These days, we’re often inundated with bizarre “life hacks” that we find on social media, many of which simply don’t make much sense. It’s almost as if people are inventing them for the sake of it when, in reality, the old hacks still work just fine. In other words, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” So, to celebrate the resilient hacks of the past that are still just as useful today, here is a list of some of our favorites.
Baking Soda for Fridge Freshness
Nowadays, people recommend all sorts of strange sprays for cleaning your fridge when, in reality, a little open box of baking soda in the fridge can keep those unwelcome odors at bay. This simple method absorbs strong smells without masking them, so when you open the fridge, all you smell is the food. Baking soda’s sodium bicarbonate neutralizes acidic and basic scent molecules, making it one of the best tricks out there for freshening up the fridge, as long as you replace it every three months or so.
Vinegar for Sparkling Windows
Perfectly paired with baking soda for all sorts of household cleaning tasks, white vinegar works wonders for streak-free windows. Dilute it with water, spray it onto the glass, and wipe the window down with a soft cloth in circular motions for a clear finish. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through grease with ease, ensuring a spotless, shiny surface. Overall, this hack has stood the test of time, proving that pricey glass cleaners aren’t always necessary.
Salt for Grease Stains on Cast Iron
Next time you get stuck cleaning a greasy cast iron pot, try using salt to scrub away at it, just like our grandparents always did. By using this hack, you won’t need to use soap, which can strip away the pan’s seasoning. Instead, a sprinkle of coarse salt and a little elbow grease lifts stuck-on food, keeping cast iron in top shape for the next hearty meal without damaging the seasoning layer.
Lemon for Odor-Free Garbage Disposal
When you think about it, it’s pretty obvious that throwing a few lemon peels down the garbage disposal would get rid of unpleasant smells. It’s not just about the delightful lemon smell; the citrus oils actually break down grease and gunk, leaving a fresh scent behind. Therefore, you just won’t need those toxic drain-cleaning chemicals–just the fresh, citrus aroma of lemon.
Newspaper for Shoe Deodorizing
People often forget that simply stuffing a pair of shoes with crumpled newspaper does wonders for removing nasty odors. This is because the paper absorbs moisture and odors, leaving shoes ready for the next wear. It’s ideal for rainy days or after a long day of use, an old-school solution that keeps shoes dry and odor-free with a touch of simplicity.
Wool Dryer Balls for Static-Free Laundry
Next time you get a static shock from your dryer sheets, consider using wool dryer balls instead, just like our parents taught us. They’re a fantastic static-free alternative that helps clothes dry faster by separating fabrics. A few of these tossed in with the load make for fluffier towels and soft sweaters but without the added chemicals of fabric softeners.
Coffee Grounds for Garden Fertilizer
Regardless of whether you prefer filter coffee, a French press, or a moka pot, those used coffee grounds shouldn’t be thrown away. Instead, they can be very beneficial to your garden when used sparingly. Simply sprinkle a small amount around plants, and the coffee nutrients will be added to the soil. Remember not to get carried away, though, as too much acidity can harm sensitive plants.
Beeswax for Lubricating Stuck Drawers
Another old-fashioned home hack that is still surprisingly useful is using beeswax to lubricate the edges of sticky drawers. In most cases, this simple trick will help them to glide like new once again. You really don’t need those fancy synthetic sprays; the natural effects of beeswax will do the job just fine.
Buttermilk for Tenderizing Meat
These days, kids are tenderizing their meat with all sorts of bizarre concoctions. Why?! Just like we used to, buttermilk works just fine, as the lactic acid in buttermilk softens the meat fibers, making for a juicier bite. In particular, this technique is especially good for lean cuts of meat that can easily turn tough when cooked.
Cornstarch for Carpet Stain Removal
It’s easy to assume that a nasty stain in your carpet is there for good, but don’t worry–cornstarch can lift even the greasiest of oil stains off even better than any specialized cleaner. Sprinkle it on the spot, let it sit for a bit, then vacuum it up, and the cornstarch will absorb the oils, pulling them away from the carpet fibers.
Potato for Rust Removal
It might sound strange, but a cut potato rubbed over rust can help clear it up. Seriously–the oxalic acid in the potato breaks down rust, especially when sprinkled with a bit of salt for added scrubbing power. This method works on small rust spots, leaving behind a polished surface without harsh chemicals. Don’t be tempted to make french fries from the potato after, though–it should go straight in your compost bin.
Olive Oil for Polishing Wood Furniture
Young people today would probably scowl at this one, but using olive oil to polish wood is surprisingly effective. It will bring out the wood’s natural shine once again, even adding a bit of protection. However, it’s best to mix the oil up with a little lemon juice or vinegar for long-term use–otherwise, it could leave residue.
Aluminum Foil for Scrubbing Grills
There’s no need to spend your hard-earned cash on those fancy wire brushes; instead, just crumple up a ripped piece of aluminum foil, and it will make for a surprisingly effective scrubber for grill grates. We’ve got no doubt that you’ll find it clears off the charred bits from last night’s barbecue just as well, without the need for harsh wire brushes.
Rice for Cleaning Bottles
Rice is a surprisingly versatile ingredient for life hacks, especially when it comes to drying out things, and, more importantly, cleaning narrow bottles can be a challenge. No one enjoys the nuisance of trying to reach through a narrow bottle, but uncooked rice will do this job just fine. Add a bit of rice, water, and soap to the bottle, shake it up, and the rice works as a gentle abrasive to scrub hard-to-reach areas.
Chalk for Closet Freshness
Believe it or not, placing a few sticks of plain white chalk in the closet can help keep things dry if it’s otherwise prone to dampness. That’s because chalk absorbs moisture, so it reduces musty smells and helps prevent mildew. Don’t overcomplicate things–just place a couple of sticks in a small bowl or hang them in a mesh bag, and this easy fix will keep closets smelling fresh and airy.
Bar Soap for Zipper Lubrication
Last but not least, we’ve got an old-school hack that will stop your zippers from getting stuck. Bizarrely, you’re just going to have to rub a bar of dry soap along the teeth, and it will smooth the way. This simple trick makes zippers glide smoothly, perfect for jackets or bags with a bit of resistance. Never again will you throw away a pair of jeans just because the zipper is failing you!