Taking care of a household can be challenging, whether you live in an apartment or single-family home. Cleaning is a daily requirement, and there seems to be a never-ending list of chores that await you. However, there are plenty of household hacks that you can employ to make life much simpler. Here are just a few you’ll want to implement.
Take the Zero-Waste Approach
Say what? Zero-waste, is that even possible? It absolutely is and many people have taken strides to adopt this approach to their lifestyle for two reasons: it’s healthier for the environment and once you’ve gotten the grasp of it, it makes life simpler. One immediate benefit to this lifestyle is you take the trash out a lot less often and who can complain about that?
There are a number of products that fit this lifestyle from cleaning supplies to bamboo toilet paper. You can even sign up for a bamboo toilet paper subscription to ensure you never run out and you don’t even have to go to the store to stock up.
Use Rechargeable Batteries
How many times have you gone to use the TV remote or your computer mouse, only to find that the batteries have died … again. While many people do it, you’re not technically supposed to throw out regular batteries, so proper disposal is a must. That leads to rechargeable models. Sure, the upfront cost is a bit more than your traditional battery, but in the end, you can use them for far longer and not only reduce waste but also save money as you won’t replace them nearly as often.
Ditch the Dryer Sheets
Many people use dryer sheets to help soften laundry, but did you know there’s a hack for this that doesn’t involve chemicals or toxins? If you’re looking for an alternative due to allergies or just plain disdain for added chemicals in your home, the answer is right in your pantry — aluminum foil. Simply wad up a ball of the foil, make sure it’s smooth so it doesn’t snag your clothing, and toss it in the dryer with your next load of laundry. The best part? It’s reusable, so it falls right in line with the zero-waste approach we mentioned earlier.
Put Coffee Grounds to Work
Ah, coffee, the elixir of life for many. Most people toss the coffee grounds when they’re done, but did you know they have multiple other uses? For example, they work well in unclogging drains, and they’re a heck of a lot safer than using chemicals — both for your health and the pipes involved. Mixing them with dish soap creates a concoction that helps unclog your drain. Once you’ve applied the mixture, add boiling water and you’ll see instant results.
Coffee grounds also work as a degreasing agent, particularly on tub residue. Simply apply the grounds, rub them in and watch the magic happen — voila, you have a beautiful bathroom again.
Light the Way
If your electric bill is outrageously high, but you revel in having at least one light on, even overnight, stick-on LED lights are an energy saver. They’re not only affordable, but they can even add a touch of elegance to your home too. Just imagine going in the kitchen for a drink of water at night and there are lights underneath your cabinets illuminating the way. Most models simply turn on with a little pressure, but there are some that are motion-activated as well.
No matter what kind of lifestyle you live, there’s always a way to make things simpler. If you’re tired of following the same-old grind, try implementing one or more of these hacks to change things up and take a walk down easy street.
Last modified: March 29, 2022
