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?

I expect fabric conditioner works on the same principle. And sheep's wool is naturally a bit greasy/oily because of lanolin.

For draining fat - put a square of tin foil into the well of your kitchen sink plug hole. Pour hot fat in wait for it to harden wrap up and remove. I have TikTok to thank for that little gem.

That's a good idea! Although I'd probably put the foil in a cup

They reduce the glare & improve contrast

Mix teaspoon of cornflour with water and lavender essential oil drops in a spray bottle for a fab smelling really effective ironing starch spray

@Lastfroginthebox I was amazed when I tried it, didn’t expect it to work if I’m honest

Place a sheet of folded kitchen roll into a bag of spinach leaves/ prepared lettuce/rocket etc after opening and it will last much longer. Moisture is absorbed by the paper and prevents it going slimy. When finished just pop in your fridge salad box and reuse.
Save energy when cooking a chilli/stew/curry etc in the oven, put rice/potatoes etc into a small stockpot with boiling water and cook in the oven for about the last 30 mins, if it isn’t ready when your main is coming out cook for a bit longer on the hob.
Another energy saver, turn oven off and let items cook for the last ten minutes as it retains heat for a long time.
Use plastic clothing pegs to seal open bags of food to keep them fresh.
Pour remaining unwanted hot kettle water into sink to remove greasy residue.

I used to work in catering. There is a good chance if you eat in a restaurant, your Jersey mids have been through the dishwasher to be peeled and washed

We just put kitchen roil into the frying pan, wok and let it soak the fat up. Chuck in the bin

What? Really? How do they not taste of dishwasher tab (even if residue)?

Depends whether gas or electric hob, surely ?

I used a Brillo pad (I'm a big Brillo pad fan!) to get all the watermarks off my old stainless steel kettle. It worked like a dream when nothing else had made a difference and it doesn't seem up have damaged the shiny surface at all.

Yes - and I then give it a good wipe with more kitchen roll and that's it. Ready for next time.

This is a recipe but also a hack if you want to recreate the flavour of bacon crisps. Courtesy of Jay Rayner I think.

2 tsp fine salt
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp caster sugar
1 tsp garlic granules

shake and sprinkle generously over potatoes before roasting.

If you are fond of barbies, or have a fire or stove, keep the greasy paper for firelighters.

Don't put them outside by the barbie as foxes will eat them.

Actually I'm not a fan of barbies and we have an open fire but I hope others see your suggestion, it's a good one

The hair conditioner as shaving gel works really well...ive been doing this for years. Just buy a cheap one for this.

I was picturing Barbie dolls...which im not a fan of... 😆

Proper cracked me up!

Great name but the way, I loved that film! Might have to have a search for it on streaming services. 😁

To get tea stains out of mugs without scratching the china, pour in a little Milton, add water and leave to soak.
To eliminate mould from the sealant on shower tray or bath, push long thin strip of loo paper up against the mould, squirt Milton along it and push hard into place. Leave overnight. Next morning, pull off loo roll. Voila! Sparkling clean sealant.

By using hair conditioner it makes the hairs softer as the grow back.

I haven't had time to read the whole thread so don't know if anyone has already done any hiccup-related tips, but drinking a glass of water upside down (from the other side of the glass) is infallible.

When I had a mirror-effect stainless steel kettle I used toothpaste (white, no stripes) and a soft damp cloth to keep the shine. That was 30+ years ago, maybe Pink Stuff cream would do the same job.
Gloss effect cabinets are best cleaned with window spray.

I havent read the whole thread so apologies if this is repeated but cut a potato in half and rub it on your windscreen. water just rolls right off.

I do this with my hairdresser appointments. I know I need to have my hair cut three times a year, so now I always book the next appointment after paying the bill.