Sometimes the phrase “life hack” can be use way too generously. A life hack is a trick that is meant to help make your day-to-day life easier…but some of these hacks floating around out there? Seriously, when will I ever need to turn empty water bottles into flip flops? These ten life hacks from HouseholdHacker are not just brilliant money-saving tips, but they’re hacks that you’ll actually use in real life! Who would’ve thought. Watch the video below to stock up on a few new life hacks that you’ll want to try ASAP.

These tricks don’t just make life easier, they also save you money. Avoid stocking up on various products at the grocery store and spending a fortune – make the products at home using these hacks instead!

How much money do you think you’ll save by trying out these tricks?

1. DIY Dishwasher Pods

Dishwasher pods are a cleaning essential; to really get your plates and utensils ready for their next use, they have to be scrubbed and disinfected, which is the job of these tablets. But, on the other hand, dishwasher pods tend to be extremely expensive.

So how do you get a clean dishwasher and save yourself a few bucks? By making your own lemony fresh dishwasher pods for next to nothing!

Materials

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/2 cup lemon juice

Combine all the ingredients into a paste, and shove it into an empty ice cube tray. Stick the tray in the freezer for a quick turnaround.

2. Remove carpet stains

Carpet stains are unsightly and so tough to remove. One secret weapon you probably have lying around your pantry? Cornstarch.

Cornstarch is brilliant at soaking up oils and various other stains from fabric surfaces, so just sprinkle some starch onto your carpet stain and let it do all the work for 15-20 minutes. All you have to do is vacuum up the remaining cornstarch!

3. Organize Your Wire Drawer

Everyone has one of these in their home: a drawer filled with different cords, wires, and various connectors, all tangled up and strewn about. I know it’s not just me!

A quick way to get those cords organized is to get a hold of some empty toilet paper rolls. Bundle up your wires (semi) neatly and stick them into the TP rolls, labeling them on the cardboard so you know which connector goes to what.

Fun fact: Did you know there was a patent put out in 1891 that decreed the correct way to hang toilet paper? Drum roll, please. The “correct” way to hang toilet paper is over the front of the roll!

Is that how you roll? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

4. Fix a Leaky Shower

Drippy shower head? You probably don’t want to call a plumber and we doubt you have plumbers tape just hanging around your home. For some DIY tape, cut off the bottom of a rubber glove, then wrap the shower head with the latex to stifle the leak!

5. DIY Tissue Jar

Looking for an upgrade from your boring old cardboard tissue box? Try making this DIY tissue mason jar for a little more pizzazz.

Materials

• Mason jar
• Spray paint
• Tissues from box

Spray paint your mason jar thoroughly and let it dry for 15-20 minutes. Then, remove 1/3 of the tissues from the box and stick them into the mason jar, folded exactly as they were. Pop the lid back on and pull out one tissue for a starter.

6. Remove Insects

Looking to get rid of flies and other bugs in a safe, all-natural way? You only need a few sweet ingredients to exterminate your home all by yourself.

Materials

• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 2 tbsp. syrup
• Paper grocery bag
• Paperclips

Mix all three ingredients into a paste and stick it in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir the liquid. Take your grocery bag and cut it into strips, dipping each one so that it’s coated in the mixture. Stick a paperclip through the top and hang your debugging strips outside.

7. Wash Oddly Shaped Glasses

If you have vases or other oddly shaped glasses, you probably have a hard time reaching in there to clean out any gunk. Try this simple trick: fill up the glass with water, then pop in an Alka-Seltzer tablet and let the frizz soak off the stains in only a few minutes.

8. Freshen Up Stainless Steel

Stainless steel won’t discolor or stain (hence “stainless steel“), but it will collect rust and gunk after cooking. And that stuff is HARD to get rid of with just a regular wash.

To remove that tough gunk, boil some white vinegar in the bottom of your pot or pan until you see the gunk starting to lift off the metal. Let the pan cool for a few minutes before coating the bottom with baking soda and scrubbing the leftover gunk away with bristle brush.

Good as new!

9. Scramble Eggs Easier

If you love scrambled eggs but hate how many dishes you have to clean after the fact, try making your eggs in something unexpected: a margarita shaker. Add your eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, and shake the shaker as you would! Pour out your perfectly mixed egg yolks into your pan and clean your shaker easily.

10. Nix Kitchen Smells

Something stinky in your kitchen that just won’t quit? If it’s coming from your fridge (which, usually, it is), then we have a quick fix for you. After making a pot of coffee, roll your coffee grounds in a dryer sheet. Then throw your little smell-bomb into the stinky fridge – after a few minutes, any unpleasant odor you had will be magically gone!

What do you think of these handy, money-saving tips? Share any life hacks you love in the comments section below.