Everyone appreciates a genius hack; after all, it is a simple way to transform a seemingly difficult task into one that is manageable. Simple hacks can save you time and frustration and extend the life of your household items.
These small changes, ranging from clever storage solutions to quick cleaning tricks, can have a significant impact on your efficiency and organization. Many of these solutions repurpose everyday items in unexpected ways, providing low-cost alternatives to expensive store-bought fixes.
Whether you are tackling stubborn stains, optimizing limited space, or streamlining your daily routines, these genius hacks are the ideal solutions to turn minor inconveniences into an effortless win. Keeping your home clean, organized, and beautiful can be a full-time job. Hopefully, these household hacks will make your “to-do” list a little bit easier to tackle.
Removing Furniture Dents From the Carpet
Carpet becomes condensed under heavy furniture, making the dents difficult to remove. One of the most effective methods is to place an ice cube on the impacted area. Allow it to melt completely and become absorbed into the carpet. While the area is still moist, gently blot any excess water and then fluff the carpet with a fork, spoon, or even your fingers.
For stubborn dents, take a steam iron filled with water and set it on a low to medium setting. Place a damp towel over the dent and then run the iron over the area for 1-2 minutes. Use a vacuum to lift the fibers while they are still warm. You can alternately use a hair dryer to warm the fibers.
First, spray the area with water, blow dry, and then fluff up the fibers with your fingers.
Fixing a Squeaky Door
The most common reason for a squeaky door is friction between the hinges. Fixing this problem is easy if you have a lubricant like WD-40, but if you don’t have any on hand, there are a variety of other things you can use as a substitute.
Common household items like cooking spray, petroleum jelly, or a bar of soap all work well to solve creaking doors. Simply apply one of these materials to the problematic hinge and work it back and forth until you are sure that it is evenly distributed. If the squeaking persists, remove the hinge pins from the center of the hinge, clean any debris, such as rust, and reapply the lubricant.
Remove a Stripped Screw
Getting a stripped screw out seems like an impossible task, but you can use a rubber band to make the removal easier. When a screw’s head is worn down, place a wide rubber band over the top of the screw before inserting a screwdriver.
The rubber will fill the extra space between the grooves and allow the screwdriver to gain traction. For best results, be sure to press down firmly to prevent the screwdriver slipping off the head of the screw. This hack works for both flathead and Philips screws.
Deodorize Your Shoes
Shoes are a haven for odors, most not very pleasant. Deodorizing shoes is easy with a few simple tricks to eliminate odors and keep them fresh. A vinegar solution, made from equal parts vinegar and water, can be sprayed into the shoes to neutralize the bad smells.
Allow the shoes to dry completely before use. Sprinkling baking soda into your shoes and leaving them overnight will absorb moisture and smells. Shake them out before putting them on. Placing shoes directly in the sunlight can kill bad bacteria in shoes.
If you just want to keep bad smells at bay, you can place a tea bag, bar of soap, or a dryer sheet into your shoes to keep shoes smelling fresh and clean.
Soften a Slamming Door
A slamming door is jarring to both your senses and to the surrounding walls and door itself. Softening a slamming door can prevent damage to the door, frame, and walls. One quick solution is to apply felt pads to the interior of the door frame, where the door fits into it.
You can buy specialized felt pads for the purpose or pads that you can cut to size. Weatherstipping will also work if this is what you have on hand.
If the door is closing too quickly due to air pressure, adjusting the door closer or installing a door stop can be a good long-term solution.
Preventing Tarnish on Silver Items
Silver tarnishes when it reacts with sulfur in the air. While tarnish is inevitable to some degree, proper storage and maintenance can minimize it. Storing silver in an airtight container with anti-tarnish cloth helps to limit its exposure to the air and prevent serious tarnish. Placing pieces of chalk, silica gel packets, or anti-tarnish strips in your silver storage area will absorb moisture and slow tarnishing.
Regularly using your silver and gently wiping it will prevent tarnish buildup and maintain its shine. Avoid exposure to sunlight, sulfur-containing foods, and harsh chemicals to prevent further discoloration.
Remove Water Rings From Wood
Anyone who has hosted a party at their home knows that one of the unintended consequences to your wood furniture might be some residual water rings left by unattended drinks. You might be able to easily remove the water marks from your wood furniture using these household items. Be sure to test any solution in an inconspicuous place to be sure it does not damage your furniture.
Try a mixture of baking soda mixed with a non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste on the water ring. Rub it into the ring in a soft circular motion. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth and allow the surface to fully dry. Another method that many DIYers champion is to use full-fat mayonnaise.
Gently rub the mayonnaise onto the ring and allow it to sit overnight. Wipe the mayonnaise away in the morning, and likely, the stain will have vanished.
Cleaning the Microwave
Baked-on food grime can be difficult to remove from the microwave, but cleaning it can be simple if you use steam. One of the best methods to create steam is to heat a bowl of water with lemon slices, vinegar, or baking soda for five minutes.
This will allow the steam time to loosen the bits of food on the sides of the microwave. Afterwards, you can just wipe down the sides with a damp cloth or sponge. For more stubborn stains, rub a baking soda and water paste on them and let it sit for a few minutes to help lift them.
Removing Pet Hair
Some pets generate massive amounts of hair that can be problematic for allergies and the general cleanliness of your home. Removing pet hair can be effortless with just a few techniques using household products. A damp rubber glove or a slightly damp sponge works well to lift the hair from furniture and fabrics.
Simply wipe the surface with these items, and the hair will cling to the damp surface. A squeegee works well to pull out hair that is deeply embedded in carpet. Lint rollers or looped packing tape work well to pull hair off clothes and furniture.
For larger areas, use a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment. One of the best tips for managing pet hair is to be proactive in your maintenance. Regular cleaning will minimize buildup and make the residual hair easier to manage.
Cleaning a Clogged Showerhead
Depending on where you live, your showerhead may become clogged due to minerals in the water accumulating in the holes and obstructing the free flow of water. Cleaning the showerhead using this method will dissolve the minerals.
Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with a rubberband. Ensure the nozzle is fully submerged. Allow it to soak for a few hours, preferably overnight, to dissolve the limescale and mineral deposits. After removing the bag, run hot water through the showerhead to flush out any remaining debris.
For stubborn clogs, use an old toothbrush or needle to loosen them. Implement a regular cleaning schedule to prevent buildup that inhibits the quality of your showers.
