If you’ve ever caught the DIY bug, you’re in good company. Across the U.S., the do-it-yourself movement is thriving like never before. Fueled by social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, the DIY community is bustling with creativity and innovation.
According to recent reports, the DIY market value is expected to reach over $680 billion by 2025, showcasing a nearly 5% annual growth. This surge is due, in part, to a growing desire for personalized, handcrafted items and a push for sustainable practices. These 15 everyday items can transform into the most ingenious solutions with some creativity.
Hair Dryer to Remove Stickers
Using a hair dryer to remove stickers is easy and surprisingly effective. Just blast the sticker with warm air. Usually, gentle heat is all it takes to loosen that clingy adhesive. Research has shown that applying heat between 50°F and 70°F can significantly soften sticker glue, making it a breeze to peel off without leaving residue.
If you’re working with a delicate surface or material that may warp under heat, it’s best to test the heat on a small area first. Also, never aim the hair dryer’s nozzle too close to avoid overheating. Using moderate settings should do the trick without risking damage to your items.
Ice Cube Tray for Organizing Small Items
Ice cube trays are perfect for sorting out small items like jewelry, craft supplies, or office essentials. According to a study by the National Association of Professional Organizers, an organized space can boost productivity by 20%.
Each cube becomes a pigeonhole for earrings, paperclips, or buttons. For best results, place the tray in a drawer or shelf. This setup keeps items organized and makes grabbing what you need on the fly easy.
Lemon as a Natural Cleaner
Lemon is packed with citric acid, which makes it a formidable foe against grime and bacteria. According to a study in the Journal of Environmental Health, the natural acidity of lemon juice (which ranges between 2 and 3 on the pH scale) can kill bacteria and mold and even dissolve mineral deposits.
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a bowl of water, throw in the lemon itself, and microwave on high for three minutes. Let it sit for a few more minutes, clean cutting boards and microwave stains, and make stainless steel appliances shine.
Baking Soda to Unclog Drains
According to the American Cleaning Institute, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has abrasive qualities that help break down grime and neutralize odors, making it perfect for keeping your pipes free-flowing.
First, pour about half a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Next, follow with a half cup of vinegar, then cover the drain with a towel or a plug to contain the bubbling reaction. Let it work its fizzy magic for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once the time is up, flush it down with a boiling water kettle to clear the debris away.
Coffee Grounds as a Deodorizer
Coffee grounds’ nitrogen-rich composition makes them uncanny at absorbing odors. This can help neutralize air and tough smells in every nook and cranny. First, let the used coffee grounds dry out completely to prevent mold.
Once ready, place them in a shallow bowl or tie them in a breathable bag or pantyhose. Position them in any area that needs odor control—refrigerators, closets, or even that musty shoe cupboard. Coffee grounds have proven to effectively absorb sulfur smells, typically found in rotten eggs.
Toothpaste to Clean Silverware
This hack capitalizes on toothpaste’s mild abrasives, which help gently buff away tarnishes and residues from silver surfaces. The calcium carbonate in toothpaste is also effective in polishing metal surfaces without causing scratches.
To get started, squeeze a small amount of non-gel toothpaste onto a soft cloth or an old toothbrush. Gently rub the silverware in a circular motion, ensuring you reach all the corners and curves. Once you’ve covered all the tarnished areas, rinse the silverware under warm water and pat it dry with a clean cloth.
Bread Clip as a Bag Sealer
Bread clips are handy for sealing all sorts of bags beyond just bread. These versatile little devices can help keep your chips crunchy, your salad crisp, and your fresh veggies farm-fresh!
Fold the top of your bag over a couple of times to squeeze out the excess air, then slide the clip right on to keep it securely sealed. Airtight seals can extend the freshness of your perishable foods by up to 3 days.
Rolling Pin to Crush Ice
You can still get those perfectly crushed ice pieces for your summer cocktails or smoothies without an Iceberg Ice Crusher. Grab a sturdy, resealable plastic bag and fill it with the desired ice cubes. Seal the bag tightly, then spread the cubes in a single layer on a stable, flat surface.
Using your rolling pin, give the bag a couple of firm yet controlled whacks until you achieve that delightful, snowy texture. Plus, it’s easier on the ears than electric ice crushers, which some studies have shown can operate at over 85 decibels.
Tea Bags for Shoe Odor
Tea bags are naturally absorbent, thanks to their high tannin content, which helps neutralize odors effectively. By placing unused tea bags inside your shoes, they work overtime absorbing moisture and stench, leaving your shoes smelling fresh as a daisy.
Pop a dry, unused tea bag into each shoe and let it work its magic overnight. You might want to try a couple of bags per shoe for extreme cases. Opt for black tea bags, which are particularly effective due to their higher tannin levels.
Rubber Bands to Open Stubborn Jars
When placed around the lid of a jar, a rubber band increases the friction between your hand and the lid, giving you a stronger grip. This means you no longer need to fight with those pesky lids or risk a sprained wrist.
First, find a thick rubber band, a wide strip typically used for bundling vegetables. Wrap it snugly around the circumference of the jar lid. Once it’s secure, apply even pressure as you twist the lid open. The increased traction often makes the lid pop off with ease.
Lint Roller to Clean Lampshades
The lint roller’s adhesive surface effortlessly lifts dust, pet hair, and even tiny debris from these delicate surfaces without causing damage. Roll the lint roller gently over your lampshade, applying minimal pressure to avoid creases.
Repeat the process until your shade looks as good as new.
Smartphone Camera Hacks
Your smartphone camera can double as a magnifying glass, a hack perfect for those moments you need to examine text on medication bottles, product labels, or even a menu at a cafe for short-sighted folks. Over 85% of adults in the United States own a smartphone, making this tool readily available for most of us.
Open your camera app, point your phone towards the object in question, and zoom in until you achieve the desired magnification. For even more precision, there are tons of great apps like Magnifier+ or SuperVision+ designed to enhance this feature.
Aluminum Foil to Sharpen Scissors
If you’re like most people, you probably have a box of aluminum foil tucked away in a kitchen drawer. To see a noticeable difference, fold a piece of aluminum foil several times until it’s about six to eight layers thick. You’ll want to make ten to twenty deliberate cuts through the foil.
This action creates microabrasions along the blades, effectively sharpening them. The blog Home Hacks tested this method and found a noticeable improvement in cutting performance. Considering a set of replacement scissors costs anywhere from $10 to $30, this hack can save you money.
Rubber Band to Keep a Door from Latching
If you’re hosting a family gathering, and guests constantly move in and out of rooms, a strategically placed rubber band can keep the doors fuss-free and easy to open! Grab a rubber band and loop it around one doorknob, then stretch it across the door and wrap it around the opposite doorknob.
Ensure the rubber band crosses the latch part of the door to prevent it from catching when it closes. The door stays shut without locking, allowing free movement. It’s also ideal for when your hands are full.
Toothbrush to Clean Grout
An old toothbrush with stiff bristles and the perfect size for narrow spaces allows you to tackle tough grime in bathroom tiles or kitchen backsplashes. According to the National Tile Contractors Association, regular maintenance prevents unsightly stains and mildew growth, ensuring cleanliness and longevity for your tiles.
Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to form a paste, or opt for a commercial grout cleaner for stubborn stains. Apply your chosen cleaner generously along the grout lines and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Then, using the toothbrush, scrub the grout with vigor, working the cleaner into those hard-to-reach spots. Then rinse with warm water.
Clothes Peg to Hold Nails
Clearsurance reports that injuries related to home-improvement projects accounted for 3% of all emergency room visits in 2020, with finger injuries topping the list at over 117,000. Using a clothes peg can significantly reduce this risk, adding an extra layer of safety to your projects.
Clasp the clothes peg onto the nail, gripping it firmly without the risk of nailing your fingers instead. This trick provides solid control, allowing you to guide the nail precisely into the wood or wall.
Soap Bar to Quiet Squeaky Hinges
Soap contains fats and oils that can effectively lubricate metal. Soap (Calcium soap mainly) has been found on the axles of chariots dating back to 1400BC. All you need is a bar of plain soap.
Gently rub the bar along the edges of the squeaky hinge, making sure to cover both the top and bottom. If the hinges are particularly stubborn, you might have to open and close the door a few times to work the soap into the crevices. Your door now swings without a sound.
Newspaper to Absorb Fridge Odors
Newspapers are made of porous material, which means they can effectively soak up moisture and unwanted odors lurking in the fridge. Using biodegradable and recyclable materials like paper can significantly contribute to odor control and reduce food waste.
Crumple up a few sheets and place them on your refrigerator shelves. Sprinkle baking soda on the paper for even more odor-fighting power. Change the papers weekly or whenever you sense those funky smells creeping back.
Squeegee to Remove Pet Hair
If you’ve ever owned a pet, you know the struggle is real—fur finds a way to stick to every surface imaginable. Using a squeegee to tackle pet hair on carpets, rugs, and upholstery is effective and surprisingly satisfying.
Run the rubber edge of the squeegee over the furry area. The rubber creates enough friction to gather the hair into neat clumps, making picking it a breeze. Squeegees are particularly effective in tight corners and awkward surfaces where a vacuum might struggle to reach.
Chalk to Prevent Tools from Rusting
Chalk is not just for the classroom – its natural ability to absorb moisture can keep your tools in tip-top shape. When exposed to dampness, metals are prone to rust, but placing chalk with your tools removes excess moisture, acting as a simple yet effective desiccant.
Add a few pieces of chalk to your toolbox to utilize this hack. Replace them regularly, as they will absorb moisture over time.
Dental Floss to Cut Cakes
Unlike regular knives, dental floss—a non-flavored variety—can glide through even the most delicate cakes without disruption, ensuring you retain that Instagram-worthy look.
Simply take a long piece of dental floss—about 18 inches should do the trick—and hold it taut between your hands. Align it over the cake where you’d like to slice, and pull down firmly in a smooth, steady motion. You’ll get a clean cut, free of crumbs and smudges.
Shower Cap to Cover Shoes in a Suitcase
Just wrap each shoe (or pair) in a shower cap before placing them in your suitcase. This lining prevents dirt, mud, or dust on your shoes from coming into contact with your clothes—or anything else packed nearby.
Airtasker research highlights that 62% of people find packing a significant stressor when going on a trip. Tricks like this shower cap hack can alleviate some of that packing pressure.
Eyeshadow to Cover Scratches
Eyeshadow can work wonders for camouflaging scratches on wooden furniture. When faced with a scratch, match an eyeshadow color as closely as possible to the shade of your furniture.
Using a clean cotton swab or your fingertip, gently apply the eyeshadow to the scratch and blend until it matches seamlessly with the surrounding wood. Eyeshadows are packed with pigments, which means they adhere nicely to surfaces and can provide the coverage you need.
Bobby Pins to Keep Wrapping Paper Rolled
All you need is a couple of these mighty mini-clips, and you’re set to conquer the chaos. To give this hack a whirl, unclip the bobby pin, align it with the edge of your wrapping paper roll, and slide it on to secure.
The tension in the pin helps keep the roll tightly wound, providing a tidy, space-saving solution. Moreover, if you’re eager to go the extra mile, consider choosing colorful bobby pins to match your decorative style.
Toothpick as a Plant Support
Tiny toothpicks are perfect for supporting and training young plants, especially seedlings that need a little help standing tall. First, gently stick the toothpick into the soil next to your delicate seedling, ensuring it’s anchored firm enough to stay upright.
Then, carefully loop a soft thread or string around the plant stem and toothpick, creating a gentle support without constricting growth. Useful yet unobtrusive toothpicks guide your plants to grow upright, ensuring they get the sunshine and airflow needed to thrive.
Lip Balm to Fix a Stuck Zipper
You know how annoying it is when your zipper catches mid-way—right when you wear your favorite hoodie or those snug-fitting jeans you’ve been eyeing. Lip balm is a handy lubricant that helps your zipper glide smoothly along its track.
Simply grab a stick of lip balm from your bag or pocket—any variety will do, though a waxy one works best. Gently apply a small amount to both sides of the zipper teeth around the stuck area. Now, gently work the zipper back and forth. You’ll see that, with just a little coaxing, the zipper unfreezes.
Wine Bottle as a Rolling Pin
The smooth, cylindrical shape of a wine bottle is perfect for rolling out dough, whether it’s for cookies, pizza, or pie. The average wine bottle has a diameter of about 3 inches, which is quite similar to a typical rolling pin. It’s ergonomically friendly and easy to handle, and the glass material ensures a smooth roll that’s gentle on the dough.
Start by giving the wine bottle a good rinse and drying—unless you’re into flour-flavored wine. Next, lightly dust the bottle with flour, just like any regular rolling pin, to prevent the dough from sticking. Then, apply gentle pressure as you roll your dough out evenly. A chilled wine bottle can work wonders for pastry dough that benefits from being kept cool.
Straws to Preserve Jewelry Chains
They hold the key to keeping your cherished jewelry chains tangle-free and ready to dazzle at a moment’s notice. No more frustrating knots and disorganized gold strands.
Slide one end of your chain through a straw and clasp it at the other end. It will remain straight and organized, perfect for travel or home storage.
Eraser to Clean Keyboard
Crumbs, dust, and fingerprints camping between your keys are the ultimate cringe. Grab a simple eraser—the one you used in grade school. Start by turning off your keyboard and gently shaking it to remove any loose debris.
Then, take your eraser (preferably a white one, as colored erasers can smudge) and gently rub it between the keys. You’ll see the eraser crumbly residue taking away the grime as you do this simple back-and-forth motion. Once you’ve tackled all the nooks and crannies, blow away the eraser shavings or use a small, soft-bristled brush.
Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Nails
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic and bleaching agent. It is perfect for lifting away stains on nails without being harsh on the skin. Its oxidizing properties can help clarify and brighten surfaces, including nails.
Mix a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide (3%) with two tablespoons of baking soda in a small bowl to create a thick paste. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that aids in the polishing process. Apply this mixture to each nail and let it sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. For best results, repeat this process once a week.
