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Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it—sometimes, the dumbest-sounding ideas turn out to be diamonds in the rough, real pearls of wisdom that make our lives a shade better. We’re talking, of course, about life hacks! Specifically, the kinds of hacks that sound like fake nonsense but are real lifesavers for some people.

After redditor Rat-avec-London asked other users of the site to share exactly those kinds of life hacks, they responded with over 26.6k comments. The thread quickly went viral, getting more than 75k upvotes at the time of writing, as well as attracting media attention. Check out some of the most intriguing life hacks that people shared below and upvote the ones that you liked the most. And remember—just because something sounds fake doesn’t mean it is (and vice versa).

#1

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Using your turn signal actually can help other drivers know which direction you plan to go and makes driving safer for everyone

Itsallaboutthecones , rmkoske Report

#2

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Whenever you accidentally set off your smoke alarm, give your pets a treat so they learn to come to you when there actually is a fire and you need to escape.

kataklysmiknut , Richard Kelland Report

#3

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People There is absolutely nothing wrong with showing up to work, doing the absolute minimum to maintain a job, and going home and enjoying your life. massive lifesaver to one's mental health.

hrpeanut , Alex Kotliarskyi Report

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JennyLaRue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Work to live, not live to work". Others may choose to work harder, but that's on them - it's all a choice for what is important to the individual, and that's ok if it's different for different people.

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In an earlier interview, I spoke about life hacks that sound absolutely silly with British comedian Ariane Sherine, from London. She helped me settle the age-old question about whether something that sounds and looks dumb is actually stupid or not.

“It’s actually very smart, and it’s a shame if people don’t use it for fear of looking dumb!" Ariane told Bored Panda, pointing out that we sometimes prioritize our reputations over what actually works. And we’re sometimes scared to test something out because it might make us look like utter fools.

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#4

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you've forgotten an acquaintance's name, just ask them what their name is, and after they tell you, say "no, your last name." Works like a charm and they never suspect a thing.

maleorderbride , Tim Douglas Report

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Shelp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except in France, where a popular TV show made that one of its main jokes, so virtually everybody is aware of the trick now

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#5

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If at a place where you don't speak the language, learn the words for please and thank you. Those, and a smile, will get you far.

AichSmize , Zen Chung Report

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Nevits Yibble
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's also helpful to learn, "I'm sorry officer. I didn't know she was your daughter"

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#6

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People if you are ever attacked by a dog, push your forearm INTO the bite. This pries the jaws apart and prevents them from clamping down. If a dog is attacking you, the best thing you can do is offer your forearm, push as far back as possible, and then grab the dog by the scruff of its neck with your other hand to hold it. The dog is now functionally muzzled and you have control of its head. The sooner and harder you push into the bite, the less damage the bite will do.

IAlbatross , Steve Garner Report

Ariane explained that people often look down on ideas that sound dumb on a theoretical level because we want others to think we’re way smarter than we might actually be. That’s how much our reputations matter to us (whether we’re aware of this or not).

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#7

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Wear the same colours as the zoo employees, the animals will come right up to you.

Comfortable_Figure27 , Allan Ferguson Report

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Paul Davis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is also useful when you're walking off with the animal to your car to take him home.

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#8

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People From the amazing book ‘The Gift of Fear’ by Gavin DeBecker: “A woman alone who needs assistance is actually far better off choosing someone and asking for help, as opposed to waiting for an unsolicited approach. The person you choose is nowhere near as likely to bring you hazard as is the person who chooses you.”

DeeboComin , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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BabyCharmander
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don’t wait for help either because you might not get it. I’ve been in a situation where I was being harassed by a man in broad daylight in a populated public place—multiple people saw it happening and no one helped. This may seem obvious now but it wasn’t obvious to me back then—do not be concerned with politeness when someone’s intentions toward you are not good. It’s okay to be “rude” to get away from someone who is trying to coerce you into doing something you do not want to do.

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#9

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you feel suicidal or depressed....don't focus on hope. It is enough to just stay curious. Curiosity has the power to keep you alive far longer than hope ever will. Curiosity leads to engaging work and this leads to opportunity.

_Asher451_ , Andrew Neel Report

"Everybody wants to think they’re smart (even if they’re actually Donald Trump!) and people hate feeling stupid or being duped. If a piece of advice doesn’t sound helpful, I guess people who see themselves as clever will automatically reject it rather than try it and risk feeling dumb," the comedian said this is why we may avoid doing silly things.

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#10

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People When you're freaking out, need to relax, e.g. when a chiro is about to crack your neck or anything along those lines, wiggle your toes. Apparently your brain can't do both, freaking out and wiggling toes, tensing up and wiggling toes etc

cheerylifelover123 , cottonbro Report

#11

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People 25% of 18 is the same as 18% of 25. Percentages are reversible and one is easier to figure out than the other one.

DetroitJim , Karolina Grabowska Report

#12

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People It you start to cough while eating or drinking, essentially the “went down the wrong pipe”, immediately lift both your arms up in the air and keep them held up for a few seconds. The act opens your airways and will allow you to catch your breath. Also helps food or drink travel downward.

Ecstatic_Consequence , Annie Spratt Report

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SykesDaMan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just throw ya hands in the air... And waive around like you just don't care! :)

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One of the British comedian’s favorite life hacks has to do with avocados and how to check if they’re ripe. Ariane pointed out that avocados have an “inbuilt ripeness sensor” that lets you distinguish if it’s still green, ripe, or overripe.

#13

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you’ve got a splinter below your skin surface, wrap a banana peel around it. Wet side against your skin. It will draw the splinter out most of the time. I don’t know how but it fricken works. Banana voodoo. Banavoodoo. Banadoo?

Rusty_is_a_good_boy , Ryutaro Tsukata Report

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#14

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If your car is overheating, turn your heat on full blast.

When you turn the heat on in a car, it pulls heat from the engine into the cab, thus cooling the engine.

Bryarx , Richard Berg Report

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Jo Johannsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And roll down the windows. Working in Little Rock, AR, had to do this often in the summer rush hour traffic...which didn't rush.

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#15

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you're watching YouTube on your phone just scroll to the end and restart the vid to skip all ads.

j_prince_47 , freestocks.org Report

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why TF does YouTube think abruptly cutting away in the middle of a video that’s less than 10 minutes long won’t royally piss people off—-especially not even doing it in a section of the video where it would make sense? YouTube is playing a very dangerous game with that practice. Piss enough people off, and viewership will drop dramatically.

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“You know how hard it is to tell whether an avocado’s ripe before cutting into it? Simply twist the stem. If it doesn’t come off, it’s underripe; if it comes off and is green underneath, it’s ripe; if it’s brown underneath, it’s overripe. Voila—no more rock hard or mushy grey avocados!" she shared. The comedian added that it’s ironic how avocados marketed as ‘ripe’ in supermarkets are usually anything but.

#16

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Sleep on big decisions.

You think most clearly in the morning, and often after some time passes you realize you were about to make a big mistake.

uniadminthrowaway , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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ADHORTATOR
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

German expression "I' ll sleep over it", in French "La nuit porte conseil - The night brings advice"

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#17

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Makeup remover on deodorant stains.
My husband has a lot of T-shirts with white/stained armpits, so I gave it a shot.
It worked. :o

kannakantplay , zdp480 Report

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AJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I regularly use makeup remover to the most stubborn stains in the sink. Though the fact that makeup remover removes almost any stain from almost anything, has made me doubt do I really want to put that stuff near my face.

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#18

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Counting really slowly with the goal of reaching 150 is a decent way to fall asleep. If you have any thoughts during it just let them play out, and if you forget what number you're on just go from what you last remember. If you make any major movements just start again.

The goal is to force your brain in to slowing down and not having any jerky motions or thoughts, and eventually reaching such a level of carelessness that you eventually fall asleep without realising. Helped me quite a few times, especially with rain sounds, hope it helps some of you too!

Solacekia , Free-Photos Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't usually have trouble sleeping but when I do what best works for me is taking a random letter from the alphabet and trying to find as many vegetables and fruit starting from that letter.

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Like with plenty of new ideas and inventions, chance plays an important element when it comes to discovering new and useful life hacks. Whether through experimentation or lucky coincidence, we might end up finding a pearl of wisdom among the weeds.

#19

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People More life advice than a life hack, but: “A dropped knife doesn’t have a handle.” If you ever drop a kitchen knife or other bladed instrument, just let it fall. Trying to catch it will almost certainly give you a nasty slice on the hand.

Stillwater215 , Gary Barnes Report

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Jo Johannsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My involuntary reaction has always been to try to lift both feet off the floor at the same time.

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#20

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Run your wrists under cold water or rub an ice cube on your pulse points to cool down all over quickly when you get overheated. It seems obvious but I didn’t realize it until last summer working in a warehouse with no ac.

mannershmanners , Anna Shvets Report

#21

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you’ve written on a dry erase board (or any glossy surface) with a permanent marker (like a Sharpie) just draw over it with a dry erase marker and it will wipe right off.

TheNoisyNomad , bark Report

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Your Average Pooh
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi! I'm pooh & I just use hand sanitizers (100% recommended by a fellow bear)

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And despite how funny it might sound, life hacks are an expression of how wonderful the scientific method is, riding on the wave that is human ingenuity. We might lose hope in humanity from time to time, but just the fact that there are hundreds of people sharing useful life hacks is enough to restore our faith in our intelligence as a species a tiny bit,

#22

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Gently rocking back and forth while pooping. I’ve never had any problems in the bathroom, but I happened to be sitting on the toilet when I read the comment so I decided to give it a test drive. I was pleasantly surprised at how quick and effortless the whole experience was and I haven’t gone back to my old stationary technique since.

A_LORD_666 , Dayvison de Oliveira Silva Report

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Eva
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It also helps to put up your feet on sth like a stool (best way would be to squat down on sth, but thats just not practical lol)

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#23

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Dawn dish soap is better for cleaning tubs than any bathroom cleaner. Consider that when you bathe you’re mostly washing of body oils/dirt/skin. Dawn is so effective at cleaning oil it’s used to clean up after oil spills. You can use a small amount and it cleans pretty effortlessly with circles on a sponge.

_manicpixie , https://www.pexels.com/@karolina-grabowska Report

#24

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People When putting a paint can lid back on the can, first put down a layer of cling film (saran wrap). This will stop the lid sticking to the can once the paint on the lid has dried.

DoubleDeckerz , Sven Brandsma Report

Which of these life hacks did you find to be the most useful? Which ones were a complete surprise to you, dear Pandas? Do you have any fake-sounding-but-real hacks to share with all the other Readers here? Drop us a comment below!

#25

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Crayons are flammable and will provide about an hour of light as a candle if you lit the top.

RockyL15 , Miesha Maiden Report

#26

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Use a wet knife to chop onions, it reduces tears if you have sensitive eyes.

It really works!! I could barely make it through chopping half an onion without needing multiple breaks before I tried this. Just keep the faucet running and dip your knife under periodically while chopping. I still get a little reaction, but nowhere near as bad.

1nd1anaCroft , Chris Gladis Report

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Elin Calliel
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don’t leave the faucet running, please. Have a container next to you filled with water rather.

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#27

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People "Pay yourself first". No matter how much or how little you make. Take 10% of your paycheck and put it in an emergency fund before you buy or pay for anything else. That strategy has saved me on numerous occasions.

anonymous , Karolina Grabowska Report

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Ozacoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not necessarily 10%. Calculate how much you need a month (rent, utilities, food etc). See how much money you have left (if you do) and take at least half of it (or all) to the savings account.

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#28

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Mosquitos Bites be gone!

This hack is the most valuable thing I’ve learned in my whole life.

Heat of the back of a spoon with hot water. Then apply the back of the spoon to the bite. I usually do it twice for good measure. The spoon needs to be hot enough to keep on the skin without burning yourself. So test the heat before you press it down. Keep it on until the heat dissipates. Bite will stop itching almost immediately...usually the bite ha completely disappeared within an hour.

This only works with mosquitoes from my experience.

Needaslurpee , Jimmy Chan Report

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Jo Johannsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have used ice cubes for the same result for many years. Rub until the area is numb. By the time it warms up, no more itch. I am guessing the increased blood flow to warm it up helps dilute/carry away the toxin?

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#29

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you're going to climb a ladder or work on your roof, wear a bike helmet.

waelgifru , Dru Kelly Report

#30

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Every male should know this. If you want to get rid of an awkward boner flex any muscle in your body maybe an arm. For a minute. The blood will rush to that muscle and away from your D. Crisis averted.

GingerOverseer , Dương Nhân Report

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JXXXF
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it doesn't work, don't worry... it will just look like you are flexing your muscles with a boner... noone will think you are odd... promise...

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#31

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People During pollen season... rinse your hair before bed. Otherwise you’re just depositing pollen on your pillowcase every night and then rolling your face in it all night. And then multiply that by how many nights you use the same pillowcase.

blanketsmellslikeham , M. M. SandFollow Report

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Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pollen get caught in your own grime on the pillowcase. First in your hair (where it mostly fell off of when you moved round indoors) and then in all the dead skin and sebum from your whole head. Pro tip: replace pillowcases often.

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#32

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Rubbing vegetable oil (or any cooking oil) on your hands after you cut up jalapeños or other hot peppers. It gets rid of the awfulness that would normally be left on your hands from the peppers. I rub my hands with oil and then wash it off with dish soap. I can totally remove my contacts after doing this. It’s crazy how well this works.

PaulRuddsButthole , Pepper Geek Report

#33

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People The cheapest, most effective, and safest insecticide against roaches (especially those huge “water bug” roaches that we have in the South) is a spray bottle of mostly water with just a little liquid dish soap in it.

Shake the bottle & get the water a little foamy, then spray the roaches. They will run, scrabble, and attempt escape, of course, but they will die. The soap film suffocates them faster than any chemicals will.

SnooPickles3213 , Domas Mituzas Report

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Paul K. Johnson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know two ways to get rid of roaches. I moved into a place that had an infestation and was working for a guy who had a Masters in Entomology. He said just make sure everything is dry. You can't starve a roach - they will literally eat anything. But always keep your pipes dry, wipe out your sinks, etc. When they have no access to water they will leave. That's all I did. They were gone in a couple weeks and never came back. The other idea is what's stated here but you don't have to spray to roach. Just put out some little dishes of water with a couple drops of soap in them. The roaches will drink it and die.

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#34

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Drinking a cup of water with your alcoholic drink, waking up Alive not dead.

olliemollymoe , Daria Shevtsova Report

#35

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People I hesitantly submit squeegeeing yourself off before getting out of the shower. It's so simple I was dubious, but just use your hands to quickly wipe off excess water and bingo, you're not cold getting out.

BWDpodcast , Max Vakhtbovych Report

#36

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Microwave tip: Put a cup of water on the tray with whatever you are microwaving, it always makes it taste better and "fresher".

DeadMoney313 , HomeSpot HQ Report

#37

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If your ring gets stuck on your finger windex will slide it right off. Worked at a jewelry store for five plus years.

coykoi314 , Remy Sharp Report

#38

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Eating candied ginger helps with nausea. Any ginger really, but candied ginger is much better tasting.

MisteeLoo , TheDeliciousLife Report

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Batwench
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stomach bug? Drink dry flat ginger ale. Has to be stuff with sugar in, not diet. Ginger settles the tum and the sugar and water help you hydrate etc. Works well for hangovers as well. Make sure it is flat, as the fizz can aggravate the tum.

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#39

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Vinegar in a plastic bag with rubber band tied around any faucet will make the faucet like-new. I'm talking decade old rust and stuff gone...and water flows like the first day.

Aakwanderer , Kate Ter Haar Report

#40

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Getting 8 hours of time on bed, not necessarily sleep, is mental magic

doro1239 , Kinga Cichewicz Report

#41

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you have the right of way, take it. It makes driving more predictable and therefore caused fewer accidents.

hippocampus237 , Open Grid Scheduler Report

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think what they are trying to say is focus and drive normally. Don't be stopping to letting people out etc. It can cause chaos.

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#42

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you have funky armpits and need to fix them fast, use hand sanitiser. I figured this out years ago when I remembered that the smell comes from bacteria reactions - which antibacterial hand gel kills stone dead. Instant results and the medical smell lasts only a minute. Don't do this routinely though as it's delicate skin.

ihadanideaonce , bruce mars Report

#43

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you're having trouble staying awake in class/at a meeting, see how long you can keep one of your feet lifted slightly off the ground.

maleorderbride , Eren Li Report

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You could also try to not be watching boxsets until 3am. Works for me.

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#44

Teach kids to ride 2 wheelers using a small balance bike without pedals between the ages of 2 and 3, and they’ll do most of the work themselves. Then, when they’re ready for speed, they can graduate to a bike with pedals. Skip the training wheels.

jintana Report

#45

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Being extra nice to strangers when you need help will get you REALLY far, often times further than you expect. Customer service especially.

squatsbreh , Rémi Walle Report

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just be nice to everybody. You have no idea who is having a worse day than you who may benefit from some pleasantry. Just. Be. Nice.

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#46

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Put your onion in the freezer for 10 minutes before chopping it. It freezes the juices just enough to slow down the process of it turning in to a gas, giving you a few minutes to chop the onion without tears.

Lost_in_the_Library , Karolina Grabowska Report

#47

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Got fridge hard butter and you want to bake? Cheese grate it.

It will still be work if you're hand mixing, but it's better than trying to chop it.

scw55 , Klaus Nielsen Report

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JennyLaRue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I use a tip from Mary Berry to chop it and put it in some tepid water for a few minute. The butter won't absorb any water so it doesn't matter if it gets wet. Particularly useful if your microwave has random hot spots in it.

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#48

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People When you're moving and have to disassemble furniture, wrap up all the screws and stuff in some tape and then stick it to the furniture.

Tooblekane , Steve Johnson Report

#49

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Nail polish remover gets permanent marker off skin. You know, in case someone draws a D on your face.

WearingCoats , Kaushik Narasimhan Report

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T.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You may not want to do this near the eyes - nail polish remover mostly contains some quite nasty solvents like: acetone, ethyl acetate and isopropyl alcohol. Even in cosmetic quality, those chemicals can be really harmful especially to your eyes.

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#50

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People You can do the Heimlich maneuver on yourself. Use a chair or countertop, press yourself against it(right under your rib cage), and press down hard. Should force air up and dislodge a blockage.

Djason_Unchaind , Howcast Report

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NatalieC
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This happened to me twice in my life. I was choking and threw myself over the back of a chair. Also, heimliched my dog once. God bless Mr. Heimlich.

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#51

Splash some water your face. As a mammal, you have a diving instinct, so water on your face triggers a response: you wake up, there's more oxygen to your brain, you feel better, plus your face is wet.

phargle Report

#52

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you ever take a pill and get that stuck-in-throat feeling after, just hold a sip of water in your mouth then lay down flat on your back and swallow it. Goes away instantly every time.

Vegetable-Bat-8475 , JESHOOTS Report

#53

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If your coffee tastes too bitter, stir in a small pinch of salt.

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Martin John
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandmother--who lived to almost 101 and drank coffee even with her meals--swore by a pinch of salt in the grounds before brewing to bring out the flavor.

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#54

Smell is closely associated with memory. If you're studying for an exam, buy an odd scented eraser (like pickle scent). Everytime you try to memorize something, take a sniff. Take that eraser to the test and sniff it when you're having trouble remembering an answer

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Paul Davis
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can actually enhance this trick by using several different smells of things that are acceptable to bring into an exam. Smell your eraser for one section, smell your pencil wood for a different section, etc. I had a friend who literally did this with spices because he had gotten permission from his professor to bring the spices into the exam.

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#55

If you have stains somewhere hard to bleach (like the top of a toilet bowl or a shower floor), put down paper towels first. It soaks up the bleach and keeps it in place while it does its job. This works like magic, seriously.

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Paul K. Johnson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I use this technique for all kinds of things. For example, if you want to remove labels that don't come off with water then take a paper towel and fold it in half. I typically use paint thinner but cooking oil will work too. Saturate the paper towel and press it against the label. If you can lay the item on its side with the label up it works best. Press the paper towel onto the label and leave it for 30 minutes. The label will peel right off and the glue will wipe off too. If the label is plastic this doesn't work though. It will loosen the edges but it takes a LOT longer to creep under the edge to the middle of the label.

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#56

The most successful time you can schedule any given meeting/appointment/interview is 11am. Remember this well.

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#57

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you’re in college, don’t buy your textbooks until you actually need to use them. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars by not buying “required” textbooks that we never used

JustSeanAgain , Scott Barkley Report

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#58

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People That rubbing alcohol removes chewing gum.

I'd go through a 20 layer deep marketing funnel to get to that tip because it really does work.

omgIamafraidofreddit , ajay_suresh Report

#59

Learn how to fall. Where to hit, how to disperse energy. It can really save you in uncertain situation.

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#60

If you are painting using painters tape (doing corners or stripes etc) first paint along the edges with the colour that's under the tape, let it dry a little so it won't mix, then put your to colour in. It stops the 'bleed' effect because that won't be visible and now the tape is sealed.

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Professore CG
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't visualize this - how does it work? What does this mean: "then put your to colour in."

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#61

Use vinegar to wash anything stinky. Gym shoes, clothes left in a plastic bag, etc. Regular detergent and what not usually still leaves a bit of smell. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the wash, smell gone!

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#62

Write a list and cross things off when you accomplish the teensiest thing. It builds momentum.

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grafxgal60073
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lists can be an amazing confidence booster when used. But when I put up lists for my adult daughter and her BF (who looks like Rasputin and I am NOT kidding, 6'4", wild black facial hair) ... three months on, nothing's checked off. Gee, we ran out of what? And the Wifi password doesn't work? I try the passive aggressive approach ... didn't work. Things aren't done by the end of this week, he gets a bus ticket back to his mother and this guy is 45. Thank you for letting me vent.

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#63

Always carrying a $20 with you no matter where you go. So many times I’ve gone to get gas and find out my debit or credit card gets declined. Truly a lifesaver!

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Kiss Army
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband, son and I all carry and emergency $20 in our wallets as well as another emergency $20 in each car's glove box. If it gets used, I replace it ASAP. This was something that my father instilled in me.

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#64

To get rid of fried oil smells in the kitchen/house, take 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and add rosemary, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, bay leaf and boil. Grease smell goes away and house smells great. Works great after Buffalo wing night.

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#65

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Ladies who love sundresses but hate tights? Use some underarm deodorant on your thighs to avoid the thigh rub.

clarketl29 , Blubel Report

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Candace Fitzpatrick
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I use a cheap, drugstore mattifying makeup primer. Just rub a pea size amount on the inner thighs. It really works for me.

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#66

If you get food/grease stains on your clothes, cover the stain with dishwashing liquid. The stain will come off when you wash your clothes.

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Heather Makemson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is 100% true and will get out butter, dressing, egg yolk, cooking oil, whatever. Just don't use too much or your washing machine will look like a bad 80s sitcom with suds flooding the laundry room.

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#67

There is such a thing called car body language when driving. If you watch you’ll notice people will move slightly in their lanes about 5 to 10 seconds before they switch lanes. They will move in the direction they intend to go and as far as I can this is not a conscious decision.

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Paul Davis
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My experience with car driving is that at least 1 out of 3 cars are being driven by people who never make conscious decisions about anything.

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#68

Keep the instructions for any Ikea furniture you get. (They are also online) Then if you have to move, you can disassemble them and save a lot of moving expenses due to the reduced space requirement.

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Ozacoter
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Download the manuals from the site before you forget the names.

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#69

Ever have a split butt-knuckle? Some of us cold-climate people know about it.
Dry air+ tight clothing+ clothing layers=a split in the skin at the tailbone. A split butt-knuckle. The cure?
Warm water bath with baking soda. Rinse. Pat dry (no rubbing) dry with a hair dryer. THEN apply a layer of Carmex.
Cured overnight.

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Donkey boi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that somewhere in the world, the phrase 'Split butt-knuckle' means something is the most fascinating thing I've heard today!

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#70

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People If you have a dishwasher, I’m sure you’re familiar with the vague annoyance of pools of water being left on your dishes.

After the cycle is done, grab a clean towel, and hang it flat on the inside of the door and close gently (don’t slam it, it’s ok to be open a crack still) and wait about 30 minutes. Your dishes will be completely dry.

sunlit_cairn , Brent Schmidt Report

#71

Clean jewelry with dish soap, since other cleaning supplies might scratch it (like hand soap or anything that exfoliates) or chemically react with the metals (usually that's harsh cleaning supplies) and dish soap is intended to clean glass and ceramic without scratching it and silverware without reacting with the metal, etc.

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#72

Blank PowerPoint presentation in reading mode will prevent the computer from locking automatically

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#73

If your hands smell like garlic, just rub them against metal like your sink. The smell will disappear.

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#74

Use shaving cream as anti-fog. I used it on the inside of my motorcycle visor. Smear it on, let it dry, then rinse off and dry. It also works for bathroom mirrors. You can use it on a small spot so you can still see when you get out of the shower.

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Kate Kyffin
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard that shaving cream can be used to cool sun burn. Not tried it myself though.....

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#75

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Lock your car door with one hand while you're touching your keys with the other. Once you get in the habit, no more lockouts.

RealisticDelusions77 , Kaboompics Report

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JXXXF
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Erm, the hand that has the key tends to lock the car door... you know, with that button in the picture...

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#76

Permanent marker on a countertop? Use hair spray, lifts it right up!

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#77

Mayonnaise to remove water stains in wood from cups and glasses.

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#78

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People When you are on your phone and you messed up in the middle of the word instead of tapping in the middle of the word just hold your space bar and drag it

69Nice- , Charlotte May Report

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Blake Ingram
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This feature, I believe, only works on the more recent Androids, with the feature being enabled.

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#79

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Lighting spaghetti on fire to light candles (the big ones) instead of using paper

therenousername , https://www.pexels.com/@klaus-nielsen Report

#80

Use a pop socket to hang jewelry on a flat wall/bed frame. I use it to hang my necklace up every night. Sounds stupid, but it’s right next to where I sleep so if I forget to take it off I don’t have to get up, and it hasn’t tangled once since I started using it. Saves the hassle of untangling a tiny chain.

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#81

if you stand up too fast and your head starts to spin/rush/blackout tighten your abs as hard as you can and it’ll help drastically reduce the head rush. you can also do it preemptively to help stop it before it even happens

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Sleazy Weaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read the same thing but about buttcheeks. Does any kind of clenching work?

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#82

When you have hiccups. Tilt your head to the side. Keep it that way. Hold your breath and take 8 small gulps of water. Hiccups will be gone.

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Jo Johannsen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I use the breathe holding method. Take as deep a breath as you are able - get those lungs full - and hold as long as you can. You can't hiccup if there's no room to draw in more air, and if you can block at least one or better, two, they almost always give up.

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#83

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People When it is icy or going through somewhere wet, always have both hands free to break any fall.

sweethomeall , Susanne Nilsson Report

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LesAnimaux
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I also learned that 'walk like a penguin' works when it's slippery.

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#84

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Keep a small squeegee in the shower if you have glass walls or door. Squeegee before you get out after showering. No soap or water stains.

amahler03 , Alan Levine Report

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Professore CG
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do this alll the time. Nothing beats squeegeeing in the nude! Don Aslett, author of "Is there life after housework?" taught me this.

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#85

If you have trouble keeping your things organized, create designated spaces for them that are close to where they end up when you're at your laziest.

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Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having designated places for important items such as your keys, phone and mask is a great way to reduce the chances that they'll be misplaced.

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#86

All your kindling for a fire is wet and all you have is matches and snacks, any corn chip will light into a ball of flames.

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Rizzan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmm...Fritos or freezing...Fritos or freezing...hmmm...

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#87

Trouble swallowing pills? Squeeze your left thumb in your fist while you swallow. No idea why but it suppresses the gag reflex.

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#88

Use Noxzema cream to treat sunburns.

As soon as you realized you are burt, rinse the area with cool water, pat mostly dry, and slather a thick layer of Noxzema on. Don't wash it off, just leave it. Once the cream has dried, you can rise off and reapply if you want.

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Candace Fitzpatrick
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Noxzema was created as a sunburn relief cream but people found it useful as a face cleanser and for shaving.

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#89

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Yell at your vacuum cleaner to get your dogs to stop barking at it.

IAmNotScottBakula , Emery Way Report

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Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dog just joins in barking if I ever yell. He thinks if I'm shouting, he should show solidarity and shout as well. He's a good boi.

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#90

Burned chili taste can be fixed with peanut butter. Shut up. Just do it.

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#91

40 Of The Best Life Hacks That Sound Fake But Actually Work, Shared By People Don't buy a new plastic shower curtain - throw the dirty one in the washing machine by itself with somw detergent and it will be like new.

Ralphmove , Paulo O Report