# 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:** 6
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/101 "2023-03-14T18:15:57Z")
Coarse and fine grain salt look quite different at a glance, but I get what you mean. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/102 "2023-03-14T18:41:25Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I have a very strict ‘no drinks without a cap’ rule at my desk and even though it’s me that’s ruined more than one keyboard, and a laptop, by spilling things on them, the rule applies to everyone else too. > [@Toxylon](#): > > I haven’t kept a container with liquid in close to my laptop since, lest the container is at a lower level than the computer. This is known as the “Lower Level Liquid Law”, and yes, needs to be rigorously enforced wherever there are electronics. What is not always recognized is that it’s easy to enforce compliance just by, say, having a large tile or trivet (or even a notebook) under the laptop to raise it half an inch above the desk or table. I have a nice laser-cut wood trivet whose openwork pattern helps ventilate the bottom of the laptop, and also guards it from spills at surface level. Admittedly, this won’t help in situations where spilled liquid is poured from above directly onto the computer, but IME the “flooded table” phenomenon is a more serious hazard in everyday circumstances. (I also try to keep the liquid containers at sub-desk level, using lower tables or stools or even an opened desk drawer. What is really needed, of course, is sturdy cupholders affixed underneath the edge of the desk.) ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/103 "2023-03-14T18:51:50Z")
Keep a dollar store shower squeegee in the car. You can quickly clear dew and even light frost with a few swipes. I just used mine for frost this morning. Sgpetly after moving out on my own, I triumphantly told my mom about an awesome trick I invented. Just toss the measuring cap from laundry detergent into the wash and it comes out clean every time! She shot me a look like you’d give someone who noticed the sun seems to rise in the east a lot. I think everyone learned the ‘blow into the Nintendo cartridge’ trick independently. > [@Joey\_P](#): > > At some point you’ll touch your mouth and it’ll taste like you have a mouthful of rubber bands. Better that than the flavor from old inner tubes mentioned upthread. The same rubber taste as purpose-made bands only dusty from wear and stinky from sitting wet inside and out. > [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Shaving is more pleasant if the foam is warm. Years ago, a college roommate was complaining about his lousy haul of Christmas gifts. One gift was a shaving cream heater which our other roommate and I both thought was pretty neat and we all used it for our remaining time together. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/104 "2023-03-14T18:55:40Z")
One hack I’ve used forever, is just shave in the shower. Saves time overall, your face and shaving cream stays warm. ---
**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:** [March 14, 2023, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/105 "2023-03-14T19:22:36Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > What is not always recognized is that it’s easy to enforce compliance just by, say, having a large tile or trivet (or even a notebook) under the laptop to raise it half an inch above the desk or table. I have a nice laser-cut wood trivet whose openwork pattern helps ventilate the bottom of the laptop, and also guards it from spills at surface level. That might help protect things when you spill on your desk, but every time I’ve done it, I’ve spilled the drink directly _on_ the laptop or keyboard or whatever it is. ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/106 "2023-03-14T19:23:11Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > One hack I’ve used forever, is just shave in the shower. Saves time overall, your face and shaving cream stays warm. …and it’s easier to rinse off. That, and brush teeth in the shower - an extra two minutes of therapeutic hot water while cleaning the teeth - good multi-tasking. ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/107 "2023-03-14T19:45:11Z")
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. That way it doesn’t look like I’m being lazy when I don’t shave; it looks like an intentional fashion choice. I do keep it fairly short, but that just requires running the clippers through it once a week, and the aforementioned shaving my neck and cheekbones. ---
**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:** [March 14, 2023, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/108 "2023-03-14T19:49:08Z")
My shaving hack is that I just don’t use shaving cream. When I used to use it, it was messy and always got in my ears or hair. Then I switched to beard oil, which was a couple of drops of oil instead of foam or gel. It worked great. Now I just shower first (so the hair is warm / wet / soft) and just use water. It’s absolutely fine, and MUCH less of a mess. I should add that I’m not very sensitive to the pain from pulled hair, so while there’s a slightly unpleasant sensation, it doesn’t bother me. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/109 "2023-03-14T19:49:18Z")
When pouring flour or other powdery substances into a bowl, put the bowl in the sink first and you’ll have less to clean up. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/110 "2023-03-14T19:50:45Z")
My shaving hack is to use a shaving brush. Nice hot lather and it really doesn’t take more time or effort than using a can. A bonus, when I’m done, I use the brush to wipe down the sink. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/111 "2023-03-14T20:03:22Z")
If I don’t have/run out of shaving cream I just use what ever soap is there. I’ve done this a lot when traveling. My Wife and I are very light packers. Carry on only. Spent three weeks traveling Germany by train. Not going to lug a big bag around. Also, wash your underthings in the hotel sink. ---
**Author:** ![Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiendish_astronaut/32/3295_2.png) [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/112 "2023-03-14T20:17:51Z")
Always buy rectangular presents. (cuboidal?) ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/113 "2023-03-14T20:35:03Z")
Phone photos are also handy for seeing the back of the head when cutting the one’s own hair for 3 years during COVID. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/114 "2023-03-14T20:47:03Z")
I also use phone photos when I’m replacing something complicated, with lots of wires going every which way. If anyone ever sees my ‘gallery’ it’s got a lot of weird stuff in it. I used to grocery shop for my mom, and she was particular about what I got to replace something. She would make a list, but her handwriting became unreadable. So a quick photo would do the trick of the items she wanted me to restock. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/115 "2023-03-14T21:24:18Z")
I use my phone’s camera for needlepoint. It’s much easier to tell if you’ve missed a stitch with an enlarged picture. The local hardware store guy loves cell phones because so many people are coming in with pictures of what they are doing and the part they need. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/116 "2023-03-14T21:32:28Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > Sgpetly after moving out on my own, I triumphantly told my mom about an awesome trick I invented. Just toss the measuring cap from laundry detergent into the wash and it comes out clean every time! Do most people have a problem with their laundry cap getting dirty, or something? And speaking of phone photos, last week I needed to get new cartridges for my printer. I have a picture on my phone of the old cartridges, so I can remember exactly which model I need. ---
**Author:** ![Nyvaak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Nyvaak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nyvaak)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/117 "2023-03-14T21:33:31Z")
Two hacks I learned when I was much younger involved a Dry-Erase board and something . . um . . _unpleasant_ I had written about the program director. Hack 1 - in the absence of board cleaner, alcohol, etc., things mistakenly written in _non_-Dry-Erase markers can actually be cleaned off by going over them with the correct type markers. (And you can start breathing again.) Hack 2 - don’t write things about the program director even if you expect to erase them immediately afterward. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/118 "2023-03-14T23:13:00Z")
Cutting an apple or bell pepper. Stand it on its end and cut each side straight down just outside the core. Four even slices. No core to mess with then you can finish the chopping at your leisure. I used to just quarter apples and then carve out each piece of core separately until I realized the best approach is to cut around the core. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2023, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/119 "2023-03-14T23:43:36Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > And speaking of phone photos, last week I needed to get new cartridges for my printer. I have a picture on my phone of the old cartridges, so I can remember exactly which model I need. Yes, yes, yes! ---
**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:** [March 15, 2023, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041/120 "2023-03-15T03:11:48Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > And speaking of phone photos, last week I needed to get new cartridges for my printer. I have a picture on my phone of the old cartridges, so I can remember exactly which model I need. Since all the way back to the days of flip phones, in my contact list I saved the number 16251 as Filter. If I’m at Home Depot/Lowes and I remember I need furnace filters, I look at that contact to get the size, 16 x 25 x 1. That would have been 18 years ago when I bought this house and that contact is still in my phone and I still refer to it once in a while. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-hacks-you-figured-out-on-your-own/981041.md?page=7)