More on small tricks that work
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Tear chip bags open from the bottom or invert them to mix seasoning that has collected at the base.
Seasoning drops to the bottom during transport; opening from the bottom lets it fall through and coat the chips.
- Some people prefer the concentrated seasoning at the bottom.
- Some report no noticeable difference in flavor.
19 people, independently
- Turn the chip bag upside down or shake it before opening to spread out the seasoning.9
Grip your keys tightly while shutting a self-locking door behind you.
This helps avoid getting locked out and paying for costly locksmith help.
- This works for some but may not work for everyone.
4 people, independently
Position your phone or alarm far away from the bed, forcing you to rise and move to stop the noise.
This stops snoozing and prevents pre-sleep phone use in bed.
10 people, independently
Switch from polyester or synthetic socks to cotton or wool to prevent odor buildup.
Polyester can get smelly over time even with washing, while wool breathes well and cotton is preferred for preventing smells.
- Cotton may rub uncomfortably during long walks or running.
4 people, independently
Air dry your clothes instead of using a machine dryer.
Dryers can wear down material, fade colors and logos, cause shrinkage, and damage zippers; air drying helps preserve fabric softness and longevity.
- If hanging outside in the sun, do not leave them out to fade; use inside racks instead.
8 people, independently
More on more on small tricks that work25
Use powdered graphite to lubricate sticking car locks rather than WD-40.
WD-40 leaves residue that gathers dirt and hardens over time, while dry graphite does not attract dust.
- Graphite powder can make a mess and may not help in some cases.
- Do not use graphite on electronic locks or ignition switches as it is conductive.
3 people, independently
Keep whole ginger in the freezer to preserve it longer and simplify grating.
Ginger tends to mold or dry out quickly when stored in the fridge or open air, while mold is unlikely to form in a working freezer. Frozen ginger also grates more easily without making a mess.
- Peel the ginger before freezing, as it is harder to peel when frozen.
3 people, independently
Zip up all zippers before washing or drying clothes.
It keeps zipper teeth strong, prevents the zipper from wearing or tearing, and stops exposed teeth from snagging, ripping, or cutting other garments.
14 people, independently
Flatten a wire hanger, form a small hook at one end, thread the drawstring through it, and pull it across the casing.
The extended length enables you to reach from one side to the other without needing to probe blindly.
4 people, independently
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Place a wooden spoon across the top of a pot to slow boiling and prevent overflow, though it is not foolproof.
It slows down the boil so you can turn down the heat.
5 people, independently
To stretch leather shoes, fill ziploc bags halfway with water, place them inside, and freeze overnight for 8-10 hours.
4 people, independently
Spread peanut butter on both slices of bread before adding jelly to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
The peanut butter acts as a moisture barrier that keeps the jelly from soaking into the bread.
13 people, independently
Use a spoon to wear away the rim of a can lid until it pries open, avoiding damage to knives.
Avoids damaging knife blades or risking injury.
3 people, independently
Check your fridge and pantry for expired or unwanted food before taking out the garbage.
It serves as a reminder to discard old food, such as bad chicken, which might otherwise be missed.
3 people, independently
Write the date you made or opened perishable food on the container before refrigerating it.
It helps track freshness for fridge cleanouts and avoids guessing how old items are; marking while cold prevents condensation from ruining the writing.
4 people, independently
Rotate your shoes and avoid wearing the same pair every day to allow them time to relax and dry out between uses.
It allows the material to rest and air out, which helps the shoes last longer.
5 people, independently
Keep the bread and fillings/spreads in separate containers and put the sandwich together fresh when you eat lunch.
3 people, independently
Apply a layer of fat-based condiments like mayonnaise or butter directly to the bread to create a barrier against moisture absorption.
Fat creates a barrier that slows down moisture absorption from toppings.
5 people, independently
If the dedicated mute control does not work, press every button in the right-hand column from top to bottom until the noise ceases.
3 people, independently
Pack cold or wet toppings like pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and sauces in separate bags to add just before eating.
3 people, independently
Place non-slip rug backing, puffy shelf liner, or sticky cabinet liner under a cutting board.
These materials prevent the board from slipping or moving.
4 people, independently
Insert and empty your menstrual cup in the shower to make the process easier and less messy.
Hot water relaxes muscles for comfort, and any mess washes away easily.
4 people, independently
Use earhooks or loop-around-ear designs if standard earbuds consistently fall out.
3 people, independently
Cut the knot off with scissors or a pocketknife if untying is too difficult or time-consuming.
3 people, independently
Form a cone from paper to serve as a quick funnel for pouring liquids.
3 people, independently
Mute self-checkout kiosks by tapping the volume control button on the screen, often located at the bottom row or near signal icons.
6 people, independently
Clip a binder clip onto the rolled end of a tube, such as toothpaste or cream, to keep it closed and preserve contents.
5 people, independently
Keep an adjustable wrench, multi-bit screwdriver, and hex keys on hand.
3 people, independently
If your sneakers squeak from friction, try pouring baby powder or talcum under the insoles.
3 people, independently
Keep the rubber bands from vegetable bundles, such as those on asparagus or broccoli, for sealing food containers.
3 people, independently
More on more on small tricks that work15
If you dislike social interaction or costs at barbershops, learn to cut your own hair.
It avoids awkward small talk and saves money.
3 people, independently
Use a slow cooker for low-prep meals when busy.
It requires little prep time and reduces worry about cooking duration.
- Food made in a slow cooker may start to taste similar over time.
3 people, independently
Focus on shaded parking spots over proximity to the entrance in hot climates.
Cars left in the sun feel much hotter inside.
3 people, independently
Park next to expensive-looking cars, as owners are often more careful with their vehicles and less likely to swing doors into yours.
Owners of nicer cars are perceived to care more about avoiding damage to their own vehicles.
- This assumption is not always true; some owners do not care for their cars.
- Someone else might take the spot next to the expensive car while you are away.
7 people, independently
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Choose a barber who actively advises on what hairstyle suits your face shape and hair type, rather than one who simply asks what you want.
Barbers should know which cuts work with specific face shapes and how different hair grows.
6 people, independently
Do not feel obligated to talk during your haircut; silence is normal and barbers can gauge if you want to converse.
Barbers do this daily with many customers who don't talk, and they will not be bothered.
3 people, independently
Buy higher quality shoes initially to save money in the long run, as cheap shoes often require frequent replacement.
Spending more upfront on quality is more frugal than replacing cheap shoes every year, which can cause greater expense later.
4 people, independently
Keep your vehicle free of visible valuables to lower the chance of it being targeted.
Criminals often look for easy targets, and even items that seem worthless can trigger a break-in.
3 people, independently
Avoid chain salons and seek out independent barbers or salons with skilled staff.
Chain salons often hire stylists who rotate frequently and may lack skill.
3 people, independently
Email a recap of key points and agreements after significant spoken discussions to set a written trail.
This creates a record of your understanding and request for clarification, even if the recipient does not respond.
11 people, independently
Do not park beneath trees for shade; they can drop sap, honeydew, leaves, or bird droppings that are hard to remove.
4 people, independently
Wear socks made of natural materials like cotton or wool instead of synthetic fibers like polyester.
Natural materials help greatly compared to synthetics.
3 people, independently
Treat verbal promises from employers as non-binding and insist on formal written documentation.
Verbal agreements are considered worthless or illegitimate if not documented in writing.
5 people, independently
If you dislike loud ad screens at gas stations, choose a different station or refuse to pump there.
6 people, independently
Choose a parking spot away from other vehicles to sidestep door dings and disputes.
3 people, independently
More on more on small tricks that work17
Help parents declutter and discard unnecessary items while they are still alive and capable.
It can spark memories, create new ones, and make the process less sad after they pass away.
- Do not wait until they are sick or too frail.
3 people, independently
Place contact details, such as a phone number, email, or business cards, inside your wallet to help with return if lost.
It makes it easier for finders to contact you without the intrusion of visiting an address.
- This method is less effective if you are traveling far from home or in regions where lost property recovery systems are unreliable.
- Post offices may return wallets but keep any cash found inside.
3 people, independently
Replace all exterior locks right away upon moving into a new residence.
Former residents, neighbors, or workers might retain keys.
- Some landlords deem it unlawful to change locks without requesting permission through property management.
5 people, independently
Always get important agreements in writing and signed.
People may betray your trust quickly if there is no written record.
4 people, independently
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Zap flying insects with an electric mosquito swatter.
It creates a satisfying spark and burnt hair scent without needing fast or hard swings.
4 people, independently
Take clear, current, full-body photographs of your adult pets for use in missing posters.
Pets often look different as adults than they did as puppies or kittens, and cute shots may not be usable for identification.
3 people, independently
Use only the deadbolt with a key for exterior doors to prevent accidental lockouts caused by interior thumb-turns.
Pushing the button on an interior knob before leaving can result in being locked out.
3 people, independently
Spray hairspray on a fly's wings to stiffen them, which may cause it to fall or get stuck.
Hairspray can stiffen wings or fix them in place mid-flight.
3 people, independently
Donate surplus or functional items to local Buy Nothing communities rather than discarding them.
Passing items to those who will use them more feels rewarding.
3 people, independently
Send an email immediately after verbal instructions confirming the date, time, and task.
Prevents the other party from pretending they did not give the instruction.
3 people, independently
Dial 211 to connect with a local resource navigator who can tell you about aid programs you may be eligible for.
3 people, independently
Show pictures of the hairstyle you want instead of trying to describe it verbally.
A picture is much more helpful than verbal explanations.
4 people, independently
Store blank, neutral-design cards and handwrite personalized messages for a more personal touch.
A personal message means more than default messages and allows for unique situations.
3 people, independently
Look for L/R markings or raised Braille-like dots on the earpieces to identify orientation.
5 people, independently
- Use different colored tips for left and right earbuds to distinguish them easily.4
Be aware that identical socks may fade or lose volume unevenly over time, causing them to no longer match.
3 people, independently
Thoroughly search old books, magazines, clothing pockets, and between china plates for hidden cash or valuables when clearing out an older relative's home.
Older generations often hold onto cash and stash it in unexpected places.
3 people, independently