Hack #1: Instant Icy Drink
When you need a drink to cool down, warm water just won’t cut it. But freezing a full water bottle has its own issues – like waiting for the ice to melt, and the ever so inconvenient mis-shapen post-frozen bottle.
The solution? Fill your water bottle about a fourth of the way. This way, when laying sideways to freeze – the water settles below the neck, making an ice block on the side of the bottle that won’t block the opening. Fill with water or your favorite beverage and you’re ready for your next adventure.
Hack #2: Get Rid of Ants with Popcorn
If you find yourself feeling like you’re in ‘Trumbo’s World’ with a horde of destructive ants, reach for some popcorn kernels. Measure about a cup of kernels into a blender, and blend on high for about 30 seconds. This creates fresh, homemade cornmeal. Make a few piles around the ant trails and within a few days, your ant problems will disappear.
Most ants are attracted to cornmeal, but their bodies are unable to digest it. This makes it a highly-effective pesticide that’s safe for household use. Spread cornmeal liberally around where you see any type of anthill or evidence of an ant colony. Similar to cornmeal, you can also use cornstarch. Just sprinkle liberally around any spots you notice ant activity. Cornmeal is an excellent environmentally friendly way to get rid of ant infestation.
Hack #3: Make a Covert Container
When you’re at the beach, reduce the chances of things getting stolen by making a covert container. Take an old shampoo bottle (sunscreen or deodorant also works) and twist the top so that it pops off; clean it and cut a hole in the top just big enough to stash your beach valuables. Snap the top back on, and your items are concealed.
Hack #4: Get Rid of Fruit Flies
Some days it may feel like you vs. the fruit flies. Before they take over your kitchen, macgyver a non-toxic fly trap: Slice a few pieces of banana and/or other fruit as available. Take a small container or containers to put the fruit pieces in. Stretch some plastic wrap over the top, and poke a small hole in the center just bigger than the fly (create the hole with a paperclip or tip or your swiss army knife). Set the trap and forget it.
Within a few minutes, the flies will be checking things out, and once one goes in, you can be sure his friends will join. In a couple of days, they’ll all be having a rockin’ fruit party. Next, simply press on the container lid, sealing them inside. You are now lord of the flies.
Hack #5: Make Your Own Fire Starters
Need a cheap, quick, and easy way to start a campfire? Use dryer lint and a paper towel or toilet paper roll – It catches quickly and you’ll have a blazing fire in no time.
Hack #6: Protect Your Phone
Protect your phone from water, sunscreen, and other summer hazards by keeping a small ziplock bag with you. That way, whenever you find yourself in an environment that’s probably not great for phones, you’ll have something to keep it safe. (Plus, you can still use the touchscreen when it’s in the bag!)
Hack #7: Clean Grill Grates With An Onion
Did you know? You can clean the grates on your grill with an onion! Cut it in half and stick it onto a large fork or utensil. Rub it along the grates of the grill. It’ll pick up all the gunk without the need for harsh chemical cleaners.
Hack #8: In-Flight Entertainment
For this travel hack you will need a mobile phone case, air sickness back, and a seat back with a folding tray table. Fold the sick bag in half, place it behind your phone, and put the case over your phone. Lastly- fold the top of the bag over the tray table and collapse the tray table.
Voila!
Instantly macgyvered in-flight entertainment!
Hack #9: DJ Anywhere, Everywhere
No speaker? No problem. Use a cardboard tube and plastic cups to DIY your own phone amplifiers. In a pinch, you can even place your phone or tablet into a cup or bowl, which also acts as an amplifier for bumping your tunes.
This is especially handy in sandy situations where even the smallest grains can seriously damage a portable speaker.
Hack #10: Like a Lock
Remember this useful hack on your next trip or outing. You should always be aware of your surroundings, especially places that are new to you. Pickpockets can be around when you least expect it, look to your left, now look to your right, that person close to you could be one! Just kidding, maybe. If you have a lock handy that would be ideal, but if you left yours at home – use a paperclip in its place!
Although it may not prevent your bag from disappearing if you leave it unattended, it can seriously slow-down someone trying to sneak a hand into your luggage. This can also be adapted for any purse or bag with a zipper.
There you have it… our top 10 summer macgyverisms for 2024! Share your summer hacks online and be sure to tag us on Instagram @MacGyverGlobal, YouTube @MacGyverGlobal, or Twitter @MacGyver
Bookmark this page to keep these Summer MacGyverisms close at hand. Here’s to a safe and sunny season to remember!
Sources:
https://macgyverisms.wonderhowto.com/how-to/10-life-hacks-you-need-know-for-better-summer-0148044/
https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/20-brilliant-summertime-hacks
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2017/05/02/10-tech-travel-hacks
https://peoplesblog.co.in/articles/amplify-a-smartphone-science-experiment-for-kids.html
https://liveandletsfly.com/air-sickness-bag-phone-mount/
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fire-Starters-with-Paper-Rolls-and-Dryer-Lint
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