As everything is getting more and more expensive, money-saving tricks are more than welcome. We made a list of versatile common household objects that you can use in multiple ways. Keep reading to find what those are and save yourself a couple of bucks.
- Use the back of a ceramic mug or plate to sharpen blades – If you don’t have a sharpening stone at home but you need your knives, scissors, utility knife, or any other blade sharpened, use the back of a ceramic mug. The non-glazed part will help you do just that. This may not be the perfect long-term sharpening solution but it will do a great job for emergencies.
- Cleaning your windshield like a pro – Windshield wipers are prone to drying out and cracking in a short period of time. However, their job of cleaning the windshield of your car is of crucial importance. To prolong their life and make them more efficient, soak a clean cloth in glass cleaner. wipe along the whole length of the wipers.Bring your old markers back to life – If you use a lot of markers but they constantly dry out, here is a trick for you. Remove the back of the marker and pour a few drops of rubbing alcohol inside. Make sure you pour it on the felt material of the marker. Close the back and shake well. Once the felt absorbs the rubbing alcohol your marker will be good as new.
- DIY phone stand – If you like cooking or having your own DIY projects at home, video instructions and tutorials online are a blessing. However, there is one problem – our phones don’t just stand by themselves. To help yourself and make it easier to see the screen while working, grab a couple of zip ties. This hack is extremely simple and easy. Tie a zip tie on both sides of your phone and tighten them so that they snugly fit around your phone. Make sure the zip tie heads are facing down and stand at the edge of your phone. Now you can watch anything on your phone and have your hands free at the same time.
- Make your own ice pack – Ice packs are a great way to keep your lunch cool. However, they may be a bit expensive and also get lost now and then. To make your own ice pack, soak a sponge under the sink, place it in a sealable sandwich bag and keep it in the freezer until you need it.
- Quick smartphone speaker – To amplify the sound of your phone, use a small bowl or a piece of pottery. You can use this for your desk, kitchen, or anywhere at home. Simply place your smartphone, with the speaker pointing down, in a ceramic bowl or pot. The sound will bounce off the hard bottom and amplify through the surrounding area. It is great for watching videos or listening to music while showering, for example.
- Fix your wobbly table – An unstable table can be extremely annoying. To begin, ensure that the legs are secure by tightening any loose brackets or screws and re-gluing any loose joints. If it doesn’t solve the wobbles, try using a synthetic wine bottle cork (the natural cork will crumble over time). Mark the amount of cork that will be needed to stabilise the table to the floor. Cut the desired length, then use hot glue to adhere the piece of cork to the bottom of the table leg.
- Start your fire with some lint – If you want to start the fire quickly and effortlessly, grab a toilet paper roll and fill it with dryer lint (we are sure you have lots of it). These fire ‘’logs’’ will burn quickly and long enough to properly start your fire. Use this to save yourself money from buying lighter fluid or expensive fire starters.
- Make yourself a heating pad – Don’t go to the store to get an electric heating pad the next time you have a sore neck or back. Instead, stuff a sock with uncooked rice, tie the end and microwave it for two or three minutes. It will adjust to whatever bodily part requires heat. You can even add fragrant herbs like cinnamon or lavender to make it smell good.
- Wine box shoe storage – Next time you are thinking of spending quite a few pounds on a fancy shoe compartment, do not. Go to the nearest shop that sells wine and ask them for a wine box. Equipped with cardboard dividers, designed to protect fragile glass, the box is perfect for storing shoes. Place a shoe in each compartment and put it under a table or a hanger. To prevent your shoes from smelling, add a drop of your favourite essential oil at the bottom of each compartment. The cardboard will absorb it and your shoes will always smell fresh.