17 Clever DIY Fixes from the Past That Still Work Today

Long before Google and duct tape fixes, resourceful minds crafted clever DIY solutions that stood the test of time. They may be from the past, but they still work like a charm today and might just outsmart modern methods.

Tricia Quitales
April 18, 2025
4 min read

17 Clever DIY Fixes from the Past That Still Work Today — Kaboompics.com on Pexels

Before modern tools and gadgets, people found clever ways to solve everyday problems with what they had. These 17 old-school DIY fixes are surprisingly practical and still work just as well today. From removing scratches with household items to repairing torn fabric without sewing, these tricks are easy, affordable, and eco-friendly. Rediscovering these methods helps us save money, reduce waste, and appreciate the creativity of past generations.

1. Use Vinegar to Remove Rust

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Soaking rusty tools in vinegar can break down the rust overnight. After soaking, just scrub with a brush to reveal cleaner metal. It’s cheap, safe, and very effective.

2. Fix a Squeaky Door with Soap

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Rub a dry bar of soap on squeaky hinges. The soap acts as a lubricant and stops the noise instantly. It’s a simple fix using something already in your bathroom.

3. Stop a Run in Stockings with Nail Polish

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Clear nail polish stops a run in tights or stockings from spreading. Just dab a little on the edges of the tear. It dries quickly and keeps your clothes looking neat.

4. Unstick a Zipper with Pencil Lead

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Rub a graphite pencil on the zipper teeth to loosen a stuck zipper. The graphite acts as a dry lubricant. This trick works on bags, coats, or anything with a zipper.

5. Use Baking Soda to Deodorize Shoes

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Sprinkle baking soda inside smelly shoes and leave overnight. It absorbs moisture and kills odors naturally. Just shake it out in the morning for fresher shoes.

6. Patch a Wall Hole with Toothpaste

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Small nail holes in white walls can be filled with toothpaste. Smooth it out with a finger and let it dry. It blends in surprisingly well for a quick fix.

7. Quiet a Creaky Floor with Baby Powder

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Sprinkle baby powder between floorboards to silence creaks. Sweep the powder into the cracks with a brush. It reduces friction and stops the noise.

8. Use Salt to Clean Iron Pans

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Scrub cast iron pans with coarse salt and a bit of oil to remove stuck-on food without ruining the seasoning. Rinse and dry completely to prevent rust.

9. Keep Windows from Fogging with Shaving Cream

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Rub shaving cream on the inside of windows and wipe it off. This leaves a clear layer that prevents fog, which is great for bathroom mirrors or car windows.

10. Repair Scratched Wood with a Walnut

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Rub a walnut over light scratches on wooden furniture. The natural oils in the nut darken the scratch and blend it with the wood. It’s quick and leaves no mess.

11. Stop a Door from Slamming with a Rubber Band

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Wrap a rubber band around both doorknobs so it covers the latch. This softens the impact and keeps the door from slamming. It’s great for homes with kids or pets.

12. Use Newspaper to Deodorize Containers

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Crumple the newspaper and place it inside smelly containers overnight. It absorbs odors like a sponge. This works well for lunch boxes, Tupperware, and even shoes.

13. Fix Loose Screws with Toothpicks

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If a screw hole is too loose, stick in a few toothpicks and break them off. Then reinsert the screw—it will grip tightly again. This works well for furniture and cabinets.

14. Remove Water Rings with a Hair Dryer

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A hair dryer on low heat can fade water rings from wood surfaces. Gently warm the spot until the ring disappears. Finish with a bit of furniture polish for shine.

15. Use Lemon to Clean Cutting Boards

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Rub a cut lemon on stained or smelly cutting boards. It cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects naturally. Add salt for extra scrubbing power.

16. Fix Frayed Shoelaces with Tape

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Wrap clear tape around the end of a fraying shoelace to make a new aglet. Press it tightly to keep it from unraveling further. It saves you from buying new laces.

17. Tighten Sunglasses with Clear Nail Polish

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If the screws in your glasses keep loosening, dab a bit of clear nail polish on them. It acts like glue but can be removed later. This keeps your frames snug without a trip to the shop.