Unexpected life hacks you stumbled across

[Janboree]

I’ve just discovered that my body mist cleans my spectacles brilliantly. As good as my opticians cleaning spray and a lot cheaper. Added bonus it makes my glasses smell nice too and I didn’t like the smell of the glasses spray. I only used it as it was to hand and my other spray had run out.
Have other mumsnetters stumbled across any life hacks unexpectedly?

Prior to CH I used my hairdryer on my bed to warm it up before getting in.

@Feelingleftoutagain Eternally grateful

Brilliant! Thank you!

If that gets anywhere near your car paintwork you'll regret it. Try putting a very wet paper towel on the poo and leave it for 10 minutes before cleaning. Repeat as necessary, no chemicals, no risk.

@YourFairCyanReader read the Nancy Birtwhistle books for tips. Also try your local refill store.

@Flippineck67 one memorable morning my then 3 year old woke me up to tell me her big brother had experimented with superglue on her hair. We tried everything. Then DH (a farmer) said give it a try with a bit of WD40 as on the farm, if in doubt spray a bit of that on and it sorts it out - it worked!

I’ve always done that.

I add a small amount of olive oil to stop pasta water boiling over.

And you can eat it while typing your memoirs, using a corner to correct any errors.

Apparently it is excellent for getting rid of limescale in toilets. One quick flush is all that is needed. Supposedly, it leaves the toilet like new. Great for when you get a knock on the door and find you have unexpected visitors.

Washing up liquid on finger, rub, rinse under tap. Dry. Perfect.

Maybe I old, but our Mums always told us this when we got our first period. Soak your knickers in cold water, sprinkle with salt, adding lemon juice would also help. Lemon juice and salt was also good for "iron mold" stains.

You can do this with swede butternut squash etc in the instant pot (or other pressure cooker). Skin comes right off no bother.

Haven't read the whole thread but firstly I also hate the word Hack.

Secondly... buying frozen chopped onions will change your life. Keep in freezer bung in when needed 5 seconds flat.

I buy a big bag, chop in the food processor, freeze in little tubs.

I had to read this a few times to work out if you were recommending cocaine as a toilet cleaner. I mean, I could see it working, but it didn’t seem cost effective...

I use a wooden rolling pin for hitting various things in the kitchen.

Buy one colour/style sock. No more matching up socks or searching for AWOL hosiery.
Buy cheap solar string lights. Thread the charge pack to the outside of the window and drape the bulbs inside your kitchen or bathroom. No need the switch the light on when you have a nocturnal visit. Clear bulbs work best. Works all year round. The thin wire means you can shut the window. Thrifty on the electric bill.

Feed pets off freebie newspapers on the floor. 365 less bowls to wash a year. Less time, less water, less utilities and clears up in seconds.

Use those unasked for charity letter box bags to line your kitchen bin.

This dish is known in some pacific islands as "short pig".

One of my DC has a medical condition that means she has nosebleeds a lot. I can't help you with bones or hair, sorry 🤣🤣

All these stain tips...

Only ever use cold water on stains, heat sets them (especially true of blood) Once you've treated them then you can wash as normal.

Best tip I've read here is biological washing powder and cold water for cat wee. Works on carpets, upholstery etc.

Washing up liquid is great for many stains because it removes grease easily- use for mud, tomato sauce etc

Baby powder is much cheaper than dry shampoo. Sprinkle some in your hands and pat together then run hands through your roots. Repeat a couple of times if needed. Even if you have dark hair, it won't look grey and you get less build up than with dry shampoo.

If you've cooked and have a pan with well-baked on food, don't bother with soaking. Add a spoonful of washing powder, hot water and simmer on a low heat. Food will wipe off.

Spilt tea or coffee on a pale carpet?
Soak as much moisture as you can up with paper towel. Blot don't rub. Soak the area with cold water then repeat, blotting up as much water as you can. Works every time.

To prevent water marks on fabric, put a hair dryer on a low heat and gently dry the mark from the outside in.

Biro marks can be removed with ordinary hairspray.

Add a drop of bleach & a pinch of sugar to vases when arranging flowers. The bleach kills bacteria and the sugar acts as food, they'll keep for longer.

So many faffing jar tips! Go the forceful way: use a quick grip clamp with rubber pads. Tighten until the lid pops.
Fast, not damaging any surface/teaspoon/wooden spoon, no wasting hot water.

Plus useful to have around the house in general!

Do you eat it with long pig? 🧐🤔

Melon skins are good helmets for dogs, only you have to be careful with collies, as it can make them melon-collie.