Take a look back into some of our best “simple twists” from REAL SIMPLE magazine.
Use Tights to Corral Gift Wrap
Because people rarely finish a roll in a singlewrapping session!
Note: This also works well for that rolled-up print you’ve been meaning to frame.
Photo:Sunny Eckerle
Use Eggshells to Fertilize Soil
Your favoritefernwants your eggshells!
(They contain calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.)
The next time you make an eggy breakfast, rinse out the shells and set them aside.
Sunny Eckerle
Use eraser to scrub away the scuff.
Insert a penny into a groove of your tire with his head pointing inward.
If you’ve got the option to see his entire dome, you should get new wheels.
Sunny Eckerle
And, yay, the elastic band will keep it from blowing around in the wind.
Just thread one end of a delicatenecklacethrough a straw and clasp it closed.
Slide an old pillowcase over a fan blade.
Sunny Eckerle
With it clamped between your hands, slowly drag it off to removeand contain!dust and grime.
Repeat for each blade.
Give thepillowcasea shake outside before washing.
Sunny Eckerle
Use Tension Rods to File Baking Sheets
The best way to storebaking sheets: upright.
Repeat as needs to add more sections.
No more precarious stacks!
The fix is in.
After each use, stick a toothpick under the loose end.
The lacquer protects the can from water that can corrode the metal.
That’s one less ring in the bathtub to scrub!
Use a Bobby Pin to Hold a Small Nail
store your fingers and call in a helper!
When trying to hammer a too-tiny-to-grip nail, slide it through a bobby pin.
Hold the end of the clip and you’ll keep your thumb at a safe distance.
Use an Emery Board to Revive Suede
Scuffed up your bluesuedeshoes?
Gently rub an emery board across the fabric, working in the direction of the grain.
This little cheat can remove stains too.
Use Rubber Bands to Straighten Wobbly Tapers
Tilted tapers are a serious fire hazard.
If there’s still a tilt, add another rubber band until the taper stands tall.
Spritz, swipe, shine!
(Yes, even in 2025.)
Ditch that messy, bulky system and employ an empty tissue box.
It makes for tidy, one-at-a-time dispensing and saves space.
and rinse it out.
Remove the nail and place the neck of the bottle in the soil at a slight angle.
Water will drip slowly out and hydrate your plant.
When it covers the leaves, it can reduce light absorption, inhibiting photosynthesis.
Dont worry: Your living room wont end up smelling like bananas.
Mix the salt into the liquid with a toothpick, then let the wax harden as normal.
This can slow down the rate at which your wax melts, resulting in a slightly longer burn time.
Use a Warm Glass to Soften Butter Quick
Need room temperature butter stat?
This will create a steamy, sauna-like situation, softening your butter in just a few minutes.
White bread is your best bet, as it wont transfer any flavor to your creations.
To make it festive, use cookie cutters to stamp out fun shapes, like stars or snowflakes.
Oh, and just let us know if you need our address.
), get carved into custom stamps for art projects, and yep, remove rust from your skillets.
First cover the trouble spots with a thin layer of salt.
Then cut the potato in half and scrub in a circular motion.
Its oxalic acid will help dissolve and lift up the rust so it can be rinsed away.
Is there anything potatoes cant do?!
Yep, thought so.
Skip the struggle and wrap a wide rubber band around the lid.
The elastic will help you get a good grip and provide a bit more cushioning for your hands.
Twist the lid and prepare to be wowed by your own strength.
Then crush that kosher dill.
We have another idea: Swap that box with a bowl of used, dried-out coffee grounds.
The pantry staple works as a natural air freshener thanks to its odor-eliminating nitrogen.
And you were just gonna throw those grounds out anyway, right?
Add a small ice cube to each dent and let them melt.
Get on the floor and use your fingers to zhuzh up the fibers.
Then admire your redesigned room!
