good household hack...don't you? Here are 11 favorites of mine to make life a bit easier and more efficient.
1. Use a Lint Roller to Pick Up Glitter: Whether you craft with glitter or you've decorated this season with glittery decor, you know that sparkles can get everywhere. To avoid the frustration of stubborn glitter particles clinging to surfaces, reach for a lint roller. Roll the lint roller over the glittery area, and watch as it effortlessly picks up and collects even the tiniest specks. How to: Unroll a fresh sheet of the lint roller and gently press it onto the glitter-covered surface. Roll the lint roller back and forth and the adhesive surface will lift the glitter leaving your space sparkling clean.
2. Use a Warm Glass to
Soften Butter: There's a whole lot of baking going on this time of the year. But waiting for cold butter to reach a spreadable consistency can be time-consuming. Expedite the process by placing a warm glass over a stick of butter (stand the butter on its end). The heat from the glass will soften the butter, making it easy to spread on bread or use in recipes.
How to: Fill a glass with hot water and let it sit for a minute to warm the glass. Empty the water and quickly invert the warm glass over the stick of butter. Leave it for a few minutes until the butter softens to your desired consistency.
3. Use
Non-Stick Spray on Measuring Cups and Spoons for Sticky Ingredients: Measuring sticky substances like honey or molasses can be a sticky situation. Solve this problem by coating your measuring cups and spoons with a light layer of non-stick cooking spray. The ingredients will slide off easily, leaving you with accurate measurements and less mess.
How to: Hold the measuring cup or spoon over the sink and spray it with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring an even coating. Pour the sticky ingredient into the coated utensil, and it will easily release without leaving residue.
4. Use a Coffee Filter for Mess-Free Tacos:
Tacos are delightful, but they can quickly become messy. To prevent the filling from spilling out, place a coffee filter at the bottom of your taco shell. The filter absorbs excess moisture, keeping your taco shell intact and your hands clean.
How to: Before assembling your taco, open a coffee filter and place it
inside the taco shell, forming a protective barrier between the shell and the filling. Enjoy your taco without worrying about leaks or spills.
5. Plastic Wrap to Keep Bananas Fresh: Bananas have a tendency to ripen quickly, but you can extend their freshness by wrapping the crown (the stem) in plastic wrap. This
simple trick slows down the ripening process, keeping your bananas firm and yellow for a more extended period.
How to: Take a piece of plastic wrap and gently cover the crown of the banana bunch. Ensure it's wrapped snugly to create a barrier that limits exposure to air. Enjoy longer-lasting bananas and reduce food
waste.
6. Use Play-Doh to Pick Up Broken Glass:
Dealing with broken glass can be hazardous, and picking up the tiny shards can be challenging. Make the cleanup process safer and more effective by using Play-Doh. The pliable nature of
Play-Doh easily molds around small glass fragments, ensuring a thorough clean without the risk of cuts.
How to: Take a sizable piece of Play-Doh and press it firmly onto the area where the glass has shattered. Gently press and lift to allow the Play-Doh to pick up the smaller glass pieces. Dispose of the Play-Doh along with the glass shards in a secure container. This method not only simplifies cleanup but also minimizes the risk of injury associated
with handling broken glass directly.