25 Times People Discovered A Much Smarter Way To Use Common Items

Sometimes, the simplest objects around us have untapped potential. One curious Quora user asked others to share the most creative ways they’ve repurposed everyday items, and the responses did not disappoint. From household hacks to surprisingly clever solutions, here are some of the best ideas people shared.

#1

Image source: Noizeboy, proxier

Bulldog clips for a cable tidy

#2

Image source: 186394, a-curious-crow

I use those masks they make for burglars when I go skiing.

#3

Image source: wangmobile, Ronan Furuta

I use fans solely for the noise they make that puts me to sleep.

#4

I once used the “beans” of ten bean bag chairs to turn the floor of my unfinished basement into a makeshift skating rink.

Then I was grounded for two weeks.

Image source: clemmyced

#5

Image source: lipsticklady, Joshua Hoehne

I use tongs to reach things off shelves. We have ten foot ceilings, nine foot cabinets and and I have a 5’2 body.

I have different tongs for different shelves and items as well as a basket on a pole to catch things. I’m too lazy to pull out the ladder.

#6

Image source: likeBruceSpringsteen, Supply

Hair conditioner as shaving cream. I read about it here a few months ago, and haven’t bought “actual” shaving cream since.

#7

Image source: anon, Jonny Gios

I work in construction. If you can use like a hammer, it’s a hammer.

#8

Image source: duckspunk, dokuromark

I found old dental tools at a flea market and I use them to make jewelry.

#9

Food; I eat it. Apparently you’re supposed to take pictures of it and post it on instagram.

Image source: mrisump

#10

Image source: anon, 3rightsmakeawrong

I use a potato peeler to cut cheese slices perfectly.

#11

I use my bedroom floor as a closet.

Image source: anon

#12

Image source: geektress, egotrip

Dental floss is great for cutting a cake.

#13

Image source: LOTRf4nb0y, Marcos Ramírez

Toothbrush.

I use them to polish the hard to reach areas on my shoes.

#14

Image source: anon, Educational_Grass832

Track-pants.

They are supposed to be used for exercises while I put them on for sleep which is quite the opposite thing. I think it’s the case with many.

#15

The flathead screw driver. aka the paint can opener aka the rivet pryer aka the… that thing… opener… aka the oyster shucker aka the … Okay, now I’m just googling random stuff. Working on my own cars though, I have found uses for a flathead that I couldn’t even have made up until I needed it. Every mechanic’s garage should have at least like 15 of these in various sizes!

Image source: Wes Winn

#16

Image source: anon

I use toilet paper to blow my nose.

#17

I am surprised no one has mentioned Baking Soda. This product has so many common uses outside of its intended use it is almost like a miracle product. My answer here is only naming a few uses. Research Baking Soda and there are at least a dozen more things you can do with it… Baking soda’s intended use is of course baking. It’s 100 percent sodium bicarbonate, which can be used as a leavening agent in baked goods. When mixed with an acid, baking soda reacts, making bubbles and giving off carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough to rise. Anecdotal reports throughout history suggest that many civilizations used forms of baking soda when making bread and other foods that required rising. (Before using any of my suggestions understand I am not a doctor and do not work as a medical professional so please contact your doctor before considering some of these suggestions.) We have a box in the pantry for cooking, we have a box in the refrigerator because it is excellent at absorbing odors in the fridge. Speaking of odors, did you know it can be used as a deodorant too. Just create a little paste by adding water and rub it in. Another thing you can do with the paste is apply it to insect bites. First summer my husband and I were married he got stung by a bee. I ran inside, got the baking soda from the pantry, put a little into a spoon, added some water to make the paste, and quickly applied it to the bee sting. I had been doing this for years when my kids would get stung. It takes the sting right out AND it pushes the stinger out if it is still stuck in the skin. My newly wedded husband was quite impressed. You can also apply the paste to poison ivy and other skin rashes to sooth itching and burning. If you have some heartburn and no over the counter product to cure it at the time. Baking soda works by immediately neutralizing stomach acid, helping to relieve heartburn, indigestion and even ulcer pain. Add three tablespoons of baking soda to a tub of warm water for an invigorating foot soak. You can scrub your feet with a baking soda paste for additional exfoliation. A paste made from three parts of baking soda combined with one part water can be used as an exfoliator for your face and body, too. It’s natural, inexpensive and gentle enough to use every day. I know people who use baking soda as an effective toothpaste. “It is also a great natural cleanser for sinks, tubs, toilets, etc. Baking soda was used to clean and restore the inner copper walls of the Statute of Liberty during its 1986 restoration. It effectively removed grime without damaging the copper.”

Image source: Gina

#18

Any parent will tell you. Baby wipes.

Image source: Kate-Linderman

#19

Image source: I_GUESS_IM_ON_REDDIT, BlackBeanMamba

Shoeboxes.

#20

*Clears throat* Okay, let’s get to work now. Everyone behold the king of versatility, Duct Tape,
Rightful heir to the multi-purpose throne,
the First of its name,
Jack of all trades but master of none,
Rightful fixer of the c*****d items and the broken pieces,
Adhesive of the five continents and the seven seas,
The father of patches,
the Grandfather of DIY projects,
the Sealant of the handy men,
the Unburnt, the Uncut, the Undestroyable,
and Restorer of chains. Look at this beauty. Who doesn’t love those curves… Source pixabay. Phew… I think this is a proper introduction for the best product ever created. EVER! This miracle on Earth is manufactured by only three raw materials: a cotton mesh, some polyethylene coating and plenty of adhesive compound. Three-hit wonder! The purposes of this item are only limited by one’s imagination. Fixes broken pieces, c*****d pieces, almost destroyed pieces and COMPLETELY destroyed pieces. Acts as a sealant against water, wind and light. Also helps with insulation. Acts as a coating to anything that needs a coat. I have seen a car fully coated with this stuff and it looked amaze-balls. Captures flies, crickets and other pests, if used properly. Helps the amateur car mechanic to pimp their ride. Is the basis of any DIY project. *strikes-through “basis” and writes “requirement”* Is the best material for pranks. If you have not duct-taped on the ceiling someone in a party, I judge you for your life choices. Is kidnappers’ best friend – not so proud for this one. Moving on… Acts as a budget hair removal tape. From personal experience, feel free to apply plenty of aloe vera after its application. Fixes your spaceship in case of unexpected malfunctions. #Apollo13crew And last but not least important: FIXES DUCTS (original use actually). Disclaimer : Avoid usage in break-ups. History has shown that duct-taping yourself on your ex-girlfriend will get you a court-imposed restraining order more often than it will help you to get back together.

Image source: Thanos Antoniou

#21

Vinegar. i use it with veggies for flavor, for oil and vinegar for salads of course, for making pickles. recently bought “cleaning vinegar” 1 gallon for $1 during a month that i was unusually poor. WOW cleans better than just about anything. also rubbing alcohol, isoprophil alcohol, use it to mop floors, makes house smell so clean. also it is cheap.

Image source: Patter Cole

#22

Image source: yanoJAL, Scheich Méshaël Zāhedd

Listerine.
It was developed as a surgical antiseptic. It was later sold, in distilled form, as both a floor cleaner and a cure for gonorrhea.

#23

I sprinkle NesQuik on top of my ice cream.

I had no idea this wasn’t normal until high school when I asked a friend why he was putting ice cream topping in his milk.

Image source: WithNoRegard

#24

Image source: ndchoate, Roman Marchenko

A toothbrush with toothpaste to scrub blackheads off (works surprisingly well)

To elaborate: I would advise getting a new, soft toothbrush specifically for scrubbing the blackheads off. If you’re scrubbing your nose, don’t put too much on there. And for the love of god, DO NOT GET TOOTHPASTE IN YOUR EYES. Not good. And lastly, don’t scrub too hard, especially with a new toothbrush. You don’t wanna do any damage to your face.

Oh yeah, I just use regular Colgate, but I assume any kind of white toothpaste would work.

#25

The Cavity Magnetron fist used in early Radar Systems until one day an operative found it caused the chocolate bar in his pocket to melt. Repackaged and Rebranded to something which sits in most kitchens todays, the Microwave Oven.(or Meecrow-Wah-Vay if you are Nigella Lawson)

Image source: Mark Stubbs