Next time you rearrange your kitchen and decide to get rid of all your old and worn-out essentials, think before throwing anything away. You can repurpose your old colander into a planter to add a quirky feel to your kitchen theme. Who doesn’t love a splash of green in the house?
Simply hang it in a sunny spot close to a windowsill. It will almost be like having your own indoor garden. This adds a charming eco-friendly feel to your kitchen while not taking up too much space. Plus, you’ll save on your grocery bill, as all your tyme, coriander, and flat-leaf parsley will be homegrown.
When Life Gives You Lemons
Have you ever had a recipe that called for a lot of lemon juice, and it felt like a waste to buy so many lemons? Well, there’s a way to get more juice for your money! Place your lemons in the microwave for twenty seconds on high. This will soften the citrus fruit, making it easier to squeeze and get nearly all of the juice out.
So, when life gives you lemons, heat them up, and only then get to squeezing! Another great hack is to fill an empty ice tray with lemon juice, assuring you always have some in hand whenever needed.
Upgrade Your Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a summer staple even throughout the year. On one hand, it's refreshing, and on the other hand, it has that awakening depth we can't get enough of, especially on a hot summer's morning. But there's one problem: The ice melts, and your coffee gets weak and watery.
But did you know there’s a clever hack that will keep your coffee from getting weak and make it even stronger? Just fill an empty ice tray with cooled, brewed coffee, and pop it in the freezer. After a few hours, add the ice cubes to your cold coffee so it remains strong even after they melt.
Keep Pots and Pans Spick and Span
You are ready to execute what you acknowledged from the latest cooking show. You've prepared everything beforehand and invited your best friends for a special weekend feast. Had a bit of a culinary mishap? Not to worry, we're not all professional chefs, and sometimes we leave that oil sizzling into a burning hot rage, leaving our pans all crusty and black.
You can scrub it tirelessly with a clump of gross steel wool. Alternatively, you can soak the pan with some warm water and soap and then push a dryer sheet into the soapy mix. It will clear things right up!
Make Potpourri Bags
Before you head to the home and décor store to buy expensive potpourri, think twice. And no, we're not saying compromise on a nice smelling home just because it costs a few bucks — we're just saying, make your own! There are some things that are just not worth spending your dollars on, and this is one of them.
On an open dryer sheet, place a selection of your favorite fragrant herbs and spices, such as lavender, lemon, verbena, and mint. Add some essential oils, tie the sheet into the bag, and voila! You have your very own custom-made potpourri that you can scatter around different rooms.
Request a “Fragile” Sticker for Your Luggage
this next hack is a time savior, a line-skipping device, and get home faster after landing way of doing things. Any bag that's been marked with this sticker should be put on top of the rest of the pile and will end up being among the first to hit the baggage claim conveyor belt.
That means you can quickly get out of that game of human bingo and get closer to the exit. You might end up having to sign a waiver, absolving the airline of any damage that your fragile items could potentially incur, but if you don’t actually HAVE any fragile items, you’ve got nothing to lose.
Download Netflix Movies and Shows
One of the biggest obstacles to streaming is the prerequisite of good quality internet. But Netflix changed everything by rolling out the ability to download select features, which means you can take some items from your queue without worrying about Wi-Fi or an internet connection.
You'll need to snag the mobile app and factor in that downloading requires a bit of time and storage space, but soon you'll be watching great movies and shows while traveling. So, find a show you want to watch, download all episodes, and binge yourself away the next time you're short of Wi-Fi. By the way, do this before flying too. You'll thank us later.
Reuse Plastic Bottles
Having a large wardrobe that has specific draws for shoes is never enough. Buying a beautiful wooden cabinet at the entrance of your house to store the shoes you wear daily is never enough. So, if you need more storage space for your shoes, you can always use old plastic bottles.
Simply cut off the end with a utility knife and stick them together with glue. This way, they won't fall all over the place and will keep your shoes all in one place in a neat setup. Isn't it wonderful to discover that when you last bought a bottle of soda, you actually bought much more?
Behind the Tub Panel Storage
If you have a fitted bathtub, you can always check underneath it for any unused space you can use. You'll be surprised how many bottles can fit underneath there. These sliding panels are one of the more challenging DIY projects, but they will make a huge difference to your bathroom, especially when storing all your supplies.
Now you can easily clear at least one or two shelves in the kitchen where you used to store all of those bottles, just remember one thing. Keep the ones you use regularly need by as you don't want to open the bath panels every single day.
Use Your Garden Rack
If we had to choose one hack from this remarkable list, the next one would probably be our favorite. It's not the most clever or sophisticated one, however, it is so simple but looks so great, we couldn't help ourselves but fall in love with it. This outdoor storage trick involves just using the head of an old garden rake.
The spokes turn into ordered hooks to hang your garden shears, spades, and scissors while adding vintage style to your outdoor area. Not only is this look rustic, perfect for your garden area, but it will also save you money as you won't have to buy new hooks.
Hang Your Lids on Rope
We have pots that don't have lids and lids that haven't seen their companion pot for a while now. We have one of the best kitchen hacks that will improve your life within no time. If you are looking for storage for your lids (and you obviously are), you can always hang them up with rope on the inside of your drawers or even on the outside of your cabinet doors if they're sturdy enough.
This will save space for your kitchen drawers and cupboards. The streamlined solution means you won’t have to worry about searching around for the right-sized lid when you're busy cooking.
Egg Containers for Earrings
You throw out so many egg containers, you might as well save one for storage, right? This hack is super easy and will help you save money on an expensive jewelry organizer. Now you probably won't wonder where that one pair of earrings are or struggle to get them untangled all the time.
This hack is also great when you have little girls in the family. What could be better than having one of these custom-made? On the next rainy Sunday morning, grab onto that egg container, and start sorting out your jewelry. Your little child will be thrilled.
Magnetic Jars for Your Fridge
A surface many people wouldn't think to use is the fridge door, which has a lot of unused surface area. There is more to this kitchen must-have and can't live without device than just keeping our food chilled or frozen. You can easily glue magnetic sheets on your jars of spices and herbs and stick them on your fridge to keep your kitchen organized as well as easy to access.
Just make sure the jars aren't too big or heavy and that the lids are screwed-shut at all times. So, think again next time you're considering buying a magnet for a bit of color and personalization.
Hangers to Dry Makeup Brushes
For those who use makeup on daily, the next hack is for you. Nothing could be worse than trying to apply foundation only to discover the brush is wet and will result in an uneven layer on your face. If you've got brushes to dry and you're keen to hang them up, you can always use a hanger and fasten them with your hair ties.
This hack doesn't only have to work for make-up brushes; it can work for all kinds of small tools and utensils. This trick is especially useful if you need to clear some space from your desk/countertop/dresser and need a makeshift drying rack.
Cable Holders
Insulated wires like cords and cables have a tendency to clutter your space while getting tangled. If only they'd keep their cool, you probably wouldn't need to research storage hacks like you're doing right this moment. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to untangle three or four sets of wires that all happen to be in the same place at the same time.
This is why we recommend you use paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls (or any kind of roll for that matter) and store all your cables in a shoebox. Another great use for another simple item we all have laying around.
Unlikely Storage Spaces
With limited floor space, storage options need a creative edge, and this is where things become interesting. Next time you need to store something, and you don't have any space, don't look down. Look straight up as your next perfect place to pile your books, it's going to be where you least expect it.
Many DIY pages suggest looking up and installing high shelving in the empty space above doorways. These spaces are often wasted, but they can serve as very nifty nooks while doubling as an attractive feature. This can also be used for displaying things you need but don't have the heart to throw out.
Recharging Your Batteries
Are you tired of your batteries running out at just the wrong time, and you don’t want to go to the store to pick up more? Invest in rechargeable batteries next time! Yes, they cost a little more initially, but they pay for themselves over time. Plus, you will keep some batteries out of the landfill and save money in the long run.
Disposal batteries are so 20th century, and rechargeable ones are what everyone is going for. The next thing we need someone to invent is that all devices requiring batteries should have a charging option instead. Them we can say goodby to batteries, especially the disposal ones altogether.
Hold On to Your LEGO
Who would have thought that our childhood toys could one day be repurposed into a key organizer? So before you chuck out all of your precious Legos, take a look at this. You won't believe what can be accomplished with your child's favorite bricks.
With some crafting skills, you can turn them into keychains! Next, mount a broader LEGO piece by your front door for easy access. You can turn these little blocks into something more in so many ways. The options are endless! Just think of it. You can use a combination of only two colors or go all the way with all shades of the rainbow. It's creativity at its best!
Use Egg Cartons
You throw out so many egg containers, you might as well save one for storage, right? This hack is super easy and will help you save money on an expensive Christmas tree organizer. There is nothing more frustrating than getting ready to put up the tree only to discover you don't have enough decorations.
Tha little ornaments and beautiful Christmas balls fit perfectly into the egg container. They will display exactly the amount of decorations you have, the colors, and the variety. So next time you go out for some more decorations, check what you have fist.
Use Binder Clips in a Whole New Way
A pyramid is usually a pretty stable shape. (Just look at how long these monumental structures survived!) However, if you try to stack your beers into a pyramid in your fridge, you'll find that this shape is much less stable than advertised. We can't name one person who actually managed to stack all of the beer bottles like this without one breaking on the way.
Well, a binder clip or two can solve the problem. Just use the clips as an easy stop, as instructed in the above picture, and stack away! Now when the guys come to watch the game, you can impress them with your ancient Egyptian skills.
Use a Pringles Can to Store Spaghetti
Spaghetti noodles usually come in plastic bags that are almost impossible to reclose once you have opened them. If you only cook some of the noodles, the ones left in the bag become a bit stale and tend to start falling out into your pantry. Next time you are snacking on some Pringles, keep the empty can, clean it out, and it becomes the perfect container for noodles.
It is just the right size, has a lid, and will save you the trouble and expense of getting a special container. The bottom line is, to repurpose an empty Pringles can as a convenient and cost-effective container for storing leftover spaghetti noodles. Problem solved!
Dish Towel Rack
Dish towels are basically just Petri dishes in the making. Somehow, they are never dry enough, which lets any kind of bacteria that lands on them have a sweet party with all of its friends. The way to take care of your dish towels and keep them nice and dry is to install a rack. They must be hung so they are naturally ventilated.
Mount a tension rod on the wall over the sink, hang your dish towels on it, and tell the bacteria it can look for somewhere else to the party. You can personalize the rod by adding small flower pots onto the rod. Who ever said no to a bit of nature around the kitchen?
Shoe Organizers Aren’t Just for Shoes
Everybody knows those plastic shoe organizers that hang on the back of closet doors with pockets for all your pairs of flat shoes. Here’s a groundbreaking thought, you can use them for storing things that are not shoes! A shoe organizer can help you get your pantry in order.
You can use it to store the smaller items and to see everything you have in a single glance. They can also be a great place to store all the different cords and plugs that can be found everywhere around the house. Explore the untapped potential of a shoe organizer, optimizing your space and bidding farewell to the clutter in the process.
Use a Tension Rod for More Storage
Household cleaning supplies are usually stored separately under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom. But all the different kinds of products, plus the oddly shaped spray bottles, can take up a lot of space and cause cabinet clutter. Why don't they design these bottles so they can all stand up straight one by each other's side?
A tension rod can really help with this problem. You can find them at any hardware store, and they don’t cost much. Hang one high at the front of the cabinet, and you can line up your spray bottles on it, making them more accessible and creating more space underneath.
Hang Your Chip Bags
Who said your pants' hanger is exclusively meant for your closet? Why not use it in the kitchen and hang up frozen goods (in the freezer) or snack bags that have been opened but are unfinished (in the pantry)? Now you don't have to worry about any spillage from these bags that might also be taking up unnecessary space in your pantry or freezer.
This way, you can see exactly what you have, so it will save you money by not buying things you don't need, we have a feeling it can also keep whatever is left in the chip bag fresh, again, money saving and overall, why not make use of those spare hangers you have?
Double Your Hangers
Another problem we all sometimes face when shopping for new clothes is running out of closet space. If you don’t feel like going through your clothes and getting rid of things you don’t need, you can save some space by hanging two articles of clothing on each hanger.
Just remove the tab from a can of soda and place it on the neck of a hanger through one of the holes. That adds a place to hang another hanger from the bottom hole, and you have two pieces of clothes that take up the space of one! Embrace this ingenious hack and bid farewell to cramped closets, making room for your expanding wardrobe effortlessly!
Make Your Own Closet
It's summertime again, and you have just moved into your new house. Every single room is absolutely perfect except for one. Not everyone thinks this is a must, but for us, one of these can be a life savior and organizer. If you don't have a walk-in closet, make one! An empty corner or unoccupied wall can effortlessly transform into your dream closet.
Say goodbye to creased and untidy shirts. The best part about DIY is that you can choose exactly how you want it to look. You can use tension rods, curtains, or even sliding doors if your handiwork skills are up for the challenge.
A Home for Plastic Bags
We usually stuff our plastic bags in an unseen corner, like under the sink or in a drawer that has no other use, but why not save them in a dispensing bag that you can hang from your pantry? These dispensing bags come with a hole that makes retrieving plastic bags easy. Another option is to use a fishnet bag with large holes.
You can also make your own crochet version, or in just a few minutes with a sewing machine, there are many tutorials on YouTube. So now your plastic bags are neatly stored in one place, and you might have managed to free up a drawer in your kitchen. This must be your lucky day.
Secret Space
If you are always losing the TV remote controls (and who doesn't?), this could be the perfect storage hack for you! These ready-made book-safe designs are fake and made of wood, but you can make your own using a real vintage book. Glue all the pages together and slice open a compartment in the middle.
This makes for a nifty secret hiding place for your unsightly remote controls! You can alternatively make one of these for your jewelry, spare coins laying around the house, or any other item you wish to secretly hise. We guarantee this will be the last of remote control searching for you.
Grow Veggies in a Colander
Next time you rearrange your kitchen and decide to get rid of all your old and worn-out essentials, think before throwing anything away. You can repurpose your old colander into a planter to add a quirky feel to your kitchen theme. Who doesn't love a splash of green in the house?
Simply hang it in a sunny spot close to a windowsill. It will almost be like having your own indoor garden. This adds a charming eco-friendly feel to your kitchen while not taking up too much space. Plus, you'll save on your grocery bill, as all your tyme, coriander, and flat-leaf parsley will be homegrown.
Hooks Under Shelving
Who doesn't need more storage space around the kitchen between you and us? A new frying pan is always looking for a new shelf. You could effortlessly double your kitchen storage by screwing in hooks underneath your wall-mounted shelves. This way, you could hang your pots and pans where you can easily reach them.
Simply measure out and mark the exact spaces to get a streamlined and harmonious look. Our personal favorite is displaying mugs. Get out all of the ones that have funny and heartwarming messages on them, and show the world what you have. Alternatively, you can hang your kitchen essentials, such as spatulas and ladles. They always need a new home.
Upcycled Desk Storage
If you happen to have a wooden pallet, you can sand and treat it to become an eye-catching and rustic desktop shelf for a home office. Its many nooks and crannies make handy surfaces for stationary and inspirational objects. If needed, you can also use clips and thumbtacks to transform your new storage space into a noticeboard.
Simple, easy, and efficient! Small office space is important when working remotely from home; with this hack, you will transform whatever space you have into your own personal kingdom. You can hang your weekly schedule, photos of your loved ones, and cute little memos that brighten up any gloomy day.
Shower Curtain Pockets
Need a place for all your bathroom utensils and toiletries when you are in the shower? Try this easy bathroom storage hack to free up surfaces with a pocket-feature shower curtain. If you can't get one, you can also make your own version by hanging a waterproof shoe organizer alongside the curtain.
If you can, get a mesh design or cut small holes in the pockets to drain any water. Now, we know the outcome of this is not exactly the home decor design of the year, but when it comes to being practical in the bathroom, this one wins.
Unclog Your Sink
Need a quick fix for a clogged drain in your sink? Can't be bothered to call a professional plumber? Leave your worries aside, as we have the hack for you. This mixture reminds us of volcano experiments we had to do in school because the main ingredients are baking soda and vinegar.
Use one part baking soda and one part vinegar to make a powerful concoction that will unclog even the most stubborn of sinks. Leave the mixture in the sink and watch it clear up in a few minutes. This mixture works when a plunger has already been used and the attempt to unclog a sink has been futile.
More Storage Space
Be they old towels, cinnamon-flavored mouthwash, or old toothbrush caddies, a bathroom can accumulate many things you might not need daily. It's even an opportunity to spruce up the room a little bit if you want to, depending on your choice of wood, the ornamentation of the supports, and more.
You'll have to have some handy skills, but if you don't, it's not too hard to learn! Just because the bathroom is a room you bathe in and don't veg out in front of the television, it doesn't mean that you can sprinkle the space with a bit of decor and make yourself feel good in those few precious moments of the day.
Power Up Your Room
One of the things that informs the design of any room is where the electrical outlets are in the walls. Some cords are only so long, so you have to put lamps in specific spots, ensure TVs are in the right spots, etcetera. Those old outlets can start to look outdated after a while, but you can always upgrade them.
New outlets will take a little bit of electrical knowledge, so if you aren’t comfortable, leave it to the professionals, but if properly installed, they can save money on power, be safer if you have kids around, and look better.
A Home Improvement Classic
Undoubtedly, taking on this project has crossed your mind, so why wait? Grab some paint and update your backsplash – the area of the wall in your kitchen behind your stove or sink – and get it a color you can stand. The classic is white – to brighten the room, add more energy, and make it look a little bigger – but any color you want can be yours.
It’s not a difficult project, but it might take some time, depending on how your kitchen is set up. If you have family members around, get them to help with a job that will go even faster.
Roll Out More Storage Space
For people who can fill up their storage space in the blink of an eye, finding space for everything gets tough. For those with small cabinets in the bathroom – or anywhere else – you can install rolling storage. It might not increase the amount of space you have, but it does make it easier to utilize it all.
Get out the tools and get a little bit of hardware for an upgrade to your cabinets. Fill up every inch of your cabinets, and make it easier to get to anything you have to store. Now there is no excuse to stop buying more things you don't really need.
Decorate Support Poles
Hanging out in a basement is a time-honored tradition of relaxing. They’re cool, dark, and have all the best toys. But the support poles that the home needs to keep it upright and to work properly can sometimes be an eyesore. Whether there are just metal struts or full-walled columns, there are always options for sprucing them up.
Paint them a color that adds something to a dreary downstairs decor, cover them with posters of your favorite movies, or find the perfect artwork to avoid bare areas. This can also be a great opportunity for young children to express themselves with no boundaries. Let them splash colors wherever they choose, and this is a one-time experience that will never happen again.
A Simple Trick for More Space
Depending on what kind of space you have, rolling your towels up can give you more space to work with and some more aesthetic options. Of course, if your shelving is too small, it might not work to do this since each towel now has a larger vertical profile, but it's still an option if you want to change things up.
Just look at how many towels we were able to place on one shelf. Now you can embrace the Monica from "Friens" was of organizing towel. Everyday use, fancy, guests, fancy guests, old, beach, bath, kitchen, and so on.
Hide the Dirty Laundry
It’s a weird fact of life that we all wear clothes and wash them once they’re too dirty, but it’s for some reason embarrassing to see the dirty clothes that someone else has worn before they’re washed. Society is strange sometimes. Thankfully there is an easy way to make those dirty clothes disappear if you have handyman skills.
Find – or build – a large drawer with enough space for the hampers your home needs. They can go in the bathroom, the hall – wherever you have enough space. You might not even realize it, but that little bit of extra space will be a treat.
Don’t Forget a Thing
The garage is where work gets done. Fixing that broken taillight, repairing a towel rod, or fixing a grandchild’s toy doesn’t matter what needs to be done around the house. Chances are part of the job will take place in the garage.
Don’t forget about any of the things you have to do or what you need to buy next when you put up a wall or section of chalkboard paint – just like blackboards they used to have in schools; you can write on them or draw designs. It’s a great way to spruce up an area that is all function, no form, and keeps you working at optimum efficiency.
This is Technically a Non-Hack
When trimming your nails, you must be careful not to tear them off too much or cut them in the wrong place. There's not only your personal style to think about, but if you cut in the wrong place, you might damage yourself. A sour fingertip is not pleasant and takes ages to heal.
An easy way to make this odious chore easier is to do it right after showering or bathing – the moisture and heat soften your nails, making it easier to cut at the right place and get the shape you want. Less hacking, less pain, and an easier time doing a personal mani-pedi.
Clogs, Be Gone
There are many ways to rid yourself of clogs in bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, showers, or anywhere else, but many of them can turn into long, messy jobs or force you to use expensive and dangerous chemicals. For clogs that are just organic material like hair, all you have to do is remove the cover of the drain, slip an unrolled zip tie inside, and hope you snag the clog.
It will be a little nauseating when you pull the gross, sudden mess out, but at least it means you won't have to fill your house with powerful chemical smells or payout for a plumber.
DIY Cutting Board Holder
Is there any homemade meal that doesn't require a cutting board? It's a kitchen necessary that everybody will end up using at least once or twice a day, but where do you put them when you aren't using them? Plenty of people keep them on the counter at all times, but there's another way.
Build a quick, unique and easy cutting board holder under your upper cabinet or in another place in your kitchen with just a few hooks and some hardware. The most complicated item you'll have to use is probably a power drill. You can handle that, right?
The Look Without the Cost
Stainless steel appliances give a kitchen new life. They’re hardy, sturdy, and easy to clean. If you don’t have the cash for a full stainless-steel kitchen, you can still get the look with the help of metallic contact paper. Stick it over the appliances, and you’re on your way to a kitchen that you can be proud of.
Use it for your dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, stovetop, microwave, and even coffee maker or stand mixer. It’s not too expensive and gives you all the benefits of real stainless steel - beauty and ease. Who said D.I.Y can't be implemented on kitchen devices?
Towel Rods are Old News
If you have a fast-growing family and that old tower rod in the bathroom just doesn't have enough real estate to handle it anymore, get an upgrade. Replace the rod with a row of coat hooks, and you'll have enough places for bath towels, hand towels, and more.
Be careful to install an item like this with studs to maintain the weight, or you might get a busted wall and a broken rack. And if you do choose to add this, ensure your towels are getting enough ventilation, or you might start getting some mold. There's nothing worse than getting out of the shower and wrapping yourself with a smelly towel.
Keep Those Rust Rings Away
If you shave, but not all that often, you might find a little bit of a surprise the next time you lift up your can of shaving cream. You see, shaving cream comes in a metal can, and if you leave it for too long, then a ring of rust can appear on the shelf, cabinet, or counter where you've left it.
As a way to avoid this unsightly addition to your bathroom décor, leave the can of shaving cream upside down. It might look silly if somebody spots it, but it's not their bathroom, right, and you can do whatever you want in yours!
What to Do With Extra Wallpaper
Have you ever looked at your boring white fridge and thought, “Surely, there’s something I can do to spruce that up”? Well, if you have enough extra wallpaper, you have your next project. You might have to remove the handles to get a smooth fit around all the corners, but soon one of the most important appliances in your kitchen will look to match the rest of your home.
We recommend that future fridge designers have a look at this amazing result and maybe embrace a lesson in life. We think all fridges should be designed or even custom made. Could you imagine your best wedding photo printed all over?
Make it Fit Your Home
For homes that have a specific look from the moment you enter the front door, a boxy and modern-looking router, while important, might be a little bit of a sore item. You present your finest china, display the best souvenirs you bought from abroad, and then the router and everything that goes with it has to ruin the look.
There are plenty of ways to camouflage or hide this internet item. For one example, take some old books you don't want anymore, remove the pages and glue the books together. Slip the router inside the now-empty covers, leaving the wires and antennae free, and voila – it's now hidden.
Bespoke Lights for the Home
Having enough light in the house is something that every home needs, no matter where you live or how big it is. Old ceiling lights can be an eyesore, and they can be harder to swap out if the redecorating bug bites you. But with just a few items you can find at any craft store or second-hand shop, it's possible for you to create something unique and creative.
Get an old hanging planter, and drape it in yarn or another material that will allow light to pass through. Attach the planter over the light in your ceiling and change up the entire focus of the room.
Give Those Plants Space
When people think of “cute,” cinder blocks are one of the things furthest from their minds. But you can still utilize these bog-standard pieces of construction stonework. If you're trying to get more space for your little plants, stack a number of cinder blocks on top of each other.
Tuck a few plants inside the holes to give them a place to grow, and you can also use them as support for a table or workbench. Create this easy item outside or in a greenhouse, and easily add some green to the gray. There is nothing like being surrounded by greenery, no matter how small it is.
Delicious and Handy
If you love classy wooden furniture, you probably live in fear of each and every scratch. Scratches reduce the value, make them less attractive, and, unfortunately, are bound to happen eventually. But there's a common food item you can use to get rid of small scratches quickly: walnuts.
Yes, it's true – rub a walnut over a wooden scratch several times, and then rub the scratched area with your fingers. The oil from the nut can fill in the scratch without affecting the color. In the end, use a soft cloth to buff the area. This is best for small scratches, not deep gouges, but it seems like magic.
Homemade Mop Top
Keep your flooring clean, and don't spend money on buying reusable mop pads with a, just like Mom used to use. You'll need to buy one reusable mop head, such as a Swiffer, and a bundle of white towels. After a little bit of work, tie the towels together and attach them to the mop.
You'll have a mop that you can use with just a bucket of water and some soap to keep your bathroom or kitchen floors – or any other room that doesn't have carpet – clean for less. Note this hack is perfect for regular standard dirty floors. If you have pets or children under the age of 13, we recommend taking something stronger.
Remove Gum Without Damaging the Carpet
Everybody loves to take on a wad of gum in their jaw. It can calm the mind, help you focus, or get through a craving so you stick to your calorie limit. When something shocking happens, and gum lands on a carpet, though, it's a hassle. Before you call the gum cleaners, grab a bag of ice out of the freezer.
When gum freezes, it gets brittle and breaks apart, so it won't stick to wherever it landed. Fill a little plastic bag with ice and set it on the gum for about half an hour. Once the gum is frozen, break it apart and pull it out of the carpet for no mess.
No More Puddles
Ever since showers and shower curtains came into vogue, people have been dealing with water that sneaks out from the confines of the bathtub and creates a puddle on the ground. Not only does it make a mess that can get clothes or bath mats wet, but it can also create a bit of a danger when you're done with your shower.
Most of the time, the shower curtain is enough, but some tubs or bathroom designs will leave the floor wet. If you're looking for a way to avoid this, weigh down the shower curtain with a few bottles of shampoo, conditioner, or whatever else you have handy.
Disguise an Oddly-Placed Light Switch
Take a look at that picture. Can you see the double-wide light switch? We bet it will take a few seconds, at least. A light switch in the wrong place can throw off a wall’s or an entire room’s design. If you have a home with one or more of these weird placements, fix it by hiding the switch or switches among posters, paintings, and other items hanging on the walls.
At first glance, it seems like it would be hard to find the switches, but after a few days of training yourself, it will be second nature, just like always. Plus, it’s a conversation starter as long as you’re fine explaining where the light switch is over and over.
More Beauty for the Bedroom
It’s a fact of life that all box springs are ugly. It’s one of those things we just have to accept. Or do we? Instead of letting it ride and throwing off the decor of your entire room, grab your favorite fabric and a staple gun and upholster your box spring.
No doubt you have a color scheme or design in mind for the room that is your inner sanctum. It’s an easy job to pull off, too – just staple the fabric around the edges of the box spring—no need to do the whole thing since your mattress will cover it.
A Home for Every Printer
Printers have been shrinking and becoming more reliable over the years, but they still need a certain amount of space to make sure they function right. In addition, they can be a bit of an eyesore if they don’t match how the rest of your office is decorated.
To avoid this, get a decorative box and cut a hole where the paper will spit out. You’ll still have to open the box up and refill the paper, put in a new ink cartridge, or mess with the printer’s settings, but most of the time, it will be hidden away until it’s needed.
Tough on Grout
If you have an old bathroom, then you know mildew and grime can accumulate in the blink of an eye. Plenty of substances out there break down that gross stuff between tiles or cracks, but you'll still have to put in the elbow grease to attack it. Or, you could attach a bristle brush to a power drill and remove the work of cleaning your bathroom.
You'll have to figure out the best way to attach it, and that will take a little bit of time, but think of how clean your bathroom will get and how clean it will stay once you're done.
Keep Makeup Organized
A magnetic board in your bathroom has lots of different uses. A giant magnetic board on the wall makes it easy for the makeup gurus out there or those who need to keep all of their creams and colors organized. Glue little bits of metal to the bottoms of your jars or the backs of brushes, and stick them to the magnetic board.
Pull the little magnet off once the jar is empty and save it for the next jar. Never be afraid to look your best. Who would have thought that placing all of your favorites in one frame on the wall, will not only keep your possessions neat but will also create a unique piece of art?
No Plunger Required
A clogged toilet is one of the biggest bathroom problems. You get a big mess and can't answer nature's call. A plunger is one way to deal with it, but there is another, and it uses something from your kitchen. Cover the toilet with plastic wrap, and ensure there is no way for air to get in or out.
Flush the toilet, and press down on the plastic wrap. The pressure should press against whatever is clogging the toilet and sending it on to its correct destination. Try to get it right the first time – wrapping it wrong might leave you with a bigger mess than ever.
A Closer Shave
There's nothing like a clean, close shave to keep your appearance sharp, no matter where you're shaving. Using an old razor blade can result in irritated skin or, even worse, unpleasant wounds that will take ages to heal or painful and dangerous cuts on your skin. A dull razor will be a blow to your style.
To save yourself time and money by resharpening them, run the old razors over denim to hone the edge and give yourself a few more shaves for each one. We recommend using an old pair of jeans for this unless you insist on ruining your best pair.
Use Fabric to Improve Your Kitchen
Most kitchens are something like seventy percent cabinets. We all need plenty of space to hold plates, cups, pots and pans, and everything else our daily lives need. Old wooden cabinets start to feel drab and boring after seeing them every day for months or years, especially if they all have the same dry color.
One solution you can try out is to remove the cabinet doors and replace them with fabric drapes. You still won’t have to look at your old dishes, but you can pick your favorite pattern or color, measure out the right amount, and staple it to the top of the cabinets.
Chalkboard Paint Anywhere
Chalkboard paint looks to be the kind of thing that can be used to increase productivity when used anywhere. For instance, take the kitchen. Cover the front of your refrigerator with the special substance, and you’ll have a handy place to write a grocery list, a “what’s inside” list, notes to yourself, and more.
Put some up in your bedroom to ensure you’re ready for the day the night before. What about the bathroom? Well, if you run out of something, write it on the bit of chalkboard paint you’ve slapped onto the wall to remember the next time you go to the store.
No More Unsightly Cracks
This is the kind of hack that you can use almost anywhere, but cracks in the ceiling tend to pop up in the bathroom thanks to moisture and heat. You might think you'll require expensive experts – and you should at least make sure there isn't any more damage inside the walls – but there is actually an easy way to fix these yourself.
Step one is to tape over the crevice with wire mesh simply. After that, plaster over the tape and smooth it out. Finish it off by painting it to get it to the right color as the rest of the wall, and you're all done.
Make That Mirror as Good as New
If you're looking for a way to spruce up your bathroom, take a look at one of the biggest items in the room. You use the mirror to brush your teeth, floss, comb or brush your hair, and do many other things, so why not give it a makeover?
Use molding to frame your mirror with any color and material you wish. If you pick the right style, you can get something that fits with the rest of the décor in one of the most important rooms in your home. Make the exterior of the mirror look great – since what's inside already looks good.
Camouflage Your Tank
Making a beautiful garden is something that soothes the soul and the mind, even if you live in the city. Depending on where you live, however, you might have to have a propane tank to keep the home warm when it gets cold, which can be an unsightly addition to your natural yard.
Keep the tank hidden until you need it with a plastic rock box, which you can build to your specifications, no matter how your yard looks. Different colors of rocks and different configurations of the box will fit into any kind of outdoor garden. Don't let the realities of the world get in the way of your green sanctum.
Make Your Bathroom Your Own
Daily hygiene products are critical to our lives and livelihoods, but that doesn’t mean we like the bottles and packages they come in. Instead of garish and brightly-colored jars and bottles that take up a lot of space on our counters and showers, replace them with simple and attractive glass jars or coffee mugs, as we see in the picture.
Be sure to label or remember which bottles are which, or you might end up having a mess on your hands or other body parts. The best part about this route is it will work in any bathroom design and might even bump it up a notch or two.
You Won't Need to Replace Anything
While you're doing one of the classic home improvement jobs – painting – dropping a fully-loaded paintbrush onto your new carpet is a nightmare scenario. But for small stains, there are ways to clean up without shelling out to get the entire carpet replaced. Soak a rag with some denatured alcohol and scrub at the paint.
Try to use a rag that is as close to the carpet's original color as possible, or you might find you've gotten rid of some paint by adding color from the rag. This might be too time-consuming for big spills, but this should do the trick for little messes.
Wrinkles No More
If you have a favorite shirt that took a nasty tumble in the dryer and now it's covered in wrinkles, getting it looking fresh and new again might be a hassle. This always happens to your best shirts, and we still don't understand why all of our favorite brands insist on creating beautiful shirts with the same creasable fabric.
But don't worry, this classic tip will have wrinkled clothing looking like new again as soon as you're clean. Just hand the clothes up in your bathroom when you shower and let the steam flatten the wrinkles, and get shirts, pants, and dresses back to how they should be – wrinkle-free and looking good.
Waterproofing Your eBook
Reading your favorite paperback in the tub is a classic way to get all of your relaxing done at once. These days, though, a lot of people have an eBook reader. While dropping a book in the water is never fun, dropping a reader full of sensitive electronics will leave you with a useless item.
If you can't keep away from those thrilling books even when you're in the bath, slip your device into a plastic bag. As long as the seal is intact and there are no holes in the bag, your device will be fine even if it does land in the bubbles.
Swapping Out Plants
When you're first planting your garden or landscaping, you usually use infant plants to make things easier. Once all those plants grow up and hit their adult sizes, you might have wished you had done things a little bit differently. Here's a way to customize your yard: get double the plastic pots and bury some of them in the ground.
Slip the actual pots into the pots you buried, watch them grow, and then if you want to switch them, simply pull the pots out of the buried pots, and slip them into new homes. The one stipulation is that all pots must be the right size.
Turn a Spice Rack Organizer into a Bathroom Buddy
Having a spice rack in the kitchen is an easy organizing tactic, but why not take that same lesson into the bathroom with you? Whatever is good for our ols salt, pepper, and paprika can surely be just as fine for the daily use of shampoo and conditioner.
Take an old spice rack, or build your own with some lumber and handyman skills, and attach it to your wall. There's plenty of space for soaps, condition, deodorant, shampoo, and more. Put up two to create a "his and hers" shelf, which will keep the organization at a maximum. Just ensure you attach them to studs so they don't fall off.
Stop Losing Socks
Even small cracks between your washer and dryer can be dangerous pitfalls for loose socks. Make sure they all have their pair every time you do the laundry when you build a laundry table on top of the machines. Take any piece of wood – or different material that takes your fancy – and cut it to the right size using a saw.
You will have a workspace to fold laundry, for instance, and you can proudly tell people that you built a table. After only a few weeks of having this addition to your laundry room, you’ll start to wonder how you ever got by without it.
Keep Towels Handy
Up your functionality and style in the bathroom when you repurpose some old baskets and hang them on the walls. You can store fresh towels, bath items, and personal beauty items like combs or toothbrushes. Bathrooms usually have plenty of walls to offer. Double up on space-saving tricks by rolling up your towels for a great look that guests, and yourself, will love.
Baskets can even give off a pleasant smell – another bonus for the bathroom. There is no need to stuff your wardrobe shelves with bathroom essentials anymore. Free the space in your closet and create a bathtime indulgent in your own home.
Singing in the Shower Has Never Been So Much Fun
We've all thought – why can't I listen to music while in the shower? The problem is that your shower is usually too loud to hear music unless you have a big set of speakers. Not very feasible in a room that is going to be full of steam and water unless you like electrical shocks.
There's an easy way to add some power to your orchestra, however, when you place your phone in the sink or whatever musical device you use. The shape of the bowl funnels the sound up in a single direction and gives you a great backing band.
Wash at the Right Temp
Washing machines have gotten smarter and easier to use in recent years, which saves us plenty of time, but what about saving money? Well, it turns out that most detergents work best when the water is between sixty-five and eighty-five degrees (Fahrenheit). If you're heating up that water, you could pay a hundred dollars a year for a worse wash.
Try washing in warm – instead of hot – or cold water. Check the water temp right after it fills, and you may find that the “cold” setting on your machine is warm enough that you don't even have to bother changing the dial.
Clean Inside Your Microwave
It's surprising how time-consuming such a little job can be. Cleaning the interior of your microwave, if you don't do it often enough, means battling against caked-on food, stains, and old pieces of food. It isn't out of the question for all this hard scrubbing to take hours, but there's one simple tip to make it all easier.
Heat up a bowl of vinegar in the microwave. Yes, it will stink, but if it gets hot enough to create some steam, it will break down the gunk, coating the surfaces. Let the vinegar sit for a while, open it up, and wipe it all clean.
Never Lose Them Again
Small metal objects are necessary for anyone in the bathroom. From bobby pins and nail clippers to mustache trimmers, nail files, and more, keeping track of where they all are can be hard. We have all found ourselves searching for hours at least once in life for some small object you always misplace.
My friend, those days are over, it's time to embrace the new world. Attach a magnetic strip or some other magnetic item in the size and shape of your choice to the wall or counter of your bathroom. Place all the little metal objects you have; we assure you they are not going anywhere.