Originally, the term “life hacks” referred to techniques used primarily by IT professionals to streamline their work and boost efficiency. Over time, its meaning has broadened to encompass a wide range of clever tricks and methods designed to enhance productivity and simplify tasks in nearly every aspect of life. These hacks have evolved into practical tips, shortcuts, and creative solutions that make everyday activities easier and help us tackle common problems with minimal effort.
At Borcd Panda, weโve curated a collection of tips that not only spark curiosity but also speed up workflows and add a touch of joy and style to our daily routines.
1. Tie a small piece of bright-colored fabric to your luggage
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Sometimes, finding your luggage on the baggage carousel can take forever, especially when so many bags look alike. A simple solution is to tie a brightly colored piece of fabric or ribbon to your suitcase. This small trick can save you time by making it easy to spot your bag at a glance, without having to check each one.
2. Cleaning the keyboard
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Cleaning dust from your keyboard is a breeze. All you need is an old makeup brush from your cosmetic bagโmen can use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead. Gently brush away the dust, but avoid being too vigorous to prevent damaging the keys. Itโs a quick and simple way to keep your keyboard clean!
3. Removing unpleasant shoe odors
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Simply place a few tea bags inside your shoes and let them sit overnight. This trick is far more affordable than expensive shoe deodorants, which often run out quickly. Even the cheapest tea works perfectly for this purpose, making it a budget-friendly and effective solution to keep your shoes fresh.
4. How to prevent water and food from splashing out
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To stop a pot from boiling over while cooking, simply place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot. If you want to prevent food from splattering under the lid of a pan or frying pan, try placing a wooden toothpick between the lid and the rim. These simple tricks can save you from messy spills and make cooking a little easier!
5. How to finally nail it
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This high-risk activity is notorious for causing injuries, but thereโs a simple way to stay safe. Use a clothespin to hold the nail in place, keeping your fingers well away from the hammerโs striking zone. Make sure to teach your kids this handy trick too, so they can avoid accidents while learning.
6. Eating popcorn to keep your calories low
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Your first reaction might be, โWait, junk food? Really?โ Yes, reallyโand itโs time to rethink its role in a healthy, balanced diet. According to the USDA, one cup of plain, air-popped popcorn contains just 32 calories. Itโs a whole-grain snack thatโs naturally low in fat and sugar (only 0.7 grams per cup) and is gluten-free.
However, the popcorn sold in movie theaters is a different story. Itโs often loaded with butter, salt, and oils like coconut, soybean, or canola, which drastically increase the calorie count. To enjoy a healthier option, skip the theater popcorn and make your own air-popped or microwave popcorn at home. Itโs a simple way to keep this snack nutritious and satisfying.
7. How to fix a broken swivel office chair
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Itโs frustrating when the small wheels on your chair break, especially since spare parts or repair services are often hard to find. Instead of buying a new chair, try this quick fix: grab some duct tape and an unopened bottle of carbonated water. Secure the bottle in place of the missing wheel using the duct tape. The unopened bottle will stay firm and wonโt buckle under pressure, giving your chair a temporary but sturdy solution.
8. How to keep your arm safe from hot oil
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In a pinch, a kitchen mitt or glove can do the trick. But if you donโt have one handyโlike when youโre out campingโyou can improvise by using a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off. Itโs a simple and creative solution to protect your hands when needed.
9. How to pull hot bread out of a toaster
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Hereโs a simple solution: take two popsicle sticks and secure them together with a rubber band. After washing them, keep this handy tool nearby to safely pick up or pull out hot food whenever needed. Itโs an easy, reusable trick for handling hot items!
10. How to prevent the hanger from sliding off the edge of the rack
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A carabiner is a quick fix for this issue, but not everyone has one on hand. Instead, you can use duct tape or a binder clip as a practical alternative. Both options work well and are likely items you already have around!
11. One more way to eat your chips
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Having a pair of chopsticks on hand is incredibly useful. For example, you can enjoy eating chips with a touch of elegance. Plus, if you use them at the office, theyโll keep your hands clean and help you avoid overindulging in snacks. Itโs a simple yet effective way to snack smarter and tidier!
12. Getting small objects out of hard-to-reach places
Sometimes, small items like jewellery or other tiny valuables can slip behind furniture, like a chair or table. When this happens, try placing a sock over the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner. This trick allows you to safely retrieve the item without worrying about it getting sucked into the vacuum.
What other clever tips have you discovered through your own life experiences? Feel free to share them in the comments belowโyour idea might just make it into our next collection of amazing life hacks!
Preview photo credit Bayu Prahara / Shutterstock.com, Leonardi / Depositphotos.com, Lcosmo / Depositphotos.com, mayakova / Depositphotos.com
credits by: Brightside.me
