Let’s face it, we all love a good hack—especially ones that actually make life easier.
Here’s a roundup of some tried-and-true tricks you can add to your routine today!
1. Microwaving Garlic for Easy Peeling: Peeling garlic can be tedious, but a quick zap in the microwave changes everything. Pop the garlic cloves (with the skin on) in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Once heated, the skins practically slip off when you press the clove. This hack is perfect when you need to peel a lot of garlic for a recipe in a hurry. 2. Clean Coffee Mugs with Baking Soda: Over time, coffee and tea can stain your favorite mug. To easily get rid of those stubborn marks, sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda inside the mug, add a splash of water to form a paste, and scrub with a sponge or cloth. The gentle abrasiveness of the baking soda works wonders without scratching the
surface. Rinse with warm water and it’s like new again.
3. Freshen Up Sponges in the Microwave: Sponges can start to smell after just a few uses, but microwaving them is a quick fix. Soak the sponge in water, then place it in the microwave for about 1 minute. This not only eliminates odors but also kills bacteria,
giving your sponge a longer life. Just be sure it’s damp to avoid any fire hazard.
4. Remove Pet Hair with a Rubber Glove: Pet owners, this one’s for you. Slip on a rubber glove and run your hand over your couch or clothes. The friction from the glove creates static, making pet hair cling to it. Rinse the glove under water to wash the hair away and repeat until your surfaces are hair-free. 5. Revive Wilted Lettuce with Ice Water: Don’t toss out that slightly wilted lettuce just yet. Fill a bowl with ice water and submerge the leaves for about 10 minutes. The cold shock rehydrates the lettuce, crisping it up. It’s a great hack for saving those greens that have seen better days.
6. Unclog a Showerhead with Vinegar: Mineral buildup can slow down your shower’s water pressure. To fix this, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around your showerhead using a rubber band. Let it soak for a few hours (or overnight), then remove the bag and run the water. The vinegar dissolves the buildup, leaving your showerhead clean and running like new.
7. Keep Brown Sugar Soft with Marshmallows: Hard brown sugar is a baker’s nightmare. To prevent this, store a few marshmallows in your brown sugar container. The marshmallows maintain moisture, keeping the sugar soft and scoopable every time you need it.
8. Make a DIY Deodorizer for Shoes: Got stinky shoes? Here’s a quick fix: Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and leave it overnight. In the morning, just shake the powder out. The baking soda absorbs the odor, leaving your shoes fresh and ready to wear.
9. Open Stubborn Jars with a Spoon: Struggling to twist open a jar? Grab a spoon and wedge it under the lid’s edge. Gently lift until you hear a pop. This releases the vacuum seal and the jar will open easily without needing superhuman strength.
10. Soften Butter Quickly Without
Melting It: When you need soft butter in a pinch, here’s a simple trick: Fill a mason jar with boiling water and let it sit for a minute. Pour out the water, then place the glass upside down over the butter. The residual heat will soften the butter in just a few minutes without turning it into a puddle.
11. Clean
Stainless Steel with Olive Oil: Stainless steel appliances looking streaky? Put a little olive oil on a cloth and buff the surface. It not only removes streaks but also creates a slight barrier to prevent fingerprints from showing up as easily in the future.
12. Keep Bananas Fresher for Longer: To slow the
ripening process of bananas, wrap the stems in plastic wrap. This simple hack blocks the release of ethylene gas, the chemical responsible for ripening, keeping your bananas fresh a little longer.
These hacks are not only easy to do but can make a big difference in your daily routines. Whether it’s saving time or giving new life to
household items, these tricks are worth trying.
