Being a mom is a multifaceted role that requires a unique blend of patience, creativity, and practicality. Despite its joys, it can be overwhelming to manage the endless responsibilities that come with caring for one’s family. That’s why I’m excited to share 21 mom hacks, tips, and DIYs that will help you streamline your daily routine and make the most of your time.
These clever solutions may not revolutionize your entire day, but they’ll certainly save you moments that can add up to a significant difference. The best part? They’re budget-friendly and some are even free!
As always, I’d love to hear from you! If you have any mom hacks of your own that you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into these essential mom hacks.
And if you’d like a visual guide to help bring these DIYs to life, be sure to check out my YouTube page where I’ve shared a video titled ’21 Incredible Mom Hacks You Need to Know’.
Toast More Slices of Bread
Revamping your morning routine, especially when it comes to breakfast, can be a daunting task. Between managing time, juggling kid responsibilities, and setting the table, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One often-underappreciated culprit that eats away at our precious morning moments is toasting bread. But what if you could eliminate the wait time associated with traditional toasting methods? The solution lies in repurposing your oven as an oversized toaster!
Simply place a pan or other oven-safe support in the bottom slot, and let the heat do its magic. By making this simple adjustment, you can reclaim valuable minutes from your morning routine and start the day feeling more relaxed and in control.
Make Your Wardrobe Fresher
Maintaining the freshness of clothing is a challenge many households face. To achieve this, try combining baking soda and cinnamon powder (or use sticks or other warming spices) with a coffee filter, as illustrated. Secure the filter using an available tie at home, then place it in your drawers. With this method, you no longer need to worry about keeping individual pieces fresh on-the-go.
Keep Your Avocado From Turning Brown
When it comes to preserving sliced avocados from turning brown, many people feel stumped. However, there’s a simple trick that can help: applying lemon juice directly to the cut surface of the fruit. By rubbing the inside of the avocado with lemon juice, you’ll create an acidic environment that slows down the browning process. Additionally, wrapping each half individually in saran wrap will further reduce oxygen exposure, allowing the avocado to stay fresh for a longer period.
Easily Remove Labels From Jars
When it comes to tackling sticky labels in our household, we’re all too familiar with the frustration that follows. However, there is a simple and effective way to remove those pesky stickers without breaking a sweat. By combining baking soda and olive oil, creating a paste-like mixture, and adding a splash of water, you can effortlessly wipe away the residue. Simply apply this solution to the affected area, gently rub it in, and then rinse with more water to reveal a smooth, label-free surface.
For best results, we recommend repeating the process as needed, dedicating a block of time to tackle multiple labels at once.
Enjoy Lemon Water Anytime
Elevate your hydration routine by preparing a batch of lemon ice cubes to add a burst of citrus flavor to your on-the-go water. To create these refreshing cubes, start by selecting an ice tray that suits your style – I’m a fan of this particular one [insert link or reference]. Cut up a lemon into manageable pieces and place them in each cell of the tray. Fill the tray with water as you normally would, and voilà! You’ll have a stash of flavorful cubes ready to be added to your favorite beverages.
Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like mint, cucumber, or lime to create unique flavor combinations that tantalize your taste buds.
Soften Butter Without Melting It
Ditch the microwave for a more precise way to soften your butter. Instead, grab a drinking glass that retains heat well – like ceramic or stainless steel – and fill it with warm water. Let the glass sit for a bit until it’s cozy warm. Then, dump out the water and place your butter inside. The retained heat from the cup will gently warm your butter to the ideal temperature, eliminating the risk of over-melting.
Protect Your Drink From Bugs
As the summer months approach and we spend more time outdoors, this simple hack is a reliable solution for keeping pesky insects at bay. To create a bug-repellent cup, simply place a muffin liner over the top of your beverage container and insert a straw through the center. This DIY lid not only keeps bugs from getting in but also makes it easy to drink without worrying about unwanted visitors.
With just two everyday items – a pack of muffin liners and a straw – you can enjoy the great outdoors bug-free.
Keep Brown Sugar From Drying Out
To prevent brown sugar from becoming clumpy, a simple trick can be employed: storing it with a strip of orange zest. This citrus peel serves as a natural desiccant, absorbing any moisture present in the environment and keeping your sugar dry. The beauty of this method lies in its ability to maintain the flavor profile of the sugar unchanged, ensuring that the subtle sweetness remains unaffected by the addition of the orange peel.
Use Sandpaper To Sharpen Scissors
When your trusty old scissors start to lose their edge, it’s time to give them a little TLC. Instead of tossing them out and reaching for a new pair, try sharpening them up on some sandpaper. Yes, you read that right – sandpaper can be just the thing to breathe new life into those dull blades. Simply cut through the sandpaper a few times, being mindful of any curious little hands that might be watching, and your scissors will be good as new.
Freeze Fresh Herbs With Olive Oil For Later Use
Dinner prep can be a laborious task, but there’s a simple way to simplify the process. For those who enjoy cooking with herbs, consider freezing them in ice cube trays along with your preferred oil. This clever trick eliminates the need for last-minute trips to the market or time-consuming herb prep. Simply pop one or two cubes into your dish when dinner time arrives, and you’ll be rewarded with a burst of fresh flavor without the hassle.
Use A Lint Roller To Clean Up A Glittery Mess
Glitter may be a sparkly addition to any occasion, but the reality of cleaning up after its use can be a different story altogether. As someone who’s passionate about all things glittery, I’ve had my fair share of struggles when it comes to tidying up. However, I’ve discovered that a trusty lint roller is the perfect solution to this problem.
By simply running the lint roller over the surface where the glitter has accumulated, the job is done in no time!
This method proves especially useful for quick spot cleanups.
If you’re as enthusiastic about glitter as I am, you might also appreciate these innovative toilet paper roll hacks that have taken the internet by storm.
Keep Apple Slices From Turning Brown
The issue with cut apples is similar to that of cut avocados – they brown due to air exposure. To address this, you can employ a simple trick: add salt to the cut apple. This technique involves placing both the salt and the apple in an airtight container or bag for later use. When it’s time to enjoy your apple, simply rinse off any excess salt before consumption.
Keep Plastic Wrap Taut
When dealing with stubborn Saran Wrap, try storing it in the fridge next time – its tension is more likely to remain intact when chilled. This simple trick can make a big difference in keeping the wrap from constantly springing back into shape. Additionally, placing the wrap in the refrigerator also improves its ability to stick to containers or food items. Another helpful tip is to store the Saran Wrap outside of its box, which can further enhance its adhesive properties.
For more clever hacks and solutions to everyday problems, be sure to check out our collection of aluminum foil tricks – you won’t be disappointed!
Remove Shoe Odor With Tea Bags
If you’ve got shoes that are emitting an unpleasant aroma, there’s a simple solution. Steep some tea bags and then place them inside the shoes to absorb any lingering moisture or odor. The dry leaves of the tea have natural deodorizing properties that will help neutralize the stench. This clever life hack is easy to implement and can provide long-lasting relief from pungent footwear.
Get Organized With An Ice Tray
I’m often asked how I make the most out of my daily routine, and I have to give credit where credit is due – my trusty ice trays. While they may seem like an ordinary household item, their versatility has earned them a special place in my heart. In addition to chilling beverages on hot summer days, these trays prove to be surprisingly useful for keeping small items organized.
Whether it’s storing arts and crafts supplies or keeping kids’ school materials tidy, the humble ice tray has become an unexpected lifesaver.
Peel Easily Hard-Cooked Eggs
While hard-cooked eggs are an excellent staple for meal prep, the process of preparing them can be time-consuming. To simplify this step, try a clever trick: add your hard-boiled eggs to a container filled with water and give it a good shake. Once you’re satisfied that the shells have loosened, simply open the container and peel away the shells en masse, eliminating the need for tedious individual peeling.
Use Dental Floss To Cut Soft Food
When considering the notion of effortlessly cutting through food, it’s essential to acknowledge a crucial factor: texture. Softer foods tend to adhere to knives more frequently than their firmer counterparts. To avoid the hassle of dealing with stubborn ingredients, I’ve discovered that dental floss can be an effective solution for slicing through these delicate items without any fuss.
Cut Sticky Tape Easily With Baby Wipes
When it comes to cutting tape for your kids, you might be tempted to simply grab a pair of scissors and get to work. However, taking a few extra seconds to prepare those scissors can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and sticky-free experience. Start by gently wiping down the blades with baby wipes, like these [link to product].
The gentle cleansing action will not only remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated but also leave the scissors lubricated and ready for their next task. This simple step is a game-changer when it comes to cutting through sticky materials like tape, allowing you to achieve precise cuts without the frustration of stuck blades.
By taking this extra precaution, you’ll be able to quickly and efficiently get the job done, leaving you more time to focus on what really matters – spending quality time with your little ones.
Use Band-Aids To Cover Outlets While Traveling
When preparing for your next adventure, don’t forget to stock up on a versatile pack of bandages – it’s an essential travel hack, especially when you have little ones in tow. One clever trick is to use the larger-sized bandages to cover outlets while traveling, ensuring that your tiny travelers can play freely without worrying about electrical hazards. This simple solution provides peace of mind for parents and kids alike, allowing everyone to enjoy their trip with minimal stress.
Peel Lemons Easily By Heating Them In The Microwave
When working with lemons, you might encounter stiff or hard-to-zest citrus. A simple solution is to microwave the lemon for a few seconds to loosen its peel. The warmth helps break down the fibers, making it easier to grate and reducing the overall zesting process to a more manageable task. For added convenience, I prefer to batch zest my lemons and store the frozen mixture for future use, ensuring that the right amount is always at my fingertips when needed.
Eggs Are Fresh If They Do Not Float
In our home, eggs are a trusted ingredient, as reflected in my previous posts about them. A simple yet effective method for determining an egg’s freshness is the ‘water test.’ Simply drop the egg into a bowl of water and observe its behavior. If it sinks to the bottom, you can be confident that it’s still fresh and safe to consume. On the other hand, if the egg floats to the surface, take a closer look for any signs of spoilage or unpleasant odors before deciding whether to use it or not.
