Old-school life hacks that are still relevant today

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Preppers know that when disaster strikes, you’ll need all the help you can get. Below are some handy life hacks that you can use to quickly resolve various concerns in a post-SHTF world, like cleaning up broken glass or treating minor injuries. (h/t to HomesteadSurvivalSite.com)

These tips may seem old-fashioned to modern survivalists, but they’re still just as effective now as they were many years ago.

Boiling cracked eggs

When SHTF, you don’t want to waste resources. Boil cracked eggs in water with a bit of vinegar, which will prevent the contents of the egg from leaking out.

Chopping down a tree

First, decide which direction you want the tree to fall. Then cut the trunk by alternating with downward and inward cuts. When you’re at least halfway through the trunk, switch to the other side but make cuts a few inches higher. Last, pull the tree down with ropes, making sure you aren’t standing underneath the tree when it falls.

Cleaning the inside of bottles

Pour a mixture of sand and water inside grimy bottles, then shake the bottles vigorously. The sand will scour the inside of the bottles. When you’re done, pour out the sand and water, then wash and dry the bottles.

Getting rid of flies

Sprinkle borax daily on the trash can or other surfaces where flies often gather.

Keeping plants watered

Get a large bucket, then fill it with water. Place the bucket a little above the level of your plants. Take several strands of wool, then loosely braid the strands. Make a braid for each plant that you want to water.

Immerse the braided wool in water and use something heavy to weigh it down. Take the other end of the braided wool, then place the other end on the soil. Use a separate braid for each pot. (Related: Gardening hacks: High-yield strategies to make the most out of your space.)

Killing a tree stump

To stop a tree stump from continuing to produce strong undergrowth, drill holes on top of the stump. Combine salt and Solignum wood preservative, then pour the mixture into the holes to kill the stump.

Lighting a match in windy conditions

Get a sharp knife and carefully cut thin shavings towards the striking end of the match. When you strike the match, the curled shavings will catch fire and create a strong flame.

Picking up broken glass

Use a damp old rag to pick up small shards of glass. Shake the rag over a garbage can to get rid of the glass shards stuck in it.

Preserving eggs

To preserve freshly laid eggs, bury them a box filled with dry salt. Store the box in a cool, dry place.

Preventing eyeglasses from fogging up

To prevent steam from forming on your glasses, apply a very thin layer of pure white bar soap on the lenses. This will help prevent the condensation of moisture on your glasses.

If you don’t have any soap, you can use alternatives such as potato juice, shaving cream, or toothpaste (without baking soda, which is abrasive and will damage the lenses). Apply the product to your glasses, then let it dry.

Removing a splinter

Get a small jar then fill it with hot water. Press the injured part of your hand or foot tightly against the mouth of the jar. This will create a suction that will pull the flesh while the steam will draw out the splinter.

Removing a tight ring

Lather your hand with soap. Unless the joints of your finger are very swollen, the ring stuck on your finger should come off easily.

Stopping a mad dog

Hold a handkerchief, hat, staff, or a walking stick between you and the dog. The dog will try to paw down the item before biting you. Use this chance to kick the dog before you try to escape.

Treating a fractured leg

Apply a splint to the outside of the leg, then apply another splint to the inside. Secure the two splints together.

Treating sprains

Elevate the injured joint, then wrap it in cloth that has been wrung in cold water. The cold water will help compress the bandages.

Rub the area with oil or liniment, then rewrap as needed.

You can browse more articles with survival life hacks at Preparedness.news.

Sources include:

HomesteadSurvivalSite.com

OurEverydayLife.com