Simple Tips To Make Your Life Simpler, Inspired by Asian Culture

By: Lisa Lee | Last updated: Oct 11, 2023

Do you find yourself making the same mistakes over and over again? Here, we will provide some tricks, hacks, and tips that will help you save time and energy so you can focus on what matters most – yourself!  Some of these are truly genius, and you probably never even knew there was a hack for it!

Life is hard, so the better you know how to navigate life’s struggles, the better off you will be. This article shares 40 life hacks that will make your life ten times easier. From cooking dinner to getting dressed in the morning, these tips can help everyone get some relief from a tough day! 

This Bar of Soap is a Life Saver

One of the worst problems that can happen to you on a cold morning is to have the zipper of your favorite hoodie or jacket gets stuck. It’s so frustrating, especially when you’re in a hurry! As a child facing this situation, you could turn to an adult for help, but what are you meant to do when you’re the responsible adult and even you can’t get the zipper to budge? 

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Source: 24/7 Moms

Next time this happens, consider using soap. Rubbing a bar along the zipper’s teeth can act as a lubricant, allowing the zipper to slide easily and efficiently without tearing or breaking anything.

Unbelievable Egg Treatment

A common but strange Asian hack is rubbing a boiled egg on a bruise.  Rolling the egg on your bruise will help with clotting while working as a natural anti-inflammatory agent that helps your body heal the wound at an increased rate.

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If you want a natural and simple solution to reduce the appearance of dark, painful bruises, this hack is for you. If you want your bruises healed before anyone notices them, then this might be worth trying!

The #1 Window Cleaner in Asia

How many paper towels have you thrown away after washing the windows? Paper towels are not the best option for keeping windows spotless. They can be expensive and wasteful, and they often leave little fibers on the glass. This Asian hack offers an eco-friendly alternative to paper towel usage.

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Source: dantri.com.vn

A newspaper is not only a good way to keep up with the latest news, but it can also be used for window cleaning. The newspaper has a rigid structure that makes it easier to scrub off tough grime on your windows and achieve smudge-free results.

The Benefits of Using Chopsticks

Never before has it been so easy to eat your food without getting the smell or grease all over you! With a couple of pairs of chopsticks, any meal becomes finger-free. This utensil also helps in weight loss and prevents choking on food because it forces you to eat slower.

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In addition to being a fun and creative tool for eating, chopsticks are eco-friendly, so long as you don’t get disposable ones. You can get reusable ones made from renewable sources like bamboo or willow trees. Eating with chopsticks is a slower, healthier, and more focused way to eat.

Stop Browning Apples

You probably know that feeling when you cut a fresh apple and it starts to brown before your eyes. Well, there’s an easy way around this. A bit of salt and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice is all you need!

Source: eatbydate.com

Soak the apples in a mixture of cold water and salt, rinse, and sprinkle with fresh lemon or lime juice. The beauty of lemons and limes is that they have citric acid to stop our apples from going brown. This hack will also prevent mold from growing on apples!

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Wrinkle Free Shirt in Seconds

Many things can make a person feel frustrated, but one of the worst is when you have the perfect outfit but it’s far too wrinkled to wear. Luckily, there are some simple ways to de-wrinkle clothes without any special equipment. You could use a dryer or hot steam to flatten the wrinkles out of them.

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Source: eatbydate.com

Hot steam softens the fabric and releases stubborn wrinkles, and you don’t even need a special tool to access it. All you have to do is hang your wrinkled outfit in the bathroom when you’re having a hot and steamy shower. Then run your hands over the fabric to wipe out the wrinkles. Easy!

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The Easy Way to a Fresher Fridge

The smell of musty food can be hard to get out of the fridge. So, we have a method you can use to get rid of the odor in your fridge and bring back its fresh, clean scent. In many Asian homes, old tea leaves are used as an air freshener for the refrigerator! 

Source: novi.ba

The tea will absorb any unwanted smells inside while also leaving behind its own fresh aroma, which should leave everything smelling much better than before. Thanks to this hack, you don’t need to spend a lot of time and energy cleaning your fridge.

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Eucalyptus Oil for Colds and Achy Muscles

In ancient Greece, Hippocrates emphasized the importance of using all-natural ingredients to treat ailments. Today, Eastern medicine is taking a similar approach with its use of natural remedies. Eucalyptus oil is found in many cough remedies and muscle rubs because it has natural pain-relieving properties.

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It is an effective remedy against coughs, congestion, and flu symptoms and can be taken orally as a tea, topically, or via aromatherapy. Diffuse it into the air or add a few drops to warm water to create an inhaler of sorts.

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The Ultimate Pants Shopping Hack

Have you ever tried on pants only to realize that they are too small and won’t fit past your thighs? It’s a common thing for many people who aren’t fond of shopping. Here’s a brilliant and clever way to try pants without having to use the fitting rooms.

Source: tilestwra.com

In the photo, you can see a technique to measure the size of pants without trying them on. The length of your waistline is half the length of your neck size, so if you can wrap the pants around your neck to the nape and the ends touch, those pants are the right size for you.

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Stop Bad Shoe Smells with Teabags

It’s never a pleasant experience to put on your shoes in the morning and find that they smell like something died inside. Many people are embarrassed to take their shoes off in front of anyone because the smell is so obvious.

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The secret is to place dry tea bags in your shoe and let them work their magic overnight or over a few days before you wear them again! The tea will absorb the moisture that causes bad odors from bacteria while also fighting off unpleasant smells with their minty-fresh aroma!

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The Secret to Perfect Deep-Fried Food

When people have to fry something without a thermometer, they rely on these tricks. You can tell whether or not your oil is the perfect temperature for frying by using an old-fashioned wooden spoon.

Source: Facebook

If bubbles start gathering around the tip of the spoon’s handle, then it should be hot enough to fry anything. Though this hack may seem simple, it is incredibly useful as letting oil overheat can be dangerous but putting food in too early can give you a less than crispy result. 

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How They Get Rid of Ants in Singapore

As one might imagine, with such vast differences between cultures around the world, many countries have come up with creative solutions to combat the pesky bugs that invade homes during the summer months. 

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Source: Facebook

The use of spices like chili and cayenne pepper is a time-tested way to get rid of ants in Singapore. Simply mix some with sugar, honey, or maple syrup in small bowls to create bait stations you can place around the house. Ants will be drawn to these sweet substances then become trapped by the spicy heat that they can’t tolerate!

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The Asian Secret to Beautiful Skin

Skip the towel and let your skin dry naturally! Leaving dampness on your face will allow better absorption of your moisturizer and other skincare products. It is also far more gentle on the delicate skin of your face. 

Source: dantri.com.vn

The first thing people notice about you is your skin. So, you need to make sure that it feels great and looks even better! Using a towel to dry your skin removes all of the natural oils and prevents healthy cells from rebuilding properly.

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Open Jars with Ease

This advice is ideal for people having trouble opening a jar. Fill a large mixing container halfway with hot but not boiling water. Turn the jar upside down and submerge it in the water for a few minutes before removing it once it feels warm to the touch. 

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It’s important to remember that the heat from boiling water can cause the metal to expand. Make sure to rotate your jar so that all of the sides of the lid are evenly exposed, allowing it to loosen up a little. You should find it easy to pop the lid open once the jar is warm.

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The Best Way to Preserve Fresh Herbs

The struggle when it comes to cooking is that fresh herbs begin to wilt so quickly. Cutting herbs into pieces and storing them in the freezer is a brilliant way to prolong their shelf life.

Source: Life Made Simple

Freezing herbs can be done in various forms. You can place them on parchment paper in your freezer until crisp or add the freshly chopped leaves to ice cube trays. If you go with the latter option, top them up with water and then freeze. 

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Soybean Paste to Treat a Wound

In Korean folk medicine, ancestors administered soybean paste to speed wound healing and reduce scarring. However, no precise quantitative investigation has been conducted on the influence of genistein or soybean paste on the wound healing process.

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Still, soybean paste has a lot of health benefits and is said to have anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. The condiment also contains probiotics, which can help with digestion and gut health. It contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.

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Asian Beauty Secret: Corn Silk Tea

If you’ve overdone it with alcohol, we have a solution for you!  Forget the excess coffee or greasy breakfast – boil some corn silk to make this Asian beauty hack. The tea is known to reduce puffiness of the face, brightening you up as toxins are released after a night out on the town.

Source: reddit

It may sound odd at first, but science backs these wild claims. Cornsilk contains compounds that can relieve allergic swelling and remove toxins causing inflammation all around the body.

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Easy to Clean Ceiling Fan

You may not have been aware of it, but your ceiling fan is one of the dirtiest areas in your home. Not only are they hard to get at, but when dirty, they also distribute dust into the air whenever you operate them.

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Source: The Krazy Coupon Lady

The first step is to find an old pillowcase. Next, hang it over the blade and slowly pull off the case, being careful not to let anything escape. Keep a tight grip on both sides with each hand as you remove it from around the blades. All the grime should remain inside the case.

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Say Goodbye to Paint Smell

If you’re painting your house, be sure to take some precautions. The chemical smell of paint can linger for days and cause headaches if it’s not dealt with right away. 

Source: facebook

To prevent this from happening, cut an onion and leave it in the open air while painting. Not only will it absorb any remaining paint fumes within minutes, but its natural aroma also helps cleanse the mind! The onion odor is so strong that it can mask the smell of paint.

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Pantyhose for Shiny Shoes

If you want to make your shoes shine like new, the simplest way is to use pantyhose. Insert a pair of shoes into the old garment and then rub them down with some polish on top. The right amount of pressure will bring shine to those leather shoes in no time at all!

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What is less known about nylon stockings – and what makes them so brilliant for restoring shine between polishing sessions – is their gentle buffing properties. Pantyhose are useful in many ways, from fashion to cleaning hacks!

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How to Calm a Crying Baby

Even with all the advances in technology, old tricks are sometimes better. The experience of being inside your mother’s womb is one that many babies remember fondly, so recreating it can be a great calming technique during times of stress or discomfort.

Source: Happy Family Organics

If you’re dealing with an inconsolable baby, take some water into your mouth and swish it next to the child’s ear or wrap your baby in a blanket so they can feel warm and secure. This will remind them of the warmth and safety they experienced before birth.

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Burn No More

Aloe Vera and Watermelon rind are two of the most effective remedies for sunburns. Watermelons are a great way to maintain and protect your skin! They contain antioxidants that fight wrinkles, dryness, sunburns – anything that harms the cells in our body.

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This wonder-fruit is also rich in water, making it great for hydration purposes. The rind of the fruit is refreshing when applied topically as well; it soothes irritated or rashy areas while acting as a gentle exfoliant. Watermelons are not just delicious – they’re also great for your skin!

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Cucumber for Mosquito Bite Relief

We’ve all been bitten by a mosquito before. Their bites often itch and swell, making them annoying and distracting. Mosquitoes are an issue throughout the summer, but thankfully, you don’t have to turn to costly solutions.

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Have you ever tried cucumber to soothe the itch? Cooling cucumber slices can provide relief and reduce swelling, especially when applied cold. Place a wedge of the cucumber over the bite to relieve inflammation and redness. Cucumber is often thought to have cooling properties and can provide relief for all sorts of insect bites.

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How to Fix Shrunken Wool Sweaters

After shrinking your favorite wool sweater by accident, it’s not all bad news. If you only have an hour and need to wear that shrunk piece of clothing, there are steps you may take to avoid frustration. You can make an effective soak by filling a bucket with warm water and adding a conditioner. 

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Adding some fabric softener will make it softer. Place the withered clothing inside the bucket and leave it for 30 minutes while you continue getting ready. Remove from the bucket, then rinse away any extra soap. Just make sure you dry it in front of a fan or outside in the sun, not in a clothes dryer!

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The Secret to a Tidy Fridge

So much food is wasted on a daily basis because we don’t take the time to organize our refrigerators. An organized fridge is one in which you can instantly see what you have and what needs to be used before it goes bad. 

Source: Facebook

Plastic bins and storage containers are a great way to organize your fridge. You’ll instantly be able to see what you have on hand and what needs to be added to your grocery list.

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Korean Foot Massage to Ease Hangovers

When you’re having a good time, it’s easy to lose track and end up having a few too many drinks. While you may have fun during the night, the next morning is when regret sets in. Lucky for us, there is an old Korean trick that can help with any pain or dizziness from overindulging in alcohol. 

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Source: telemundo.com

To do this little magic trick, while lying down, plant your feet firmly on the floor. If this doesn’t help, try pressing your fingers firmly in between your toes. These techniques can relieve headaches and symptoms like vertigo and nausea, which are common after drinking alcohol excessively.

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Frozen Rice

It’s easy to accidentally cook too much rice, but it doesn’t have to go to waste. The freezer is one of your best tools for storing extra portions, ensuring they don’t spoil and rot in the fridge.

Source: justbento.com

All you need are some plastic bags or wrap from your local grocery store, and voila! You can save money and lessen food waste by freezing rice for your next big meal.

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Remove Corn on the Cob Easily

Eating corn on the cob can be fun, but it can also leave you with lots of little bits stuck in your teeth. Thankfully, the people of Japan have come up with this genius hack that will help you enjoy your delicious summer-time side dish even more! 

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Source: twitter

First, cut your cobs into small sections and cook them. Next, place your pointer finger at the top of one row and your thumb at the bottom. Wiggle it until it comes loose and you should be able to simply pull it out. Repeat this all the way around the cob.

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Rice Water for Your Skin and Hair

Japanese women are known for their youthful faces and soft hands. They also enjoy longer lives than people from most other countries in the world. Here is one of the most powerful secrets many Japanese women use to stay young: leftover rice water!

Source: coolandtheguide.com

Rinsing or soaking brown rice will produce water full of vitamins B1 & E, which soften your hair while nourishing dry skin. Rice has been shown to be five times more effective at moisturizing your body than expensive creams.

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Stop Water Boil Over with Wooden Spoon

Even if you’re a professional cook, it can be irritating when your pot of water begins to boil over. There’s no need to get angry or frustrated with this common household mistake. Instead, use this easy hack.

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Place a wooden spoon across the top, and voila! The bubbles will be kept inside, no matter how much they threaten to spill out onto the stovetop below. Wooden spoons work better than metal ones because their porous material absorbs heat more efficiently. Dry wooden spoons destabilize the bubbles when they come into contact.

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Easy Honey Hack

Honey has many health benefits over refined sugars, such as high antioxidants and significant amounts of vitamin C; however, one downside may be how messy it can be.

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One quick hack that will stop this gooey mess from happening in the future is by dipping your honey spoon into some olive oil before using it on food. This makes for easy clean-up and no more sticky hands! Raw honey is naturally water-soluble, so it does not mix well with oils.

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Summer Survival Trick

There are times where the simple act of blowing air across your skin does nothing but make you feel hotter. When it’s hot, sometimes all you need is a good fan to keep cool. This hack will make any day feel chill in no time at all! 

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Source: facebook

Use regular-sized water bottles and freeze them before placing them on either side of a standing fan. The air can’t get to you without first passing over those frozen bottles, so once turned on, the fan will cool down both you and your room.

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Back Pain Cure

You might be tired of taking pain killers and over-the-counter medicine for your back or neck pain. You don’t have to suffer from these aches endlessly – a natural household treatment can help you!

Source: dantri.com.vn

An old sock and uncooked rice grains are all you need. They will provide comfort for your back or neck when microwaved for 30 seconds till heated. Place the homemade heat pack on your back, neck, or whatever area is bothering you, and feel instant relief!

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Asian Hack: Soy Sauce for Burns

What’s the worst that can happen while cooking a delicious meal? Getting burned! If this happens to you, and your hands feel like they’re on fire, all you need is soy sauce and some cold water.

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Source: kanbajie.com

Place the burned area under cold running water, then apply soy sauce afterward. Soy sauce has been used as a staple in Asian cuisine for years, but it has benefits outside of flavor, such as treating minor burns.

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How to Get Rid of Lumpy Salt and Sugar

Sugar and salt can become lumpy if the crystals absorb too much moisture. Thankfully, there’s an easy fix for this! If you’re storing your salt and sugar in a shaker, add raw rice grains to keep clumps from forming.

Source: khmerload.com

These little bits of uncooked rice are natural moisture absorbers that will help dry out damp sugar. This tends to happen more often in hot and humid environments, making it a great summertime hack. Longer-grained varieties work best here because they won’t fall through the hole!

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Expired Milk for Soft Skin

No more wasting of food! We have a new use for sour or expired milk – you can use it as a facial mask. Sour milk can also be used as an acne treatment in your skincare regimen! The lactic acid in the spoiled milk nourishes and hydrates both dry and oily patches on the face while the milk’s antibacterial properties cleanse pores of the dirt and bacteria that promote breakouts. 

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Source: viewremedy.com

Add spoiled milk to your favorite mask to help prevent pesky pimples from forming all year long! You can now give your skin that healthy boost it’s been craving, so long as you can handle the less-than-pleasant smell!

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