Uncovering the Top 7 Ingenious Techniques We Experimented With Throughout the Year
At REAL SIMPLE, we invest a considerable amount of time in exploring, brainstorming, and testing practical tips to simplify daily life. Our primary goal is to make life easier, as many supposed hacks on TikTok often fail to deliver. When we uncover a truly brilliant trick, it tends to inspire articles in our Simple Twists column or lingers in our minds long after publication. These hacks are so effective, they continue to captivate us!
Fix dents in your carpet using ice cubes
Are you considering rearranging the furniture in your living room (an affordable way to refresh the space)? Unfortunately, moving your sofa, coffee table, and accent chairs may leave unsightly impressions on your plush carpet. Place a tiny ice cube into each indent, allowing it to melt, and then gently finger-comb the fibers to restore your redesigned room's beauty.
Utilize an empty toilet paper roll as a vacuum attachment
While your vacuum may come with a crevice tool, it often falls short at reaching tight spots. An empty toilet paper roll can step in to fill this gap. Simply attach one end to your vacuum hose and compress the other end to collect dust from window tracks, your car's console, or the cracks between hardwood flooring.
Deodorize the fridge with used coffee grounds
While baking soda is a popular choice, coffee drinkers might prefer using their own spent grounds as a natural air freshener. After brewing a pot of coffee, allow the grounds to dry on a baking sheet, transfer them to a bowl, and then store them in your fridge to eliminate odors.
Banish beach sand with baby powder
Wet sand can be challenging to remove, but baby powder can help. Apply a light layer to your hands, feet, and body before heading home, and the moisture-absorbing powder will make it easier to remove grains of sand. Apply the powder to your hair, too, to protect your strands from excess sand.
Store your paint roller in a Pringles can
Don't let a wet paint roller be a source of frustration between coats. To keep it moist, store it in a clean and empty Pringles can. Create an asterisk in the center of the plastic lid using a box cutter, roll any excess paint onto the wall, and slide the roller into the chip can. Cover the roller with the lid, secure it in place, and store it in the refrigerator.
Hang garments with rubber bands on hangers
Tugging at slippery, silky garments can cause them to slide off hangers. Employ rubber bands to ensure these delicate items remain in their proper place. Wrap one around each side of a hanger and loop them tightly until secure, then hang your garments as usual. The rubber's texture will help prevent them from sliding down.
Remove rust from a cast-iron skillet with potatoes and salt
Potatoes aren't just useful for making French fries or working as a clock's power source. They can also eliminate rust from your skillets. First, lay a thin layer of salt over any rust spots. Next, cut a potato in half and scrub it in a circular motion over the salt to help dissolve and lift the rust, making it easy to rinse away.
After rearranging your furniture, if you notice dented spots on your carpet, place a tiny ice cube into each indent and allow it to melt before gently finger-combing the fibers to restore the beauty of your redesigned space. RealSimple, with its focus on simplifying daily life, offers numerous Organizing Hacks, such as utilizing an empty toilet paper roll as a vacuum attachment to reach tight spots.
