When winter sets in, all you feel like doing is turning your heater on or dawning your favorite sweater and sleeping all day on a cozy couch, right? Well, winter can do that to you!
But when winter sets in, many winter-related things come in too – from the cold weather to the slippery snow, to dry skin, colds and coughs and of course chapped lips and the list goes on!
Well, how about I give you some easy and practical winter hacks to try out this year, so it can make your life much easier! Sounds good, doesn’t it? So, here you go!
15 Winter Hacks to Try Out This Year:
1. Use woolen insoles for your shoes
You can either buy or use woolen insoles for your shoes to keep your feet warm. All you need to do is buy a piece of woolen fabric and cut out the size of your insole (from an old pair of shoes) and use these woolen insoles for your daily wear winter shoes to keep your feel warm and cozy.
2. Always have a lighter or matchbox in your bag (if you live in a snowy region)
Well, if you live in a snowy reason, I’m sure you’ve experienced frozen door locks. So, if you have a lighter at hand, you can simply melt the snow with the flame and easily unlock your lock.
3. Side walk melt
This homemade ice melt is easy to make. In a bucket, add half-gallon of hot water, about six drops of dish soap, and ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol. Pour the homemade ice melt mixture onto your sidewalk or driveway, the snow and ice will begin to bubble up and melt.
4. Make sure to keep your curtains open when the sun is out
During the winters, seeing the sun out bright and shiny can be a rarity. Well, if you do happen to see the sun out, make sure to keep your curtains open (and windows too if possible), so that some sunshine comes in and the room feels warm.
5. Use zip ties on your cycle tires to prevent skidding
Riding your cycle in the snow or snow-laden ground can be a slippery and dangerous affair. To prevent this, you can make your cycle tires anti-skid by attaching zip ties to them, spaced out, all over your tire, to prevent skidding.
6. Prevent chapped lips and dry skin by staying hydrated
During the winter months, when the air is cold outside, we often tend to drink less water and this could lead to dehydration, causing chapped lips and dry skin. Mix equal parts of vaseline with honey and use it overnight to heal your lips, make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
7. DIY car deicer –
Mix 2 parts rubbing alcohol with 1 part water. Add to a spray bottle and spray liberally over the window. With regular ice, this pretty much melts the ice away all on its own.
8. Frozen keys and locks
Squirt a little hand sanitizer on frozen keys and locks to melt the ice inside the lock within seconds.
9. Cover your floor with carpets or rugs so to prevent loss of heat
When winter sets in, make sure to carpet your floor or cover them with rugs, so this way the floor can stay insulated and there won’t be any loss of heat.
10. Dry your wet shoes using microfiber towels
When you walk in the snow, then your shoes are bound to get wet! Well, simply use microfiber towels to dry them as they are the most absorbent.
11. Iced side car Mirrors
Never worry about finding your car’s side mirrors iced up again! Take a big freezer-size Ziploc bag and zip it around the mirrors as far as it will go and they will stay clear.
12. Use a broom to sweep away light snow instead of a shovel
Using a broom to sweep away light snow, instead of using a shovel can make your life easier. It is less time-consuming and saves you the effort.
13. Healing shower cubes
In a bowl, add the 1 cup cornstarch, 3 tablespoon of vapor rub and 5 Tablespoons of water. Stir well to mix the ingredients. If the mixture is too dry add in more water and fill them in a silicone mould to shape them. Pop them out after they dry and then add in a air tight jars.
To use – Just place one of the vapor tablets in the shower near the drain. The steam will fill your shower and help clear your congestion.
14. Boost your immunity before winter begins
Cold, coughs and flus come in with the winter season. So, you should have a strong immune system to be able to prevent yourselves from getting it. Thus, make sure to boost your immunity even before winter begins, by having immunity boosting foods and drinks, to keep yourself healthy during winter.
15. Slip-Proof Shoes For Winter
Make shoes with smooth soles a little more slip-proof with hair spray. Before stepping outside, be sure to spay the sole with hair spray and then make sure the hairspray has dried completely. You can also create a rougher texture for your boots by rubbing the sand paper across the sole.
16. Unshrink Sweater
Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add in 2 tablespoons of fabric softener, baby shampoo, or hair conditioner to soften the fibers of your sweater. Let it soak in for 2-3 hours.
Remove the sweater and let it lay flat on a towel. Gently stretch the sweater as much as you can and pin it in place. Let it air dry for at least a day.
17. Cold and Flu shots
Into a blender, add in the 1 inch grated ginger, 1/2 inch turmeric and 1 tbsp of lemon juice and blend for about 30 to 40 seconds with 1/4 cup of water. Then, strain into a bowl, add in the dash of pepper and the honey, give it a mix and it is ready to consume. Drink it during flu season or or when you feel you are starting to get sick.