Little-Known Life Hacks To Help You Out Every Day
Times are tough right now. We'll take any help and advice we can get. Sometimes something as simple as chopping an onion is enough to send us over the edge. If there's a way to make chopping an onion any easier, then we're here for it.
Keep reading to learn how you can spend less time chopping onions, how your can make a better cup of iced coffee, and how you can keep track of what's in your freezer.
How To Keep The Dogs From Getting Into The Trash
![trash can in dog cage trash can in dog cage](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/trash-can-in-dog-cage-34572.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=331&left=0&zoom=1)
If you don't want to lock your dogs up in a crate, you can just lock your garbage up in a crate.
Garbage doesn't have feelings, so this works out pretty well.
No More Ceiling Dust
![bottom of a plastic cup fitted over a drill bit bottom of a plastic cup fitted over a drill bit](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/bottom-of-a-plastic-cup-fitted-over-a-drill-bit-54235.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=146&left=0&zoom=1)
When you drill holes in your ceiling, more often than not, you end up with ceiling dust all over your floor.
Stick the bottom of a plastic cup over your drill bit to catch any debris.
Keep Your Watch Clean
![wristband over apple watch while person paints walls wristband over apple watch while person paints walls](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/wristband-over-apple-watch-while-person-paints-walls-36897.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=192&left=0&zoom=1.20481927711)
Apple watches are very expensive, and you don't want to get any paint on one.
If you still want to keep track of your heart rate while you're painting, just put a wristband over your watch.
Shower Caddies Don't Have To Go In The Shower
![WarningGipsyDanger Reddit shower caddy in a bathroom cabinet shower caddy in a bathroom cabinet](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/WarningGipsyDanger-Reddit-shower-caddy-in-a-bathroom-cabinet-35961.jpg?width=800&height=800)
Shower caddies are great for lots of things besides holding shampoo and conditioner.
You can put them up in your bathroom cabinet to hold all sorts of things including makeup wipes and tampons.
Shorten Your Pan
![tw272727 reddit casserole in baking pan that's too big secured with tin foil casserole in half of baking pan that's too big secured with tin foil](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/tw272727-reddit-casserole-in-baking-pan-thats-too-big-secured-with-tin-foil-69948.jpg?width=800&height=533)
If you're only cooking for one or two people, but you only have large casserole pans, you can make your pans a bit smaller with this hack.
Place tin foil inside them strategically.
Turn A Napkin Holder Into A Sponge Holder
![triceraptos napkin older holding a kitchen sponge triceraptos napkin older holding a kitchen sponge](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/triceraptos-napkin-older-holding-a-kitchen-sponge-73491.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Napkin holders can be used for holding more than just napkins.
They're great for holding your kitchen sponges so that they don't get all moldy and moist on your kitchen counter.
Hide Your Valuables At The Beach
![wallet and keys in a diaper on the beach wallet and keys in a diaper on the beach](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/wallet-and-keys-in-a-diaper-on-the-beach-70453.jpg?width=800&height=518)
Nobody is going to want to steal something that looks like a dirty diaper.
Wrap up your valuables in a clean diaper while you're at the beach or the park.
The Perfect Dog Selfie Tool
![timo_8293 ball on top of phone. dog looking at phone. ball on top of phone. dog looking at phone.](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/timo_8293-ball-on-top-of-phone.-dog-looking-at-phone.--71068.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=53&left=0&zoom=1.25)
It can be hard to get a picture of your dog where they're actually looking at the camera.
This device lets you attach a tennis ball to your phone so your dog always looks interested.
Brick Clips
![sharksandsucculents Reddit binder clip between bricks binder clip between bricks](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sharksandsucculents-Reddit-binder-clip-between-bricks-42318.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Don't go out and buy expensive brick clips when a binder clip works just as well.
You can use these binder clips to hang Christmas lights, garlands, or other decor.
Sand Your Feet
![S_A_R_K Reddit sanding sponge sanding sponge](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/S_A_R_K-Reddit-sanding-sponge-17080.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Sanding sponges from the dollar store or the hardware store are super inexpensive, and they work really well for rubbing dead skin off of your feet.
Gross, I know, but also necessary.
Get Softer Ice Cream
![Kondri1213 Reddit Ice cream container in siplock bag Ice cream container in ziplock bag](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Kondri1213-Reddit-Ice-cream-container-in-siplock-bag-58130.jpg?width=800&height=1066)
Apparently, if you store your ice cream tubs in Ziplock bags, they won't develop as much freezer burn and your ice cream will be softer and easier to scoop.
Who doesn't want more scoopable ice cream?
Stretch Out Your Shoes
![person wearing thick sock and high heel shoe person wearing thick sock and high heel shoe](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/person-wearing-thick-sock-and-high-heel-shoe-35494.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This person figured out that if you wear thick fuzzy socks with new shoes for a while, you'll break in those new shoes a lot faster.
Hooray for comfortable shoes!
Carry More Bags At Once
![plastic bags through the handle of a bottle of tide detergent plastic bags through the handle of a bottle of tide detergent](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/plastic-bags-through-the-handle-of-a-bottle-of-tide-detergent--23845.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=155&left=0&zoom=1.25)
If you're carrying multiple bags from the grocery store, lock the handles of the bags through the handle of some large container.
Then all the bags will be a lot easier to carry, and you don't have to worry about your bottle of detergent ripping the grocery bags.
Keep Your Zipper Up
![key ring on jean's zipper key ring on jean's zipper](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/key-ring-on-jeans-zipper-88534.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=135&left=0&zoom=1.25)
Attach a keyring to the zipper on your jeans and then loop that ring around the zipper on your jeans to help keep the zipper zipped up.
No more accidentally open flies.
Save Your Paint Tray
![maavoc Reddit plastic wrap over paint tray maavoc Reddit plastic wrap over paint tray](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/maavoc-Reddit-plastic-wrap-over-paint-tray-91132.jpg?width=800&height=1066)
If you line your paint tray with plastic wrap before you pour paint into it, you can just throw away the plastic lining and keep the paint tray for future projects.
Try this before your next DIY!
Microwave More Plates At Once
![paper plate in a microwave with a glass on top of it and another paper plate on top of the glass paper plate in a microwave with a glass on top of it and another paper plate on top of the glass](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/paper-plate-in-a-microwave-with-a-glass-on-top-of-it-and-another-paper-plate-on-top-of-the-glass-98627.jpg?width=800&height=595)
You can stack plates on top of each other in the microwave by using a microwave-safe cup.
Now you and your significant other can actually have warm meals at the same time.
Dry Off Your Mop
![mop between the rungs of a towel rack mop between the rungs of a towel rack](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/mop-between-the-rungs-of-a-towel-rack-88937.jpg?width=800&height=1066)
If you have a towel rack like this in your shower, try this hack.
You can slip a mop handle between the rungs and let the mop drain off into the shower drain.
A Pincushion In A Pinch
![Hamish0519 Reddit using sock as a pincushion using sock as a pincushion](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Hamish0519-Reddit-using-sock-as-a-pincushion-12097.jpg?width=800&height=533)
If you're doing some emergency sewing and mending in a hotel room and you don't have a pincushion on you, try this.
You can use a balled-up sock as a makeshift pincushion.
What's In The Freezer?
![Invisibeth Reddit writing with dry erase marker on chest freezer writing contents of freezer on freezer top with dry erase marker](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Invisibeth-Reddit-writing-with-dry-erase-marker-on-chest-freezer-50597.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This person used a dry erase marker to write directly onto their chest freezer.
Now they know exactly what's in there without having to open it up and let all the cold air out.
Brides, Take Note
![ikea bag with the bottom cut out used to hoist bride's dress when she uses the bathroom ikea bag with the bottom cut out used to hoist bride's dress when she uses the bathroom](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ikea-bag-with-the-bottom-cut-out-used-to-hoist-brides-dress-when-she-uses-the-bathroom-63897.jpg?width=800&height=800)
This bride figured out how she could go to the washroom herself during her wedding.
She cut a hole in the bottom of an IKEA bag and then used it to hoist her dress up.
How To Open Wine Without A Corkscrew
![hammer and nail being used to remove a cork from a wine bottle hammer and nail being used to remove a cork from a wine bottle](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hammer-and-nail-being-used-to-remove-a-cork-from-a-wine-bottle-71629.jpg?width=800&height=711)
You don't have to have a corkscrew on hand to open a bottle of wine anymore.
A screw and a claw hammer will work if you find yourself in a bind.
Save Your Ears
![daito- Reddit button on headband used to hold up face mask button on headband used to hold up face mask](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/daito-Reddit-button-on-headband-used-to-hold-up-face-mask-61476.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This nurse wears a headband with buttons on it so that she can loop her mask around the buttons instead of her ears.
This makes long workdays a lot more comfortable.
Frozen Grapes Instead Of Ice
![frozen grapes in wine glasses frozen grapes in wine glasses](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/frozen-grapes-in-wine-glasses-66365.jpg?width=800&height=788)
Keep some grapes in the freezer for whenever you feel like having a cold glass of wine.
Grapes don't melt and water down your wine like regular ice often does.
Keep Track Of Your Screws
![cute-e-lad Reddit loose nails stuck in a block of styrfoam loose nails stuck in a block of Styrofoam](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cute-e-lad-Reddit-loose-nails-stuck-in-a-block-of-styrfoam--55266.jpg?width=800&height=600)
If you're taking apart a piece of furniture to move it to a new location, make sure your keep track of all of your loose screws and nails.
Sticking them into a piece of Styrofoam is a good way to do that.
Keep The Blinds Closed
![Boedarc Reddit hanger clips used to close hotel curtains hanger clips used to close hotel curtains](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Boedarc-Reddit-hanger-clips-used-to-close-hotel-curtains-83981.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Sometimes hotel blinds don't like to stay closed.
You can use a hanger with clips on it to hold the blinds closed so the sun doesn't wake you up at 4 a.m.
A Candle Warmer Does Double Duty
![cjslc1 Reddit tostitoes queso in a candle warmer tostitos queso in a candle warmer](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cjslc1-Reddit-tostitoes-queso-in-a-candle-warmer-30821.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This student living in a dorm room figured out that she could use her candle warmer to heat up a container of queso.
Who knew that candle warmers could be so useful?
Freeze Your Coffee
![coffee in an ice cube tray coffee in an ice cube tray](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/coffee-in-an-ice-cube-tray-71327.jpg?width=800&height=848)
If you have any leftover coffee, freeze it in an ice cube tray and then use the coffee ice cubes to make iced coffee.
These cubes won't water down your drink.
No More Clogged Drains
![clag Reddit nylons stretched over shower drain nylons stretched over shower drain](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/clag-Reddit-nylons-stretched-over-shower-drain-65740.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This person figured out that she could stop things from falling into her drain and blocking her drain by stretching some nylon fabric over it.
This is a pretty smart idea.
Slice Onions Faster
![BREN3 Reddit apple slicer slicing red onion apple slicer slicing red onion](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/BREN3-Reddit-apple-slicer-slicing-red-onion-80913.jpg?width=800&height=533)
You can use an apple slicer to slice your onions way faster. Now you can spend less time with tears in your eyes.
Just make sure to wash it really well before you use it to slice apples again.
The Perfect Spot For A Garden
![5_Frog_Margin Reddit garden under water spout garden under water spout](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/5_Frog_Margin-Reddit-garden-under-water-spout-86755.jpg?width=800&height=1078)
This person set up an herb garden right under their water spout, complete with a drainage system. This is the perfect place for a garden.
It's basically a self-watering system.
A Little Slice Of Heaven
![sandwich with pizza as bread sandwich using pizza as bread slices](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sandwich-with-pizza-as-bread-39616.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=75&left=44&zoom=0.925925925926)
Just because you want your children to eat their veggies does not mean that they can't also eat a slice of pizza.
Put them together and lure your kids into eating the salad by sandwiching it between two slices of pizza.
Water You Waiting For?
![half frozen water bottle water bottle put in freezer lying down so ice is frozen in half the bottle](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/half-frozen-water-bottle-84808.jpg?width=800&height=786)
Rather than dealing with freezing a water bottle overnight then having to wait for it to thaw enough to drink it the next day, this person freezes their water bottles on its side.
Fill it partway, freeze it on its side, and you'll have the perfect vertical ice cube the next day.
No Need To Pull The Plug
![keep outlet plugged in hook next to outdoor outlet to keep plug in place](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/keep-outlet-plugged-in-77510.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=192&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
Outdoor outlets have a tendency to be finicky, and there's nothing more frustrating than trying to use your leaf blower or weed whacker but the plug keeps falling out of the outlet.
Install a little hook next to the outlet so the cord won't be pulled out every time you move it.
What They Don't Know Won't Hurt Them
![hiding beer in public beer hidden in slurpee cup at public pool](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hiding-beer-in-public-52161.jpg?width=800&height=1423)
The public pool may have set the rule that you aren't allowed to have alcohol, but that doesn't mean that there aren't ways to break that rule.
Nothing can stop this parent from enjoying a beer while they're stuck at the pool all day.
Always Be Ready For Guac
![ripen avocado quickly ripening avocado quickly in beer koozie](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ripen-avocado-quickly-19560.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Everyone knows that the avocado is the one who dictates when it's ready to be eaten, and timing that to your desired use can be tricky.
This person, though, discovered that if you stick an unripe avocado in a beer koozie overnight, it'll be ready for you to use the next day!
Any Fan Can Be A Ceiling Fan
![desk fan converted to ceiling fan desk fan mounted on ceiling in room using hook](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/desk-fan-converted-to-ceiling-fan-39175.jpg?width=800&height=533)
With the right tools, you can turn any regular old standing fan into the ceiling fan you've always dreamed of
You won't even have to take apart your whole ceiling to install it.
Protect Yourself From The Glass
![broken potato lightbulb using potato to remove broken lightbulb](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/broken-potato-lightbulb-55374.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=487&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
If a lightbulb shatters or breaks while in the light fixture, it can be difficult to remove it due to the whole "broken glass" issue.
Turns out that a potato is a great way to absorb the glass and make it safe for you to remove the lightbulb.
Erase The Dirt
![white eraser on suede using eraser on dirty suede to remove marks](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/white-eraser-on-suede-94615.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=159&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
I wasn't convinced that anyone actually knows how to clean suede, but this person seems to have found a solution.
If you need to clean off your suede shoes or bag, grab yourself a school eraser.
Keep It From Slipping
![velcro laptop charger velcro to keep laptop charger plugged in](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/velcro-laptop-charger-31688.jpeg?width=800&height=1200)
As time goes on and your computer gets older, it's common for things like your charger to loosen up and have trouble staying in the charging port.
This person uses velcro to solve that issue so they can make sure their charger stays put.
Shave It For Later
![plastic sink trick sink with plastic over it for shaving](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/plastic-sink-trick-43268.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Trying to clean up all the little hairs that are left in the sink after you shave can be a tedious process, but it doesn't have to be.
Spread some plastic wrap or a bag over the sink before you get started so it catches all the little hairs for you.
Easily Clean Your Microwave Naturally!
![clean-microwave-4 lemons in a bowl in microwave](https://www.buzznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/clean-microwave-4-94871.jpg?width=800&height=600)
This tip comes from the blog Simply Stacie. All you have to do to transform your grubby microwave is take a couple lemon slices and put them in a bowl of water with a tiny bit of vinegar.
Cook the mixture on high for five minutes. When you take out the bowl, the stuck-on food on your microwave will be so loosened that you can essentially wipe it right off. Brilliant!