Life is unpredictable. Whether it’s a power outage, lost phone, broken zipper, or an emergency, sometimes it’s the simplest hacks that make the biggest difference. These 9 genius life hacks aren’t just “nice to know”—they’re survival tools for the everyday chaos of modern life. Learn them once, and you’ll never forget them.
1. Turn Your Phone Into a Makeshift Flashlight
Lost power or stuck in the dark? Wrap your phone’s flashlight with a clear water bottle filled with water. It creates a DIY lantern that lights up the whole room.
💡 Why it works: The water diffuses the light evenly—perfect for blackouts or night walks.
2. Use Crayons as Emergency Candles
No candles? No problem. A single crayon can burn for up to 30 minutes. Just light the paper wrapper and place it upright on a fire-safe surface.
🔥 When to use: Unexpected blackout or camping emergencies.
3. Keep Shoes Odor-Free With Tea Bags
Stuff your sneakers with dry tea bags overnight. They absorb moisture and kill odor-causing bacteria, leaving them fresh by morning.
🧼 Bonus: Works for gym bags and lockers too.
4. Unlock a Car Door With a Shoelace (Older Models)
Locked yourself out of your car? If it has a pull-up lock, you can tie a loop in your shoelace, wiggle it down the door crack, hook the lock, and pull it up.
🚗 Caution: Only works on specific car models and should be used legally and responsibly.
5. Fix a Leaky Faucet With Dental Floss
Tired of the dripping sound? Tie a string or floss tightly around the faucet spout and let it hang into the drain. The water will run silently down the string.
🔇 Use this until you get the faucet fixed properly.
6. Store Batteries in the Freezer to Extend Life
While it’s not a permanent fix, storing batteries in the freezer can slow down the chemical process and extend their shelf life slightly in emergencies.
🔋 Only for short-term storage and not rechargeable batteries.
7. Use Doritos or Potato Chips as Fire Starters
If you’re stuck in the woods or during a blackout with no firewood, use chips like Doritos. They’re oily, burn easily, and work great as kindling.
🔥 Great for camping or emergency survival kits.
8. Cool a Drink in 2 Minutes With Salt and Ice
Need a cold drink fast? Wrap your bottle in a wet paper towel, put it in the freezer, and sprinkle salt on the towel. It’ll chill faster than you’d expect.
🥶 Science-backed and party-approved.
9. Stop a Bleeding Nose With Cotton + Vinegar
Soak a small piece of cotton in white vinegar and place it gently in your nose. The vinegar helps constrict blood vessels and can slow the bleeding.
