Cleaning and organizing a house can make anyone lose their mind. Sometimes these tasks feel like a never-ending cycle of frustration that cannot be avoided. That’s why getting things done well and efficiently is important, as no one ever wants to be stuck doing the same thing for several hours on end.
To help with this conundrum, we collaborated with a bunch of experts in this particular field and rounded up a list of 50 home hacks that should make anyone’s life easier. These hacks are budget-friendly and easy, meaning someone doesn’t have to go above and beyond to get things done. Moreover, they can be used as bonding tools as people can set them up with their friends, kids, and family members.
Unclogging A Drain Using Coffee
Coffee can not only help in braving a Monday but also in many other ways. For one, we can use the java grounds to unclog a drain blockage. Instead of calling a plumber and paying a steep bill, mix the leftover dregs with some soapy water and boil the solution.
We can then pour the hot mixture into the stuck drain. The collaborative effort of these ingredients will carve a way through whatever is jamming the pipes, allowing water to flow through once more. Be it a kitchen or a bathroom drain; this nifty hack will work on all of them.
Using Coffee As A Cleaning Agent
Degreasing is essential for keeping bathrooms in good condition. Oil and grease staining the bathtub and the sink can be really bothersome, not to mention unhealthy. Whether it’s a workplace we’re speaking of or home, here’s a cheap hack to this problem.
Pour some coffee ground on the stains and rings around the bathtub, or sink. Then rub gently to remove them with ease. Once done, pour some water on the place that has just been cleaned, and there we go. Use this technique any time those vexing grease rings crop up and keep the bathrooms squeaky clean!
Essential Oils For Polishing Wooden Furniture
Furniture requires frequent polishing if it’s expected to be in good condition for a long time. Unfortunately, not everybody can hire professional help for regular maintenance. Not only can it be expensive in the long run but also extremely time-consuming.
The good news is, there’s a hack to achieve that without paying an arm and a leg. Essential oils can work wonders when used as a polisher. Grab a tea tree or lemon essential oil and a clean, soft cloth. Pour some liquid on the material and rub the furniture that requires it. All done!
Using Toothpaste to Conceal Scratches On Furniture
Furniture, especially any pieces made of wood, is highly prone to scratches. Regardless of the quality, it will be infected by small gashes over a period of time, which might even diminish the look of the whole thing, but there’s an easy fix for this.
Grab a creamy toothpaste, and squeeze out a pea-sized amount onto the surface in question. Gently rub it along the crevice that needs to be concealed. Do the same with all the scratches that require fixing. Once done, any leftover residue can be easily cleaned using a wet towel.
Using Ice To Remove Candle Wax From Furniture
A candle can melt quickly, making it tricky to remove the wax from the furniture. This leaves us with two options, either let it be and not risk ruining the polish, or scrape it off and risk wrecking the whole thing’s look. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution for this.
All that’s needed is ice cubes. Find a plastic bag, and stuff it with large cubes. Place the bag on top of the wax that needs to be removed. This will cool the wax down and solidify it. After a few minutes, pick the bag up, with the wax clinging on it.
Using Steam Iron To Remove Candle Wax From Carpets
Much like furniture, removing candle wax just like that from carpets would run the risk of spoiling it. The situation is unavoidable, but nobody wants that to happen, especially if they bought it from a pricey place at an exorbitant price.
Try this – get a hold of a steam iron and a paper bag. Neatly place the bag on top of the molten wax and gently iron it with the device. The steam emitted from it would cause the wax to cling to the bag, which could then be easily picked up and removed. Voila, all done!
Removing Crayon Marks Using Blow Dryer
Kids are masters at ruining walls by channelizing their inner Picasso using crayons. People with young children would be familiar with the sight of their house being covered with crayon graffitis left and right. One of the ways to fix it is by whitewashing the walls, which we know can be super expensive. But there’s also a cheap alternative.
Just grab an operational blow dryer. Sweep the mouth of the dryer on the spot where the crayon has been rubbed. Doing so will soften the crayon’s hold on the wall and make its grip weaker. After a few minutes, use a soft towel to clean the wall.
Removing Label Residue Using Cooking Oil
Removing the label from a new electrical appliance is all fun and games until it leaves an ugly glue mark behind. Now, this cannot easily be removed using water and a towel. The adhesive is too strong for that, but we can fix it with some common ingredients found in every house.
Grab the bottle of some cooking oil, and pour a little of the same on a thin towel or a cotton ball. Rub it on the adhesive gently and let it stay on it for a while, allowing the oil to seep in. After that, use another cotton ball to clean the residue effortlessly.
Deodorize Microwave Using Vinegar
Microwaves tend to emit a nasty odor if they are not cleaned after every use. But who has got the time for that? On average, the device is used multiple times a day. It’s impossible always to keep it clean. Thus, the resulting stench is inevitable. Though, removing it is simple.
To deodorize the microwaves, all that’s needed is vinegar. Pour the substance inside a plate or a bowl, and place the same inside the device. Keep it that way for five minutes or more. After that, use a cloth to clean its interior. All done!
Cleaning Spotty Surfaces Using Vinegar
This may come as news to some, but vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent. Believe it or not, many households use it to cleanse or polish various things. Mirror, for example, can become squeaky clean, thanks to just a tinge of vinegar.
To do so, pour some cold water into a bowl, and add a teaspoonful of white vinegar. Then sprinkle the solution on the mirror that needs cleaning and use a dusting cloth to rub it across the spots. But do remember to be a little firm with the more stubborn marks. This shall do the trick!
Dishwasher Tackles The Hassle
Who isn’t tired of endlessly scrubbing those dingy HVAC grilles? We can imagine how painful an endeavor it must be to save the sparkles of one’s home and keep the air fresh. If the duct registers are giving anyone nightmares, then we have a quick yet effective hack!
Placing the vents carefully in a dishwasher and running them through a short rinse cycle would undeniably help remove the grease. Just don’t forget to dry them out with a dish towel! And there we are, with spotlessly clean registers that’ll clean the air for months until they need another wash. Now that’s one smooth rescue operation!
The Perfect DIY Blind-Cleaners
Why splurge money on professional cleaners when a pair of tongs can quickly banish that grime mischievously clinging onto the blinds? First, hunt down some old rags or towels and carefully wrap them around on each side of the tong. Securing them with rubber bands will get this DIY cleaner ready for action!
One may use a light spray of a disinfectant solution on the washcloths of the tongs before playing them through the blinds. We also suggest changing the rags once they get muddy to see those blinds glinting brightly in no time. Happy cleaning!
Low-Flow Toilet Tank
Saving a decent fraction of our utility bills might seem surreal to many, but fret not! We have a splendid hack to protect one’s hard-earned cash besides limiting the water flow with every single flush. Who knew that an insignificant block of brick could do wonders in the cistern?
We can start by filling in a block or two bricks or other heavy objects inside the latrine reservoir. These chunks displace several cups of water, thereby reducing the extra amount that swirls down the drain with every flush. We now have an economical solution- an inexpensive DIY tank bank!
Secret To Spotless Toilet Bowls
When one’s “miracle” toilet cleaner miserably fails, and their weary arms crave some rest, mouthwash can come to the rescue! Cleaning the filthy commodes definitely doesn’t count among our favorite tasks, so let’s just hit the job with an easy-peasy way and call it a day!
After pouring a capful of the liquid on the latrine bowl, we can leave it to sit for about half an hour. Later, a gentle swish and scrub with a final flush can bring back the flawless sparkle. That’s how our favorite deodorizing oral rinse can save us from endlessly breaking a sweat over stained pots!
The Makeshift Toothbrush Holder
We wonder how daring can one be to leave their toothbrush on the bathroom counter without a second thought! In a world full of infectious germs, the toothbrush lying all exposed to microbes and toilet fumes indeed poses a severe threat to one’s oral health.
If there isn’t a proper cabinet, especially when staying in hotels, a clothespin can undoubtedly come in handy! Just fixing one to the neck of our brush and setting it down keeps the implement off any potentially unclean surfaces. That’s how anyone can effortlessly craft a DIY toothbrush holder to save their minty fresh breaths from germs!
Remarkable Built-in Bathroom Storage Ideas
Who doesn’t dream of a spacious bathroom with room for a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products? So why not transform our not-so-huge shower room into a luxurious spa without shelling out on an expensive remodeling! There is an easy way.
It only takes a spare bar to be fixed as an additional shower rod for hanging cheap baskets, which we can use for keeping our favorite shampoos, shower gels, and razors in an organized manner. One can hardly stand the daily mess of toiletries littered around their feet, so a second towel bar is undeniably the perfect quick fix!
Rubber Bands For Just Enough Soap
Soap is necessary to keep harmful viruses off our hands, so frequent hand-washing isn’t a bad habit. It’s commonly known that a soap dispenser sometimes doles out way more liquid than we need for a proper wash. So if anyone worries about wracking up their soap bills on hand-washes per month, we have a solution for them!
Fastening a rubber band about an inch under the nozzle of the squeeze bottle can magically limit the flow in each pump, thereby squirting out just the perfect amount of the cleanser we require. Who knew a mere rubber band could extend the life of our hand-soap? This one’s a great hack!
Use A Magic Eraser For A Brand New Looking Cooktop
There’s no denying that cleaning the kitchen can be a drag. With all the food leftovers and unwashed dishes lying around, it’s definitely a messy area anyone would stay away from. And don’t forget the sticky counter and greased-up ceramic cooktop, too!
Still, worry no more as there’s one easy way to transform a filthy cooktop without breaking the bank. Believe it or not, but a Magic Eraser can actually remove and efficiently clean any grimy surface. All it takes is several repetitive swipes, and it’ll ‘magically’ be as good as new. How’s that for a nifty trick?
Spice Up the Kitchen With A Magnetic Rack
These days, many people have taken up cooking as a hobby, and as such, most have begun collecting various kinds of spices for their own use. But keeping them neat and orderly is surprisingly challenging, especially since something is almost always spilled unintentionally.
Fortunately, all it takes is one magnetic stripe and a basic steel rack to create a handy spice nook that will easily stick to the fridge door. This way, everything is within reach and much more organized. Plus, it’ll inspire anyone at home to cook more if everything is in its proper place and easily accessible.
Dirty Pans? Alka-Seltzer Tablets To The Rescue!
Let’s all agree that not even an expensive dishwasher can remove every piece of dirt stuck in a frying pan. Sometimes, it’s better to go the manual route and scrub every inch as hard as possible! But if that doesn’t work, then grab a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets from the medicine cabinet!
So, how exactly does it work? It’s so easy; it’ll blow anyone’s mind away! Grab the pan and fill it to the brim with hot water before adding a tab or two. Let it sit for about 15 minutes while the Alka-Seltzer fizzles. Once done, whatever’s stuck on the pan will budge easily for sure!
Light Up The Dark With Stickon LED Lights
With the advent of social media, people have begun sharing their DIY tricks on home improvement. But not everyone has a sufficient budget to splurge on fancy things like under-cabinet lighting! It can get quite expensive really quickly, more so since LED lights have become a must-have.
Yet, as they say – if there’s a will, there’s a solution! Some folks realized that stick-on LED strips work just as well in illuminating a dark cabinet area. And what’s great about it is how these can be purchased at a much affordable price. The end result looks even better, considering all the extra cash saved up from hiring professional decorators!
Soap Smoothies For Squeaky Clean Blenders
Cleaning a blender can get dangerous with all the sharp blades getting in the way. Imagine the risk of losing a finger every time one sticks their hand inside! Even if gloves are worn, there’s still a chance of injury, and the outcome would be far from welcome.
Luckily for us, cleaning a blender should be a breeze if we do it the same way as making a smoothie. Just dump some dishwashing soap along with warm water inside, and take it for a spin. Trust us when we say that every last bit of fruit or milk will be gone in no time!
A Boxy Bathroom Essential
Ever had that moment where the toothbrush almost fell on the floor all because there’s no place to put it? How about the countless makeup that ended up in the toilet? Well, the solution is actually a no-brainer. Why not use one of those silverware trays as a makeshift organizing box!
With its multiple slots, it’ll be the perfect container to house everything from dental floss, retainers, and of course, a couple of toothbrushes. Indeed, repurposing items can be fun, especially if it also means saving a lot of money in the process.
Suspenders To Keep It All Tidy In Bed
Among the annoying things about lying in bed is when the sheets unintentionally slip off in the middle of the night. Instead of enjoying sweet slumber, we often wind up with a mess instead! But the solution is much nearer than anyone would think!
Sift through the closet and get that old pair of suspenders that have been sitting useless in the bottom drawer. Attach them on each end of the bed sheet’s corner and be amazed at how everything will be in place until the break of dawn. Restful sleep, here we come!
Punching Holes For A Smooth Lift
Remember when we were kids, and our parents would ask us to take the trash out? Pulling it out of the bin sometimes took a lot of physical effort! Apparently, the space between the binliner and the container itself can serve as a vacuum, making the bags stick.
Well, it turns out all we need to do is grab a power drill or any other sharp tool that can poke a hole at the bottom of the garbage container. This way, it releases the vacuum pressure, and the bags don’t stick anymore. Easy as pie and worth a try, right?
Paper Linings To Absorb The Garbage Juice
Nothing is more annoying than having garbage juice seep out of the can while taking it out. But of course, we don’t really have a choice since even a liquid mess needs to be disposed of! So, go ahead and gather a handful of old newspapers to use as a liner at the bottom.
It’s going to serve as a layer that would absorb most of the slimy fluid before it makes a dirty puddle on the floor. By doing so, we can avoid adding another chore to finish, like mopping the mucky substance. Also, it’s a wonderful idea to reuse paper too – a winning solution for all!
A Handy Container For Everything
There’s always that one corner in every home that’s piled with countless plastic bags collected over the years. Most of the time, it ends up forgotten or even thrown away since it’s just a sore sight for the eyes! One way to keep it all together is by utilizing an empty container, particularly the ones we use for disinfecting wipes.
Following its original concept, keep all the plastic bags inside and remove one at a time as if it were a wet tissue. Not only is it neater, but it is also much handier to carry around. DIY hacks have never been this easy indeed!
Utilize Plastic Straws To Keep Wilting Flowers Straight
Floral bouquets make nice presents – the only drawback is that exotic flowers start losing their charms quicker than one expects. But there are sentiments attached to it, and we do not want to throw them just yet. The good news is – there’s a quick fix to this problem.
Re-use those plastic straws that are lying in one corner, waiting to be used in a DIY project. Stick them around flowers with the help of tape or a craft wire, and it won’t droop anymore! One can also put the stems inside the straws if the size fits. Both are clever ways of making the decor aesthetically more pleasing!
Small Holes In Window Screen? Fix It With Nail Paints
Glass doors and windows provide scenic views of the outside, but let’s admit they are high-maintenance too, and sometimes even after all the care in the world, somehow the glass ends up having small cracks and holes. Been there and had to replace the entire screen?
While that method is a good idea, it might poke a hole in an individual’s pocket. So try this cheap cheat code instead! Grab a clear nail polish from a dear one’s cupboard and swipe a few coats of it on minor rips and slits. Let it air dry, and we are sure no one would be able to tell the difference!
Arrange Lids & Covers Using A Magazine Rack
It gets irritating when lids of pots and pans take up an entire drawer in the kitchen, and even then, keep banging into each other. So much annoyance! In addition, it’s also tiring to find the required lid among others every day!
Though there are steel or aluminum stacks available online, what if we shared that there’s an inexpensive way of creating one at home from recycling an old magazine rack? They are usually petite and sturdy, so they fit right into the cabinet. We are sure any cleanliness enthusiast would love to keep things organized with this hack!
A Rubber Band To Stop Doors From Locking Automatically
Keep those rubber bands handy as they have numerous uses other than just tying one’s hair. For example, we can use them to retain sensitive doors and locks that keep getting shut. After all, no one wants to be locked out of their house!
Here’s what we can do – take a stretchy band, circle it around a doorknob, and twist it over the latch, so it is pushed into the door. Step two would be to grab the other end of the elastic and loop on the other side of the doorknob. After that, forget about locking the gates mistakenly!
Secure Doorknobs With A Tennis Ball
Living with a clumsy person can be exhausting – they never know how to open doors gently. On top of that, one can’t put expensive knobs there, knowing they might fall off from banging the door too hard into the wall.
Well, instead of nagging the dear one to calm their actions, please try this affordable trick and enjoy the peace at home. Take a tennis ball, make a tiny slit and fix it on the offending doorknob. Isn’t it easier than breaking an egg? Plus, no indentation marks to deal with. One less thing to worry about now!
How To Use Foam Noodles To Prevent Dents In Car Doors
Imagine this – a family member just bought a high-priced new car home, they park it in the garage, everything is going smooth, but just then there’s a thud sound! It’s not the earsplitting stereo, but someone just banged the car door into the wall! Ouch!
It’s alright though, we all make mistakes, but a non-expensive device can provide immediate relief from this happening again. It’s the good-old pool noodles! Take as many as required and stick them wherever there’s a risk of bumping the car. Pay special attention to guarding the door handles. Those are easy targets!
A Guide On How To Conceal A Security Device
Alarm systems have become an integral part of our houses these days, but they don’t always look aesthetic. We come bearing the good news that now, one can make them blend seamlessly into the existing decor.
Select a favorite painting and grab a couple of hinges. Use them to hang the scenery close to the security alarm, and that’s it! It will take away the focus from the unsightly machine. Isn’t it an easy method to disguise the device as a part of the frame?! This creative presentation will undoubtedly impress guests and visitors.
Masking Tape For Drilling Holes Into A Plaster Wall
In an unpopular opinion, drilling is a fun activity if someone knows how to handle the machine. Having said that, there is only one tiny issue – no matter wherever we poke a hole, it creates a lot of mess, especially if we have plaster walls.
But worry no more, after reading this short-cut, one would happily take the responsibility of screwing all the nails in the house. Simply use masking tape to ease the process. Tear a small square from the roll and stick it on the wall before piercing with the device. It will reduce the wall from flaking to a significant level!
Prevent Iron Nails From Losing
If anyone has ever done odd jobs around the house, like fixing a latch or hanging a painting, then they would know how painful it is to keep track of those tiny nails and nut bolts. They go missing within a fraction of a second to be never found again!
Someone came up with a simple DIY hack to rectify the problem, and we think they deserve an award for it! Make a trip to the hardware store and purchase a roll of magnetic tape. Stick it onto the handle of the hammer, and keep those nails intact in one place! It’s impressive how science has all the answers!
Stock Excess Paint In Mason Jars
There are several ways to recycle plastic containers, but only a few ways to reuse glass bottles. After learning this sensible trick, one would become a responsible person by reducing the load in our trash bins. We all have those giant drums of paints in our garage that only have a few ml of substance left in them, right?
We can pour the remaining liquid from those drums into mason jars to free the plastic cans for reuse. The glass jars are transparent and look pleasant, stacked up with all those colors on the shelves. Additionally, the airtight seal of the jar will prevent the paint from drying.
Using Rubber Bands to Prevent Paint Wastage
Whenever we express our artistic talents on a canvas, excessive paint drips from the brush, making the paint bucket rims gluey. The color hardens as soon as it dries, making resealing difficult. To avoid such a messy sitch, we will share a quick, tried, and tested tip.
Whenever we open a paint container or bucket, we can wrap a rubber band or two around it in a vertical position to stretch over the opening. This rubber band provides a base to wipe off excess paint with every dip, hence keeping the rims of the container clean.
Painter’s Tape to Seal Cracks
A leaking pipe or a faulty window seal can ruin the look of a home and cause unwanted smells too. On top of that, floors and carpets get easily ruined if these cracks aren’t taken care of in time. The house, overall, becomes less presentable and quite messy.
It’s necessary to cover it with something in order to keep it clean and tight. The solution to this problem is painter’s tape. Remember to line both sides of any surface being caulked with painter’s tape, as it will ensure a perfect seal. Now, one has no imperfect linings and a presentable home!
Tired of Pet Hair Lying All Around? Use A Squeegee
We all love our pets as they bring joy to our homes, but a crucial challenge is sharing a living space with fluffy angels who cover every piece of furniture with fur, hair, or feathers. The ultimate and cheap tip to get rid of these stubborn pet furs is a squeegee.
Squeegee is a cheap but effective tool that can clean large amounts of fur in just one wipe. Whether it’s the bed, sofa, armchair, or dining table cloth, the squeegee can get the job done. So, try this pro tip and save time and money!
Aluminum Foil VS Cat Claws
We all hope to enjoy the joy of owning a cat. These cute little creatures, though, can scratch our furniture, counters, and window frames. We know that cat owners are tired of this, so we will share our tested tip: Aluminum foil!
One might wonder how a simple aluminum foil could protect furniture? For starters, it can help protect furniture because cats dislike the sound and texture of aluminum foil. They wouldn’t want to be anywhere near it, and don’t worry; there will be no love lost between the cat and the owner!
Vanilla Beans to Freshen Up the Room
No doubt, air fresheners are an effective way of cleaning up the air indoors. Yet, few people realize how dangerous that can be for the lungs. The chemicals in an air freshener have been the root cause of many respiratory diseases, so it is important to look for alternatives.
Luckily, a very viable option is available: Pour vanilla beans in a cup of water and boil them. Then add some cinnamon for a strong fragrance. This will not only freshen up the room but also be safe for the lungs. We will feel more comfortable in our rooms with the scent of vanilla.
Furniture Sliders To Prevent Pot Scratches
The greenery of plants can immediately lighten up anyone’s home, but heavy plant boxes can cause us trouble when moving them from the surface they are lying on. Most people think the beauty and brightness aren’t worth the difficulty of moving the plants.
To help hold the pots in place and prevent them from harming floors or shelves, a viable solution is to put furniture sliders beneath each plant pot. This would essentially make the bloom-lined surfaces of the room sans scrape and make movement a lot easier.
Saving Wrapping Paper for Later Use
During holidays and on birthdays, wrapping sheets and gift papers come in handy. Yet the rest of the year, tons of wrapping papers only end up giving our homes a messy look. Worry not! We have a brilliant and pocket-friendly storage idea for everyone.
Take a garment bag to store unused wrapping sheets. Any tiny closet or space can be used to hang these bags. They are cheap and keep all the wrapping rolls wrinkle-free, so one can surely use them for draping gifts for upcoming birthdays or Christmas presents.
Save Duct Tape Using A Paper Clip
We all know how much duct tape gets wasted every year, mainly because it’s hard to keep the loose ends in place. Luckily, paper clips can help solve this issue without requiring too much time and effort. It would prevent the frustration of seeing duct tape wasted and help save on the cost as well.
One just has to put a paper clip over the gluey end of the duct tape. Forget about feeling around the tape with fingernails or cutting off the accidentally folded inch. Next time, pull off the paper clip and tada! All that trouble saved by a paper clip!