These Life Hacks May Be Random, But They’re Also Kind Of Brilliant
The internet is a hive mind of good ideas, even if those ideas seem a little bit random at times. Whether you need help putting up your Christmas lights, boiling potatoes, keeping your boots upright, or making a comfortable bed for your cat, the internet is here for you.
Keep reading to figure out how to do all of those things and so much more. We hope these hacks make your life just a little bit easier.
Warm Up Your Lunch
![AffectedArc07 Reddit sandwich being warmed under a computer battery](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/AffectedArc07-Reddit-10223.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Computer batteries heat up quickly, so why not put all of that thermal energy to good use?
Just make sure your batteries are super clean before you attempt this, or better yet, wrap your sandwich in tin foil.
Save Your Walls
![edbrinkman Reddit kitchen sponge stuck to the end of a bed frame](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/edbrinkman-Reddit-59813.jpg?width=800&height=800)
If you have a metal bed frame like this one, you might be worried about it scratching up your walls.
Just attach a sponge to any ends that are poking out to solve that problem.
Fix Your Keyboard With Binder Clips
![TheBostonCreamer Reddit keyboard upside down, binder clip in place of stand](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/TheBostonCreamer-Reddit-30660.jpg?width=800&height=1646)
If you accidentally break off the kickstands on the bottom of your keyboard, try this.
You can shove the handle of a regular binder clip in there to keep your keyboard upright.
Fix Your Headphones
![ZoroastrianMK Reddit headphones with fabric and elastic bands around the earpieces](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ZoroastrianMK-Reddit-96728.jpg?width=800&height=1066)
If the foam around your headphones is starting to fall apart, you can fix them up using an old T-shirt and some rubber bands.
Just wrap the T-shirt fabric around the earpieces and secure it with an elastic.
A DIY Spa Day
![sidewalkoyster Reddit bucket and stool standing in shower surrounded by plants and candles](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sidewalkoyster-Reddit-61692.jpg?width=800&height=1423)
If you don't have a bathtub at home, just put a bucket in your shower.
You can make the whole setup look a little bit more luxurious with some plants and scented candles.
A Minimalist Christmas Tree
![TheGamercologist Reddit triangular christmas tree made by wrapping garland around a frame on the wall](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/TheGamercologist-Reddit-84510.jpg?width=800&height=866)
If you live in a small space but you still want to celebrate the Christmas season, lean two copper pipes against each other and wrap some green garland and tinsel around them.
Add some fairy lights and you've got a flat Christmas tree.
No More Boiling Over
![ShannonononXD Reddit wooden spoon over boiling pot](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ShannonononXD-Reddit-85550.jpg?width=800&height=533)
If you're boiling something particularly foamy such as potatoes or pasta, you could end up with a starchy mess all over your stovetop.
Just place a wooden spoon over your pot to keep the water from boiling over.
Make Your Own Sponge Holder
![Itilvte Reddit bottle used as a sponge holder](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Itilvte-Reddit-19441.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=216&left=0&zoom=1.0752688172)
If you leave sponges sitting on your counter, they can get dingy pretty quickly. It's important to let them drain and dry properly.
You can cut a pop bottle in half to make your own sponge holder.
Keep The Roll Clean
![ocean-of-emptiness Reddit paper towel sheets sticking out of top of roll](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ocean-of-emptiness-Reddit-61751.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Stick a few sheets of paper towel in the top of the roll so that you can easily grab them if your hands are dirty.
You don't want to get whatever is on your hands on the entire roll.
No More Loose Threads
![Iheartcheeseburgers Reddit comb pulling loose threads off of quilt](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Iheartcheeseburgers-Reddit-15344.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=389&left=0&zoom=1.25)
You can strip loose threads off of your clothes and linens by using a plastic comb.
You can make your fabrics look as good as new with this super simple trick.
Suspended In Mid Air
![Henriquinho007 Reddit phone being held up by its own charging cord](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Henriquinho007-Reddit-93458.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=111&left=0&zoom=1.25)
If you need to charge your phone and the only plug in the room is high off the ground with no table or counter in sight, try out this trick.
Sometimes, having a long charging cord can come in handy.
Cats Love Cardboard Boxes
![HollidayL Reddit cat sleeping in a carboard box](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/HollidayL-Reddit-71596.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=175&left=0&zoom=1.25)
You seriously don't need to spend money on expensive cat beds. Cats love cardboard boxes more than the fanciest cat beds.
Just stick a cozy blanket in there and your cat will love you for it.
Cool Down Your Computer
![Reddit2 laptop computer sitting on empty egg carton](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Reddit2-47960.jpg?width=800&height=533)
If your computer tends to overheat, you can cool it down by resting it on an empty egg carton.
There are lots of channels in the cardboard for air to flow through.
An Extra Shower Rod
![GoodDayTheJay Reddit shower caddies on curtain rod in shower](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GoodDayTheJay-Reddit-89187.jpg?width=800&height=800)
Stick an extra shower rod at the back of your shower so you have more room to hang shower caddies and store your shampoo and conditioner.
We could always use more storage space.
The Smarter Way To Pack
![GoodDayTheJay Reddit2 plastic drawers in the trunk of a van](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/GoodDayTheJay-Reddit2-49774.jpg?width=800&height=800)
If you're going on a camping trip or a road trip, consider packing your car this way.
It's so much easier to get things in and out of your car this way.
Micellar Water Isn't Just For Your Face
![@kieraohagan Twitter dirty shoes next to clean shoes](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/@kieraohagan-Twitter-45228.jpg?width=800&height=453)
Micellar water is great for getting makeup off of your face, but it's also great for cleaning your suede shoes, apparently.
Look at how much better these pink heels look!
Save Your Fingers
![samhull061200 Reddit peeled potato on a fork](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/samhull061200-Reddit-18757.jpg?width=800&height=1066)
When you're peeling small potatoes, your fingers can get in the way. Try sticking your potato on a fork so that you don't accidentally cut yourself.
This is how you peel potatoes the safe way.
Ripen Your Avocados Quickly
![RollinonEase Reddit Avocados in a basket over a vent](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/RollinonEase-Reddit-22634.jpg?b=30&c=0&width=800&height=1066&top=0&left=0&zoom=1.25)
If you would like to eat some avocados but all the ones you have in your house aren't ripe enough yet, try this.
Place them over a heating vent to speed up the process.
Keep Your Boots In Good Condition
![Giant Tiger Facebook pool noodles in tall boots](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Giant-Tiger-Facebook-89534.jpg?width=800&height=533)
You can use cut-up pool noodles as inserts to keep your boots standing upright. You don't want the leather to flop over and start creasing.
Also, your boots will look a lot neater in your closet this way.
A Quick Phone Stand
![alexfreeski007 Reddit phone standing on air pod case](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/alexfreeski007-Reddit-94957.jpg?width=800&height=533)
You can open up an Airpod case and flip it on its side to create a makeshift phone stand.
Just pop our phone in the open lid and watch your shows hands-free.
Keep Your Pizza Warm
![London, England scenics Two women deliver stacks of pizzas in London, England.](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/london-england-scenics.-46173.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=112&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
If you're taking home a pizza in your car, place it on the passenger seat and turn on the seat warmer.
That way your pizza won't get cold on the way home.
Use Shaving Cream To Clean A Foggy Mirror
![The Hampshires in Washington DC Bathroom vanity mirror](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/the-hampshires-in-washington-dc.-15315.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Spray some shaving cream on a clean rag and then use it to wipe down your foggy bathroom mirror.
Not only will it clear up the steam, but it will also prevent your mirror from fogging up for a few weeks.
How To Keep Your Gum To Yourself
![saumik_h reddit gum pieces in hand](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/saumik_h-reddit-74672.jpg?width=800&height=1023)
Store your gum in a pill bottle so when you pop a piece of gum in your mouth, people will just think you're taking medication.
Then they won't ask you for a piece.
Velcro Saves The Day
![Reddit velcro strip on floor and rug](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Reddit-43179.jpg?width=800&height=936)
If your rugs are always getting moved around, you can keep them in place with a couple of strips of velcro.
Place one strip on the floor and another on the back of your rug.
Trick Your Kids
![nday79 sandwich with heel of bread turned heel-side in](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/nday79-70225.jpg?width=800&height=800)
Kids often don't like eating the last slice of bread.
To fool them into eating it, flip it around so the end part is facing the inside of the sandwich.
No More Cutting Through Ice Pops
![thetank77 Reddit freezies standing up in freezer](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/thetank77-Reddit-28463.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Store your freezies standing up in your freezer so you don't have to cut through the frozen juice to open them up.
You can move your freezer rack a bit closer to the top of your freezer to make this work.
The Perfect Summer Activity
![justpuneet girl tracing her toys' shadows on paper outside](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/justpuneet-57855.jpg?width=800&height=1010)
This is a great activity to do with your kids in the summer, or even indoors on a sunny winter day.
Kids will love tracing their toys' shadows and creating their own masterpieces.
Let The Lego Man Hold Your Cables
![Neensdogg Reddit lego man stuck to side of desk holding charging cable](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Neensdogg-Reddit-13673.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=31&left=0&zoom=1.25)
Interestingly, the hands of Lego men are the perfect shape and size for holding charging cables.
You can stick them to the side of your desk for some fun and functional decor.
This Must-Know For Boob Sweat
![befunky_2022-9-3_9-40-24 pantyliners in a bra](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/befunky_2022-9-3_9-40-24-98687.jpg?width=800&height=800)
If you have boobs, you know what we're talking about here. Combat boob sweat easily and comfortably by sticking a pantyliner to the inside of your bra.
It'll absorb a lot of moisture in a discreet way.
How To Get Your Cats To Look At The Camera
![german47_ Reddit cat looking at phone camera, cat treats clipped on phone](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/german47_-Reddit-74422.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Use a binder clip to attach some cat treats to the top of your camera or phone to get your cat to look right into the lens.
You'll get the perfect picture of your cat every time.
Dinner For Two
![tw272727 casserole dish divided with tin foil](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/tw272727-24737.jpg?width=800&height=600)
If you have a big casserole dish but you want to make a small casserole (or lasagna or quiche), try this.
Use some tin foil to divide your pan into smaller portions.
I Mean, if It Works...
![remote stick tv remote taped to a 2x4](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/remote-stick-83315.jpg?width=800&height=985)
This mom was tired of having her children and husband misplace the television remote in the house, so she taped it to this piece of wood and deemed it the "remote stick."
I mean, the remote hasn't been lost since.
College Hack!
![laptop with photo frame holding up screen laptop with photo frame holding up screen](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/laptop-with-photo-frame-holding-up-screen-64173.jpg?width=800&height=533)
When you're a student and your laptop breaks, it's not always that financially feasible to just buy a new one, and sometimes you need to still get studying done while waiting for repairs.
This photo frame backing is honestly a good temporary solution.
No One Will Ever Try To Steal It
![porcelain ants porcelain tea set has handpainted ants on it](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/porcelain-ants-36707.jpg?width=800&height=764)
This unique tea set was delicately crafted with hand-painted ants all over the pieces.
This is to dissuade people from taking food/drinks from the set without asking or even stealing the set itself.
For When One Isn't Big Enough
![two ziplocs around keyboard two ziplocs around keyboard](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/two-ziplocs-around-keyboard-71526.jpg?width=800&height=533)
If you want to keep something clean or dry but you can't fit it in a Ziplock, try this.
Use two with one turned inside out so that the tracks of both bags can connect and seal.
Celebrate Without Hurting The Earth
![confetti person uses hole puncher on leaves to make biodegradable confetti](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/confetti-52273.jpg?width=800&height=953)
People all around the planet are trying to find more environmentally ways to do things and avoid creating waste.
This leaf-punching hack is a simple and biodegradable way to still indulge in confetti.
Keep The Game Fair
![split screen boys literally split top and bottom screen in half with cardboard divider between them so they can't sneak looks at each others' screens](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/split-screen-87707.jpg?width=800&height=533)
Anyone who has ever placed video games using a split screen knows how annoying it is to have the other person cheat by sneaking looks at what you're doing.
This is a cheap and effective solution.
Make Your Bike Barefoot-Friendly
![carpet pedals bike pedals with squares of carpet on them](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/carpet-pedals-20415.jpg?width=800&height=1096)
The person who posted this photo explained that their little brother desperately wanted to ride his bicycle without shoes.
But the pedals hurt his feet, so he hot-glued pieces of carpet onto the pedals.
If You Can't Have The Real Thing, Make An lllusion
![windows in basement two windows near ceiling in basement](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/windows-in-basement-41836.jpg?width=800&height=533)
This person's basement was built without windows, but they still really wanted to have some natural light.
So they bought window frames and LED lights and mounted them on the wall to give the illusion of sunlight.
No Zippers? No Problem!
![rubberband person secures items in pocket using rubberband on the inside](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/rubberband-43095.jpg?width=800&height=979)
If you're heading out for a run or simply traveling and want to avoid pickpockets, try this.
You can easily keep your items secure in your pockets by securing them with a rubber band.
Make Bath Time Easier For Everyone
![peanut butter dog licking peanut butter on wall](https://www.bleacherbreaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/peanut-butter-61044.jpg?width=800&height=836)
Pets can be really resistant or difficult when it comes to bath time.
To make the process easier, this owner smears peanut butter on the shower wall for their dog to indulge in so they can clean him while he's distracted.