Adding just a quarter teaspoon of sea salt to your regular shampoo can help draw out excess oil and product residue from the scalp. The salt works as a gentle abrasive that loosens dead skin cells without irritating the skin when rinsed thoroughly. Use this trick once a week if you have an oily scalp, and you’ll notice less greasiness and fewer flakes.
Store Fresh Herbs in a Glass of Water Inside the Fridge
Instead of wrapping basil, parsley, or cilantro in paper towels, place the stems in a small glass of water and cover the tops loosely with a plastic bag. The cool humidity of the refrigerator keeps the leaves crisp, and the water prevents wilting. Change the water every two days for maximum freshness.
The Coffee‑Ground Deodorizer for Trash Bins
Spoon a thin layer of used coffee grounds into the bottom of your kitchen waste bin and cover with a piece of newspaper. The grounds absorb bad odors and release a faint coffee scent that masks any unpleasant smells. Replace the grounds weekly for a continuously fresh‑smelling bin.
Baking Paper Under Heavy Pans for Even Cooking
Lay a sheet of parchment or baking paper under heavy skillet‑type pans when baking casseroles or roasting vegetables. The paper creates a thin barrier that distributes heat more evenly across the pan’s surface, reducing hot spots that can cause burning or uneven cooking. It also makes cleanup a breeze.
Revive Dying Houseplants with a Diluted Banana Peel Solution
Boil a banana peel in one litre of water for ten minutes, let it cool, then dilute the liquid to a 1:4 ratio with plain water. Water your ailing houseplants with this mixture once a month. The potassium and natural sugars in the banana peel promote stronger root growth and greener foliage.
Long‑Lasting Garlic Stored in a Mesh Bag
Instead of plastic wrap, place whole heads of garlic in a breathable mesh bag (like a produce bag) and store them in a cool, dark pantry. The airflow prevents moisture buildup, keeping the cloves from sprouting or molding for up to six months.
Cotton Ball in the Fridge Door to Eliminate Cold Spots
Slide a single, dry cotton ball into the small gap of your refrigerator door seal. The cotton absorbs excess moisture that can cause the seal to stick, thereby reducing the “cold pocket” that often forms at the door’s edge. Replace the cotton ball every two weeks for optimum performance.
Gentle Pillow‑Stain Remover Using Club Soda
Dampen a clean cloth with club soda and dab the yellowed pillowcase stain lightly. The carbonation lifts the stain without harsh chemicals, and the mild acidity neutralises the buildup. Rinse with lukewarm water and tumble dry as usual.
Fingerprint‑Free Phone With a Touch of Olive Oil
Put a few drops of extra‑virgin olive oil on a soft microfiber cloth and gently rub the screen in a circular motion. The oil creates a thin, invisible film that repels oil and dust, keeping fingerprints at bay for up to a day. Wipe off any excess with a dry part of the cloth before using the phone.
One‑Minute Home Freshener Using Lemon and Baking Soda
Mix the zest of one lemon with a teaspoon of baking soda, then sprinkle the blend on a damp sponge. Run the sponge through the kitchen garbage disposal for a quick, natural deodorising boost that leaves a fresh citrus scent.
Weekly Drain Cleaner Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda down each kitchen sink drain, followed by a half cup of white vinegar. Allow the fizzy reaction to work for fifteen minutes, then flush with hot water. This routine clears minor build‑up and keeps the pipes flowing smoothly.
Bed‑Freshening Trick With a Light Dusting of Baby Powder
Before making the bed, lightly dust the fitted sheet with talc‑free baby powder. The powder absorbs residual moisture and reduces static, leaving the sheets feeling softer and smelling faintly of freshness throughout the night.
Cloudy Glasses Restored With a Slice of Potato
Cut a raw potato in half, dip the cut side into a little dishwashing liquid, and rub it over the cloudy surface of glassware. The starch in the potato breaks down mineral deposits, while the soap lifts the residue, leaving the glass sparkling clear.
Soak Nuts Overnight to Boost Nutrient Absorption
Place raw almonds, walnuts, or cashews in a bowl of water and leave them to soak for at least eight hours. Soaking neutralises enzyme inhibitors, making the nuts easier to digest and allowing the body to absorb more vitamins and minerals. Rinse and dry before storing.
Freeze Lemon Slices for an Instant Flavor Boost
Slice lemons thinly, arrange on a parchment sheet, and freeze. The frozen slices can be added directly to water, tea, or cocktails for a burst of citrus without diluting the drink. They also keep longer than fresh lemons, reducing waste.
Rice as a Wardrobe Dehumidifier
Place an open container of uncooked white rice in the back of a closet or wardrobe. The rice absorbs excess moisture, preventing mildew and musty smells, especially in humid climates. Swap the rice out every month for continued effectiveness.
Hand‑Luggage Wrinkle‑Free Trick With a Dryer Sheet
Lay a dryer sheet inside your suitcase, then fold clothes around it. The sheet releases a faint fabric softener scent and reduces static, keeping garments smoother and less prone to creasing during travel.
Oil Drop in Boiling Water Prevents Pasta From Sticking
Add just one teaspoon of olive oil to a pot of rapidly boiling water before dropping in pasta. The thin oil film reduces surface tension, preventing the noodles from clumping together while still allowing sauce to cling.
Fruit‑Peel Skin Soother for Irritated Faces
Rub the inner side of a fresh orange or mango peel gently on irritated skin patches. The natural oils and flavonoids calm redness and soothe inflammation, providing relief comparable to over‑the‑counter moisturisers. Test on a small area first to avoid allergic reactions.
Kitchen Waste Disposal Cleaner With Ice Cubes and Salt
Fill a freezer bag with ice cubes and a tablespoon of coarse salt, then run the bag through the garbage disposal. The ice sharpens the blades, while the salt scrubs away lingering food particles, leaving the unit smelling clean.
Dishwasher Rinse Aid Using White Vinegar
Replace commercial rinse aid with a cup of distilled white vinegar placed in the rinse‑aid compartment of your dishwasher. The vinegar reduces water spots and improves drying, delivering sparkling dishes without chemicals.
Quick Window Streak‑Free Shine With Newspaper
After washing a window with a mild soap solution, crumple a piece of newspaper and use it to wipe the glass dry. The newspaper’s slightly abrasive texture removes streaks more effectively than paper towels, leaving a crystal‑clear finish.
Simple Pet‑Friendly Carpet Deodoriser Using Baking Soda
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over carpeted areas where pets frequent, let it sit for fifteen minutes, then vacuum. The soda neutralises odours without harming pets, and the process can be repeated weekly for a consistently fresh home.
Homemade Ice Scrubber for Greasy Stove Tops
Combine equal parts baking soda and water to make a thick paste, spread over greasy stove burners, and let sit for ten minutes. Scrub with a non‑abrasive sponge, then rinse. The paste lifts burnt‑on grime without scratching enamel.
DIY Hair‑Conditioner Using Apple Cider Vinegar
Dilute one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and use as a final rinse after shampooing. The mild acidity restores the hair’s pH balance, adds shine, and detangles without silicone‑based additives.
Natural Shower‑Head Descaler With Lemon Juice
Fill a plastic bag with fresh lemon juice, secure it over the shower head with a rubber band, and let it soak for an hour. The citric acid dissolves mineral deposits, improving water flow and reducing that annoying “drip” sound.
Preserve Fresh Produce Longer With a Paper Towel Lined Box
Line a storage container with a dry paper towel before placing fruits or vegetables inside. The towel absorbs excess moisture that accelerates spoilage, extending the shelf life of produce such as berries, lettuce, and mushrooms. Replace the towel when it becomes damp.
Pet‑Safe Insect Repellent Using Essential Oils
Mix a teaspoon of lavender oil with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the corners of pet‑friendly rooms to deter flies and mosquitoes without harming cats or dogs. Reapply every few days for continued protection.
Seamless Pillow Fluffing With a Tennis Ball
Place a clean tennis ball inside the dryer along with a pillow, set on low heat for ten minutes. The ball gently beats the pillow, redistributing fill and restoring loft without the need for manual fluffing.
Quick Smoke‑Detector Test Using a Lighted Match
Instead of climbing on a ladder, hold a lit match a few inches away from the detector’s aperture. The light’s heat will trigger the alarm if the sensor is functional, confirming the unit works without removing it from the ceiling.
Hand‑Made Air‑Freshener Using Cinnamon Sticks and Dried Orange
Fill a small glass jar with a few cinnamon sticks and a couple of dried orange slices, then cover with a perforated lid. Place the jar in any room for a subtle, long‑lasting scent that doesn’t involve synthetic fragrances.
Prevent Foggy Mirrors After Shower With a Bar of Soap
Rub a dry bar of soap across the surface of a bathroom mirror, then buff with a soft cloth. The soap creates a thin film that repels water droplets, keeping the mirror clear even during steamy showers.
Kitchen Cabinet Deodoriser Using Baking Soda and Essential Oil
Place a small open box of baking soda in the corner of a cabinet, add a few drops of your favourite essential oil, and close the doors. The box absorbs lingering food odors while the oil adds a pleasant scent. Replace the box every two months.
Simple Ant Prevention With Ground Coffee
Sprinkle a thin line of fresh, ground coffee around entry points where ants are seen. The strong scent disrupts their trail pheromones, deterring them from crossing the barrier. Refresh the coffee line weekly for continued protection.
Handy Nail‑Polish Removal With Toothpaste
Apply a small amount of non‑gel toothpaste to a cotton ball and rub over nail‑polish stains on the skin around the nail. The mild abrasive lifts pigment without irritating the skin, making clean‑up quick and painless.
Keep Eggshells Strong With a Pinch of Salt
Add a pinch of sea salt to the water when boiling eggs. The salt helps the albumen set faster, preventing cracks and making peeling easier. It also makes the whites slightly firmer, ideal for salads.
DIY Fabric Softener Using White Vinegar and Essential Oil
Combine one cup of distilled white vinegar with ten drops of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray lightly over freshly laundered clothes before drying. The vinegar softens fibers, reduces static, and leaves a gentle scent without commercial softeners.
Quick Pet Hair Removal From Furniture With a Rubber Glove
Dampen a rubber kitchen glove and run your hand over upholstered furniture. The static electricity created by the glove pulls pet hair off the fabric, gathering it into clumps that can be brushed away.
Natural Drain Unclogger Using Baking Soda, Salt, and Boiling Water
Mix equal parts baking soda and coarse salt, pour down a slow‑draining sink, then follow with a kettle of boiling water. The abrasive salt and reactive soda break down the blockage, while the hot water flushes debris away.
Light‑Weight Fruit Bowls Made From Recycled Newspapers
Roll strips of newspaper tightly, glue the edges with a water‑based glue, then coat with a clear sealant. The resulting bowls are sturdy enough for fresh fruit, reduce waste, and add a rustic touch to your kitchen table.
Quick Frost‑Free Car Windshield Using a Spread of Baby Powder
Dust a thin layer of talc‑free baby powder over the exterior of a frozen windshield. The powder creates a barrier that prevents ice from adhering directly to the glass, allowing you to brush it off more easily. Wipe away any residue before driving.
Prevent Sponge Smell With a Quick Microwave Sanitise
Wet a kitchen sponge, place it in a microwave‑safe bowl, and heat on high for one minute. The steam kills most bacteria and eliminates musty odours, giving you a fresher sponge for the next wash.
Keep Your Cutting Board Fresh With Lemon Juice
Rub the surface of a wooden cutting board with a half‑cut lemon, then let it sit for ten minutes. The acidity disinfects the board, while the natural oils from the lemon condition the wood, preventing cracks. Rinse and dry before next use.
Simple Window‑Opening Breeze With a Folded Towel
Roll a clean towel and slide it under an open window latch to keep the window slightly ajar, allowing a gentle cross‑draft without fully opening the pane. This method improves ventilation while keeping safety in homes with children or pets.
Tight‑Fit Shoes Made More Comfortable With a Hair Dryer
Heat the tight areas of your shoes with a hair dryer for a minute, then wear thick socks and walk around the house. The heat softens the material, allowing it to mold gently to your foot shape. Repeat if necessary.
Fast Ice‑Cube Tray Removal Using Warm Water
Run the bottom of a frozen ice‑cube tray under warm tap water for a few seconds. The heat melts a thin layer of ice around each cube, allowing you to pop them out without twisting or cracking the tray.
Prevent Rust on Garden Tools With a Light Oil Coat
After cleaning and drying garden shears, dip a cloth in a few drops of mineral oil and wipe the metal surfaces. The oil creates a protective barrier that repels moisture, extending the life of the tools through winter.
Quick Pet‑Friendly Ice Melt Using Salt and Cornstarch
Mix two parts table salt with one part cornstarch, then sprinkle lightly on icy walkways. The cornstarch reduces the corrosive effect of salt on pet paws while still providing traction. Sweep up any residue after the ice melts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will adding salt to shampoo damage my hair?
A small pinch of sea salt used once a week is generally safe for most hair types. It helps remove excess oil without stripping moisture. If you have a very dry or chemically treated scalp, reduce the frequency to once every two weeks.
2. Can I store fresh herbs in water without them wilting?
Yes, as long as you keep the stems submerged and the tops loosely covered with a plastic bag. Change the water every two days to prevent bacterial growth and retain crispness.
3. Is coffee‑ground deodoriser safe for all trash bins?
Coffee grounds are safe for stainless steel, plastic, and metal bins. Avoid using them in bins that will be composted, as the grounds may attract pests.
4. How often should I replace the rice used as a dehumidifier in my wardrobe?
Replace the rice every 30 days. If you notice a musty smell returning, it’s a sign the rice has saturated and needs refreshing.
5. Does the lemon‑juice kitchen countertop cleaner damage stone surfaces?
Lemon juice is acidic and can etch natural stone such as marble or granite. Use it only on stainless steel, laminate, or sealed surfaces. For stone, stick to a pH‑neutral cleanser.
Disclaimer: The tips and techniques presented here are based on personal experience and publicly available information. They are intended for general informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice. Always test a small area before applying any new method, especially on delicate surfaces or when dealing with health‑related concerns. The author and publisher assume no liability for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use of the information provided.