Many of life’s little challenges require a specialized tool or product. Here at GiddyUp, we’re all about that – we love innovations!

However, sometimes you have everything you need to solve the problem right at home. Today we’re paying homage to a few of our favorite simple solutions. These “life hacks” make life a little easier – check ‘em out, then give them a try!

1. Unclog Your Drains in Seconds

 

You know it’s a problem when water starts coming back up the drain. Don’t panic – here’s your easy fix.

Just pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow that with 1 cup of vinegar and boiling water. A momentary volcano in the drain. Problem solved.

2. For Those Days You Forget the All-Important Deodorant

 

We’ve all been there. On the train, in the car, at your desk … you realize you forgot deodorant, and now you’re worried you’ll soon smell like something in-between a musty sock and dead water buffalo.

You have two options: don’t raise your arms for the rest of the day, OR …..grab a lemon! That’s right. Lemon juice magically masks body odor after you rub a few drops on your skin. It has a mild astringent quality that mimics the pore-closing effect of antiperspirant! Now, when life gives you lemons… you have a completely new way to use them 🙂

3. How to Play Music Loudly Without a Speaker

 

Speakers don’t come cheap. And when they do, they sound like it! But you can MacGyver a decent speaker with something as simple as your favorite stein.

Grab a glass from the pantry. Place it in the center of the room. Hit play on your favorite playlist, drop your phone in the glass, and be amazed. Setting your phone in a window sill works pretty well, too. (Although throwing your phone OUT the window isn’t recommended…)

4. Use glue to easily remove splinters

 

Splinters are such an annoyance! And the worst part about them is that they’re so hard to remove… but now that you know this trick, that’s a piece of cake!

Simply dab a bit of glue (Elmer’s glue works best) and let it sit, then peel. It will magically take the splinter along with it! (Plus, it just feels good for some reason…)

5. Use spaghetti to light candles (so you don’t burn your hands)

 

Trying to light a candle but keep burning your fingers? No more!

If you don’t have one of those super-long lighters at hand, this hack works in a pinch. Just light the end of the spaghetti, then hold it next to the wick. Spaghetti holds a flame quite well – so it’s perfect for this otherwise dangerous task!

Alright, that’s all we have for you today. How about you – what’s your favorite life hack? Let us know in the comments below!