# Life hacks you figured out on your own **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 11, 2023, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041 "2023-03-11T20:36:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/350 "2023-04-20T10:49:26Z")
When eating a TV dinner (don’t judge!) fold the box it came in flat, and use it as a placemat/trivet to protect your table from the hot tray, and any spills. You were about to throw it away anyway, might as well get one more use out of the package first. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/351 "2023-04-20T12:12:39Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > When eating a TV dinner (don’t judge!) fold the box it came in flat, and use it as a placemat/trivet to protect your table from the hot tray, and any spills. I pull it out of the microwave and onto a plate. When I’m done, slide it off the plate into the garbage and put the (still clean) plate away. However, if I have a frozen pizza that doesn’t come with a cardboard circle under it, I’ll flatten the box it came in and use it for cutting the pizza on. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/352 "2023-04-20T12:17:24Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > one for darks, one for light colors and whites. My laundry hack: I throw everything into the washing machine together; whites, darks, dry clean only, all together. Wash in cold water. My gf separates her laundry as she was taught. She can’t tell the difference, other than her dry clean only stuff does better than mine. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/353 "2023-04-20T12:30:56Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My laundry hack: I throw everything into the washing machine together; whites, darks, dry clean only, all together. Wash in cold water. Me too. No difference. I do dry clean a suit maybe once a year. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/354 "2023-04-20T13:23:32Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I do dry clean a suit maybe once a year. Ahhh, my suit hack! I threw them all out years ago. My gf was wondering what would happen when my daughter got married. Well, that happened during COVID19 and they eloped! ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/355 "2023-04-20T13:37:35Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My gf was wondering what would happen when my daughter got married. Well, that happened during COVID19 and they eloped! Wouldn’t have mattered anyway - my husband kept his for years after he no longer wore them to work. Thank God I made him try them on before our daughter’s wedding. They either didn’t fit or were enough out of style to look funny - most were both. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/356 "2023-04-20T14:01:27Z")
> [@doreen](#): > > They either didn’t fit or were enough out of style to look funny - most were both. Mine went into my work dumpster, they were that far out of style. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/357 "2023-04-20T17:44:49Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My laundry hack: I throw everything into the washing machine together; whites, darks, dry clean only, all together. Wash in cold water. That works fine and I have used it. I pretty much always have enough for two loads so I separate by lights and darks. And my socks in wash bags meant for delicates. I was not advocating for everyone to do it my way, I was explaining my socks hack. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/358 "2023-04-20T18:00:13Z")
Rake or blow the leaves onto your lawn before you mow. Then instead of having to gather them up for disposal, the lawn mower will get them along with the grass clippings. When handling a tiny screw, you can sometimes magnetize the screwdriver by holding it at a low angle aligned with your nearest magnetic pole of Earth. It won’t turn into a monster magnet, but it will be strong enough to hold the screw on the end. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/359 "2023-04-20T18:05:12Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I was trying to diagnose a computer issue, and had to carefully separate the possibly defective parts from the known good ones. FYI [Ifixit.com](http://Ifixit.com) is fantastic for fixing computers and buying replacement parts. They can also send you the miniature tools you need and tell you exactly how to go about the repair. I resurrected an old computer that wouldn’t boot by replacing its defective disk drive with a new SSD. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/360 "2023-04-20T18:06:30Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > When starting a fix-it project like plumbing, painting, etc., bring a cup or bowl…good place for screws, bolts, nails pulled from the wall, etc. An old paper egg carton is excellent for this, particularly if you need to keep the different types of fasteners separate from each other. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/361 "2023-04-20T18:18:46Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > My shaving related life hack is… I don’t. Well, that’s not entirely true; I do shave my neck and cheekbones once a week. But other than that, when I was in my late 20s I realized I don’t like shaving, so I just grew a beard. As you get older, you may change your mind about sporting a beard. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/362 "2023-04-20T18:31:11Z")
Why would that make a difference? (50s, bearded, hate shaving). ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/363 "2023-04-20T18:31:53Z")
Agree. I’m 65 and have had a beard in some form since my twenties. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/364 "2023-04-20T18:35:22Z")
Too much salt and not enough pepper. I wouldn’t have minded if I were taller, but being short I just didn’t think a white goatee was a great look for me. I do wear a moustache and soul patch. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/365 "2023-04-20T18:41:20Z")
Oh. I had a partially grey beard in my 30s. Not something I am inclined to care about, though. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/366 "2023-04-20T20:20:36Z")
If you’re taking apart something with lots of screws, do it on a towel, or even the carpet. That’ll keep the screws from rolling away. I learned that trick back in high school when I used to play with gas RC Cars, but I still use it anytime I’m taking anything apart that has parts that can roll away. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/367 "2023-04-20T20:22:27Z")
When mounting a photo print on the back matting, I don’t use a ruler to center the print, as I was shown in a photography class. Instead I set the print flush against a corner of the matting and draw pencil lines around the other two sides. I do the same from the diagonally opposite corner, and then extend all the lines to the edges. Then I use a compass to bisect the edge sections and the bisection points indicate where the print should go. It takes longer to describe – and more words than I thought – to explain this, but in practice it’s really simple and straightforward. I find it much better than using a ruler to get a number like 10 7/8, then dividing that to get an awkward result like 5 7/16. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2023, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/368 "2023-04-20T21:31:07Z")
> [@Briny\_Deep](#): > > Whoa-whoa-whoa. You just lost me there. Carpenters do this, and my husband taught me to always ‘cut one’. You just start at 2 and add 1 to your total, because the end of the ruler /tape measure won’t give you accuracy. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/369 "2023-04-21T11:48:18Z")
Before taking something apart, take a couple of pictures of it. Head band (not for sports, but for cold) works great to keep your ears warm in bed on cold winter nights. Pull it over your eyes when the full moon makes your room too bright. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041.md?page=19)