Grandmas are incredible people. They can be our closest confidants, and they fill our stomachs to the point of bursting each and every time we visit.
On top of that, they are also proverbial fountains of knowledge, packed with clever tidbits to help make our own lives that much easier. Have a look and check out these 15 life hacks that our grandmas used that we should be using too!
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Never waste a cracked egg again.
There’s nothing more aggravating than bringing home a carton of eggs only to realize that some have cracked from the pressure.
If you fill a pot of water with a little vinegar, you can still boil them without losing any of the yolks.
Make the perfect potatoes ever time.
You’ve probably been told to use a pinch of salt but make sure that you’re also including a pinch of sugar as well! After the potatoes are cooked through and drained, return them to the heat for just a few more moments; stirring constantly.
Cut perfectly thin slices of bread.
For those of you who became amateur bakers during COVID — this one’s for you. If you soak a serrated bread knife in boiling water and then dry it completely, it will seamlessly cut your freshly baked bread with ease.
Stop vases from being knocked over.
My nana used to go down to the dollar store and get bags filled with glass beads. Once she got home, she put them in the bottom of all her expensive vases in order to keep us idiot grandkids from knocking them over.
Fix broken china with alum!
Do you know those plates that you never use for fear that one might break? Well, now there’s no need to fear! Melt some alum in a spoon and affix it to the broken pieces. Leave it overnight to set and voila!
Why use one sponge when you could have two?
Whenever you are due for a fresh pack of sponges, try cutting each of them in half. Not only will you instantly double your supply, but it helps to cut back on mold and mildew build-up.
Stop bacon from curling up in the pan.
Before you place your bacon into the hot pan, take your kitchen scissors and make small cuts along each side of bacon. This will prevent the bacon from rolling, thus allowing it to cook more evenly.
Is it a sock or a white glove?
If you have an old pair of socks that has one or even several holes in it, stop before you throw them away. Slide it over your hand the next time you have some light dusting to do. It works as well if not better than a Swiffer.
How to painlessly remove a splinter from your hand.
Next time, instead of pricking away painfully at your hand with a needle, try filling up a wide-mouth water bottle with hot water. Clamp your hand over the top and this will create a vacuum that will suck out the splinter.
Put the cork back into the bottle of wine.
Trying to get the cork back inside the bottle can prove impossible at times. A great trick is to use a rolling pin to squish it down flat and then quickly transfer it back to the bottle.
A watch can also function as a compass.
If you ever get lost in the woods, point the hour hand of your watch at the sun. Then, lay a piece of grass in between the hour hand and 12. Whichever direction the grass points is due south.
Water plants with yarn.
For those plant parents who also like to travel, ensuring that your babies have the proper hydration that they need can be stressful. A great way to combat over-watering before a trip is to place wet strands of yarn in the pot. This way, they’ll be able to drink as much as they need.
How to make a homemade fire extinguisher.
First, make sure to grab a pound of salt and a half-pound of sal-ammoniac. Allow it to dissolve, and then fill the concoction into thin glass vials. In the event that a fire ever breaks out, smash the vials into the flames.
Toothpaste makes excellent silver polish.
If you like me have a giant chest of silverware collecting dust in some forgotten corner of your closet — pay attention! You can use a little toothpaste and an old (clean) toothbrush to get it sparkling like new.
Clean your grill with lemons.
Cleaning a grill on a BBQ can be a messy task indeed. Next time, cut a lemon in half and spear it with a BBQ fork. Dip the lemon in salt crystals, heat up the BBQ, and slowly scrape back and forth.
