13 Surprisingly Effective Old Wives’ Tales: Weird Tips That Actually Work

This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no cost to you. As always, I only recommend links I personally use and love!

In a world where information spreads at the speed of a click, the internet has become a treasure trove of unconventional wisdom. From Reddit forums to online communities, individuals from all walks of life share their experiences, passing down age-old remedies and hacks that seemingly defy logic. In this post, we dive into the realm of old wives’ tales, discovering a collection of strange and wonderful tips that have garnered praise and endorsement from internet users. Though these tips may sound peculiar or even dubious, they have gained a following as individuals across the web vouch for their effectiveness.

The Bounce Test: Distinguishing Dead Batteries from Good Ones

Here’s a curious tip from Reddit: “Dead batteries bounce when dropped on a hard surface. Good batteries don’t.” This unconventional method has gained attention online as a simple way to determine the status of a battery. According to anecdotal reports, if you drop a battery on a hard surface and it bounces, it’s likely dead. On the other hand, if the battery remains stationary or only produces a minimal bounce, it indicates that the battery is still functional. While this technique may not be scientifically proven, it can be a handy trick to quickly assess the condition of a battery when you’re in a pinch.

Sweet Relief: Ice Cream for Headache Relief

Here’s an interesting tip that may provide some relief when you’re faced with a headache on a scorching summer day: “Brain freeze can remedy a headache. So if you happen to have a headache on a hot summer day and don’t have any aspirin, go get some ice cream.” According to anecdotal experiences shared online, the intense cold sensation caused by brain freeze can help alleviate a headache. Ice cream, known for triggering brain freeze, becomes an unexpected ally in this situation.

Tear-Free Onion Cutting: The Damp Paper Towel Technique

Shedding tears while cutting onions is an all-too-familiar experience for many. However, here’s a clever tip from the internet that claims to offer tear-free onion cutting every time: “Cutting onions on a damp paper towel will attract the acids that make you cry.” It turns out that the volatile compounds released by onions that irritate our eyes are attracted to moisture. By placing a damp paper towel near your cutting area or directly underneath the onion, it is said to help absorb and attract these compounds, reducing their dispersion into the air and minimizing their impact on your eyes.

Plate Size Illusion: Fooling Your Brain for Portion Control

When it comes to managing portion sizes, here’s a clever trick that has gained attention online: “Serve your food on a smaller plate. It tricks the brain into thinking it’s a large portion.” The size of the plate we use can play a sneaky role in our perception of food portions. By opting for a smaller plate, our brain is visually deceived into perceiving the same amount of food as more substantial than it actually is. This optical illusion can help us feel more satisfied with smaller portions, ultimately aiding in portion control and potentially supporting weight management goals.

Mustard Magic: Cooling Burns with Cold Mustard

According to an intriguing tip shared on the internet, “Cold mustard on the spot of the burn. It’s amazing how well this works.” Mustard, a common condiment found in many kitchens, has gained attention for its potential to alleviate minor burns. When applied cold directly to the burn, mustard’s cooling properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects can provide remarkable relief. The cool temperature helps soothe the pain, while the mustard may also assist in reducing redness and preventing blister formation.

Unconventional Cleanup: Bread, the Unexpected Glass Collector

Here’s an unusual yet surprisingly effective tip shared by a Reddit user: “need to pick up small pieces of glass out of a carpet? Use a wet slice of bread. The surface tension ‘sticks’ to the pieces of glass, picking them out of the carpet. Just remember to vacuum afterwards.” It seems that the internet has discovered an unlikely hero for tackling the challenge of glass in your carpet. By moistening a slice of bread, its surface tension somehow adheres to the glass fragments, allowing you to effortlessly lift them out.

Digital Lending Loophole: Retaining Library E-Books on Kindle

Here’s an intriguing tip for Kindle users who borrow e-books from the library. According to a Reddit user, if you put your Kindle in airplane mode while reading a library e-book, even after the due date passes, the book will still be returned, but the content will remain on your device as long as airplane mode is active. This clever workaround allows you to continue accessing the borrowed e-book even after it’s technically returned to the library. However, it’s important to note that this tip may be subject to the terms and conditions set by your library and should be used responsibly.

Fresh and Soft: Enhance Your Laundry with White Vinegar

Looking for a natural and effective way to freshen up your laundry? Here’s a tip that has been circulating on the internet: “When filling your washing machine, add a cup of plain white vinegar with your detergent in every load. It’ll remove any stinky odors and naturally softens fabric.” This simple addition of white vinegar can work wonders for your laundry routine. Not only does it help eliminate unpleasant odors, but it also acts as a natural fabric softener. The acidity of the vinegar helps break down any residual detergent or buildup on your clothes, resulting in cleaner and softer fabrics.

The Upside-Down Jar Trick

Have you ever found yourself struggling to open a stubbornly sealed jar? Here’s an interesting tip that has made the rounds on the internet: “Flipping a jar upside down and smacking the bottom sharply with the palm of your hand will break the vacuum and allow you to open the lid.” Many jars come tightly sealed, making them challenging to open, especially when you’re lacking grip strength or tools. This simple yet unconventional method aims to break the vacuum seal that often causes the lid to stick.

Strategic Negotiation: Unlocking Deals

When it comes to securing a better deal for your cable or internet services, here’s a savvy tip that has been shared on the internet: “If you want a deal for your cable/internet, call your telecom saying you want to cancel. Do not speak to the billing department, speak to retention.” Taking a proactive approach, this method involves contacting your telecom provider and expressing your intention to cancel your services. Instead of dealing with the billing department, specifically ask to speak with the retention department. Retention departments are often equipped with special offers and incentives designed to keep customers from canceling their subscriptions. By engaging with retention, you may increase your chances of obtaining a more favorable package or discounted rates.

Gum Gone: WD-40’s Hair-Saving Power

Dealing with gum stuck in hair can be a sticky situation, but a surprising solution has made its way into online discussions. A parent shared their experience: “Our daughter got gum in her hair. A lady at a yard sale placed a paper towel behind the mess and sprayed it with WD-40. The gum dissolved.” This unconventional yet effective method involves using WD-40, a popular multipurpose lubricant, to tackle the gum dilemma. By placing a paper towel behind the gum-affected area and spraying it with WD-40, the gum’s adhesive properties can be weakened and dissolved. The lubricating agents in WD-40 help break down the gum, making it easier to remove without causing significant damage to the hair.

Crystal Clear: White Vinegar’s Streak-Free Magic on Glass

Here’s a tried and true tip that has been shared on the internet: “Using white vinegar to clean mirrors and windows and just glass in general. Doesn’t leave streaks, it’s cheap, and it’s 100% nontoxic.” When it comes to achieving pristine glass surfaces, it seems that white vinegar is a secret weapon many swear by. This simple and affordable solution can be used to clean mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces effectively, leaving behind a streak-free shine. Mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle provides a versatile cleaning solution that is both economical and nontoxic.

Pizza Perfection: Reviving Leftovers with Microwave Magic

Here’s a tip shared on the internet that promises to elevate your leftover pizza reheating game: “If you want to reheat leftover pizza in a microwave, put half a glass of water in with it, and your pizza will come out good as new.” Microwaving leftover pizza often results in unsatisfactory outcomes, with the crust becoming dry or the toppings unevenly heated. However, by following this unconventional advice, you can breathe new life into your reheated slices. Placing a half-filled glass of water alongside the pizza in the microwave creates a humid environment that helps prevent the crust from drying out and maintains the original texture.

More From Guide2Free

Buyer Beware: 11 Bad Generic Products That Failed to Impress

While cost-effectiveness may seem enticing, these stories emphasize the importance of considering quality and brand reputation before settling for generic alternatives.

The Strangest Things You Can Get for Free on the Internet

The Strangest Things You Can Get for Free on the Internet